The '5 Senses' Technique in Speaking Part 2

When you get your topic card, take a moment to think about how the subject relates to each of your five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

You don’t need to cover all five for every topic, but aim for at least three.

As you plan your answer, consider how you can weave these sensory details into your response.

They can help you describe the setting, emotions, or importance of what you’re talking about.

When you start speaking, use these sensory details to make your description more vivid and engaging.

Practical Examples

Let’s see how this might work with five different Speaking Part 2 topics:

Describe a place you like to relax

You might say: “My favorite place to relax is the beach near my home. The sight of the golden sand and blue waves instantly calms me. I love the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore and the feel of the warm sand between my toes. The salty smell of the sea air always refreshes me, and sometimes I can even taste that saltiness on my lips.”

Talk about a memorable meal you had

You could share: “The most memorable meal I had was at my grandmother’s house last Christmas. The smell of roasting turkey filled the whole house. I can still hear the laughter around the table as we shared stories. The taste of her homemade apple pie was sweet and comforting, and the warmth of the fireplace made everything feel cozy.”

Describe a favorite item of clothing

You can try this: “My favorite item of clothing is a soft, woolen sweater my mother knitted for me. It’s a deep forest green color that reminds me of pine trees. When I wear it, I can feel the warmth and love she put into every stitch. It makes a soft swishing sound when I move, and it always carries a faint scent of her perfume.”

Talk about a time you tried a new hobby

You might describe: “Last summer, I tried pottery for the first time. The feel of the cool, damp clay in my hands was surprisingly soothing. I remember the earthy smell of the studio and the rhythmic sound of the pottery wheel spinning. By the end of the class, my hands were covered in clay, and I felt a sense of pride looking at my slightly lopsided, but colorful bowl.”

Describe a favorite childhood toy

You could say: “My favorite childhood toy was a stuffed elephant named Ellie. Her fur was soft and gray, and her ears were made of pink satin that felt cool to the touch. She had a small bell inside that made a gentle tinkling sound when I hugged her. Ellie always smelled faintly of the lavender sachet my mom kept in my toy box.”

I’m really keen to hear about your experiences with IELTS Speaking Part 2.

Drop a comment below and share your thoughts.

Feel free to try speaking practices: Sociology and Technology.

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The ‘5 Senses’ Technique in Speaking Part 2