IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a colourful tie or scarf you wear

A Band 8 model answer with the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it, and the Part 3 questions that follow.
  • 264 words
  • An object
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a colourful tie or scarf you wear

You should say:

  • →what it looks like
  • →where or how you got it
  • →on what occasions you wear it
  • →and explain why you like wearing this particular item.

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

An object

How to plan it in one minute

  1. 1

    Jot down sensory details like fabric, textures, and specific colour combinations.

  2. 2

    Note a specific setting where you bought or received it to add narrative depth.

  3. 3

    List two clear reasons why you value it, such as confidence or versatility.

Model answer

Band 8 model answer

Band 8264 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I’d like to talk about a vibrant silk necktie that I usually reserve for important business meetings and formal events. It’s made of pure woven silk with a rich navy blue base, adorned with an intricate paisley pattern in jewel tones of emerald green, crimson, and subtle hints of burnt orange. Because of the way the silk is woven, it has this lovely sheen that catches the light without looking overly flashy.

I actually bought it about three years ago in London just before attending my first international trade conference. I was wandering through a small boutique that specialised in handmade menswear accessories, and this particular tie immediately caught my eye. It looked far more distinctive than the generic, plain navy or striped ties I already owned in my wardrobe.

Nowadays, I tend to wear it whenever I have to give a presentation, attend a client pitch, or go to a formal evening reception. It pairs remarkably well with a classic charcoal suit and a crisp white shirt, providing a sharp, put-together look while still injecting a bit of personality into what might otherwise be quite a sober outfit.

I’m genuinely fond of this tie for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the material is top-notch, so it holds a dimple perfectly and doesn’t crease, even after a full day of meetings. More importantly, it acts as a subtle icebreaker. On several occasions, colleagues and clients have complimented the colours, which helps ease the tension before a high-stakes discussion. Ultimately, wearing it gives me a genuine boost of confidence because it feels sophisticated yet unique.

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7 words

Vocabulary from the answer

  • jewel tones

    deep, rich colours resembling precious gemstones

  • intricate

    very detailed and complicated in design

  • sheen

    a soft, smooth shine on a surface

  • put-together

    looking neat, tidy, and well-coordinated

  • sober outfit

    plain, serious, and dark-coloured formal clothing

  • icebreaker

    something that helps people relax and start talking

  • high-stakes

    involving serious risks or very important outcomes

5 questions

Part 3 questions that follow this card

  1. 1How have workplace dress codes changed over the past few decades?
  2. 2Why do some professions still insist on strict formal clothing?
  3. 3Can individuals still express their personality under a strict dress policy?
  4. 4What are the disadvantages of evaluating professionals based on their appearance?
  5. 5Do you think traditional business attire will disappear entirely in the future?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. Read Band 8 answers to these Part 3 questions: formal dress codes and personal style.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a colourful tie or scarf you wear"?+

Jot down sensory details like fabric, textures, and specific colour combinations.

How long should my answer be?+

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?+

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

Keep practising

More cue cards: an object

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