IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a leisure activity you like doing in your free time

Describe a leisure activity you like doing in your free time.

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Note down your chosen activity and one specific detail for each bullet point immediately.
  2. Use the one-minute preparation to outline your story flow rather than writing full sentences.
  3. Focus on sensory details to make your description more vivid and easier to talk about.

Band 8 model answer

When I have some downtime, I find myself gravitating towards urban photography. It is essentially the art of capturing the aesthetic of city life, focusing on architectural patterns and the candid movements of people in public spaces. I try to head out with my camera at least once every weekend, usually on a Saturday morning when the city feels slightly less frantic. As for equipment, I rely on my mirrorless camera, a 35mm prime lens which is perfect for street scenes, and a sturdy, lightweight tripod for those long-exposure shots at dusk. I also use a small editing tablet to process my files while I am at a café. I find this hobby incredibly grounding for a few reasons. Firstly, it forces me to be hyper-observant; instead of just rushing through the streets, I look for interesting play of light or unique human interactions that most people overlook. There is something immensely satisfying about freezing a fleeting moment in time that would otherwise be lost to memory. Beyond that, the technical challenge of balancing shutter speed and aperture keeps my mind occupied, providing a welcome mental escape from my professional obligations. It is a meditative process that allows me to re-engage with the environment around me, transforming the mundane concrete jungle into something visually striking and deeply personal. Whether I am capturing the golden hour reflecting off a glass skyscraper or the blurred motion of a passing tram, it gives me a genuine sense of fulfilment and creative release that I struggle to find in any other pursuit.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

gravitating towards
being naturally attracted to or moving towards something.
candid
photographs taken without creating a posed appearance.
mirrorless
a type of digital camera without a reflex mirror.
long-exposure
using a long duration shutter speed to capture movement.
grounding
making one feel mentally stable and well-balanced.
hyper-observant
noticing small details that others might easily miss.
fleeting
something that lasts for a very short time.
mundane
lacking interest or excitement; dull and ordinary.

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a leisure activity you like doing in your free time."?

Note down your chosen activity and one specific detail for each bullet point immediately.

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.

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