IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a pair of gloves you wear in winter

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

The cue card

Describe a pair of gloves you wear in winter

You should say:

  • →what they look like and what material they are made of
  • →where and when you got them
  • →how often you wear them
  • →and explain why they are so useful on chilly winter mornings.

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

An object

How to plan it in one minute

  1. 1

    Note down key materials (e.g. treated leather, shearling lining) to use descriptive vocabulary.

  2. 2

    Jot down daily routines (e.g. frosty morning commute, cycling) to explain usage clearly.

  3. 3

    Highlight contrast with previous poor-quality items to explain why they are durable.

Model answer

Band 8 model answer

Band 8243 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I'd like to talk about a pair of dark brown leather gloves that I've had for about three or four years now. They're lined with thick shearling wool on the inside, which makes them incredibly cosy, while the outside is made of treated cowhide that's completely windproof. I actually bought them at a small independent leather workshop in Edinburgh during a weekend holiday with some friends.

I tend to pull them out of the wardrobe around late October or early November, as soon as the temperature dips and morning frost starts appearing on the pavements. During the depths of winter, I wear them practically every single day, especially on my morning commute. I usually cycle to the train station and then have to wait on a draughty platform, so having reliable handwear is an absolute necessity.

What makes these gloves truly invaluable is their sheer durability and heat retention. Before getting this pair, I used to buy cheap knitted woollen gloves that would let the biting wind right through and fray at the seams within a couple of months. In contrast, these ones keep my fingers completely toasty even when the wind chill is severe, and the leather has developed a nice patina over time rather than wearing out. They also have subtle touchscreen-compatible stitching on the index fingers, so I don't have to freeze my hands off just to check train times on my mobile phone. They've honestly been worth every penny.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the answer

  • shearling wool

    sheepskin or lambskin with the wool fleece kept attached

  • windproof

    able to block cold air from penetrating through

  • draughty

    letting in uncomfortable currents of cold air

  • heat retention

    the ability to hold onto warmth over time

  • fray at the seams

    unravel or come apart where fabric pieces are stitched

  • biting wind

    extremely cold, sharp wind that causes discomfort

  • patina

    an attractive aged appearance that develops naturally on leather

  • freeze my hands off

    experience intense and uncomfortable cold in one's hands

5 questions

Part 3 questions that follow this card

  1. 1How do people's clothing choices change between seasons in colder climates?
  2. 2Why do some individuals prefer durable clothing over fast fashion items?
  3. 3To what extent has modern technology improved outdoor clothing for severe weather?
  4. 4Do you think people in general care more about style or practical function when buying winter clothes?
  5. 5How might changing climate patterns affect the winter clothing industry in the future?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. Read Band 8 answers to these Part 3 questions: winter clothing and consumer habits.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a pair of gloves you wear in winter"?+

Note down key materials (e.g. treated leather, shearling lining) to use descriptive vocabulary.

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

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