IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a pair of sunglasses you often 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.
  • 280 words
  • An object
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a pair of sunglasses you often wear

You should say:

  • →what they look like
  • →where and when you bought them
  • →how often you wear them
  • →and explain why you like wearing them so much

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

An object

How to plan it in one minute

  1. 1

    Jot down 2-3 visual details (e.g. tortoiseshell frame, polarised lenses, rounded shape).

  2. 2

    Note the purchase context (e.g. holiday optician, lost previous pair, unexpected buy).

  3. 3

    List specific benefits (e.g. cuts glare, UV protection, durable, comfortable fit).

Model answer

Band 8 model answer

Band 8280 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I'd like to talk about a pair of sunglasses that I pretty much rely on whenever the weather gets bright. They've got classic dark tortoiseshell frames with rounded edges and polarised, amber-tinted lenses. They aren't overly flashy or oversized, which suits me well because I prefer understated accessories that don't draw too much attention.

I actually bought them about two summers ago while I was on holiday in a coastal town in the south of England. I'd accidentally left my old pair on a train, so I popped into a small independent optician near the harbour just to find a quick replacement. To be honest, I hadn't planned on spending much, but once I tried these on, they felt remarkably lightweight and sat perfectly on the bridge of my nose without sliding down, so I decided to invest in them.

These days, I wear them practically every time the sun makes an appearance. During the summer months, they live in my jacket pocket or backpack, so I have them handy for walking to work, driving, or sitting in the park at lunchtime. Even in winter, if there's a harsh, low sun while I'm driving, I'll definitely put them on to cut out the blinding glare.

The main reason I'm so fond of them is the balance between practicality and comfort. Because the lenses are polarised, they provide genuine UV protection and sharpen contrast, which reduces eye strain when I'm outdoors for hours. On top of that, they're surprisingly sturdy; I've dropped them onto pavement a couple of times, and the frames haven't cracked at all. They just feel like a dependable, timeless accessory that goes with almost everything I wear.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the answer

  • tortoiseshell

    a mottled brown and amber pattern on frames

  • polarised lenses

    specialised glass that filters out reflected glare

  • understated

    subtly attractive and not overly showy

  • independent optician

    a privately owned eyewear and eye care shop

  • glare

    a harsh, dazzling light that impairs vision

  • eye strain

    tiredness or discomfort in the eyes

  • sturdy

    strongly built and not easily broken

  • dependable

    reliable and trustworthy over time

5 questions

Part 3 questions that follow this card

  1. 1Why do some people prefer designer accessories over unbranded ones?
  2. 2In what ways have public attitudes towards eye protection changed over time?
  3. 3Do practical considerations or aesthetic appeal matter more when people buy accessories?
  4. 4How might technology change the design of personal accessories in the future?
  5. 5What are the downsides of following fast-fashion trends for small items?

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

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a pair of sunglasses you often wear"?+

Jot down 2-3 visual details (e.g. tortoiseshell frame, polarised lenses, rounded shape).

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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