IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a podcast you enjoyed on a journey

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
  • A film, book, song or programme
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a podcast you enjoyed on a journey

You should say:

  • →what the podcast was about
  • →when and where you listened to it
  • →why you chose this particular episode
  • →and explain why it kept you so thoroughly entertained.

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

A film, book, song or programme

How to plan it in one minute

  1. 1

    Quickly set the scene by mentioning the route and why you needed entertainment.

  2. 2

    Highlight specific production elements such as storytelling style, sound design, or pacing.

  3. 3

    Contrast how boring the journey normally is with how quickly time passed.

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 an episode of an investigative storytelling podcast that I listened to roughly six months ago. I was travelling on a four-hour train journey from Newcastle down to London to visit a friend, and normally, long trips like that leave me feeling quite restless. To pass the time, I decided to download a few episodes from a popular series dedicated to quirky historical mysteries.

This particular episode focused on a daring museum heist that took place back in the 1990s, where several priceless paintings vanished overnight without a single alarm going off. I picked it on a whim because a colleague had recommended the series, claiming the host had a brilliant knack for building suspense.

From the moment I put my headphones on, I was completely hooked. The production quality was top-notch, featuring subtle sound effects, dramatic musical scores, and captivating interviews with retired detectives who actually worked on the case. What made it so entertaining was the host's sharp wit and humorous commentary; instead of presenting dry facts, he turned the entire investigation into a gripping narrative filled with unexpected twists and eccentric suspects.

It kept me engaged to the extent that I completely lost track of time. Usually, on a train, I'm constantly glancing at the display board to see how many stops are left, but during this journey, the scenery just flew by. Before I knew it, the train was pulling into the station. It turned what could have been a tedious, exhausting afternoon into a genuinely memorable experience, and I've been an avid listener ever since.

Say it out loud and get a band

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8 words

Vocabulary from the answer

  • restless

    unable to relax or stay still due to boredom.

  • on a whim

    decided spontaneously without much prior thought or planning.

  • knack for

    a natural skill or talent for doing something well.

  • top-notch

    of the highest quality or standard.

  • dry facts

    unembellished, plain information presented without excitement or emotion.

  • lost track of time

    became unaware of how much time had passed.

  • tedious

    too long, slow, or dull; tiresome.

  • avid listener

    an enthusiastic and dedicated consumer of audio content.

5 questions

Part 3 questions that follow this card

  1. 1Why have spoken-word audio programmes gained so much popularity in recent years?
  2. 2Do you think audiobooks and podcasts will eventually replace reading physical books?
  3. 3How does listening to an educational programme compare with watching a documentary?
  4. 4To what extent can background listening affect a person's ability to concentrate?
  5. 5How might advancements in digital technology change the way audio content is produced in the future?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. Read Band 8 answers to these Part 3 questions: audio media and modern listening habits.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a podcast you enjoyed on a journey"?+

Quickly set the scene by mentioning the route and why you needed entertainment.

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: a film, book, song or programme

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