IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a service from a company or shop

Describe a service from a company or shop.

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Choose a service that allows you to describe a specific place or person vividly.
  2. Use your one-minute prep to brainstorm sensory details like sounds, smells, or physical sensations.
  3. Follow the bullet points as a logical narrative arc to ensure you cover everything.

Band 8 model answer

A few months ago, I decided to have my vintage wristwatch, a family heirloom, professionally serviced at a boutique horology shop called Timekeepers in the heart of London. It had been gathering dust in a drawer for years, and I wanted it restored to its former glory. I visited the shop on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by my younger brother, who shares my appreciation for mechanical intricacies. The shop itself was a narrow, dimly lit space, smelling faintly of machine oil and polished mahogany, which instantly gave it a sense of old-world charm. We were greeted by an elderly technician named Arthur, who peered at the watch through a jeweler’s loupe with an air of absolute concentration. He explained that the movement was sluggish due to dried lubricant, but assured me it was entirely salvageable. I left the watch with him for a fortnight, feeling both hopeful and slightly apprehensive about whether he could truly revive such a delicate piece. When I returned to collect it, the transformation was remarkable. The ticking was crisp and rhythmic, and the glass face was pristine, free from the scratches that had marred it for decades. I feel genuinely delighted with the service because Arthur didn’t just fix the mechanism; he preserved the history of the object. The attention to detail was exceptional, and it reminded me that in our world of disposable technology, there is still immense value in expert craftsmanship. Seeing the watch back on my wrist, functioning perfectly, gave me a profound sense of connection to my grandfather, making the experience deeply rewarding.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

horology
The study and science of measuring time.
heirloom
A valuable object passed down through generations.
intricacies
The complex or detailed parts of something.
jeweler’s loupe
A small magnifying glass used by jewelers.
salvageable
Something that can be saved from damage.
fortnight
A period of two weeks.
pristine
In its original or perfectly clean condition.
craftsmanship
Skill in making things by hand well.

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 service from a company or shop."?

Choose a service that allows you to describe a specific place or person vividly.

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.

More cue cards: an experience