IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an interesting discussion you had as part of your work or studies

Describe an interesting discussion you had as part of your work or studies.

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Identify a specific setting and person to make the story feel authentic and grounded.
  2. Use a logical sequence by linking the discussion topic to the actual opinions voiced.
  3. Focus your final minute on why this interaction left a lasting impact on you.

Band 8 model answer

A couple of months ago, during my final year of university, I took part in a particularly stimulating seminar regarding the ethics of artificial intelligence in journalism. I was discussing this with my tutor, Dr. Aris, and three of my classmates during a post-lecture coffee break at the campus café. The conversation started quite formally, but it soon became a heated debate as we tried to navigate the implications of automated news generation. Dr. Aris held a rather pragmatic view, arguing that AI is merely a tool that improves efficiency, whereas I personally expressed concerns about the potential loss of nuance and the erosion of human accountability in reporting. One of my peers, Sarah, countered this by suggesting that AI could eliminate human bias, which sparked a long exchange about whether algorithms simply reflect the existing prejudices of their programmers. I found this discussion incredibly interesting because it forced me to move beyond theoretical textbook knowledge and grapple with the messy, real-world complexity of the subject. It wasn't just about the technology itself; it was about how different perspectives on ethics can radically alter one's professional outlook. Seeing my classmates articulate such diverse viewpoints really pushed me to refine my own arguments and listen more critically to others. It was one of those rare moments where the academic setting felt truly alive, and it significantly shaped my current perspective on how we should integrate new technology into our professional lives without losing the essential human touch that makes storytelling meaningful.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

stimulating
encouraging new ideas or greater activity and interest
pragmatic
dealing with things sensibly and in realistic ways
nuance
a very slight difference in meaning or tone
erosion
the gradual destruction or reduction of something valuable
accountability
the fact of being responsible for your decisions
grapple with
to try hard to understand a difficult problem
articulate
expressing ideas clearly and in an effective way
prejudices
unreasonable dislike or preference for a certain group

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 an interesting discussion you had as part of your work or studies."?

Identify a specific setting and person to make the story feel authentic and grounded.

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