IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe something that you did with someone/a group of people

Describe something that you did with someone/a group of people.

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Identify a clear, specific activity to avoid rambling during your two-minute response.
  2. Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover all requirements.
  3. Use descriptive adjectives to make your narrative engaging and reach a higher vocabulary band.

Band 8 model answer

A couple of months ago, my close friend Sarah and I decided to take on the daunting task of renovating our shared community garden. It was a neglected patch of land behind our apartment block that had become an eyesore, filled with weeds and broken pavement. We spent three consecutive weekends, typically from dawn until dusk, clearing the debris, tilling the soil, and planting a variety of native wildflowers and vegetables. The physical labour was exhausting; my hands were perpetually covered in dirt, and the smell of damp earth became a permanent fixture for those few days. However, seeing the transformation from a desolate wasteland into a vibrant green space was incredibly rewarding. We chose to do this together because, frankly, neither of us could have managed the sheer volume of manual work alone. Sarah has a knack for botany and planning the layout, while I am quite handy with building raised beds and irrigation systems. Our skills complemented each other perfectly. Beyond the practical necessity, we did it to foster a sense of belonging in our neighbourhood. We wanted to create a communal area where residents could interact, rather than just passing each other in the hallways. By putting in the effort as a team, we were able to turn a solitary chore into an engaging social project. It strengthened our friendship and gave us a profound sense of pride every time we see our neighbours enjoying the garden we cultivated with our own hands.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

daunting
seeming difficult to deal with in prospect
eyesore
a very ugly or unpleasant looking thing
tilling
preparing and cultivating land for growing crops
desolate
a place that is bleak and empty
knack
an acquired or natural skill for something
complement
to add to something to improve it
communal
shared by all members of a community
cultivated
prepared land and used it for crops

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 something that you did with someone/a group of people."?

Identify a clear, specific activity to avoid rambling during your two-minute response.

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.

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