IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe Which program on TV or radio do you often listen to?

Which program on TV or radio do you often listen to?

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Note down the show's name and genre to establish your focus immediately.
  2. List three specific adjectives to describe the show's content and style during prep.
  3. Ensure the improvement you suggest is realistic and linked to the user experience.

Band 8 model answer

I’m quite a devoted listener of a radio programme called 'The Inquiry' on the BBC World Service. It’s a weekly documentary series that takes one complex global issue—anything from the ethics of deep-sea mining to the geopolitical fallout of a specific trade policy—and breaks it down over the course of thirty minutes. It’s essentially an investigative deep dive where the host interviews a panel of experts, economists, and sometimes people directly affected by the topic, trying to unpack the 'why' behind major headlines. I find myself tuning in every Tuesday evening while I’m cooking dinner because it’s incredibly intellectually stimulating. The production value is top-notch, featuring immersive sound design that makes you feel like you’re actually in the field, whether it’s a bustling market in Lagos or a silent laboratory in Switzerland. I listen to it because it cuts through the superficial noise of 24-hour news cycles, offering a nuanced perspective that is becoming increasingly rare. It forces me to challenge my own biases and think critically about subjects I’d normally ignore. If I could suggest one improvement, it would be to make the segments slightly more interactive. Currently, it’s a one-way broadcast, but I think it would be fascinating if they integrated a live digital forum or a Q&A session where listeners could submit follow-up questions to the experts in real-time. That would definitely bridge the gap between the audience and these high-level discussions, making the content feel more like a collective exploration than just a lecture.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

devoted listener
Someone who listens to a show very regularly.
geopolitical fallout
The negative consequences of political events between countries.
deep dive
A thorough and detailed analysis of a topic.
production value
The level of quality in a media programme.
superficial noise
Meaningless or shallow information that distracts from truth.
nuanced perspective
A view that considers many different small details.
challenge my biases
To question your own existing unfair personal opinions.
collective exploration
Learning about a subject together as a 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 "Which program on TV or radio do you often listen to?"?

Note down the show's name and genre to establish your focus immediately.

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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