IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a decorative scented candle you use at home: IELTS cue card with sample answer

An IELTS cue card for Speaking Part 2 with a Band 8 sample answer, the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and the Part 3 follow-up questions the examiner can ask next.
  • 242 words
  • An object
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a decorative scented candle you use at home.

You should say:

  • →what it looks and smells like
  • →where you got it from
  • →how often you light it
  • →and explain why you enjoy burning it in your room.

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

An object

How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan

  1. 1

    Jot down 2-3 sensory words for the scent and jar appearance.

  2. 2

    Note the purchase story (artisan market, local maker) briefly.

  3. 3

    Mention how the candle affects your mood to answer the final prompt fully.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8242 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I would like to talk about a scented candle that sits on the bedside table in my flat. It comes in a lovely frosted amber glass jar with a minimalist wooden lid, so even when it is not lit, it serves as a rather stylish ornament that matches the colour scheme of my room. The scent itself is a blend of sandalwood, vanilla, and a hint of dried orange, which gives off a warm, earthy aroma without being overly sweet or cloying.

I actually bought it about six months ago at a small artisan craft market in a neighbouring town. A local maker was selling hand-poured soy wax candles, and as soon as I sampled this particular one, I was completely sold.

In terms of how often I use it, I tend to light it mostly on weekday evenings when I am winding down after work, or on Sunday afternoons when I am reading a book. I usually keep it burning for an hour or two at a time, which is just enough to fill the entire bedroom with a gentle fragrance.

I really enjoy burning this candle because it completely transforms the atmosphere of my living space. Modern life can be quite hectic, so having a flickering flame and a soothing scent helps me decompress and disconnect from digital screens. It instantly creates a cosy ambiance, making my room feel like a proper sanctuary where I can switch off and recharge.

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Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • frosted glass

    semi-opaque glass that diffuses light softly

  • cloying

    unpleasantly sweet or excessively rich

  • hand-poured

    made manually in small batches rather than factory-produced

  • wind down

    to gradually relax after a period of activity

  • flickering flame

    an unsteady, gentle light from a fire

  • decompress

    to relieve pressure and calm down

  • cosy ambiance

    a warm, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere

  • sanctuary

    a quiet, safe, and peaceful place

5 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1Why do people spend money on items to improve their home atmosphere?
  2. 2In what ways do different scents affect human emotions and productivity?
  3. 3Do you think modern households rely too heavily on artificial air fresheners?
  4. 4How does the concept of a comfortable living space vary across cultures?
  5. 5Will physical home decorations remain popular with the rise of digital lifestyles?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. Read Band 8 answers to these Part 3 questions: sensory design and home environments.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a decorative scented candle you use at home."?+

Jot down 2-3 sensory words for the scent and jar appearance.

How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+

You get one minute to prepare, then 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.

How is the cue card scored?+

Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.

Can I use this sample 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: an object

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