IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a live sports event you watched and liked: 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.
  • 260 words
  • An event
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a live sports event you watched and liked

You should say:

  • →What it was
  • →When and where you watched it
  • →Who you watched it with
  • →And explain why you liked it

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

An event

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

  1. 1

    Choose a specific event you can describe using sensory details like sight, sound, and atmosphere.

  2. 2

    Draft a quick timeline: event name, location, company, and then focus on your personal feelings.

  3. 3

    Use descriptive adjectives to paint a mental picture rather than just stating facts about the game.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8260 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of watching the Wimbledon men’s singles final at the All England Club in London. It was a scorching July afternoon, and the atmosphere in Centre Court was absolutely electric, buzzing with anticipation as the crowd settled into their seats. I was lucky enough to be there with my older brother, who is a massive tennis fanatic and had managed to secure tickets through the public ballot after years of trying. We spent the morning wandering around the grounds, soaking up the quintessential British summer vibe, before heading to our seats just as the players walked out onto the pristine grass. What I loved most about the experience was the sheer intensity of the atmosphere. Watching it on television is one thing, but being physically present allowed me to hear the sharp, rhythmic thud of the ball meeting the racket strings and the collective intake of breath from the audience during long rallies. There is a unique, palpable tension that hangs in the air during those high-stakes moments which simply doesn't translate through a screen. Beyond the match itself, I was captivated by the theatre of the event, from the hushed silence during serves to the thunderous applause when a player pulled off a miraculous passing shot. Seeing world-class athletes perform under such immense pressure while maintaining such incredible focus was genuinely inspiring. It was a masterclass in resilience and precision, and sharing that level of raw human emotion with thousands of other spectators made it a day I will never forget.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • quintessential

    Representing the most perfect or typical example of.

  • palpable

    So intense that it seems almost physically touchable.

  • high-stakes

    Involving serious risks or very important potential outcomes.

  • thud

    A low, dull sound made by a heavy impact.

  • masterclass

    An outstanding display of skill or artistic performance.

  • resilience

    The capacity to recover quickly from difficult situations.

  • rallies

    Extended exchanges of shots in a tennis match.

  • theatre

    The dramatic quality or atmosphere of an event.

4 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1How has the rise of digital streaming changed the way people experience live sports?
  2. 2Do you believe that hosting major international sporting events brings long-term benefits to a host city?
  3. 3Should professional athletes be considered role models for young people in society?
  4. 4How might technology further influence the fairness and officiating of sports in the future?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a live sports event you watched and liked"?+

Choose a specific event you can describe using sensory details like sight, sound, and atmosphere.

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 event

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