IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a TV or online program you like to watch: 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.
  • 255 words
  • A film, book, song or programme
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a TV or online program you like to watch

You should say:

  • →What it is
  • →What it is about
  • →Who you watch it with
  • →And explain why you like to watch it

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

A film, book, song or programme

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

  1. 1

    Identify the show and its genre clearly in your opening sentence.

  2. 2

    Briefly describe the content to show you can use descriptive vocabulary.

  3. 3

    Focus your final minute on personal feelings to ensure you hit the time limit.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8255 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I’m a huge fan of a nature documentary series called 'Our Planet', which is narrated by the iconic David Attenborough. It’s an ambitious production that explores the breathtaking diversity of our natural world, ranging from the depths of the icy Arctic to the dense, humid rainforests of the Amazon. Each episode focuses on a specific biome, capturing the intricate struggles for survival that various species face in their daily lives. I almost always watch this with my younger brother, as we both share a fascination for wildlife and find the cinematography genuinely mesmerising. We usually make an evening of it, dimming the lights and grabbing some snacks to fully immerse ourselves in the visuals. There are a few reasons why I find this programme so captivating. Firstly, the production quality is simply unparalleled; the high-definition footage allows you to see textures and movements that you would never notice with the naked eye, like the delicate shimmer of a butterfly’s wing or the precise ripples in a predator’s muscle. Beyond the aesthetics, it serves as a sobering reminder of how fragile our ecosystems are due to climate change. It’s not just mindless entertainment; it’s educational and thought-provoking. Watching it makes me feel more connected to the environment and less detached from the natural cycles that sustain us. The combination of Attenborough’s soothing, authoritative narration and the grand orchestral score creates an emotional resonance that stays with me long after the credits roll, which is precisely why I keep returning to it whenever a new season drops.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • iconic

    Widely recognised and well-established as being excellent.

  • biome

    A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna.

  • mesmerising

    Holding the attention completely as if by magic.

  • unparalleled

    Having no equal; better than anything else available.

  • sobering

    Making someone feel serious or thoughtful about something.

  • aesthetics

    A set of principles concerned with visual beauty.

  • emotional resonance

    The power to evoke strong feelings in people.

  • sustains

    To provide what is needed for something to continue.

6 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1Do you think watching talk shows is a waste of time?
  2. 2Do you think we can acquire knowledge from watching TV programs?
  3. 3What programs do people like to watch in your country?
  4. 4Do people in your country like to watch foreign TV programs?
  5. 5What's the benefit of letting kids watch animal videos than visiting zoos?
  6. 6Do teachers play videos in class in your country?

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 TV or online program you like to watch"?+

Identify the show and its genre clearly in your opening sentence.

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: a film, book, song or programme

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