IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an interesting video: 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.
  • 259 words
  • A film, book, song or programme
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe an interesting video

You should say:

  • →When and where you watched it
  • →What it is about
  • →Why you watched it
  • →And explain how you feel about 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

    Note down the video platform and the specific topic to ground your narrative immediately.

  2. 2

    Use descriptive adjectives to explain why the content was visually or emotionally engaging.

  3. 3

    Connect the video to a personal feeling or a change in your own perspective.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8259 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

A couple of months ago, while I was scrolling through YouTube during a lunch break at my desk, I stumbled upon a documentary short by a channel called 'Perspective.' It was a fifteen-minute piece detailing the intricate process of traditional Japanese woodblock printing. I initially clicked on the thumbnail because the aesthetic was incredibly calming, featuring soft, ambient sounds of tools carving into wood, which provided a much-needed respite from the chaotic buzz of my office environment. The video followed a master craftsman in Kyoto who has been perfecting his technique for over forty years. He explained the philosophy behind his work, specifically focusing on the concept of 'wabi-sabi', or finding beauty in imperfection. He painstakingly applied layers of pigment onto paper, demonstrating a level of patience that felt almost alien in our modern, fast-paced digital world. I was absolutely mesmerised by the precision required to align the paper perfectly for each colour. Watching him work was strangely meditative; it felt like a visceral escape from my own screen-heavy existence. It made me reflect on how rare it is to see something created with such singular focus today. I felt a profound sense of admiration for his dedication, and it actually inspired me to put my phone away and try my hand at some sketching that evening. It reminded me that there is a deep, intrinsic satisfaction in creating something tangible with one's own hands, even if it is just a simple drawing, and I still go back to watch that clip whenever I need to recalibrate my focus.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • respite

    a short period of rest from something difficult

  • visceral

    relating to deep inward feelings rather than intellect

  • mesmerised

    held the attention of someone to total exclusion

  • recalibrate

    to adjust or reset something to improve focus

  • intrinsic

    belonging naturally or being an essential part of

  • chaotic buzz

    a state of noisy, confusing, and constant activity

  • painstakingly

    with great care and through thorough effort

  • singular focus

    giving all attention to one specific thing only

4 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1What kind of videos do people in your country like to watch?
  2. 2Which is more helpful, watching videos or reading books?
  3. 3What skills can people learn from watching videos?
  4. 4Are there any differences between the videos that young people and old people like to watch?

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 an interesting video"?+

Note down the video platform and the specific topic to ground your narrative immediately.

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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