If I had to pick a favourite time of year, it would definitely be autumn. I’ve always been drawn to the transition it represents, especially living here in the UK where the shift is quite dramatic. The weather undergoes a noticeable transformation; the oppressive humidity of mid-August vanishes, replaced by a crisp, biting chill that makes the air feel incredibly clean. It’s that perfect Goldilocks temperature where you aren’t sweltering, yet you aren’t quite shivering, provided you have a decent jumper on. During these months, I spend a lot of time walking in Richmond Park. The foliage turns into a breathtaking tapestry of burnt orange, ochre, and deep crimson, which makes photography quite rewarding. I also tend to slow down my pace of life, opting for cosy evenings in with a robust red wine and a classic novel rather than the frenetic socialising that characterises the summer months. I suppose I prefer this season because it feels like a period of recalibration. There is something profoundly comforting about the scent of woodsmoke drifting through the neighbourhood and the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. It’s a nostalgic time that encourages introspection and quietude, which I find lacking during the rest of the year. The aesthetic beauty of the landscape combined with the shift toward indoor comfort creates a unique atmosphere that just makes me feel content. It isn’t just about the weather; it’s about the sense of anticipation for the slower, more reflective months ahead, which I find far more appealing than the relentless brightness of spring or the harshness of winter.
The cue card
Describe your favorite season
You should say:
- →Which season is it?
- →What is the weather like?
- →What activities do you do?
- →Why do you prefer this season?
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
Other topics
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Choose a season you can describe with vivid sensory details like smell and touch.
- 2
Use the one minute to note down one specific activity for each bullet point.
- 3
Ensure your conclusion links back to your personal feelings about the season.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
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.
Say it and get a band free →8 words
Useful vocabulary for this cue card
oppressive
unpleasantly hot and causing a feeling of discomfort
tapestry
a complex combination of many different colourful elements
ochre
an earthy yellow or light brownish red pigment
frenetic
fast and energetic in a rather wild way
recalibration
the process of adjusting or resetting one's focus
quietude
a state of stillness, calmness, and peacefulness
robust
a strong, rich, and full-bodied flavour profile
introspection
the examination of one's own conscious mental thoughts
4 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1How does the change of seasons impact the general mental well-being of people in your country?
- 2Do you think that modern technology has made people less connected to the natural cycles of the year?
- 3To what extent should governments adapt city infrastructure to cope with extreme seasonal weather changes?
- 4How might global climate change alter the way future generations perceive the traditional four seasons?
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 your favorite season"?+
Choose a season you can describe with vivid sensory details like smell and touch.
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: other topics
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- Describe a dilemma between two opportunities
- Describe a family history story you often heard
- Describe a fascinating foreign tradition
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