Onterra TutorDescribe a unique hobby you have developed over time. You should say: - what the hobby is - how you got started - what you do in this hobby - and explain how it has benefited you
An IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card, with the structure examiners reward. You get 1 minute to prepare and up to 2 minutes to speak.
The cue card
Describe a unique hobby you have developed over time. You should say: - what the hobby is - how you got started - what you do in this hobby - and explain how it has benefited you.
Your 2-minute structure
- Open with a direct answer (10 seconds). Name your choice immediately: one sentence that answers "describe a unique hobby you have developed over time. you should say: - what the hobby is - how you got started - what you do in this hobby - and explain how it has benefited you". Do not waste your first 20 seconds on "that's an interesting question".
- Close with why it matters (15 seconds). End on how it affected you or what it taught you. A natural closing line signals confidence to the examiner.
Sample band 8+ answer
About 90 seconds when spoken at a natural pace. Notice how specific the details are; that specificity is what you should copy, not the story itself.
One unique hobby I’ve developed over time is urban sketching. I first got started about three years ago when I stumbled upon an online community of artists who share their sketchbooks. I was always interested in drawing, but I’d never considered sketching outdoors. I remember my first attempt was at a local park – I just brought along my sketchbook and some colored pencils. I found a nice spot under a tree and sketched the park’s fountain. It felt a bit daunting at first, drawing in public, but it quickly became liberating.
In urban sketching, what I do is really just capture the city around me – buildings, street scenes, people, you name it. I try to go out once a week, sometimes with friends, sometimes solo. I love the challenge of capturing the essence of a place in just a few lines and colors. I often take my sketches back home to add more details or color later.
This hobby has benefitted me in numerous ways. For one, it’s sharpened my drawing skills and made me more observant of my surroundings. I’ve even formed friendships with other local artists, which has been a wonderful bonus. But beyond that, it’s provided me with a creative outlet that helps me unwind and appreciate the beauty in everyday life. Overall, urban sketching has definitely enriched my life and given me a deeper connection to my environment.
Why this answer works
- The answer clearly describes the unique hobby of urban sketching, covering all points in an organized manner.
- It includes personal anecdotes that make the experience relatable and engaging.
- The benefits of the hobby are explained in detail, highlighting personal growth and social connection, which adds depth to the response.
What the examiner listens for
Fluency (can you keep going for 2 minutes without long pauses), vocabulary range (topic words, not just "good" and "nice"), and grammar variety (past tenses and linking words like "which is why" and "even though"). Hesitation is normal; stopping is what costs bands. If you lose your thread, say "what I mean is..." and keep moving.