Band 8 model answer: 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

A band 8 sample answer to this 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

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.

Questions about this answer

What band is this model answer?

It is written to band 8, and the notes under it quote the answer's own words to show why.

How long should my answer to this cue card be?

You get 1 minute to prepare and can speak for up to 2 minutes. Cover every bullet on the card in order.

What is the most common mistake on a Part 2 answer?

Stopping early. Hesitation is normal and costs little, but running out of things to say well short of two minutes costs bands. If you lose your thread, say what you mean and keep moving.

More cue cards

Describe a time when you had to repair or fix something yourself Describe a time when you had to learn something by watching an online video Describe a time when you had to learn a new recipe or cook an unfamiliar dish Describe a time when you discovered a hidden talent in yourself All cue cards, Part 1 and Part 3 sets →

← Describe a piece of art that has had an impact on you. You should say: - what the piece of art is - who created it - where you saw it - and explain why it had an impact on you Describe a time when you had to repair or fix something yourself →