Band 8.0 Sample Answers for 10 IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards

IELTS Speaking Part 2 tests your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given topic. Preparing sample answers can help you develop structured responses and improve your speaking performance.

This blog presents 10 IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards from 2016 with Band 8.0+ sample answers. Each topic is designed to help you understand how to organize your thoughts, use natural vocabulary, and include personal experiences effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.

1. Describe a Time You Missed an Appointment

You should say:

• when the appointment was
• what the appointment was for
• why you missed it
• and explain how you felt about missing it

Sample Answer

I still remember missing my first job interview two years ago due to my carelessness. It was a huge disappointment that I regret to this day.

As a fresh graduate, that interview meant a lot to me. I had applied for a Sales Executive position at Unilever, one of the top global companies. After waiting two months following the written test, I was thrilled to learn that I had been shortlisted for an interview. Unfortunately, I missed it.

I misunderstood the interview time. It was scheduled for 2 p.m., but I mistakenly thought it was at 4 p.m. I went to a friend’s birthday party around 2 p.m. and left early, but due to heavy rain and traffic congestion, I couldn’t reach the venue on time. When I finally checked my email, I realized my mistake and felt miserable.

This experience taught me to always double-check appointments and read official emails carefully.

2. Describe a Sports Stadium That’s Important in Your City

You should say:

• what the stadium is and where it is located
• when you first visited or what major event you remember at it
• what makes it important in your city
• and explain why it is significant to you

Sample Answer

The My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s largest and most iconic stadiums. It plays a major role in both national and international sporting events.

Built in 2003 for the Southeast Asian Games, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies. With a capacity of over 40,000 seats, it was packed with spectators and filled with music, light, and fireworks.

It’s a multifunctional venue equipped for football, athletics, and other sports. Over the years, it has hosted major tournaments like the AFF Suzuki Cup and international matches with teams like Arsenal and Manchester City.

For me, My Dinh Stadium represents national pride and the spirit of Vietnamese sportsmanship.

3. Describe an Area of a Subject You Are Interested In

You should say:

• what the subject/area is
• how you became interested in it
• what you do/study in that area
• and explain why you are particularly interested in it

Sample Answer

My favorite subject has always been Biology, especially plant biology. I am fascinated by how plants live, grow, and communicate.

Even though they don’t move or speak, plants have an amazing life system. They use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose — their source of energy. Understanding these biological processes inspired me to pursue Plant Biotechnology as my major.

Through molecular technology, I can study how plants function at the cellular level and help improve crop yields. This subject fuels my passion for scientific research and my goal to contribute to sustainable agriculture.

4. Describe a Famous Person in Your Country

You should say:

• who the person is
• how you know about them
• what they have done
• and explain why you admire them

Sample Answer

A famous person I truly admire is Phan Anh, a well-known TV host in Vietnam. He has hosted several popular shows like The Voice Vietnam and Vietnam Idol.

What makes him remarkable is his humanitarian work. When environmental issues and natural disasters struck Vietnam, he was among the first to raise awareness and organize donations. His fundraising campaign for flood victims collected billions of dong within 24 hours.

Phan Anh uses his fame to inspire social responsibility, making him one of the most respected figures in Vietnamese entertainment.

5. Describe Something You Ate for the First Time

You should say:

• what you ate and where/when you had it
• what it was like (taste, texture, etc)
• what you thought about it at first
• and explain why that experience stands out for you

Sample Answer

During my trip to Malaysia, I tasted roti canai for the first time, a delicious Indian-inspired flatbread served with curry.

At first, I was hesitant because of the strong curry smell, but when I tried it, I was amazed. The bread was crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfectly complementing the spicy curry.

My local friend explained that “roti” means bread and “canai” means to knead. There are many varieties like roti telur (with egg) and roti pisang (with banana). My favorite was roti pisang, sweet, creamy, and unforgettable.

6. Describe Something You Shared With Other People

You should say:

• what you shared and with whom
• when and where this happened
• how you felt about sharing it
• and explain what you learned from the experience

Sample Answer

Sharing has always been an important value in my family. I realized its importance when I had to share my room with my cousin Linh for a week.

Initially, I was reluctant because I valued my privacy. But after spending time together, I learned about her life struggles and dreams. We became close friends and shared meaningful conversations.

That experience taught me that sharing isn’t just about giving space or things — it’s about empathy, kindness, and connection.

7. Describe a Piece of Good News You Received

You should say:

• what the good news was
• how you found out about it
• what changed for you because of it
• and explain why it meant a lot to you

Sample Answer

The best news I’ve ever received was my university acceptance letter. Becoming a doctor had been my dream, but after failing the medical entrance exam three times, I chose to apply for a Biotechnology program instead.

One day, I unexpectedly received a letter confirming my admission to International University. I burst into tears of happiness — it was the start of a new journey.

That moment changed my life completely and gave me hope to pursue my passion in science.

8. Describe a Leader You Admire

You should say:

• who the leader is and their role
• when and how you became aware of them
• what they did that impressed you
• and explain why you admire their leadership

Sample Answer

One of the leaders I truly admire is Steven, my class leader in high school. He displayed exceptional leadership skills during our school’s singing competition.

When conflicts arose over practice schedules, he calmly handled the situation, reorganized the team, and motivated everyone to do their best. His approach of listening and planning effectively helped our class win first prize.

Steven’s leadership style is inspiring others rather than commanding that has deeply influenced how I see teamwork today.

9. Describe a Big Company You Are Interested In

You should say:

• which company it is and where it is based
• what the company does or offers
• what aspects of the company attract you
• and explain how you might connect with it (job, interest, study)

Sample Answer

I’m highly interested in Unilever, a global company operating in more than 100 countries with over 400 brands.

What makes Unilever unique is its diverse brand portfolio — like Dove, Clear, and Lifebuoy for shampoos — catering to different customer needs. It also has a dynamic and inclusive work environment that values innovation and sustainability.

I admire Unilever not only for its business success but also for its social responsibility and environmental initiatives.

10. Describe an Interesting Public Place You Like to Visit

You should say:

• where the place is and what it is like
• when you first visited or how often you go there
• what you do when you visit
• and explain why you like it so much

Sample Answer

One of my favorite places in Ho Chi Minh City is the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. It’s a symbol of Vietnam’s freedom and unity.

Built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, it showcases stunning Vietnamese architecture and design. Inside, there are meeting rooms, entertainment halls, and war command centers.

Every visit fills me with pride as it represents Vietnam’s historical resilience and national identity.

Practicing with these Band 8.0 IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards helps you prepare for a variety of topics and question types. Focus on expressing ideas clearly, using natural vocabulary, and maintaining fluency to achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test. Further, practice more of the latest IELTS Speaking Topics Part 2 & 3 to score band 9 in your IELTS Speaking test! 

Useful Links:

• How to Prepare a Cue Card for IELTS Speaking
• What to Do if You Forget What to Say During IELTS Speaking Test?
• Latest IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score
• How to Express Your Mixed Feelings in IELTS Writing & Speaking?
• 10 Useful Structures to Express Contrasting Ideas in IELTS Speaking & Writing Task 2
• 75+ Common English Words Used in IELTS Speaking Test
• 5 Silly Things You Say To Decrease Your IELTS Speaking Band Score
• Reasons for the IELTS examiner to interrupt you in IELTS Speaking