IELTS Speaking Part 2, 3 Sample: Describe an Activity You Like Doing

The topic "Describe an activity you like doing" is a very common IELTS Speaking Part 2 task. You will find an outline, sample ideas, 1-minute notes, a detailed sample response, and some helpful vocabulary here. Refer to the article below to effectively practice and prepare for the exam at home!

I. Sample IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an activity you like doing

1. Cue card

Describe an activity you like doing:

2. Outline: Part 2

2.1. Idea

• The task requires describing an activity you enjoy. However, we can use the same information to describe an activity that is good for your health. Therefore, you need to provide the following information: 

  • What the activity is

  • Where you do it and with whom

  • How often you do it

  • Explain why you like this activity (health reasons)

• For the question "What is the activity?" in the "Describe an activity you like doing" task, we should choose everyday activities. This does not necessarily have to be a sport, it can be a daily task or a leisure activity. In general, choose something familiar since you already have experience with it.

• For the question "Where and with whom?" in the "Describe an activity you like doing" task, choose a location around where you live and you can describe the surrounding environment a bit. However, this information should be concise as it is not the main focus of the response. After clarifying the location, you can move on to explaining who you do the activity with. At this point, you should explain why you go with them and how you feel about it.

• Next, you need to provide the frequency of doing this activity in the "Describe an activity you like doing" task. In this part, you don't need to be lengthy, just conclude it in 1-2 sentences. It could be during your free time after work/school or on the weekends.

• Finally, you need to analyze the reasons why you enjoy this activity. To conclude the "Describe an activity you like doing" response, you can mention your future plans. Whether you will continue doing this activity or you want to invite someone to join you and the benefits of this change.

2.2. One-minute note taking

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, candidates are given a task card with a topic and are required to speak for 1-2 minutes. To prepare for this, you are typically given 1 minute to make some notes before you start speaking.

This one-minute note-taking period is an important part of the task. It allows you to quickly organize your thoughts, brainstorm key points, and structure your response before you start speaking. Effective note-taking can help you:

3. Sample Speaking: Describe an activity you like doing

Please refer to the IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample response below on the topic "Describe an activity you like doing" to effectively learn IELTS Online at home:

There are a few recreational activities that I’m fond of, but there is one that I particularly enjoy, which is walking while listening to music around the lake near my house. Most of the time, I would wear a headset and then immerse myself in my personal zone. Many of my friends think that is quite unusual or even monotonous of me as they often go for a walk with a partner to chat, but that’s how I want to spend me time. Well, this is a chance for me to reflect whether I have a good rapport with my workmate or do my job efficiently. Or sometimes, I leave my mind blank and just go with the flow with the music. 

I choose to do this activity because of my limited stamina. I can’t really do strenuous exercises; however, this will still help me to be a bit physically active. So, if you’re intent on losing weight or building muscles, this kind of exercise will not serve your needs. I try to go for a walk as much as I can after work because I have been stationary for the whole day, which is quite dangerous for the body. Therefore, this light activity helps me a lot physically and mentally. My pastime usually lasts for about an hour and how I choose the music mostly depends on my mood. Much as I enjoy being alone, I think in the future, I will ask a family member or a close friend to do this with me. Then, I can be active and bond with my loved ones at the same time.

Having a strong vocabulary is crucial for success in IELTS Speaking Part 2. This section requires you to speak at length about a given topic, so having a diverse range of words at your disposal is essential. The examiner will be assessing your lexical resource - your ability to use a wide vocabulary, including less common and idiomatic terms. Focusing on expanding your vocabulary, especially topic-specific words and collocations, will allow you to describe things in more detail, use more precise language, and demonstrate your command of the English language. Ultimately, a rich vocabulary can help you achieve a higher band score in this challenging part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Please take a look at the following list of high-scoring vocabulary in the above sample:

• Immerse (v): to become deeply involved in or absorbed by something

• Monotonous (adj): dull and repetitive, lacking in variety and interest

• Me time (n): time spent relaxing and doing things for oneself

• Reflect oneself (v): to think deeply and carefully about oneself and one's life

• Good rapport with sb: a close and harmonious relationship with someone

• Leave one's mind blank (v): to clear one's mind of thoughts

• Go with the flow: to adapt to the current situation and let things happen naturally

• Stamina (n): the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort

• Strenuous (adj): requiring or involving great effort and energy

• Be intent on (adj): to be determined and focused on achieving something

• Stationary (adj): not moving or changing position

For more information, please refer to the following article:

•  50+ bài mẫu IELTS Speaking Part 2 phù hợp với band điểm 6.5+!

II. Sample IELTS Speaking Part 3: Leisure Activities

1. What types of leisure activities are popular in your country?

If I want to talk about clichés, then it would be traveling, shopping, or playing games. However, recently, there has been a rise in participation in social campaigns, especially in summer when students are off from school. The young take advantage of the three-month gap to help the underprivileged community by teaching small children in rural areas or donating blood. From the individual aspect, people can gain self - satisfaction after doing these activities. But from the prism of the whole society, it is a hopeful sign that kindness is spreading widely. 

• Cliché (adj): a phrase or opinion that is overused and lacks originality.

• Underprivileged (adj): lacking the basic things in life that most people have access to, such as good education, healthcare, and housing.

• Prism (n): a transparent, three-sided object that is used to break up white light into its different color components.

2. Do men and women enjoy the same leisure activities?

I think there are always common hobbies that suit both genders and I could name a few like watching movies or listening to music. Now, youngsters are quite realistic, or should I say materialistic. Whether they are males or females, they are hooked on making TikTok videos. At first, they may do it for fun, but the result of the videos might be fruitful. For example, if a short video goes viral, it could benefit the creator an amount of money from advertising offers.  

• Materialistic (adj): overly concerned with or focused on material possessions and wealth rather than spiritual or intellectual values.

• Be hooked on sth (adj): to be addicted or strongly attracted to something.

• Fruitful (adj): producing good or useful results; beneficial and productive.

3. Why is it important for people to have time for leisure activities?

From my point of view, pursuing a pastime is crucial for individuals. First, it’s a chance for people in general to take a step back from their studies or work. After a certain amount of time for personal pleasure, morale will be boosted considerably. Another benefit of doing leisure activities is that this is the time for people to build connections outside of work, which could be friends or the significant other.

• Take a step back: to temporarily stop participating in an activity in order to reflect and think things through.

• Morale (n): the confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time.

• The significant other (n): a person's wife, husband, or long-term romantic partner.

This article has provided an IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample response on the topic "Describe an activity you like doing" and a sample Speaking Part 3 response on the topic of "Leisure Activities". PREP wishes you effective exam preparation at home and the ability to achieve a high band score!