IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a competition you took part in

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a competition you took part in" is a Part 2 cue card in the IELTS Speaking test. You get one minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes. This guide breaks down how to structure your long turn around all four bullet points, the topic vocabulary to reach for, and the Part 3 questions likely to follow.

The cue card

Describe a competition you took part in.

You should say:

what the competition was
when it took place
what you had to do
and explain how you felt about taking part

How to structure your long turn

Spend roughly 20–30 seconds on each prompt. Take the bullets in order — they build a natural narrative — and save the most time for the final 'explain' point.

1
what the competition was
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
when it took place
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
3
what you had to do
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain how you felt about taking part
This is the most important bullet — give reasons and a personal example, and spend the most time here.

Timing & delivery

Part 2 is the long turn: you get 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1–2 minutes.
Use the preparation minute to jot keywords against each bullet, not full sentences.
Cover all four bullet points, spending the most time on the final 'and explain…' prompt.
It's fine to invent details — you're scored on how you speak, not whether the story is true.

Useful vocabulary for this topic

Natural, Band 7+ language for talking about sport and competition.

a team player: someone who works well within a group; “Coaches always want someone who's a team player.”
a level playing field: a fair situation with equal chances for all; “Everyone just wants a level playing field in sport.”
give it your all: put in your maximum effort; “I always give it my all when I'm out on the pitch.”
healthy competition: friendly rivalry that motivates people; “A bit of healthy competition brings out the best in me.”
raise the bar: set a higher standard than before; “The new champion has really raised the bar.”

Rounding-off questions

After your long turn, the examiner may ask a short question or two before moving on to Part 3.

Is competition good for people?
Should schools encourage more competition?

Part 3 questions on sport and competition

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion of the wider topic. Expect abstract, opinion-based questions such as these.

What are the benefits of playing sport for young people?
Do you think there is too much money in professional sport?
How has the way people follow sport changed in recent years?
Why are some sports far more popular than others?

See all Part 3 questions on sport and competition

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe a competition you took part in" cue card?

You should speak for one to two minutes without interruption. The examiner gives you one minute beforehand to make notes, then times the long turn and stops you at two minutes.

Can I make up my answer to this cue card?

Yes. IELTS examiners score how you speak — your fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation — not whether your story is true. Inventing realistic details is completely acceptable and often easier than recalling a real event.

What Part 3 questions follow the "Describe a competition you took part in" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on sport and competition. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "What are the benefits of playing sport for young people?"

What if I run out of things to say before two minutes?

Lean on the final 'and explain…' bullet. Adding reasons, feelings and a specific example naturally extends your answer, and it's the part that most improves your score.

Next step

Practise "Describe a competition you took part in" with an AI examiner

Rehearse this cue card under real exam timing with SpeakMetry's AI examiner, then get an instant band score and feedback on your long turn.

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