Describe a graduation ceremony that you attended
Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.
Practice it like the exam
Describe a graduation ceremony that you attended.
You should say:
- whose graduation it was
- where it took place
- what happened during the ceremony
and explain how you felt about attending it.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
250 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
I'd like to describe my older sister's graduation ceremony, which I attended about three years ago. She had spent four years studying medicine, and I knew how hard she'd worked, so I was really looking forward to the day.
The ceremony took place at her university's main hall on a sunny morning in June. The hall was decorated with flags and flowers, and rows of graduates in black gowns and caps sat at the front, while families filled the rest of the seats. My parents and I arrived early to get a good view. First, the rector gave a speech about the responsibility that doctors carry, and then a student representative spoke on behalf of the whole class. After that, each graduate's name was called, and they walked up to the stage to receive their diploma. When my sister's turn came, my mother grabbed my hand, and I could see she was trying not to cry.
Afterwards, everyone went outside to take photos. The graduates threw their caps into the air, which is a tradition, and we all laughed and cheered. We ended the day with lunch in a restaurant.
I felt incredibly proud, and also a little inspired. I'd seen her studying late at night for years, missing parties and sometimes even meals, so it was wonderful to see her efforts rewarded. It made me think more seriously about my own goals. That day showed me what determination can achieve, and I still remember it with a big smile.
What to notice
- It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
- Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
- The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.
We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.
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Useful vocabulary
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| cap and gown | the traditional clothes worn at graduation |
| receive a diploma | to be given a certificate for completing a course |
| proud of | feeling pleased about someone's success |
| a sense of achievement | a feeling of having succeeded |
| commencement speech | a talk given to graduates |
| take a group photo | to be photographed together |
Plan it in one minute
Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.
Who or what you could talk about
- Your brother's or sister's graduation
- Your own graduation from school or university
- A friend's graduation from a master's programme
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhose graduation it was
- 25 swhere it took place
- 25 swhat happened during the ceremony
- 45 sand explain how you felt about attending it.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Education and achievement. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- Why do schools and universities hold graduation ceremonies?
- Is it important to celebrate educational success?
- What do graduates usually do after they finish studying in your country?
- Do you think a university degree is as valuable now as it used to be?
- How do parents feel when their children graduate?
- Should graduates be expected to give back to their communities?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Events
- Describe a special meal you had with your family
- Describe a celebration that you experienced in another country or culture
- Describe a cultural performance that you watched, such as a traditional dance or theatre show
- Describe an event that you took part in at school or university
- Describe a concert or live music event you enjoyed
- Describe a sports event that you watched
Frequently asked questions
How should I describe an event in an IELTS cue card?
Set the scene with when, where and who was there, then walk through what happened in order. Finish with why it was memorable. If you were not at a big event, a small one you remember well works better.
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