Describe a law in your country that you think is useful
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 law in your country that you think is useful.
You should say:
- what the law is
- when it was introduced
- who it affects
and explain why you think this law is useful.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
258 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
The law I think is very useful is the ban on smoking in indoor public places, such as restaurants, cafés, offices, and public transport. It came into force in my country about ten years ago, and it applies to everyone, including customers, staff and business owners. Cafés and restaurants that allow smoking inside can be given heavy fines.
I believe this law is useful for a number of reasons. The first is that it protects health. Secondhand smoke is harmful, especially for children, pregnant women and elderly people. Before the law, I remember that it was almost impossible to enjoy a meal without breathing in smoke from the next table, and my asthmatic cousin avoided going to restaurants completely. Now he goes out with us without any problem.
Secondly, the law has changed social attitudes. Previously, smoking in front of others was considered normal. Today, many people step outside, and some have even decided to quit entirely, partly because it has become inconvenient. A family friend of mine said that having to go out in the cold each time was the push he needed to give up.
Thirdly, it improves the environment in public spaces. Restaurants are cleaner, the air is fresher and the working conditions for waiters and cooks are healthier.
Of course, some smokers complained at first, and a few owners worried about losing customers. However, business seems to have remained stable. I think it is a good example of a law that balances personal freedom with the rights of the majority to breathe clean air.
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 |
|---|---|
| come into force | begin to apply officially |
| law-abiding | obeying the law |
| impose a fine | make someone pay money as punishment |
| a deterrent | something that discourages bad behaviour |
| enforce the law | make sure the law is followed |
| public health | the general health of the population |
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
- A ban on smoking in public places
- A law protecting consumers or workers
- A law requiring children to attend school
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhat the law is
- 25 swhen it was introduced
- 25 swho it affects
- 45 sand explain why you think this law is useful.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Laws and society. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- Why do countries need laws?
- Do you think punishments for breaking the law are strict enough?
- Should the law be the same for rich and poor people?
- How can governments make sure people obey laws?
- Are there laws that you think are unnecessary?
- Do you think laws should change as society changes?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Ideas and decisions
- Describe a goal that you would like to achieve in the future
- Describe a skill you would like to learn in the future
- Describe a decision that you made together with other people
- Describe some advice that you gave to someone
- Describe an idea or belief you have about what makes a person successful
- Describe a study method or strategy that works well for you
Part 1 topics on the same subject
Frequently asked questions
How do I answer an abstract IELTS cue card, like a rule or a decision?
Make it concrete straight away: name the rule, the advice or the decision, then tell the situation where it mattered to you. An abstract card answered with a real example is easier to talk about and easier to follow.
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