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Describe a party that you enjoyed

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

Part 2 · Candidate task card

Describe a party that you enjoyed.

You should say:

  • where and when the party was held
  • who was at the party
  • what you did there

and explain why you enjoyed it.

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1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.

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Band 8 sample answer

241 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.

I'd like to talk about a small party I went to in June, just after I'd finished my final exams at university. It was held at my friend Madina's house, which has a large garden, and about twenty of us from the same class were invited.

The evening was warm, so we spent most of the time outside. Madina's parents had set up long tables with food, and everybody had brought something to share, so there was a bit of everything: salads, kebabs, homemade cakes and lots of fruit. Someone connected a speaker, and we put on playlists of songs from our student years. At one point we played a game where each person had to guess who had written an anonymous funny memory about our time at university, and that was hilarious because we'd all forgotten some of those stories.

I enjoyed it for a few reasons. Firstly, the pressure of the exams was finally over, so everyone was relaxed and in a great mood. Secondly, the atmosphere was very informal; nobody was trying to impress anyone. And finally, I knew it might be one of the last times we'd all be together, since several people were planning to move abroad or start jobs in other cities.

We stayed up until about two in the morning, talking and laughing under the stars. When I got home, I felt tired but really content. It reminded me how valuable good friends are.

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

PhraseMeaning
have a get-togetherto hold an informal meeting of friends
mingleto move around and talk to different people
a laid-back atmospherea relaxed, informal mood
break the iceto make people feel comfortable together
party gamesgames played at a social event
stay up lateto go to bed later than usual

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 house party with old school friends
  • A party to celebrate finishing exams
  • A rooftop or garden party in summer

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhere and when the party was held
  2. 25 swho was at the party
  3. 25 swhat you did there
  4. 45 sand explain why you enjoyed it.

Part 3 questions

In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Parties and socialising. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.

  1. Why do people enjoy going to parties?
  2. Do young people and older people like different kinds of parties?
  3. Is it important to have a party to celebrate special achievements?
  4. How can a host make sure all guests feel welcome?
  5. Has social media changed the way people organise parties?
  6. Do you think people today spend enough time socialising face to face?

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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