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Describe an activity that you enjoy doing on your own

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 an activity that you enjoy doing on your own.

You should say:

  • what the activity is
  • where you usually do it
  • how often you do it

and explain why you prefer doing it alone.

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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

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

One activity I enjoy doing alone is going to a café with a book. It might not sound very exciting, but for me it's one of the best parts of my week, and I try to do it every Saturday afternoon.

My favourite place is a small café around the corner from my apartment. It has big windows, comfortable armchairs and, importantly, quiet music, so it's never too noisy. The staff know me now, and they usually bring my usual cup of tea with a slice of lemon cake without my having to ask. I generally stay for about two hours, reading whatever novel I'm currently into, and sometimes I write a few lines in my notebook as well.

I prefer to do this on my own for a number of reasons. First of all, I can lose myself in the story completely, and I don't need to make conversation or adjust to someone else's schedule. I can go at my own pace, leave when I like, or stay longer if the book is good. Second, I live a very busy and sociable life, with a lot of meetings during the week and friends visiting at weekends, so I need time to myself to recharge. If I don't get it, I become tired and irritable. Finally, it gives me space to reflect on things, such as plans I have or problems I'm trying to solve. By the time I walk home, I always feel calmer and more positive, ready for the new week.

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 time to myselfhave time alone, without others
at my own paceas slowly or quickly as I like
rechargeregain energy
lose myself inbecome fully absorbed in
peaceful surroundingscalm environment
reflect onthink carefully about

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

  • Reading in a quiet café
  • Going for a long run or cycling trip
  • Cooking or drawing at home

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhat the activity is
  2. 25 swhere you usually do it
  3. 25 show often you do it
  4. 45 sand explain why you prefer doing it alone.

Part 3 questions

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

  1. Do you think young people today spend too much time alone?
  2. What are the benefits of spending time by yourself?
  3. Why do some people find it hard to be alone?
  4. Are there activities that are better done in groups?
  5. Is loneliness a serious problem in modern cities?

Frequently asked questions

How should I describe an activity in an IELTS cue card?

Explain what the activity involves and how you got into it, describe a typical time you do it, and finish with what you get from it. Present simple for habits and a short past story for one occasion show range.

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