Describe an exhibition or fair that you visited
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 an exhibition or fair that you visited.
You should say:
- what kind of exhibition or fair it was
- where it was held
- what you saw or did there
and explain whether you would recommend it to other people.
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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
248 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
I'd like to describe a book fair that I visited last October in Tashkent. I've always loved reading, so when a friend told me that publishers from several countries were bringing their new titles, I decided to go on the opening day.
The fair was held in a large exhibition centre, and it was divided into halls: one for fiction, one for children's books, and another for textbooks and academic publications. There were hundreds of stands, and the whole place was buzzing with people. I spent the first hour just walking around and picking up books to look at. What I particularly enjoyed was that many authors were there in person, giving short talks and signing copies. I attended a session with a historical novelist who talked about how he researches the past, and it was fascinating. There was also a large area for children, where storytellers were reading aloud to a group of kids sitting on cushions.
In the end, I bought five books, which was a bit more than I'd planned, partly because many of them were sold at a discount.
I would definitely recommend it to others. Even if you aren't an enthusiastic reader, there's so much going on that you'll find something interesting, whether it's a talk, a workshop or simply the atmosphere. And if you have children, it's an excellent way to encourage them to love books. I'm already planning to go again next year, and this time I'll bring a bigger bag.
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 |
|---|---|
| on display | shown to the public |
| a wide range of | many different types of |
| interactive exhibit | a display that visitors can touch or use |
| guided tour | a visit led by an expert |
| thought-provoking | making you think deeply |
| well worth a visit | good enough to justify going |
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 photography or art exhibition
- A book fair or technology expo
- A science exhibition for families
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhat kind of exhibition or fair it was
- 25 swhere it was held
- 25 swhat you saw or did there
- 45 sand explain whether you would recommend it to other people.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Museums and exhibitions. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- Why do people visit museums and exhibitions?
- Should entrance to museums be free?
- How can museums attract more young visitors?
- Do you think virtual exhibitions could replace real ones?
- What are the benefits of trade fairs for businesses?
- Who should pay for the preservation of cultural objects?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Events
- Describe a national holiday that you celebrated
- Describe a busy market or bazaar that you visited
- Describe a family picnic or outdoor outing that you enjoyed
- Describe an event that you took part in at school or university
- Describe a birthday celebration that you enjoyed
- Describe an event that you were looking forward to for a long time
Part 1 topics on the same subject
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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