Describe an interesting video
IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card with a full sample answer, a Band 9 model of the two-minute long turn.
The cue card
Describe an interesting video
You should say:
- what it is about
- when and where you watched it
- why you watched it
- how you feel about it
Sample answer
I'd like to describe a fascinating video I watched recently that left a lasting impression on me.
The video was a gripping documentary-style clip about the mysteries of the deep ocean and the strange, otherworldly creatures lurking there. It delved into parts of the sea so deep and pitch-black that they remain largely unexplored, and it showcased some truly bizarre animals, such as bioluminescent fish that glow in the dark and creatures that look plucked straight from a science-fiction film.
I watched it a couple of weeks ago, in the evening at home, while winding down and browsing through videos on YouTube. It popped up in my recommendations, and the striking thumbnail instantly caught my eye.
The reason I clicked on it was partly curiosity and partly because I've always had a soft spot for nature and the unknown. I expected to watch for just a minute or two, but I quickly became so engrossed that I ended up watching the whole thing from start to finish, and then several related videos on top.
As for how it left me feeling, I found it absolutely captivating and genuinely thought-provoking. I was staggered to learn just how little we actually know about our own planet — apparently, we've charted more of outer space than we have of our own oceans, which I found astonishing. The stunning footage and fascinating facts completely reshaped the way I think about the natural world and reminded me of just how much there is still left to uncover.
What I appreciate most about videos like this is that they're both entertaining and educational, letting me pick up something new while staying thoroughly engaged. It sparked a genuine interest in marine biology that I hadn't had before, and I've since found myself binge-watching plenty more documentaries on the subject. Overall, it was a brilliant example of how a short video can genuinely broaden your horizons and ignite a whole new passion.
Reading a model answer is not the same as saying one. The sample above shows what a strong Part 2 answer sounds like. What it cannot tell you is how yours sounds — whether you hesitate, repeat the question back, or run out of things to say at forty seconds.
You can record an answer to this exact question and get it marked on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and pronunciation — the same four criteria the examiner uses.
Common questions
How long should I speak for in Part 2?
Between one and two minutes. The examiner stops you at two, so aim to still be talking at the ninety-second mark rather than finishing early — running out at forty seconds is the most common problem in this part.
What do I do with the one minute of preparation time?
You get one minute and a pencil and paper. Most candidates waste it writing full sentences they then read aloud, which sounds flat. Note a few keywords against each bullet instead, so you have four things to talk about rather than a script.
Do I have to cover all four bullet points?
They are prompts, not a checklist, and you are not penalised for skipping one. In practice they are the easiest way to fill two minutes, so covering them is usually the simplest way to keep going.
Does it matter if the story is not true?
No. You are assessed on your English, not on whether the events happened. Inventing detail is fine and often easier than recalling a real memory under pressure.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.