Last Updated on October 8, 2025
A cue card for the question “describe a competition you would like to take part in” can be found in this IELTS speaking blog. The three sections of the IELTS exam speaking test are the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion round. You will have 11 to 15 minutes to present your ideas and communication abilities to the examiner.
We’ve included three model responses for this IELTS Speaking Cue Card along with follow-up questions, related vocabulary, and a conclusion to help you practice and gain confidence for similar IELTS cue card topics.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
In IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), you must prepare a cue card that will be provided by your examiner. Your topic will be “Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part in”, along with some sub-questions. You’ll be given 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1–2 minutes.
The examiner will stop you once you cover all the given questions. Later, in IELTS Speaking Part 3, you’ll have a discussion round based on the same cue card. Practicing such IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics is the best way to score well in the IELTS Exam.
Cue Card Topic “Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part in”
You should say:
- What the competition is?
- Why you would like to take part in it?
- What skills are needed to take part in it?
- And explain why you think it would be an enjoyable competition?
Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part in – Model answer and Follow-up questions
The model cue card answers for the “describe a competition you would like to take part in” topic are given below. These are followed by IELTS Speaking Part 3 discussion questions for your practice. Such examples will help you confidently attempt any IELTS Speaking Cue Card in the exam.
Model Answer 1 – “Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part in” IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Introduction
A publicly speaking contest is one of the competitions I would love to participate in.
What the competition is and why you’d like to join
It is a competition among college students in the form of an inter-college debate, where students argue on topical issues. I would also like to take part in it since I like to share ideas and confront myself.
What skills are needed
It involves good communication, confidence and quick thinking.
Why it would be enjoyable
I believe it would be fun since it would enhance my confidence, enable me to communicate with smart people, and enable me to air my opinion.
Conclusion
By engaging in such a discussion, it would be a lasting experience and an excellent theme to an IELTS Speaking Cue Card.
Model Answer 2 – “Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part in” IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Introduction
The other contest that I would love to participate in is a photography competition.
What the competition is and why you’d like to join
It is an international level photography contest which challenges individuals to express their creativity. I would also like to participate since I am fond of taking pictures of nature and feelings.
What skills are needed
It involves creativity, technical skills in the use of cameras and sense of timing.
Why it would be enjoyable
I think that it would be interesting as it will tie my passion with recognition and provide me with an opportunity to learn in the other people.
Conclusion
This contest would also challenge me to develop in a creatively competent manner and this would give me a perfect example to give in case of an IELTS Speaking Cue Card answer.
Model Answer – “Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part in” IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Introduction
The one event that I would love to partake in is a marathon race.
What the competition is and why you’d like to join
It is a marathon race and I would like to take part in it, to challenge my stamina and discipline.
What skills are needed
It involves being physically fit, enduring and having mental strength to run the race.
Why it would be enjoyable
I would like it as it would make me feel that I have achieved something, and it would make me lead a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
Participating in a marathon would be a life changing experience, and it would make a perfect subject to talk of in IELTS Speaking Cue Card.
Read more: Dеscribе a City You Would Rеcommеnd as a Nicе Placе to Livе
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part in Follow-up Questions
Follow-up questions for “describe a competition you would like to take part in” are given below. In the actual exam, this session lasts around 4–5 minutes where you must discuss general ideas related to your cue card. Preparing answers like these helps with multiple IELTS speaking cue card topics.
Why do people like to take part in competitions?
Because competitions give them recognition, motivation, and a sense of achievement.
What kinds of competitions are popular in your country?
Sports tournaments, quiz competitions, singing contests, and reality shows are very popular.
Do you think competition is important in life?
Yes, competition pushes people to improve and brings out the best in them.
Are competitive people more successful?
Often yes, because they are motivated to work harder, but balance is also important.
Do you think children should take part in competitions?
Yes, it helps them build confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills from a young age.
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Competitive | Involving rivalry or challenge | The contest was very competitive. |
| Motivation | The reason or enthusiasm for doing something | Winning gives me motivation to improve. |
| Accomplishment | A successful achievement | Winning a medal is a great accomplishment. |
| Determination | Firmness of purpose | Success requires determination and effort. |
| Resilience | Ability to recover from setbacks | Losing taught me resilience. |
| Ambition | A strong desire to achieve something | My ambition is to win a global speaking competition. |
| Perseverance | Continued effort despite difficulties | Perseverance is key in sports competitions. |
| Recognition | Acknowledgment for achievement | The winner received national recognition. |
Conclusion
Preparing for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card “describe a competition you would like to take part in” allows candidates to use storytelling, structured responses, and expressive vocabulary. Such IELTS Cue Card topics are very common in the IELTS exam, and by practicing them, you can confidently handle any unexpected question in the speaking test. Mastering multiple IELTS Speaking Cue Card examples ensures fluency, confidence, and higher band scores.
FAQs
Cue cards in IELTS Speaking Part 2 are short task cards with a topic and prompts that you must speak about for 1–2 minutes.
You can score 8.5 by practicing fluency, coherence, vocabulary, and confident answers to IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics.
Yes, IELTS Cue Card topics are frequently repeated in different exam sessions with small variations.
Begin with a simple introduction, e.g., “One competition I would really like to take part in is a public speaking contest.”
You can practice by recording your voice, timing your speech for 2 minutes, and speaking on common IELTS Cue Card topics daily.
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