In IELTS Speaking Part 2 you get this card, one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak. Below: the notes a strong candidate might make in that minute, a natural Band 7–8 answer, the words that make it work, and the Part 3 discussion the examiner usually moves on to.

The cue card

Describe an outdoor activity you did for the first time

You should say:

what the activity was
where you did it
who you did it with
and explain why you would or would not do it again

One-minute notes

Notes in the preparation minute should be keywords, not sentences — one line per bullet, plus the one detail that makes your story yours. Something like:

kayaking on a lake, first time
national park, 2 hrs from the city
with two colleagues, team day
capsized in first 10 min, then loved it
would do it again: calm water, quiet, great exercise

Band 7–8 sample answer

The outdoor activity I'd like to talk about is kayaking, which I tried for the first time last autumn. I'd always assumed it was something for very fit, adventurous people, which I'm not, so I'd never considered it.

It was on a large lake in a national park about two hours from my city. The company I work for had organised a team day there, and the choice was between hiking and kayaking. Most of my colleagues chose hiking, but two of my colleagues and I decided to try something new.

It didn't start well. An instructor gave us a ten-minute introduction on the shore, and I was feeling quite confident. Then, about five minutes after getting into the water, I leaned too far to one side while trying to take a photo, and the kayak turned over. The water was freezing. My colleagues found it hilarious, and to be fair, so did I once I'd climbed back in. After that, though, I got the hang of it, and we spent about three hours paddling around the lake, past little islands and forests that were turning orange.

I'd definitely do it again. What I liked most was how calm it was. Apart from the sound of the paddles, it was almost completely silent, and you see the landscape from a completely different angle. It's also excellent exercise without feeling like exercise. I've actually been twice more since then, and I've managed to stay in the kayak both times.

About 248 words — roughly two minutes at a relaxed pace. Notice what it does: one specific story instead of general statements, every bullet covered, natural spoken linking rather than "firstly… secondly…", and the "why" part of the card answered properly at the end — that is where many candidates run out of things to say. Use it to see the structure; don't memorise it. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and your own story will always sound more fluent.

Practise this card out loud

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Useful vocabulary

adventurous — willing to try new and exciting things
turn over / capsize — when a boat turns upside down
hilarious — extremely funny
paddle — to move a small boat with a paddle
from a different angle — from a new point of view
give it a go — to try something

Part 3: questions and model answers

After your two minutes, the examiner moves to a discussion linked to the card's topic. These questions are more abstract: give an opinion, a reason and an example, and it's fine to say "it depends" — as long as you explain on what.

Why do many people prefer indoor activities today?

Partly convenience — indoor activities like streaming or gaming are always available and don't depend on weather. Cities also have less accessible nature than they used to. And many people work long hours, so they're tired and choose something easy at home.

Should dangerous outdoor sports be banned?

I don't think so. Adults should be free to take risks as long as they don't endanger others. What makes sense is regulation — requiring proper equipment, qualified instructors and safety training — rather than banning activities that many people love.

How can parents encourage children to go outside?

By going outside with them rather than just telling them to. Children copy what their parents do. Making it fun helps too — a treasure hunt in a park is more appealing than a 'walk'. And giving children a bit more independence to play outside with friends builds confidence.

Does the weather affect how active people are?

Definitely. People are much more active when it's mild and sunny. In very hot or very cold climates, people spend more time indoors, which is why gyms and indoor sports centres are popular there. Cities can help with covered or shaded spaces for exercise.

More cue cards about activities and habits

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