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IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a time you received good news: IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample answer

Describe a time when you received good news.

The cue card

Describe a time when you received good news.

You should say:

  • what the news was
  • when and how you received it
  • who you told
  • and explain how you felt

Band 7 sample answer

I would like to describe the day I found out that I had passed the entrance exam to my university. It was a hot July afternoon two years ago, and I had been waiting for the results for almost two weeks.

I was at home, refreshing the website every few minutes, when I finally saw my name on the list. At first I did not believe it, so I checked it three times. Then I shouted so loudly that my whole family came running into the room.

I told my parents first, and they hugged me and started to cry. After that, I called my best friends, and in the evening we all had a small celebration.

Later that evening, my father surprised us by taking the whole family to a restaurant, which he rarely does. He gave a short speech about how proud he was, and my younger brother promised to follow my example. I felt that my success belonged to the whole family, not only to me.

I felt a mixture of relief, joy and pride. All the months of hard work were suddenly worth it, and it was the day I felt that my future had really begun.

About 201 words, roughly 2 minutes of natural speech.

Key vocabulary

  • relief — a feeling after worry ends
  • overjoyed — extremely happy
  • entrance exam — a test to enter a university
  • hard work paid off — effort brought results
  • sink in — become fully understood
  • celebration — a party for a happy event
  • breakthrough — an important success

Tips for this cue card

  • Tell the build-up, the moment and the reaction.
  • Use a mix of tenses accurately.
  • Describe the physical reaction: shouting, crying, hugging.

Part 3 follow-up questions

Do people share good news with others?

Idea: Yes, sharing makes happiness stronger and builds closeness.

Is bad news harder to deliver than good news?

Idea: Yes, it needs sensitivity and honesty.

How do people celebrate success?

Idea: With family dinners, small parties or time off.

More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.

Study guides

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