Describe an exciting competition or sporting event you have witnessed
Describe an exciting competition or sporting event you have witnessed.
You should say:
- what the competition or sporting event was
- when and where it took place
- who won
And explain why it was exciting.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
You do not need to be a sports fan. Focus on the atmosphere and one turning point in the event.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| What the competition or sporting event was | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| When and where it took place | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| Who won | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain why it was exciting. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
I'd like to describe a basketball final I watched in person, between two universities in my city. It was the deciding match of a regional student league.
It took place about four years ago in the sports hall of my own university, on a cold evening in February. The hall only held around two thousand people, so it was packed, and the noise was incredible even before the game started.
For most of the match the visiting team were clearly better; at half-time they were leading by fifteen points, and a lot of home supporters had gone quiet. In the last quarter, though, our team changed tactics and started pressing much harder. Point by point they closed the gap, and with about ten seconds left one of our players scored a three-pointer to win by one point.
In the end our university won, and the whole crowd ran onto the court. It was exciting because the result seemed impossible for most of the game. I'd never experienced that kind of collective emotion before, where a whole room of strangers celebrates together.
About 181 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- the deciding match
- packed
- leading by fifteen points
- closed the gap
- seemed impossible
- collective emotion
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- What are the best ways to keep fit?
- Do you think people in your country are less healthy than they used to be?
- How can we encourage young people to stay healthy?
- Should governments intervene to force people to be healthier?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.