Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time – Band 9 Sample Answer

In the Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking section, the most common question type is the cue card for which you will have exactly one minute to prepare and speak on a specific topic. The Cue Card topic to Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time will help you to formulate a response and speak on the given topic. To attempt this type of question, it is necessary for you to narrow down the essential questions given and answer within the given time.

With the provided sample answers, you will be able to learn how to communicate clearly and successfully. This IELTS cue card gives you an opportunity to share about an activity you enjoy doing in your free time. With the right techniques, proper planning, and an effective time management skill, you will be able to achieve a band 8+ in the IELTS exam.

Let's dive into the cue card to describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time!

Strategies to Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time for a Band 8+

As you attempt to describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time, it is vital to utilize a few strategies in order to achieve an IELTS Band Score of 8+. Let's check out a few strategies which could help you ace the IELTS exam.

• Understand the question clearly in order to brainstorm the ideas accordingly. Remember to utilise the 1-minute time frame and write the points which will guide you to fram your response.
• Follow a clear structure so that there is a logical arrangement of ideas. Do not jump from one idea to the other abruptly.
• Use the Latest IELTS Speaking Vocabulary to Boost Your Score in lexical resource. Avoid any complex or unfamiliar activities unless you know the vocabulary well.
• Remember to use personal experience in this section rather than giving very vague answers. The response should sound like a story or experience which you are narrating in front of the examiner.
• Fluency is very important in this section for which remember to practice with the timer on and record yourself speak. Always listen back to the recording so that you can note down the areas of improvement.
• Do not memorize any answer since it will be quite evident in front of the examiner. Try to play the situation in your head and use appropriate IELTS Grammar to construct sentence structures.
• Focus on speaking naturally while elaborating the situation with specific detail.

Do you feel that your pronunciation is affecting your speaking score? Here is a great opportunity to improve your fluency or English pronunciation!

You can either check the video given below or follow this link to a pronunciation guide!

Question - Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time

Sample Answer 1 - Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time – Band 9

Well, I carry this intuitive belief that almost everybody relishes at least one activity without the presence of another human being around. For me, that specific activity is reading both fictional and non-fictional books.

Almost a couple of years back, if I had to share the frequency of this activity, it would have been every day. Those were the times when I used to read for hours altogether every single day. However, since the times have altered and my schedule has turned hectic, I try and take out at least half an hour for this activity each day.

There is an array of reasons behind following this activity. First and foremost, it helps develop a gamut of skills, specifically vocabulary, comprehension, and reading skills. Another reason behind my preference for reading is that it gives me immense joy and pleasure as I get to dive deeper into somebody’s imagination and understand their psychology and experiences. Lastly, it has helped me build momentum with my sleep. Reading one chapter before hitting the bed helps me with deep sleep.

Overall, I can claim that this activity fills me with utmost ecstasy and gratification. Moreover, since its benefits cannot be denied, I only have everything to gain from this activity.

Sample Answer 2 - Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time – Band 9

I’m going to tell you about my love for reading. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always been more of the introverted type and loved to have my face buried in a book. Since my parents often fought when I was a child, I felt that it was an escape from reality. Moreover, I am also really into writing and I think it’s impossible to be a great writer without reading. Through reading books, I can bask in the literary genius of the book and find inspiration for my own books in the future.

I read every single day. Actually, I can’t recall a single day in my life that I didn’t read. Sometimes I feel as if books are my entire life. Whether the book is my taste or not, the suspense always kills me and I cannot stop flipping the pages to find out what happens next.

However, duty calls, and I must go to work at the boutique from 10-6 Monday-Friday, so I have to pull myself away from my books during that time. I usually get up around 7 am and read a bit before work then come home, have dinner, and get lost in a book for the rest of the evening.

As I mentioned, books are a great escape for me as I feel my life is quite mundane. Moreover, I really find deep joy in analyzing the literature, such as the character development, plot, archetypes, etc. I feel like my best self when I read; I feel I stretch my mind to new dimensions. Furthermore, reading sends me into a tranquil state. After a busy day at work, opening a book is the best way to unwind.

On another note, I feel quite exhausted conversing with others all day at work so I feel quite rejuvenated when I’m finally at home in my den in my happy place.  Moreover, I feel that people who read have more interesting things to talk about so I often find myself in engaging conversations with co-workers and customers at the boutique throughout the day. All in all, reading is everything to me.

Vocabulary - Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time – Band 9 Sample Answer

• Head Buried : To hide from reality

Ex : Rose always has her head buried in a book.

• Basking : sit in a place and enjoy the warmth

Ex : He loved basking in the sunlight 

• Duty Calls : Fulfilling a responsibility

Ex : When duty calls, everyone must be ready to work

• Mundane : Ordinary and not interesting

Ex : This year, the Diwali festival was mundane without my cousins.

• Rejuvenated : Feeling better

Ex : The spa treatment rejuvenated me

• Engaging : to interest or attract

Ex : Rose had an engaging conversation with her friends.

The IELTS Speaking Part 2 can seem intimidating but it is your diligent practice which will make you shine. With constant preparation and utilizing strategic speaking tips, aong with a strong vocabulary, you can get a band 8+. Think of it as storytelling instead of the exam, and take a step towards success. Don't stop here and continue with the flow as you prepare for achieving your desired band score.

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Also Check : 

• IELTS Pronunciation Guide 2025
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• 5 Tips to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test
• IELTS Speaking Practice Test: Preparation Tips, Practice Test Topics, Reference Material
• Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Speaking Test