In the IELTS Speaking test, being able to articulate your future aspirations and interests is a key skill that examiners look for. One of the most frequently appearing prompts in the recent test cycles is to describe a competition you would like to take part in, which requires you to blend descriptive language with personal motivation. In this comprehensive guide, we provide a Band 9 model answer, a detailed breakdown of the marking criteria, and essential vocabulary to help you succeed in your IELTS English Speaking Course journey.

The Cue Card

Describe a competition you would like to take part in.
You should say:
• What kind of competition it is
• Where and when it would take place
• What you would need to do to prepare for it
• And explain why you would like to participate in this competition.

Band 9 Sample Answer

To be perfectly honest, I’ve never considered myself a fiercely competitive person, but there is one particular event that has been on my radar for quite some time now. It’s the ‘National Geographic Traveller Photography Competition,’ an annual global event that attracts some of the most talented amateur photographers from across the globe. If I were given the chance, I would love to enter the ‘Wildlife’ category, specifically focusing on macro photography, which involves taking extreme close-ups of small organisms. The competition usually opens for digital submissions toward the end of the year, with the final exhibition and awards ceremony held in London. To prepare for something of this caliber, I would need to spend months, if not years, honing my technical skills. This would involve mastering lighting techniques and spending countless hours in the field—likely in a rainforest or a botanical garden—to capture that one elusive, perfect shot of a rare insect or bird. I’d also need to invest in a higher-end macro lens to ensure my images meet the professional standards required. I’m drawn to this competition because it’s not merely about the prestige or winning a trophy; it’s about the platform it provides for conservation. Having my work critiqued by industry professionals would be an invaluable learning experience, and seeing my photographs published in such a renowned magazine would be a dream come true. While I’ve previously looked into how to describe a competition you would like to take part in cooking, I feel that photography allows me to express my creativity and my passion for the natural world in a much more profound way. It would push me to step out of my comfort zone and truly test my artistic limits.

Band 7 Sample Answer

I would like to talk about a local marathon that happens in my city every October. It is a very big event where thousands of people run through the main streets to raise money for charity. To prepare for this, I would need to start training at least six months in advance. I would have to go running every morning and follow a strict diet to build my stamina. I would also need to buy some good quality running shoes so that I don’t get any injuries. I want to participate in this competition because I want to improve my physical fitness. Nowadays, I spend too much time sitting at a desk, so this would be a great motivation to get active. Also, my friends have done it before and they said the atmosphere is amazing. Even though I am not a professional athlete, I think finishing the race would give me a great sense of achievement. It is a good way to challenge myself and see how far I can go. I think it is important to try new things, just like how some people might want to describe an outdoor sport you would like to try for the first time during their speaking test.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The speaker maintains a natural, steady flow without any noticeable effort or hesitation. The use of discourse markers and cohesive devices is seamless. For instance, phrases like “To be perfectly honest” and “specifically focusing on” help to guide the listener through the narrative. The transition from describing the event to the preparation phase is logical, ensuring the examiner can follow the story easily. The answer avoids repetitive “and then” structures, opting instead for sophisticated links like “This would involve…” and “I’m drawn to this competition because…”.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary used is both precise and topic-specific. Terms like “macro photography,” “digital submissions,” “elusive,” and “conservation” demonstrate a high level of lexical range. The speaker also uses idiomatic language naturally, such as “on my radar” and “step out of my comfort zone.” By using words like “caliber” and “prestige,” the candidate shows they can discuss abstract concepts and specific technical fields with equal ease, which is a hallmark of Band 9 performance as outlined in the British Council’s official criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This response showcases a wide variety of complex grammatical structures. The use of the second conditional—“If I were given the chance, I would love to…”—is perfect for discussing hypothetical future events. The speaker also employs present perfect continuous (“I’ve been honing my skills”) and passive voice (“held in London,” “critiqued by industry professionals”). There are no grammatical errors, and the sentences vary significantly in length and complexity, which keeps the examiner engaged.

Pronunciation

While we cannot hear the text, a Band 9 delivery would involve clear word stress (e.g., emphasizing “photography” and “competition” correctly) and natural intonation patterns. The use of pausing for effect—for example, after “one elusive, perfect shot”—adds a layer of emotional depth to the speech. For more on this, you should check our guide on IELTS Speaking Tips to improve your delivery style.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Second Conditional for Hypotheses: “If I were to win, I would donate the prize money to charity.”
• Present Perfect for Experience: “I have been following this competition for several years now.”
• Passive Voice for Formality: “The winners are announced during a gala dinner in December.”
• Relative Clauses for Detail: “It is a competition which focuses on innovation in sustainable energy.”
• Gerunds as Subjects: “Preparing for such a rigorous event requires immense dedication.”
• Future Continuous for Plans: “By this time next year, I will be competing against the best in the field.”
• Modal Verbs for Possibility: “I might find the technical requirements quite daunting at first.”
• Inversion for Emphasis: “Not only is it a test of skill, but it is also a test of character.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

Why do you think some people are more competitive than others?

In my opinion, competitiveness is a blend of nature and nurture. Some individuals are born with an innate drive to be the best, perhaps due to their temperament or personality traits. However, upbringing plays a massive role as well. For instance, if someone grew up in an environment where excellence was highly rewarded or where they had to compete with siblings for attention, they are likely to carry that competitive spirit into adulthood. Furthermore, modern society often equates success with winning, which can push people to become more competitive in their professional lives. It’s similar to how some might describe a job you would not like to do because the environment is too aggressive or high-pressure.

Is it better for children to participate in individual or team competitions?

I believe a healthy balance of both is ideal for a child’s development. Team competitions are fantastic for teaching collaboration, communication, and the importance of supporting others. They learn that the success of the group is often more important than individual glory. On the other hand, individual competitions help children build self-reliance and personal accountability. They learn to handle pressure on their own and understand that their results are a direct reflection of their own hard work. Both formats provide essential life lessons that are useful in any future career path, whether they are in a science-related field or something more creative, like what you might discuss when you describe an area of science that interests you.

How has the nature of competitions changed with the advent of the internet?

The internet has fundamentally transformed how competitions operate by making them more accessible and global. Previously, most contests were geographically limited, but now, someone in a remote village can enter a global coding or photography competition with just a few clicks. This has significantly raised the bar because the talent pool is now worldwide rather than just local. Moreover, social media has introduced a ‘public’ element where people can vote for their favorites, adding a popularity dimension to traditional judging. However, this digital shift also means that the sheer volume of entries can make it harder for individuals to stand out, making the process much more intense than it was a few decades ago.

Do you think international competitions like the Olympics help promote peace?

To a large extent, yes. International competitions provide a rare platform where nations can set aside political differences and compete on neutral ground based on merit and skill. It fosters a sense of global community and mutual respect among athletes from vastly different cultures. When the world watches these events, it highlights our shared humanity rather than our divisions. While it may not solve deep-seated geopolitical conflicts, it certainly facilitates cultural exchange and ‘soft diplomacy.’ It’s a reminder that we can strive for excellence and compete fiercely without resorting to hostility, which is a vital message in today’s fragmented world.

Should rewards in competitions always be monetary?

Not necessarily. While cash prizes are certainly a strong incentive and can help winners further their education or career, other forms of recognition can be equally, if not more, valuable. For instance, an internship at a top firm, a scholarship, or even just the mentorship of an industry leader can have a more lasting impact on a person’s life than a one-time payment. In creative fields, the exposure and the chance to have one’s work exhibited are often the most sought-after rewards. Ultimately, the ‘prize’ should align with the goals of the competition—if the aim is to foster growth, then opportunities and professional development should take precedence over simple financial gain.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Too Vague: Don’t just say “I want to win a sports competition.” Be specific about the name of the event, the location, and the specific category.
• Ignoring the ‘Prepare’ Bullet Point: Many students forget to explain how they would prepare. This is a great chance to use “if” clauses and future tenses.
• Sounding Like a Robot: Avoid memorizing a script. If you sound like you are reading from a book, your score for Lexical Resource and Pronunciation will drop. Keep it conversational.
• Repetitive Vocabulary: Try not to use the word “competition” in every sentence. Use synonyms like “contest,” “tournament,” “event,” or “challenge.”
• Lack of Emotion: The examiner wants to know why you care. If you don’t sound enthusiastic about the competition, your answer will feel flat.
• Focusing Only on Winning: A Band 9 answer often focuses on the journey or the learning experience rather than just the trophy.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Record and Review: Record yourself speaking for two minutes on this topic. Listen back and check if you covered all four bullet points.
• Mind Mapping: Create a mind map of three different competitions (e.g., a sport, a hobby, and a professional one). This ensures you have a backup plan if one topic feels too difficult.
• Vocabulary Building: Practice using at least three of the idioms from the table above in a natural sentence.
• Timed Practice: Use a timer to ensure you can speak for the full two minutes without running out of things to say. If you finish early, expand on the “why” section.
• Peer Feedback: Practice with a partner and ask them to check your IELTS Speaking: Behaviour & Patience to ensure you are maintaining good eye contact and a friendly tone.

Mastering the “describe a competition you would like to take part in” cue card is about more than just knowing the words; it’s about demonstrating your ability to speak naturally and confidently about your goals. For more practice on current topics, visit our Speaking Topics Jan–Apr 2026 page and keep honing your skills. Consistent practice is the key to achieving your target band score!