# Describe a time you saw a beautiful sky: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Nature

Describe a time when you saw a beautiful sky.

You should say:
- when and where you saw it
- who you were with
- what the sky looked like
- and explain why you think it was beautiful

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

I'd like to talk about a sunset I saw last summer at a beach near my city. It was in August, on a Saturday evening, and I was there with my cousin and two of her friends.

Actually, the day started quite badly. We planned to spend the whole afternoon at the beach, but when we arrived there was a big storm, with heavy rain and strong wind, so we had to wait in a small café during nearly two hours. We were quite disappointed, and we almost decided to go home. But at about seven o'clock the rain suddenly stopped, and the clouds started to break up.

Then the sky did something amazing. The sun came out just above the sea, and because there were still a lot of clouds, the light reflected on them in all kinds of colours, orange, pink, purple and even a bit of red. The sea was also reflecting the sky, so it looked like the whole world was on fire. There was also a rainbow on the other side, over the hills, which made it even more special. Everyone on the beach stopped what they were doing and took photos, and some people were clapping.

I think it was beautiful for a few reasons. First, the colours were so strong and changed every minute, so it was like watching a show. Second, it was a big contrast with the dark, stormy afternoon, so it felt like a reward for waiting. And also, it was a moment that everyone shared, even strangers. The photos on my phone don't really show how beautiful it was, but I still remember it very clear.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer tells a clear story with a satisfying contrast between the storm and the sunset, and the description of colours and the rainbow is vivid. Vocabulary such as "break up", "reflected" and "on fire" is used effectively. The reasons are listed with "First ... Second ... And also", "also" comes up three times in quick succession, and there are typical errors: "during nearly two hours" (rather than "for nearly two hours") and "remember it very clear" (rather than the adverb "clearly"). For Band 8, the speaker would use more precise descriptive vocabulary and develop the reasons with more nuance.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-a-beautiful-sky).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.