A few months ago, I decided to have my vintage wristwatch, a family heirloom, professionally serviced at a boutique horology shop called Timekeepers in the heart of London. It had been gathering dust in a drawer for years, and I wanted it restored to its former glory. I visited the shop on a rainy Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by my younger brother, who shares my appreciation for mechanical intricacies. The shop itself was a narrow, dimly lit space, smelling faintly of machine oil and polished mahogany, which instantly gave it a sense of old-world charm. We were greeted by an elderly technician named Arthur, who peered at the watch through a jeweler’s loupe with an air of absolute concentration. He explained that the movement was sluggish due to dried lubricant, but assured me it was entirely salvageable. I left the watch with him for a fortnight, feeling both hopeful and slightly apprehensive about whether he could truly revive such a delicate piece. When I returned to collect it, the transformation was remarkable. The ticking was crisp and rhythmic, and the glass face was pristine, free from the scratches that had marred it for decades. I feel genuinely delighted with the service because Arthur didn’t just fix the mechanism; he preserved the history of the object. The attention to detail was exceptional, and it reminded me that in our world of disposable technology, there is still immense value in expert craftsmanship. Seeing the watch back on my wrist, functioning perfectly, gave me a profound sense of connection to my grandfather, making the experience deeply rewarding.
The cue card
Describe a service from a company or shop.
You should say:
- →What the service was?
- →When and where you received the service?
- →Whom you were with?
- →Explain how you feel about it.
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
An experience
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Choose a service that allows you to describe a specific place or person vividly.
- 2
Use your one-minute prep to brainstorm sensory details like sounds, smells, or physical sensations.
- 3
Follow the bullet points as a logical narrative arc to ensure you cover everything.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.
Say it and get a band free →8 words
Useful vocabulary for this cue card
horology
The study and science of measuring time.
heirloom
A valuable object passed down through generations.
intricacies
The complex or detailed parts of something.
jeweler’s loupe
A small magnifying glass used by jewelers.
salvageable
Something that can be saved from damage.
fortnight
A period of two weeks.
pristine
In its original or perfectly clean condition.
craftsmanship
Skill in making things by hand well.
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1What kind of service-related businesses are popular in your area?
- 2What changes have you noted in the way services are delivered now compared to the past?
- 3What role does the service industry play in the development of a community?
- 4Do you think the service industry will grow in the future?
- 5What kind of TV shows are most popular amongst the youth of your country?
- 6What changes have you noted in modern TV shows compared to the past days?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a service from a company or shop."?+
Choose a service that allows you to describe a specific place or person vividly.
How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+
You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
How is the cue card scored?+
Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.
Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.
Keep practising
More cue cards: an experience
- Describe a bad service you received in a restaurant/shop
- Describe a colourful cultural parade you saw
- Describe a community sports event you joined
- Describe a course or training you completed that helped you
- Describe a creative workshop you attended
- Describe a day trip to an historic monument
- All 705 IELTS cue cards 2026
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- IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions and answers
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- IELTS speaking predictions
- IELTS pronunciation practice
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