IELTS Speaking Band 8 Sample Answers

Want to know what makes a Band 8 IELTS Speaking response stand out? 

In this guide, we’ll list some sample questions from the IELTS Speaking Part 3. Then, we’ll feature a band 8 test taker’s answers. We’ll list down the best practices she did in terms of the different criteria in IELTS Speaking. 

From flawless pronunciation to smooth fluency, effective vocabulary, and accurate grammar, you’ll get an inside look at what works.

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Below, you’ll find an excerpt from an IELTS Speaking band 8 test taker’s sample answer. If you want to listen to her full response, you can find the video link here:

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Question: The work-leisure balance in Germany is a little bit out of balance. Can you tell me more about that?

Answer: Yeah, I mean the regular working hours would be eight to nine hours a day, but nowadays, competition is quite big because of unemployment, so everybody’s really putting a lot of overtime into their work. And leisure time, of course, is getting less and less.

A band 8 speaker demonstrates the following capabilities in terms of fluency and coherence: 

• Fluent delivery, minimal hesitation - Speaks fluently with minimal hesitation and develops topics at length without needing prompts.

• Effortless idea expansion - Extends ideas naturally and in detail, without struggling to elaborate.

• Use of linking words - Uses a wide range of linking devices (but, nowadays, because) to connect ideas smoothly.

• Logical progression of ideas - She begins by explaining the typical working hours, then introduces the issue of increased competition and overtime, and finally connects this to the decline in leisure time, creating a clear cause-and-effect flow that supports her main point.

Can you try this? Practise your fluency and coherence 

Now, it’s time to give it a try. Practice answering any prompt from our IELTS Speaking practice tests.

• Access our IELTS Speaking practice tests

Then, record your answer. Try to check if:

• You speak fluently - Your ideas flow smoothly with only occasional repetition or self-correction.

• Any hesitation you have is mainly to find ideas, not because you’re unsure what to say.

• Your ideas are developed clearly, appropriately, and stay relevant to the topic.

Ask yourself: Did I answer the question directly? Did I stay on topic throughout my response? Did I explain my point with examples, reasons, or details? A well-developed answer often starts with a clear main idea and is supported by explanations or experiences that make the message easy to follow.

Below, you’ll find an excerpt from an IELTS Speaking band 8 test taker’s sample answer. If you want to listen to her full response, you can find the video link here:

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Question: Why do you think these hobbies are so popular?

Answer: Because I think you need balance in life. Uh the working life is quite hard, and nowadays in Germany, with..the economic situation, everybody needs an anchor point or a balance to their struggle during their working hours. 

A band 8 speaker demonstrates the following capabilities in terms of fluency and coherence: 

• Uses less common and idiomatic vocabulary naturally

She uses expressions like anchor point to describe emotional balance. These less common phrases help her express ideas more precisely—something that sets her apart from a Band 7 speaker who might struggle with phrasing or accuracy.

• Shows strong awareness of word combinations (collocations)

Her use of both simple and more advanced word pairings is mostly accurate. Even when phrases are slightly off (e.g. have a good influence in), most of her combinations sound natural and appropriate for the context.

• Paraphrases ideas clearly and effectively While she repeats a few words, she also finds different ways to express similar ideas (e.g. relaxed and casual), showing that she can rephrase when needed without losing meaning.

Can you try this? Practise your vocabulary

Now, it’s time to give it a try. Practice answering any prompt from our IELTS Speaking practice tests. 

• Access our IELTS Speaking practice tests

Then, record your answer. Try to check if:

• You used a wide range of vocabulary naturally and appropriately across different topics.

• You included less common or idiomatic expressions where suitable (e.g. anchor point, on the same wavelength, a breath of fresh air).

• Your word choices helped you express your ideas clearly and precisely.

• You avoided repeating the same words too often by paraphrasing effectively.

• Most of your word combinations (collocations) sounded natural and accurate

Below, you’ll find an excerpt from an IELTS Speaking band 8 test taker’s sample response. If you want to listen to her full response, you can find the video link here:

| video

Question: What do you think are the social benefits of having a hobby?

Answer: Well, it’s depending on what your hobby is. If you would…for example, do a hobby where you don’t meet anybody, if you’re hiking or climbing alone, there’s not a big social..factor in that I would say. But, if you do…in a community, like for example, soccer or rugby, or what whatever, then you in a way share time with people.

A band 8 speaker demonstrates the following capabilities in terms of fluency and coherence: 

• Uses a wide range of sentence structures naturally

Her answers are full of longer, more complex sentences. She barely uses short, simple ones, and that helps her sound more advanced. She also uses connectors and compound phrases to extend her ideas smoothly.

• Only makes occasional, minor grammar mistakes

Most of her grammar is accurate. When she does make mistakes (like misusing “would” or a verb tense), they’re not major. They don’t confuse the listener or affect her meaning.

Can you try this? Practise your grammar 

Now, it’s time to give it a try. Practice answering sample questionsany prompt from our IELTS Speaking practice tests. 

• Access our IELTS Speaking practice tests

Then, record your answer. Try to check if:

• You use a wide range of sentence structures—both simple and complex.

• Most of your sentences are error-free, and your ideas are easy to follow.

• You occasionally make minor mistakes, but they don’t affect the overall meaning or clarity of your answer.

• Any errors that occur are not systematic (meaning they don’t keep happening in the same way).

For this part, you can watch the video of how a Band 8 scorer answers the same question. Take note of how clear she pronounces each word, and her intonation as she speaks.

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A band 8 speaker demonstrates the following capabilities in terms of pronunciation:

• Produces English sounds clearly

The speaker has minimal influence from her first language. Occasional lapses don’t affect clarity, and her speech is easy to understand.

• Minimal repetition or self-correction

She uses emphasis naturally and keeps a smooth flow with few pauses, helping her speech sound more natural.

• Uses intonation effectively

Her speech has clear rising and falling intonation, which helps emphasise points and guide the listener through her response.

Can you try this? Practise your pronunciation

Now, it’s time to give it a try. Practice answering any prompt from our IELTS Speaking practice tests. 

• Access our IELTS Speaking practice tests

Then, record your answer. Try to check if:

• You use a wide range of phonological features (like stress and intonation) to express your meaning clearly.

• You maintain a steady rhythm throughout your responses.

• You vary your stress and intonation in longer sentences to keep the listener engaged.

• Your speech is clear and easily understood, even with occasional lapses.

While self-study is a great place to start, it’s not always enough.

Maybe you're unsure why you're stuck at your current band. Maybe you keep making the same mistakes, but don’t realise it.

That’s where having a coach can make all the difference.

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Within 3–5 days, you’ll get a personalised report. It highlights what you’re doing well, what’s holding you back, and exactly what to work on.

So if you’re aiming for Band 8, or just an extra boost to get your desired score, this could be the step that gets you there!

Get expert guidance and improve your IELTS Speaking score. Book your IELTS Speaking Coaching session now.

By practising clear responses, expanding your ideas, and refining your delivery, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that Band 8 score.

But remember, like all skills, speaking takes consistent practice.

In our IELTS Prepare, you’ll find free IELTS Speaking practice tests, expert-led video tips, and comprehensive guides to help you improve your speaking abilities. With these resources, you can practice speaking on a variety of topics and improve your performance.

Ready to take the next step? Start practising today!