IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Work & study
Describe a project or group assignment you worked on
Describe a project or group assignment you worked on
You should say:
- what the project was about
- who you worked with on it
- what tasks you were responsible for
and explain how you felt about the final outcome of the project.
How to plan your answer
Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.
- 1
what the project was about
University marketing assignment designing a promotional campaign for a local community garden.
- 2
who you worked with on it
Collaborated with three university classmates who had complementary skills in design and writing.
- 3
what tasks you were responsible for
Responsible for conducting market research, analyzing feedback, and presenting the final strategy.
- 4
and explain how you felt about the final outcome of the project.
Felt immensely proud because we earned high marks and made a practical impact.
Sample answer
about 223 words · 2 minutesI'd like to talk about a major group project I completed during my final year at university. The assignment was for a marketing module, and our goal was to design a comprehensive promotional campaign for a local non-profit community garden that was struggling to attract volunteers. There were four of us on the team. I worked alongside three of my classmates, each bringing different skills to the table. One was fantastic at graphic design, another was great at writing copy, and our group leader was brilliant at keeping us all organized and on schedule. As for my responsibilities, I took charge of the primary research stage. I designed online surveys and conducted face-to-face interviews with local residents to understand why they were not visiting the garden. After gathering the data, I analyzed the findings and created visual charts, which formed the foundation of our strategy. In the final phase, I was also tasked with assembling the presentation slides and delivering the opening pitch. Looking back, I felt immensely proud and satisfied with the final outcome. Not only did we receive a top mark for our course, but the garden directors actually implemented several of our suggestions, which led to a noticeable boost in community involvement. It was a hugely rewarding experience because seeing our theoretical knowledge make a real-world difference was incredibly fulfilling.
A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.
Useful phrases
bringing skills to the table
Every new team member brings unique skills to the table.
keeping us on schedule
The project manager did a great job of keeping us on schedule.
took charge of
She took charge of organizing the entire conference.
formed the foundation of
Thorough research formed the foundation of their business plan.
make a real-world difference
Many young graduates want careers that make a real-world difference.
Common mistakes
I was responsible to collect data.
I was responsible for collecting data.
Use 'responsible for' followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
We discussed about the assignment.
We discussed the assignment.
'Discuss' is a transitive verb, so do not use 'about' after it.
I and my friends worked together.
My friends and I worked together.
Polite natural English places other people before 'I' in compound subjects.
Tips for a higher band
- Use natural signposting phrases like 'As for my responsibilities' to transition smoothly between cue card points.
- Demonstrate advanced grammar structures, such as inverted sentences like 'Not only did we receive...', to boost your score.
- Vary your vocabulary when describing feelings, replacing overused words like 'happy' with 'immensely proud' or 'hugely rewarding'.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.
- What qualities do you think make someone a good leader in a group project?
- Do you think working in teams is more effective than working individually?
- How might technology change the way people collaborate on projects in the future?
Now try this cue card
1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.
Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.