IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card Strategy and Sample Topics

Part 2 is the most feared section of the IELTS Speaking test. You receive a topic card, get 1 minute to prepare, then must speak for 1-2 minutes without interruption. Here's how to handle it confidently.

How Part 2 Works

1. The examiner gives you a cue card with a topic and 3-4 bullet points
2. You get a pencil and paper for notes
3. You have exactly 1 minute to prepare
4. You must speak for 1-2 minutes (the examiner will stop you at 2 minutes)
5. The examiner may ask 1-2 short follow-up questions

How to Use Your 1-Minute Preparation

Don't try to write full sentences. Instead:

• First 10 seconds: Read the cue card carefully. Decide on your topic (if it says "describe a person" — pick someone specific immediately)
• Next 40 seconds: Write 1-2 keywords for each bullet point
• Last 10 seconds: Think of your opening sentence

Example Prep Notes

Cue card: "Describe a skill you learned as a child."

Notes: swimming / age 7 / dad taught / lake near house / scared at first / useful now / confidence

That's enough to fuel 2 minutes of speaking.

Structure Your 2-Minute Talk

Follow the bullet points on the cue card as your structure. Spend roughly equal time on each:

• Opening (10 sec): "I'd like to talk about..." or "The skill I want to describe is..."
• Bullet 1 (30 sec): What/Who/When
• Bullet 2 (30 sec): How/Where/Details
• Bullet 3 (30 sec): Why/Feelings/Impact
• Closing (20 sec): "So overall..." or "Looking back..."

10 Common Cue Card Topics (2024-2025)

1. Describe a person who inspires you
2. Describe a book or movie that influenced you
3. Describe a place you'd like to visit
4. Describe a time you helped someone
5. Describe a skill you want to learn
6. Describe an important decision you made
7. Describe a memorable trip or journey
8. Describe a change in your life
9. Describe something you own that is important to you
10. Describe an event that made you happy

What If You Run Out of Things to Say?

This is normal. Use these strategies:

• Add feelings: "At the time, I felt quite nervous about it, but looking back..."
• Compare: "Compared to now, back then I was much less experienced..."
• Speculate: "If I had to do it again, I think I would..."
• Add consequences: "Because of this experience, I started to..."

Part 2 Mistakes to Avoid

• Not using prep time — Always make notes, even brief ones
• Stopping after 30 seconds — You must aim for at least 1.5 minutes
• Reading your notes aloud — Notes are keywords, not a script
• Choosing a boring topic — If the card says "describe a person", pick someone you have stories about
• Ignoring the bullet points — They are your free structure. Use them.