IELTS Speaking Part 2: Practice Questions for 2024
In the 2024 IELTS Speaking test, Part 2 is designed to assess your ability to speak at length on a specific topic. In this section, you'll be given a cue card with a topic, and you will need to speak for up to two minutes after one minute of preparation time. This part of the test evaluates your fluency, coherence, and ability to expand on ideas while staying relevant to the topic.
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In this article, we’ll explore some of the key themes and practice topics for IELTS Speaking Part 2 in 2024. These topics will help you prepare effectively and build confidence for the exam.
1. Describing a Person
One common type of question in IELTS Speaking Part 2 is to describe a person. The examiner may ask you to speak about someone you admire, a friend, or a family member.
Sample Topics:
Describe a person who has inspired you.
Talk about a friend who helped you at a difficult time.
Describe a family member you are close to.
Describe a teacher who made a big impact on your education.
Key Points to Cover:
Who the person is.
What they do or did.
How you know them.
Why they inspire or are important to you.
2. Describing a Place
Another common theme is describing a place, whether it's a city you have visited, your hometown, or a place you hope to visit in the future.
Sample Topics:
Describe a place you have visited recently.
Talk about your favorite place to relax.
Describe a city you would like to visit in the future.
Talk about a place that has special significance to you.
Key Points to Cover:
Where the place is located.
What it looks like or what you can do there.
How you feel when you are there.
Why it is important or memorable to you.
3. Describing an Event
You may also be asked to describe an event or experience that left an impression on you, such as a celebration, a cultural event, or a personal milestone.
Sample Topics:
Describe a celebration or event that you attended recently.
Talk about an important decision you made.
Describe a sporting event you watched or participated in.
Talk about a memorable holiday or vacation you took.
Key Points to Cover:
What the event was.
When and where it took place.
Who was involved.
Why it was significant to you.
4. Describing an Object
Describing objects is another possible topic. You may need to talk about something you own or something that holds sentimental value for you.
Sample Topics:
Describe a piece of technology you use often.
Talk about a gift you received that was meaningful to you.
Describe a book or movie that had a big impact on you.
Talk about a special object that you’ve kept for many years.
Key Points to Cover:
What the object is.
How you obtained it.
What it looks like or how it works.
Why it is special to you.
5. Describing an Activity
IELTS Part 2 often includes questions about hobbies, sports, or activities you enjoy. You will be asked to describe how you engage in these activities and why they are important to you.
Sample Topics:
Describe a hobby you enjoy in your free time.
Talk about a sport you like to play or watch.
Describe a new skill you learned recently.
Talk about an activity you enjoy doing with friends or family.
Key Points to Cover:
What the activity is.
How often you do it.
Who you do it with (if applicable).
Why you enjoy it.
6. Describing a Cultural Experience
You may also be asked to describe a cultural experience, such as a festival, tradition, or custom that you have experienced or would like to experience.
Sample Topics:
Describe a festival in your country.
Talk about a cultural tradition you follow.
Describe an international event you would like to attend.
Talk about a memorable experience related to your culture.
Key Points to Cover:
What the cultural experience is.
When and where it takes place.
How you participated or experienced it.
Why it was meaningful to you.
7. Describing a Challenge
Another potential topic is describing a challenge you faced and how you dealt with it. This allows you to demonstrate your ability to reflect on past experiences and express personal growth.
Sample Topics:
Describe a time when you overcame a difficult situation.
Talk about a challenge you faced in your studies or work.
Describe a difficult decision you had to make.
Talk about a time you helped someone with a problem.
Key Points to Cover:
What the challenge was.
How you dealt with it.
What the outcome was.
What you learned from the experience.
8. Describing a Future Plan
In some cases, you may be asked to talk about your future plans, such as your career, education, or travel goals. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your aspirations and how you plan to achieve them.
Sample Topics:
Describe your plans for the future.
Talk about a place you want to visit in the future.
Describe your future career goals.
Talk about something new you want to learn.
Key Points to Cover:
What your plan is.
Why you want to achieve it.
How you intend to accomplish it.
Why it’s important to you.
Conclusion
Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test is your chance to showcase your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given topic. By practicing these key themes and becoming comfortable with the structure of your response, you can approach this part of the test with confidence. Remember to stay focused on the cue card points, speak clearly, and expand on your answers with relevant details. This will help you demonstrate your communication skills and perform well in this section of the exam.
Next steps?
To receive personalized feedback and further guidance, don’t forget to book a free 30-minute IELTS consultation by contacting me at info@lovetolearnenglish.com
In Part 1 of the IELTS Writing test, you may be asked to describe a process. While process questions are less common than charts or graphs, they do appear occasionally. Fortunately, process questions are generally easier to answer, though many people overlook preparing for them. This is a missed opportunity, as it doesn’t take long to become familiar with these types of questions and learn how to respond effectively.