Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 2: Tips and Sample Cue Cards

Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 2: Tips and Sample Cue Cards

The IELTS Speaking Part 2, also known as the "long turn," is where you’ll be asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic. The examiner provides you with a cue card containing a topic and several bullet points to guide your answer. You’ll have 1 minute to prepare before delivering your response.

This part of the test can be intimidating because you're expected to speak continuously for an extended time without interruptions. However, with the right strategies and practice, you can excel.

Understanding IELTS Speaking Part 2

• Duration: 3-4 minutes (including 1-minute preparation and 1-2 minutes of speaking)

• Topic: Personal experiences, events, or opinions

• Key Focus: Fluency, coherence, vocabulary range, and grammar accuracy

• Preparation Time: 1 minute (use this time wisely to plan your answer)

How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 2

1. Understand the Cue Card:
   You will receive a cue card with a topic and bullet points to help structure your talk. The topic usually asks about personal experiences or preferences. Make sure to address all parts of the card, but don't worry if you can't cover every detail.

2. Structure Your Answer:
   A well-structured answer flows smoothly. Try to organize your thoughts as follows:

   • Introduction: A brief introduction to the topic

   • Body: Expand on the bullet points, explaining in detail

   • Conclusion: A wrap-up statement or reflection on the topic

3. Use Your Preparation Time Effectively:
   In the 1-minute preparation, quickly jot down ideas or keywords that relate to the cue card. Don't write full sentences—just focus on key points to help you stay on track when speaking.

4. Speak Naturally and Fluently:
   Even though this is a monologue, try to keep your tone conversational. Don’t rush—speak at a natural pace, and if you forget something, stay calm and continue with what you remember.

5. Expand on Ideas:
   When answering, don’t limit yourself to just the bullet points on the cue card. Add details, examples, and personal reflections to make your answer more engaging. This will also help you speak for the full 2 minutes.

Common IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards and Sample Answers

Below are examples of typical cue cards along with guidance on how to answer them.

Cue Card 1: Describe a memorable holiday you have had.

• You should say:

  • Where you went

  • Who you went with

  • What you did

  • And explain why it was memorable.

Sample Answer:
"I’d like to talk about a holiday I had last summer in Italy. I went to Rome with two of my closest friends. We had been planning the trip for months, so we were really excited. During our stay, we visited all the famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican. But what made it truly memorable was the food. Every meal was a culinary adventure—fresh pasta, delicious gelato, and authentic Italian pizza. The atmosphere in Rome, with its historical sites and lively streets, made me feel like I was stepping back in time. This trip was unforgettable because of the rich history and the amazing experiences we shared together."

Cue Card 2: Describe a time when you helped someone.

• You should say:

  • Who you helped

  • What you did

  • Why you helped them

  • And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Answer:
"I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my younger brother prepare for his exams. He was struggling with math, a subject that I’m quite good at, so I offered to tutor him. We spent a few hours every evening going through his textbooks, practicing problems, and explaining concepts in simpler terms. I helped him because I knew how stressed he was, and I wanted to support him. When he passed his exams with good marks, I felt incredibly proud. It was rewarding to see my efforts pay off and to know that I had made a difference in his life."

Cue Card 3: Describe your favorite book.

• You should say:

  • What the book is

  • What it is about

  • When you read it

  • And explain why it is your favorite.

Sample Answer:
"My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It’s a classic novel set in the early 19th century, and it follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a strong and independent young woman, as she navigates issues of love, social class, and family expectations. I first read it in high school, and I’ve reread it several times since. What I love about this book is how relatable the characters feel despite the historical setting. Elizabeth’s wit and courage inspire me, and the romantic storyline is timeless. I also appreciate the social commentary woven into the novel, which makes it more than just a love story."

Cue Card 4: Describe a skill you would like to learn.

• You should say:

  • What it is

  • Why you want to learn it

  • How you would learn it

  • And explain how it would help you.

Sample Answer:
"A skill I would love to learn is cooking. I’ve always admired people who can whip up a delicious meal from scratch. I want to learn this skill because I believe cooking is not only practical but also a great way to bring people together. If I had the time, I’d take cooking classes or learn from YouTube tutorials, starting with basic dishes and gradually working up to more complicated recipes. Learning to cook would help me become more self-sufficient, save money, and also be able to host dinner parties for my friends and family. Plus, I think it would be a fun and creative way to relax."

Top Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 2

• Keep Speaking for the Full 2 Minutes:
  It’s important to continue speaking until the examiner asks you to stop. If you finish too early, add more details or examples to fill the time.

• Don’t Worry About Perfection:
  Don’t be afraid of making small mistakes in grammar or vocabulary. What’s more important is your fluency and ability to keep talking.

• Use Connectors:
  Transition smoothly between ideas using connectors such as "First of all," "Moreover," "In addition," and "For example." This helps make your answer more coherent.

• Add Personal Reflections:
  When possible, include how you felt about the experience. This makes your response more personal and adds depth to your answer.

• Practice With a Timer:
  Time yourself while practicing Part 2 questions. This helps you get used to the 1-minute preparation and 2-minute speaking structure.

Conclusion

IELTS Speaking Part 2 is your chance to showcase your fluency and ability to speak at length on a given topic. By preparing and practicing a variety of cue cards, structuring your answers effectively, and using your preparation time wisely, you can handle this section confidently. Remember, the more you practice, the more natural and engaging your responses will become.

Good luck with your IELTS Speaking preparation!