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The cue card section or the IELTS Speaking  2 is the most important and challenging section of the speaking test. When presented with an IELTS cue card in the Speaking test, follow these essential steps to structure a confident and well- organized response:

  • Take a few seconds to understand the topic, instructions, and guiding questions.
  • Stay calm and focused. Use the one-minute preparation time wisely to organize your ideas and outline key points.
  • Once the examiner signals you to begin, speak naturally and fluently without noticeable effort, covering all bullets given with the topic.
  • Showcase your language skills by using a range of topic specific vocabulary and accurate grammar.
  • Be descriptive: Show your language proficiency by adding detail and elaborating on your responses, rather than giving simple yes/no answers.
  • Use examples: Whenever possible, add personal experiences or specific examples to support your answers. This makes your response more interesting and relevant.
  • Ensure your response lasts 1-2 minutes so talk at length about the topic, maintaining a steady pace without rushing or pausing too much.Learn how word counting in IELTS and timing works to avoid being cut off.

Exam practice strategies for IELTS Cue Card

  1. Don’t memorize answers as it might sound unnatural. Focus on speaking naturally, even if it means giving a less polished answer.
  2. Practice with a stop watch. Get used to speaking for up to 2 minutes. Don’t worry, the examiner will stop you when you get to around 2 minutes.
  3. Record yourself speaking for up to 2 minutes. You can then listen back and spot any weaknesses.

Exam practice strategies for IELTS Cue Card

  1. Don’t memorize answers as it might sound unnatural. Focus on speaking naturally, even if it means giving a less polished answer.
  2. Practice with a stop watch. Get used to speaking for up to 2 minutes. Don’t worry, the examiner will stop you when you get to around 2 minutes.
  3. Record yourself speaking for up to 2 minutes. You can then listen back anspot any weaknesses. 

1. Describe a house or apartment you want to live in.You should say:

  • What it would look like?
  • Where it would be located?
  • What facilities this would have?

Explain why you want to live there.

2. Describe a time you spent a lot of money on something.

  • You should say:
  • What you bought?
  • When you bought it?
  • Where you bought it?

Explain why you spent a lot of money to buy it.

3. Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future.

  • You should say:
  • What sport it is?
  • When and where would you do it?
  • What preparations and equipment you would need?

Explain why you would like to try this sport.

4. Describe a shop near where you live that you sometimes go to.

  • You should say:
  • Where it is located?
  • What items does it sell?
  • How often you go there?

Explain why you go there.

5. Describe an indoor game that you liked to play when you were a child.

You should say:

  • What is it?
  • With whom did you play?
  • How often you played it?
  • How did you feel about it?

6. Describe something you couldn’t afford before but have recently bought it.

You should say:

  • What the thing is?
  • Why have you wanted it?
  • How did you manage to buy it?
  • Are you satisfied with it?

7. Describe a piece of clothing that someone bought for you.

You should say:

  • What it was?
  • Who bought it for you?
  • Why s/he bought it for you?

Explain how you felt about learning this good news.

8. Describe a place where you read and write.

  • You should say:
  • Where it Is?
  • How often you go there?
  • Who you go there with?

Explain how you feel about It.

9. Describe a beautiful place to visit in your country.

You should say:

  • Where it is?
  • How to get there?
  • What there is to do?
  • When you are there?

Explain why you recommend this place.

10. Describe a time you visited a place with friends.

You should say:

  • Where you went?
  • What you did there?
  • Who you were with?

Explain why it was a memorable experience.

Want help preparing for these topics? Read our IELTS cue card sample answers for detailed guidance and vocabulary ideas.