IELTS Speaking
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card
Part 2 gives you a cue card and one minute to prepare, then you speak alone for up to two minutes. The secret is using the bullet points as a ready-made structure.
Use the one-minute prep well
- Read the card and note one or two keywords next to each bullet point.
- Decide your "story" quickly — a real or invented example is fine.
- Plan the ending so you do not stop abruptly.
Structure your long turn
The cue card gives you four prompts (who/what/when/why or similar). Spend roughly 20–30 seconds on each, and add extra detail, feelings and reasons to fill the full two minutes. Finish with a concluding sentence about why it mattered to you.
A skill I’ve always wanted to learn is playing the guitar. I’d choose it because music has been part of my life since childhood — my father plays beautifully and I grew up listening to him. I would probably learn through online lessons and daily practice, starting with basic chords. It would take real patience, but being able to play my favourite songs and perform for friends would be incredibly rewarding, which is exactly why it appeals to me so much.If you run out of things to say, add examples, feelings or comparisons ("It reminds me of…", "Unlike…"). It is better to keep talking than to finish early.
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Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I stop before 2 minutes in Part 2?+
The examiner may ask a short follow-up, but stopping early can limit your fluency score. Practise extending with details so you can fill the time comfortably.
Can I make up the story in Part 2?+
Yes. The examiner is testing your English, not fact-checking you, so invented but believable details are perfectly acceptable.