IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics & Questions with Sample Answers (Cue Cards)

Looking for IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics and questions with sample answers? On this page you will find the most common IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics, each with a real-style cue card and a band 7+ sample answer.

Use the answers for ideas and vocabulary, not to learn by heart: examiners notice memorised answers. For more cue cards on a topic, follow the link under each sample to the topic’s own page, where you will also find vocabulary and Part 1 and Part 3 questions.

How to answer these cue cards

You get 1 minute to make notes, then speak for up to 2 minutes. Cover every point on the card in order, add a short story or example, and finish with the “explain” part. For the full step-by-step method, timing and a scored sample answer, see our IELTS Speaking Part 2 guide.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics

Part 2 topic: Travel

Describe a place you have visited that you would like to go back to.

You should say:

where the place is
what you did there
why you enjoyed it

and explain why you would like to go back there.

Sample Answer:

The place I would like to go back to is Bali, Indonesia. During my stay there, I visited a lot of beautiful beaches, tried surfing, and also went trekking to explore the island’s lush greenery.

What I enjoyed the most was the laid-back lifestyle and the warm hospitality of the locals. They were always eager to share their culture and traditions with me.

The reason why I wish to return to Bali is because of the unforgettable experiences I had during my stay, coupled with the desire to explore more of the island’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

Part 2 topic: Sport

Describe a sports event you enjoyed watching.

You should say:

what event you watched
where you were
who you watched it with

and explain why you enjoyed watching it.

Sample Answer:

Last week, I watched a tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. I was at my friend’s house, and we watched it together.

The match was incredible because both players are so talented and it was hard to know who would win. I enjoyed watching the match because of the high level of play and the competitive spirit of both players.

It was also great to watch it with my friend and discuss the different tactics and strategies used by both players. Overall, it was a really fun and engaging experience.

Part 2 topic: Hobbies and leisure

Describe a hobby or activity you enjoy doing in your free time.

You should say:

what the hobby or activity is
how often you do it
why you enjoy it

and explain how it benefits you.

Sample Answer:

I enjoy hiking in my free time. I usually try to go at least once a month, but sometimes I’ll go more often if I have a free weekend.

I enjoy hiking because it’s a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. It’s also a good workout, and I like the feeling of accomplishment I get from reaching the top of a mountain or finishing a long hike.

Hiking also benefits me by reducing my stress levels and helping me clear my mind. Being out in nature is a great way to disconnect from technology and focus on the present moment.

More hobbies and leisure cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Food and cooking

Describe a traditional dish from your country.

You should say:

what the dish is
how it is made
when people eat it

and explain why it is important in your country.

Sample Answer:

A traditional dish from my country that I love is a hearty potato and meat stew. It is a simple, rustic dish that has been made in farmhouses for generations.

To make it, you slowly cook pieces of pork or beef with potatoes, carrots, onions and a few bay leaves for several hours, until the meat is so tender that it falls apart. Every family has its own recipe, and my grandmother always adds a spoonful of sour cream at the end.

People mostly eat it in winter, especially at family gatherings. I think it is important because it reminds people of their roots and of home. It is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone around one table.

More food and cooking cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Shopping

Describe something you bought recently that you are happy with.

You should say:

what you bought
where you bought it
how much it cost

and explain why you are happy with it.

Sample Answer:

Something I bought recently and I’m really happy with is a second-hand bicycle. I found it on an online marketplace about two months ago and picked it up from the seller, who lived just across town.

It cost me about a third of the price of a new one, and apart from a few scratches, it was in excellent condition. I only had to replace the tyres.

I’m happy with it because it has completely changed my daily routine. Instead of sitting in traffic on the bus, I now cycle to work, which takes the same time but keeps me fit. I also like the fact that I gave something a second life instead of buying new.

More shopping cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Books

Describe a book you would recommend to others.

You should say:

what the book is
what it is about
who you would recommend it to

and explain why you would recommend it.

Sample Answer:

A book I would recommend to almost anyone is “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari. It is a non-fiction book that tells the history of humankind, from the first humans to the present day.

What makes it special is that it explains huge ideas, such as the invention of money, religion and empires, in a simple and often funny way. It made me look at everyday things differently.

I would recommend it especially to people who think history is boring. It reads like a story rather than a textbook, and it is full of surprising facts that you will want to share with your friends.

Part 2 topic: Movies

Discuss a movie that had a significant impact on you.

You should say:

what the movie is about
how the movie made you feel
how it made you see the world differently

and explain why you think this movie had such an impact on you.

Sample Answer:

The film that had a significant impact on me is “Before the Flood”, a documentary about climate change. The film follows Leonardo DiCaprio as he travels around the world to learn more about the impacts of climate change and what we can do to stop it.

Watching the film made me feel scared and helpless, but also motivated to take action. It made me see the world differently by showing me the real-life consequences of climate change and how it affects people and animals all over the world.

I think this film had such an impact on me because it presented the issue of climate change in a clear and urgent way and made me realise that we all have a responsibility to take action to protect our planet.

Part 2 topic: Family

Describe a person in your family whom you admire.

You should say:

who the person is
why you admire them
how they have influenced or inspired you

and explain how your relationship with them has changed over time.

Sample Answer:

The person in my family whom I admire is my father. He has always been a hardworking and dedicated person who puts his family first.

I admire him for his work ethic and his ability to balance his professional and personal life. He has always been an inspiration to me in terms of his values and his approach to life.

Over time, my relationship with him has deepened as I have come to appreciate the sacrifices he has made for our family and the lessons he has taught me about the importance of family and community.

Sample Answer:

An advertisement I still remember is a TV commercial for a mobile phone network that I saw a few years ago.

It showed a grandmother in a small village learning to make video calls so that she could see her grandson, who was studying abroad. At first she held the phone upside down, which was very funny, but by the end she was proudly showing him her garden.

I remember it because it told a warm, human story instead of just listing prices and features. It made me smile, and it made the brand feel friendly and trustworthy. I think that is what good advertising should do.

More advertisement cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Birthday

Describe how you celebrated your last birthday.

You should say:

when it was
where you celebrated it
who you were with

and explain how you felt about it.

Sample Answer:

My last birthday was in March, and I decided to keep it simple this time. Instead of a big party, I invited four of my closest friends to my flat for dinner.

We cooked together, played board games and talked until well after midnight. My friends had also secretly baked a chocolate cake, which they brought out with candles while singing “Happy Birthday”.

I felt really happy and relaxed. In the past I used to worry about organising the perfect party, but this year I realised that what matters most is spending time with people you care about. It was one of my favourite birthdays.

More birthday cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Gift

Describe a gift you gave someone that made them happy.

You should say:

what the gift was
who you gave it to
why you chose it

and explain why it made them happy.

Sample Answer:

A gift that made someone very happy was a framed family photo I gave my parents for their wedding anniversary.

My siblings and I had not all been together for years, so at Christmas we secretly arranged a photo session with a professional photographer. Then I had the best picture printed and framed.

When they opened it, my mother cried and my father went quiet for a moment, which is very unusual for him. It made them happy because it was not just an object: it was a reminder that the family is still close, even though we live in different cities. It now has pride of place in their living room.

Part 2 topic: Education

Describe a skill you learnt outside of school that has helped you in your education.

You should say:

what skill it is and how you learnt it
why you decided to learn it
how it has helped you in your education

and explain how this skill could be useful for other students as well.

Sample Answer:

A skill I learnt outside of school that has helped me in my education is learning how to code. I learnt it by taking online courses and attending coding boot camps.

I decided to learn it because I wanted to understand how software worked and how I could create things on my own. This skill has helped me in my education by allowing me to automate tasks, analyse data, and create interactive projects.

It has also opened up opportunities for me to pursue a career in technology. This skill could be useful for other students as well because it develops problem-solving abilities and helps them understand how technology works, which is becoming increasingly important in today’s world.

More education cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Technology

Describe a device that you find useful.

You should say:

what the device is and how it works
when and where you got it
how you use it in your daily life

and explain how this device has improved your daily routine.

Sample Answer:

One of the most helpful devices I own is my fitness tracker. It is a small device that tracks my physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns. I got it as a gift last year and use it every day to monitor my fitness goals.

It helps me stay motivated, reminds me to move more, and tracks my progress. It provides me with insights into my sleep quality, which helps me adjust my sleep routine. It has improved my daily routine by making me more active and aware of my physical health.

It motivates me to push myself towards achieving my fitness goals. Overall, my fitness tracker is a great addition to my life that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to improve their fitness and health.

More technology cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Person

Describe a person you admire.

You should say:

who this person is
how you know about them
what they have done

and explain why you admire this person.

Sample Answer:

The person I would like to talk about is my former English teacher, Mrs Karimova. She taught me for three years at secondary school, and we still exchange messages from time to time.

What she did was simple but rare: she noticed every student. When I was struggling with grammar and too shy to ask questions, she stayed after class twice a week to help me, without being asked and without being paid for it. She also started an English club where we watched films and discussed them, which is where I first realised I actually enjoyed speaking English.

I admire her because she showed me that patience can change someone’s direction in life. Without her, I doubt I would be preparing for IELTS now. Whenever I explain something to a younger colleague, I try to be as patient as she was with me.

Part 2 topic: Place

Describe a quiet place you like to go to.

You should say:

where it is
how often you go there
what you do there

and explain why you like this place.

Sample Answer:

A quiet place I love going to is a small wooden pier at the end of a lake, about half an hour by bike from my home. Hardly anyone goes there, because it is at the end of a forest path that is easy to miss.

I go there two or three times a month, mostly in spring and summer. Usually I take a book and a flask of coffee, sit at the end of the pier and read for an hour or two. Sometimes I do not read at all; I just watch the birds on the water and listen to the wind in the trees.

I like it because it is the opposite of my working week. There are no screens, no traffic and no one asking me for anything. After an afternoon there I always feel calmer and more able to think clearly about whatever is on my mind.

Part 2 topic: Work and jobs

Describe a job you would like to do in the future.

You should say:

what the job is
what skills it needs
how you could get this job

and explain why you would like to do it.

Sample Answer:

A job I would really like to do in the future is to work as an architect, designing homes that use very little energy. At the moment I am studying engineering, so it is not a huge jump from what I do now.

The job needs a mix of skills: creativity, of course, but also strong maths, a good understanding of materials and the ability to listen to clients and explain your ideas clearly. To get there, I would need to finish my degree, do a master’s in architecture and then spend a few years working for an established firm to gain experience.

I would like to do it because it combines two things I care about: good design and the environment. Buildings use a huge amount of energy, so designing better ones feels like a practical way to make a difference. I also like the idea of walking past a house one day and knowing that I helped to create it.

More work and job cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Experience

Describe a time when you learnt something new.

You should say:

what you learnt
when and where you learnt it
who taught you

and explain how you felt about learning it.

Sample Answer:

I would like to talk about the time I learnt to drive, which was about four years ago, just after I turned eighteen. My uncle taught me, mostly on quiet country roads near his village, before I took proper lessons at a driving school.

At first I was terrible. I kept stalling the car, I forgot to look in the mirrors and once I nearly drove into a ditch while trying to park. My uncle stayed amazingly calm, though. He made me practise the same things again and again, every Sunday for about three months, until they became automatic.

When I finally passed my test, on the second attempt, I felt a huge sense of freedom. I could visit friends and help my parents without relying on buses. Looking back, it also taught me that being bad at something at the start is completely normal, and that patience from a good teacher makes all the difference.

More experience cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Music

Describe a piece of music that makes you happy.

You should say:

what the music is
when you usually listen to it
how you first heard it

and explain why it makes you happy.

Sample Answer:

A piece of music that always makes me happy is a playlist of old soul songs that my best friend made for me as a birthday present a few years ago. It has about twenty songs, mostly from the sixties and seventies.

I usually listen to it on Saturday mornings, when I am cleaning the flat or cooking breakfast. Some of the songs I knew already from films, but most of them were completely new to me, and I remember being surprised that music from so long ago could sound so fresh.

It makes me happy for two reasons. The songs themselves are full of energy, so it is almost impossible not to dance around the kitchen. And because my friend chose every song for me, listening to it feels a bit like spending time with her, even though she now lives in another country.

Part 2 topic: Environment and nature

Describe a place near your home where people go to enjoy nature.

You should say:

where it is
how you get there
what people do there

and explain why people like this place.

Sample Answer:

A place near my home where people go to enjoy nature is a long path along the river that runs through the edge of my town. It starts about ten minutes from my flat, so I can walk there easily.

The path is about five kilometres long. On one side there is the river, and on the other side there are meadows and a small wood. In the evenings and at weekends it is full of people: some are jogging or cycling, families walk with children and dogs, and older people sit on the benches and watch the ducks.

I think people like it because it is so close to the town, yet it feels like real countryside. You do not need a car or a whole free day, just half an hour, and you can forget about traffic and noise. For many people in my town, it is the easiest way to get some fresh air after work.

More environment and nature cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Animals and pets

Describe an animal you find interesting.

You should say:

what the animal is
where it lives
what you know about it

and explain why you find it interesting.

Sample Answer:

An animal I find really interesting is the octopus. I became curious about it after watching a nature documentary about two years ago.

Octopuses live in oceans all over the world, usually hiding among rocks on the sea floor. What surprised me most is how intelligent they are. They can open jars, solve simple puzzles and escape from tanks, and they can change the colour and even the texture of their skin in less than a second to hide from predators.

I find it interesting because it is so different from us, and yet it is clearly very clever. It has eight arms, three hearts and blue blood, and most of its brain cells are actually in its arms. It made me realise how much we still do not know about life in the sea.

More animal and pet cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Clothes and fashion

Describe a piece of clothing you would like to buy.

You should say:

what it is
where you saw it
how much it costs

and explain why you would like to buy it.

Sample Answer:

A piece of clothing I would really like to buy is a good waterproof jacket for hiking. I saw it a few weeks ago in an outdoor sports shop in the city centre, when I went in to buy new socks.

It is dark blue, quite light, and it has a hood, lots of pockets and special zips that keep the rain out. The shop assistant told me it is also breathable, so you do not get hot and sweaty when you walk uphill. The only problem is the price: it costs around two hundred euros, which is a lot for me.

I would like to buy it because I go hiking almost every weekend, and my current jacket is old and no longer waterproof. Last month I came home completely soaked. So I am saving up, and I hope to buy it before the winter.

More clothes and fashion cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Health and fitness

Describe something you do to stay healthy.

You should say:

what it is
when you started doing it
how often you do it

and explain how it helps you stay healthy.

Sample Answer:

One thing I do to stay healthy is cook my own lunch for work instead of buying fast food. I started about a year ago, when I realised I was spending a lot of money on burgers and sandwiches and feeling tired every afternoon.

Now I cook a bigger dinner in the evening, usually something simple like vegetables with rice or chicken, and take the rest to work the next day. I do it four or five times a week, and on Fridays I still allow myself a lunch out with colleagues.

It helps me in several ways. I eat more vegetables and less fat and salt, so I have more energy in the afternoon and I have lost a few kilos. I also save a lot of money, and I have actually become a much better cook, which my friends appreciate when they come for dinner.

More health and fitness cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Friends

Describe a friend who has a positive influence on you.

You should say:

who the friend is
how long you have known them
what they are like

and explain how they influence you.

Sample Answer:

A friend who has a really positive influence on me is Lisa, whom I met at a running club about four years ago. She is a few years older than me and works as a nurse.

She is one of the calmest people I know. Even when she is exhausted after a night shift, she listens properly when you talk to her, and she never gossips about other people, which is quite rare.

She influences me mostly by example. Since I met her, I have started running regularly, I complain much less, and I think twice before saying something negative about someone. When I am stressed, I often ask myself what Lisa would do, and the answer is usually to stay calm and take one step at a time.

More friendship cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Childhood

Describe a place you often visited as a child.

You should say:

where it was
who you went there with
what you did there

and explain why it was special to you.

Sample Answer:

A place I visited very often as a child was a small island off the west coast of my country, where my aunt had a summer house. We went there almost every summer for two or three weeks.

I usually went with my parents and my two cousins. There were no shops on the island, only a few farms, so our days were simple: swimming in the cold sea, picking berries, helping my aunt in the garden and riding old bicycles along the gravel roads.

It was special because it felt like a completely different world, with no television and very few rules. I think it taught me to enjoy simple things, and even now the smell of pine trees and sea salt takes me straight back there.

More childhood cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Plans and goals

Describe something you would like to do in the next five years.

You should say:

what it is
how you will do it
who you will do it with

and explain why you want to do it.

Sample Answer:

In the next five years I would really like to live and work abroad for at least a year, ideally in Canada. My company has an office in Toronto, and they sometimes offer one-year exchanges.

To make it happen, I am working on my English, which is why I am taking IELTS, and I have told my manager that I am interested. If the exchange does not work out, I might apply for a working holiday visa instead.

I would do it with my partner, who is also keen on the idea. I want to do it because I have lived in the same city all my life, and I think living in another culture would help me grow, both professionally and personally.

More plans and goals cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Festivals and celebrations

Describe a celebration that is important in your family.

You should say:

what it is
when it happens
what you do

and explain why it is important to your family.

Sample Answer:

The most important celebration in my family is Christmas Eve, which we always spend at my parents’ house. Over the years it has become the one evening when everyone, including cousins who live abroad, tries to come home.

In the afternoon we go to the cemetery to light candles on our grandparents’ graves, which is a common tradition in my country. Then we have a big dinner with roast pork, sauerkraut and blood sausage, and afterwards we open presents, but only after each child has recited a short poem or sung a song.

It is important because it is the only time of the year when all three generations are together in one room. The food and presents are nice, but what everyone really looks forward to is just being together.

More festival and celebration cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Possessions

Describe something you borrowed from someone.

You should say:

what it was
who you borrowed it from
why you needed it

and explain how you felt about borrowing it.

Sample Answer:

Something I borrowed recently was my neighbour’s camera, a professional one with two lenses, which I used for my sister’s wedding last summer.

My sister could not afford a professional photographer, so she asked me to take the photos. My neighbour, who is a keen amateur photographer, offered to lend me his camera and even spent an evening teaching me how to use it.

I felt quite nervous about borrowing it, because I knew how expensive it was, and I kept it in its bag whenever I was not using it. But it was worth it: the photos turned out beautifully, and to thank my neighbour, I gave him a printed album of my favourite pictures.

More possessions cue cards with answers →

Part 2 topic: Art and photography

Describe an artist you admire.

You should say:

who the person is
how you know about them
what their work is like

and explain why you admire them.

Sample Answer:

An artist I really admire is Frida Kahlo, the Mexican painter. I first learned about her from a film about her life, and later I saw some of her paintings at an exhibition in London.

She is famous for her self-portraits, which are very colourful and full of symbols from Mexican culture, like flowers, monkeys and traditional clothes. Many of them also show her physical pain, because she was badly injured in a bus accident as a young woman and had health problems for the rest of her life.

I admire her because she turned her suffering into art instead of hiding it. She painted many of her pictures while lying in bed, using a mirror fixed above her. I find that incredibly brave, and it reminds me that difficult experiences can become a source of creativity.

More art and photography cue cards with answers →

IELTS Speaking Part 2: FAQ

Quick answers to the questions people ask most.

How long should I speak in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

You should speak for 1 to 2 minutes. The examiner will stop you after 2 minutes, so try to keep talking until then.

How long do I have to prepare?

You have 1 minute to prepare. You get a pencil and paper to make notes, which you can look at while you speak.

Can I memorise answers for Part 2?

It is not a good idea. Examiners are trained to recognise memorised answers, and the topic on your card is unlikely to match exactly. Learn ideas and vocabulary instead, and practise speaking about different topics.

What are the most common IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics?

Common topics include people (a family member, a friend), places (a city, a place you visited), objects (a gift, a book, a device), experiences (a trip, a celebration) and activities (a hobby, a sport).

{“@context”:”https://schema.org”,”@type”:”FAQPage”,”mainEntity”:[{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How long should I speak in IELTS Speaking Part 2?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”You should speak for 1 to 2 minutes. The examiner will stop you after 2 minutes, so try to keep talking until then.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”How long do I have to prepare?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”You have 1 minute to prepare. You get a pencil and paper to make notes, which you can look at while you speak.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”Can I memorise answers for Part 2?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”It is not a good idea. Examiners are trained to recognise memorised answers, and the topic on your card is unlikely to match exactly. Learn ideas and vocabulary instead, and practise speaking about different topics.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What are the most common IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”Common topics include people (a family member, a friend), places (a city, a place you visited), objects (a gift, a book, a device), experiences (a trip, a celebration) and activities (a hobby, a sport).”}}]}

Recent posts

How to answer these cue cards

IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics

Part 2 topic: Travel

Describe a place you have visited that you would like to go back to.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Sport

Describe a sports event you enjoyed watching.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Hobbies and leisure

Describe a hobby or activity you enjoy doing in your free time.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Food and cooking

Describe a traditional dish from your country.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Shopping

Describe something you bought recently that you are happy with.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Books

Describe a book you would recommend to others.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Movies

Discuss a movie that had a significant impact on you.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Family

Describe a person in your family whom you admire.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Advertisement

Describe an advertisement that you found memorable.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Birthday

Describe how you celebrated your last birthday.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Gift

Describe a gift you gave someone that made them happy.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Education

Describe a skill you learnt outside of school that has helped you in your education.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Technology

Describe a device that you find useful.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Person

Describe a person you admire.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Place

Describe a quiet place you like to go to.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Work and jobs

Describe a job you would like to do in the future.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Experience

Describe a time when you learnt something new.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Music

Describe a piece of music that makes you happy.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Environment and nature

Describe a place near your home where people go to enjoy nature.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Animals and pets

Describe an animal you find interesting.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Clothes and fashion

Describe a piece of clothing you would like to buy.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Health and fitness

Describe something you do to stay healthy.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Friends

Describe a friend who has a positive influence on you.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Childhood

Describe a place you often visited as a child.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Plans and goals

Describe something you would like to do in the next five years.

Sample Answer:

Part 2 topic: Festivals and celebrations

Describe a celebration that is important in your family.