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IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Topics & Questions

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, the examiner gives you a slip of paper also known as a cue card with a topic on it.

You will be given a minute to think about what you are going to say and you can make notes if you wish. It is strongly advised to do so!

You will have to talk about the topic for 1–2 minutes.

Here is an example how the task prompt looks like:

Describe a time you visited a friend's home for a special reason.

You should say:

  • when you went
  • who you visited
  • what you did there

and explain why you visited your friend's home

Sample Answer:

I visited my friend's home last year for her housewarming party. She had recently moved into a new apartment and wanted to celebrate with her closest friends. I went in the evening, and there were about ten people there. We mingled, ate food, and drank tea. My friend gave us a tour of her apartment, which was lovely. She had done a great job decorating it and making it feel cosy. It was nice to catch up with her and see her new place. I visited my friend's home because I wanted to support her in this new chapter of her life and also because I was excited to see her new apartment.

QUICK TIPS

  • Keep talking until the examiner stops you
  • Don't worry that the examiner has stopped you. He/she is watching the time.
  • You don't need to worry about the time
  • Try to show a wide range of nouns, adjectives and tenses
  • Try not to stop talking; avoid long pauses (that's why you need notes)
  • Mention all the points that you are asked to mention

The examiner asks a 'finishing question' just before the end of Part 2, therefore you do not need to worry about time. However, you need to make sure you always answer all the questions.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card Topics & Questions

Science

Describe a scientific development that has benefited mankind.

You should say:

  • what type of development it is
  • why it was needed
  • how it has been used

and explain why this scientific development was so beneficial

Technology

Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful.

You should say:

  • what it is
  • how you learned to use it
  • how long you have had it

and explain why you find this piece of equipment useful

Animals

Describe a wild animal that can be found in your country.

You should say:

  • what it looks like
  • where it lives
  • what you like/don't like about it

and explain how people in your country generally feel about it

Possessions

Describe something which is very important to you.

You should say:

  • where you got it from
  • how long you have had it
  • what you use it for

and explain why it is important to you

Wedding

Describe a wedding you have been to or heard of.

You should say:

  • who got married
  • what they wore
  • what they did on the day

and explain how you felt about the wedding

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

Childhood adventure

Describe an adventure from your childhood.

You should say:

  • where you were
  • who you were with
  • what happened

and explain why you think it was an adventure

Making plans

Describe a plan you have made for your future that is not related to studies.

You should say:

  • what the plan is
  • when you think you will do it
  • how it could change your life

and explain why you made this plan

If you would like to see more topics along with sample answers, please refer to IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics & Cue Cards with Answers.

Speaking Part 1 Speaking Part 3

SPEAKING RESOURCES

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