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.
"I'm an active IELTS instructor with 10+ years experience and currently work in an IELTS Centre. I will help you improve your IELTS speaking band score through online classes using Zoom. I will also provide you with your band as well as suggestions on how to improve your score."
— Lester, IELTS teacher from the UK
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
IELTS Speaking Test
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Topics, Questions & Samples
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Topics & Questions
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Topics, Follow-up Questions & Samples
How to Practice IELTS Speaking for a Band 7+ Score?
