Unofficial practice. We wrote these questions to match the official IELTS question types and timings. They are not real exam questions, and points shown are practice feedback, not a band score. For official sample tests, visit ielts.org.
How to plan a Part 2 answer in 1 minute
Use the 60 seconds to write key words for each bullet point, not sentences. A simple structure that works for almost every card:
- Introduce the topic (5–10 seconds): "I'd like to talk about…"
- Cover each bullet point with one or two details: names, places, times, numbers.
- Tell a short story or give an example, because this is where natural, fluent English comes out.
- Finish with the "explain" point (why it matters, how you felt). It's usually the most important bullet.
Language to use: past tenses for stories (I was walking… when…), feelings (I was thrilled / relieved / disappointed), and linking words (at first, after that, in the end, looking back). If you run out of ideas, describe the place, the people or what you'd do differently.
Practise out loud: every card below has a sample-answer page and a button that opens the speaking mock test with that card, including a 1-minute preparation timer and a 2-minute recording.
IELTS Part 2 cue cards
1. Describe a person who has inspired you
You should say:
- who this person is
- how you know them
- what they have done
- and explain why they inspire you
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
2. Describe a place you would like to visit in the future
You should say:
- where it is
- how you know about it
- what you would do there
- and explain why you want to go there
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
3. Describe a book that you enjoyed reading
You should say:
- what the book was
- when you read it
- what it was about
- and explain why you enjoyed it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
4. Describe a memorable journey you have made
You should say:
- where you went
- how you travelled
- who you were with
- and explain why it was memorable
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
5. Describe a skill you learned that is useful to you
You should say:
- what the skill is
- when and how you learned it
- how often you use it
- and explain why it is useful
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
6. Describe a time when you helped someone
You should say:
- who you helped
- what the situation was
- how you helped
- and explain how you felt about it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
7. Describe a gift you gave to someone
You should say:
- what the gift was
- who you gave it to
- why you chose it
- and explain how the person felt about it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
8. Describe an important decision you made
You should say:
- what the decision was
- when you made it
- how you made it
- and explain why it was important
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
9. Describe a piece of technology you find useful
You should say:
- what it is
- how long you have had it
- what you use it for
- and explain why it is useful to you
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
10. Describe a festival or celebration that is important in your country
You should say:
- what it is
- when it happens
- what people do
- and explain why it is important
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
11. Describe a time when you were late for something
You should say:
- what you were late for
- why you were late
- what happened as a result
- and explain how you felt
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
12. Describe a restaurant or café you like
You should say:
- where it is
- what kind of food it serves
- how often you go there
- and explain why you like it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
13. Describe a teacher who influenced you
You should say:
- who the teacher was
- what subject they taught
- what they were like
- and explain how they influenced you
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
14. Describe a goal you would like to achieve
You should say:
- what the goal is
- when you set it
- what you are doing to achieve it
- and explain why it is important to you
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
15. Describe a time when you changed your mind
You should say:
- what the situation was
- what you originally thought
- why you changed your mind
- and explain how you felt about it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
16. Describe a building you like
You should say:
- where it is
- what it looks like
- what it is used for
- and explain why you like it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
17. Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with
You should say:
- who this person is
- what you do together
- how often you see them
- and explain why you enjoy spending time with them
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
18. Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy
You should say:
- what the activity is
- where you do it
- who you do it with
- and explain why you enjoy it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
19. Describe a piece of good advice you received
You should say:
- who gave you the advice
- what the advice was
- when you received it
- and explain why it was good advice
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
20. Describe a time when you got lost
You should say:
- where you were
- how you got lost
- what you did
- and explain how you felt
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
21. Describe a film that made an impression on you
You should say:
- what the film was
- when you saw it
- what it was about
- and explain why it made an impression on you
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
22. Describe a historic place you have visited
You should say:
- where it is
- when you went there
- what you saw
- and explain what you learned from the visit
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
23. Describe something you did that made you proud
You should say:
- what you did
- when you did it
- how difficult it was
- and explain why you felt proud
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
24. Describe a park or garden you like to visit
You should say:
- where it is
- what it looks like
- what people do there
- and explain why you like it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
25. Describe a time when you had to wait for a long time
You should say:
- when it was
- where you were waiting
- why you had to wait
- and explain how you felt
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
26. Describe a hobby you enjoy
You should say:
- what the hobby is
- when you started it
- how much time you spend on it
- and explain why you enjoy it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
27. Describe a news story you found interesting
You should say:
- what the story was about
- when and where you heard about it
- why it caught your attention
- and explain why you found it interesting
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
28. Describe something you bought recently that you are happy with
You should say:
- what you bought
- where you bought it
- why you bought it
- and explain why you are happy with it
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
29. Describe a website or app you use often
You should say:
- what it is
- how you found it
- what you use it for
- and explain why you use it often
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
30. Describe a time when you learned something new from a friend
You should say:
- who the friend was
- what you learned
- how they taught you
- and explain how useful it was
Band 7+ sample answer and vocabulary · Practise with the examiner
Next steps
- IELTS speaking questions for Part 1 and Part 3
- Full speaking mock test with fluency feedback
- IELTS speaking guide: what examiners listen for in each band
Frequently asked questions
How long should I speak for in IELTS Part 2?
Up to 2 minutes. The examiner stops you at 2 minutes. Aim for at least 1 minute 30 seconds; speaking for less than a minute usually limits your Fluency score.
Do I have to cover every bullet point on the cue card?
The bullet points are there to help you. You won't lose marks for missing one, but covering all of them is the easiest way to keep talking for two minutes.
Can I take notes in IELTS Speaking Part 2?
Yes. You get a pencil and paper and one minute to prepare. Write key words only, not full sentences.
Are these real IELTS cue cards?
No. They're original practice cards written in the same style as IELTS. Real IELTS questions are confidential, and any site claiming to have the current real questions should be treated with caution.