Practise with 20 high-frequency cue cards and Band 7+ model answers. Master the 1-minute preparation strategy and note-taking techniques.
IELTS Speaking Part 2, also known as the "Long Turn," lasts 3-4 minutes. The examiner gives you a cue card (task card) with a topic and 3-4 bullet points to address. You have 1 minute to prepare and make notes, then you must speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. After your talk, the examiner may ask 1-2 follow-up questions.
Part 2 accounts for approximately 40% of your speaking score. It tests your ability to speak at length, organise your thoughts coherently, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Many candidates find this section the most challenging because speaking continuously for 2 minutes requires practice.
Examiners use the same four criteria across all three parts. In Part 2, these criteria are especially important:
| Criterion | Focus in Part 2 |
|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | Can you speak at length without undue hesitation? Is your talk well-organised and easy to follow? Do you use discourse markers and connectors effectively? |
| Lexical Resource | Do you use topic-specific vocabulary? Can you paraphrase when you don't know a word? Is there a range of less common lexical items? |
| Grammar | Do you use a mix of simple and complex structures? Are past tense narratives accurate? Can you use conditionals and relative clauses naturally? |
| Pronunciation | Is your speech clear and comprehensible? Do you use appropriate intonation, stress, and rhythm? |
The one-minute preparation time is crucial. Use it wisely with this proven strategy:
Identify the main topic and all bullet points. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to cover.
Pick something you can talk about easily. It doesn't need to be true - a believable made-up story is fine.
Note 6-8 key words or short phrases. Do NOT write full sentences. Use abbreviations and symbols.
Decide exactly how you will start. A clear opening gives you confidence and momentum.
Effective notes help you remember your ideas without reading. Here is an example:
Cue card: Describe a person who has influenced you.
Notes (NOT sentences):
Follow this structure for a well-organised, coherent 2-minute talk:
Opening (10-15 sec): "I'd like to talk about..." - directly answer the cue card topic
Background (15-20 sec): Provide context - when, where, how you know about this
Main description (45-60 sec): Address the bullet points with details and examples
Personal reflection (15-20 sec): Explain why it's important, how it affected you, your feelings
Practise with these 20 high-frequency cue cards, organised by category. Each includes a Band 7+ model answer.
"I'd like to talk about my former university professor, Dr. Sarah Chen, who taught me cognitive psychology. I first met her during my second year of undergraduate studies, and she ended up supervising my final year dissertation project.
Dr. Chen is, without a doubt, one of the most inspiring individuals I've ever encountered. She possesses an extraordinary combination of intellectual rigour and genuine compassion for her students. What struck me most was her ability to make complex theories accessible and engaging. She would always go above and beyond, organising extra seminars and providing detailed feedback on our work.
One particular quality I admire is her resilience. During my final year, she was diagnosed with a serious illness, yet she continued teaching with the same enthusiasm and dedication as before. She never once complained or asked for special treatment. This experience taught me the true meaning of professionalism and perseverance.
Her influence on me has been profound. She inspired me to pursue postgraduate research and showed me that academic excellence and kindness are not mutually exclusive. Even now, several years later, I often find myself reflecting on her advice whenever I face challenges in my own career."
"The person I'd like to describe is Marcus, who was my best friend throughout primary school. We lived on the same street and our mothers were close friends, so we practically grew up together from the age of about four.
Marcus and I were virtually inseparable during those years. We attended the same school, played for the same football team, and spent nearly every weekend exploring the woods near our neighbourhood. He was quite adventurous and always came up with imaginative games that kept us entertained for hours.
What made our friendship special was that we complemented each other perfectly. I was quite shy and cautious by nature, whereas Marcus was outgoing and daring. He encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, whether that meant climbing higher trees or speaking to new people at school. In return, I think I helped him become more thoughtful and considerate of others.
Although we lost touch when his family moved abroad during our secondary school years, I still look back on that friendship with immense fondness. It taught me the value of having someone who genuinely accepts you for who you are and encourages you to grow."
"I'd like to talk about my uncle David, who taught me how to cook. He's a professional chef who has worked in several prestigious restaurants throughout his career, and I was incredibly fortunate that he took the time to pass on some of his knowledge to me.
He started teaching me when I was about sixteen years old. Rather than simply showing me recipes, he focused on fundamental techniques: knife skills, understanding heat control, balancing flavours, and plating presentation. His teaching method was very hands-on; he would demonstrate something once and then insist that I practise it myself under his watchful eye.
What I appreciated most about his approach was his patience and his emphasis on understanding why things work rather than just following instructions. He would explain the science behind cooking, such as why resting meat makes it more tender or why acids brighten flavours.
This skill has been extraordinarily useful throughout my life. Not only has it saved me a considerable amount of money compared to eating out constantly, but it has also become a source of genuine pleasure and a way to connect with others. I frequently cook for friends and family, and it's a wonderful feeling to see people enjoy something you've created."
"The famous person I'd most like to meet is Sir David Attenborough, the renowned natural historian and broadcaster. He has spent over seven decades documenting the natural world and has become one of the most respected voices in environmental conservation.
Attenborough is famous for his breathtaking documentary series, including "Planet Earth" and "Blue Planet," which have captivated audiences worldwide with their stunning cinematography and his distinctive, soothing narration. What sets him apart, however, is not just his broadcasting talent but his unwavering commitment to raising awareness about climate change and biodiversity loss.
If I had the opportunity to meet him, I would ask about his most transformative experience in the wild. I imagine he has witnessed extraordinary moments that never made it to television. I would also be fascinated to hear his honest assessment of whether he believes humanity will successfully address the environmental crisis.
I admire him because, despite his advanced age, he continues to campaign passionately for the planet. His ability to communicate complex scientific issues in an accessible and emotionally compelling way is truly remarkable. Meeting him would be an absolute privilege."
"I'd like to describe my cousin Elena, who works as an ethnomusicologist. For those unfamiliar with the term, she essentially studies the relationship between music and culture across different societies around the world.
Her job involves conducting fieldwork in remote communities, recording traditional songs and instruments, and analysing how music functions within social and ritual contexts. She has travelled to fascinating places, from the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the desert regions of North Africa, documenting musical traditions that are at risk of disappearing.
I find her job incredibly interesting because it combines so many disciplines: anthropology, linguistics, history, and of course music. Every project she undertakes seems like a genuine adventure. She once spent six months living with a tribal community in the Amazon, learning their songs and understanding the spiritual significance behind each melody.
To succeed in this field, you need exceptional cultural sensitivity, strong research skills, musical aptitude, and the ability to learn languages quickly. You also need considerable patience and adaptability, as fieldwork often involves challenging conditions. It requires a genuine passion for both music and human culture."
"I'd like to talk about Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Thailand, which I visited during a trip to Southeast Asia last year. It's one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, and the noise level is absolutely overwhelming.
The cacophony comes from multiple sources simultaneously. Thousands of vendors shout to attract customers, music blares from competing stalls, motorbikes weave through narrow lanes honking their horns, and the constant chatter of tens of thousands of visitors creates an indescribable wall of sound. Adding to this are the sizzling woks of street food vendors and the occasional announcement over a crackling loudspeaker system.
I went there primarily because it was highly recommended as an essential Bangkok experience. I was looking for unique souvenirs and was also keen to try the legendary street food that the market is famous for.
Initially, I found the noise incredibly energising and exciting. It added to the vibrant, chaotic atmosphere. However, after about two hours, I must admit it became quite exhausting. I ended up buying some earplugs from a pharmacy stall, which helped enormously. Despite the sensory overload, it was an unforgettable experience."
"The building I'd like to describe is the Sydney Opera House in Australia. It's situated on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, and it's widely regarded as one of the most distinctive and recognisable buildings of the twentieth century.
Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, its most striking feature is the series of white shell-like structures that form its roof. These interlocking vaulted segments create an extraordinary silhouette against the harbour backdrop. What many people don't realise is that each "shell" is actually a section of a sphere, which allowed for mass production of the components while creating an apparently unique form.
I find it beautiful for several reasons. Firstly, its sculptural quality makes it appear almost organic, as if it has emerged naturally from the harbour rather than being constructed by human hands. The way it catches light throughout the day is mesmerising, glowing warmly at sunset and appearing crisp against the blue sky during the day.
Furthermore, I appreciate how the building interacts with its surroundings. The open plaza invites public engagement, and the views from inside the halls are spectacular. It's a masterpiece that transcends pure functionality to become genuine art."
"The city I'd most like to live in is Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. I've visited briefly during a European trip and was utterly charmed by its unique atmosphere.
What appeals to me most is the exceptional quality of life that Copenhagen consistently offers its residents. It regularly ranks among the world's most liveable cities, with excellent healthcare, education, and public transportation systems. The city is also remarkably safe and clean, which is increasingly rare in major metropolitan areas.
Copenhagen is renowned for its cycling culture, with more bikes than cars on the roads. This creates a healthy, environmentally friendly urban environment. The Danish concept of "hygge" - a sense of cosy contentment - permeates the city's cafes, parks, and social spaces.
If I lived there, I would take full advantage of the culinary scene, which has produced several world-class restaurants. I'd also enjoy exploring the historic Nyhavn harbour area and spending weekends cycling through the city's beautiful parks and along its waterfront. The work-life balance that Denmark is famous for would allow me to pursue my hobbies while maintaining a fulfilling career."
"The historical place I'd like to describe is Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which I visited three years ago during a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. It is the largest religious monument in the world and was originally constructed in the early twelfth century as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu.
I spent three full days exploring the vast temple complex, and I was genuinely awestruck by the scale and intricacy of the architecture. The main temple features five distinctive towers shaped like lotus buds, surrounded by an enormous moat and extensive outer walls. The bas-reliefs carved into the stone walls depict epic mythological narratives with extraordinary detail.
What I learned there was humbling. The sheer ambition and engineering sophistication required to construct such a monument without modern machinery is staggering. I also gained a deeper understanding of the Khmer Empire's cultural and religious significance in Southeast Asian history.
The place impressed me profoundly because it represents both the incredible creative capacity of human civilisation and the passage of time. Seeing the way the jungle has reclaimed some of the smaller temples created an atmosphere of mysterious beauty that photographs simply cannot capture."
"I'd like to describe Kew Gardens in London, which is one of the most magnificent botanical gardens I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. It covers over 300 acres in southwest London and houses the largest and most diverse botanical collections in the world.
The gardens are absolutely spectacular, featuring landscapes ranging from formal Victorian-style gardens to wild woodland areas. The iconic Palm House, with its Victorian glass and iron architecture, contains an extraordinary collection of tropical plants from rainforest environments. The treetop walkway, which allows visitors to walk among the canopy of ancient oak trees, offers a completely different perspective.
People engage in a wide variety of activities there. Families picnic on the expansive lawns, photographers capture the stunning floral displays, and fitness enthusiasts jog along the peaceful pathways. I noticed many people simply sitting on benches with books, enjoying the tranquillity.
I enjoyed it immensely because it provided a much-needed escape from the intensity of London city life. Walking through the Japanese garden, with its carefully placed stones and serene pond, I felt a genuine sense of peace and mindfulness that is difficult to find in urban environments."
"The object I'd like to describe is my grandfather's wristwatch, which he passed down to me on my eighteenth birthday. It's a vintage Omega Seamaster from the 1960s, with a simple stainless steel case and a leather strap that I've had replaced several times.
My grandfather bought this watch when he graduated from medical school, so it represented the beginning of his career as a surgeon. He wore it every single day for over fifty years, through countless operations and life events. When he gave it to me, he said it was time for it to accompany the next generation.
I wear it on all important occasions: job interviews, examinations, and significant personal milestones. It keeps remarkably good time for its age, and I've had it serviced regularly to maintain its condition.r>
This watch is important to me because it represents continuity between generations and embodies values I deeply respect: dedication, precision, and professionalism. Every time I look at it, I'm reminded of my grandfather's wisdom and the high standards he set. It's irreplaceable, both sentimentally and historically."
"The book I'd like to talk about is "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari, which I finished reading last month. It's a sweeping narrative that covers the entire history of our species, from the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa to the present day.
The book is organised around four major revolutions: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the unification of humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that what distinguishes humans is our unique ability to believe in shared fictions such as money, nations, and religions, which has enabled large-scale cooperation.
I read it because several friends had recommended it enthusiastically, and I was looking for something intellectually stimulating during my holiday. It certainly delivered on that front.
What I learned was genuinely perspective-shifting. Harari challenges many assumptions we take for granted about progress and happiness. The section on how the Agricultural Revolution actually reduced the quality of life for most individuals was particularly thought-provoking. It encouraged me to question whether technological advancement always translates to human wellbeing."
"The piece of technology I use most frequently is my noise-cancelling headphones, which I purchased about two years ago. They are over-ear wireless headphones from Sony, and they have become absolutely indispensable in my daily routine.
I use them for multiple purposes throughout the day. During my morning commute, they allow me to listen to podcasts and audiobooks without the distraction of traffic noise. At work, they help me maintain focus in our open-plan office, which can get quite loud. In the evenings, I use them for video calls with family members who live abroad.
Before buying these, I used basic earphones that did nothing to block external noise. The difference is extraordinary. The noise-cancelling technology uses microphones to detect ambient sound and generates inverse sound waves to cancel it out.
They are useful because they have genuinely improved my productivity and wellbeing. Being able to create a personal bubble of silence in noisy environments has reduced my stress levels significantly. The sound quality is also excellent, making music listening a much more immersive experience."
"The gift I'd like to describe is a handcrafted leather journal that my sister gave me for my twenty-fifth birthday. She had it custom-made by an artisan she discovered at a craft fair, with my initials embossed on the cover.
What made this gift so special was the thought behind it. My sister knows that I've always aspired to write more consistently, and she wanted to encourage that ambition. She chose high-quality paper that works well with fountain pens, which is my preferred writing instrument.
I've been using it for the past year to record my thoughts, plan projects, and occasionally draft creative writing pieces. The leather has developed a beautiful patina with use, which makes it feel even more personal.
I liked it so much because it demonstrated genuine understanding of who I am and what I value. In an age of digital everything, there's something profoundly satisfying about putting pen to paper. This journal has become a treasured possession that I imagine keeping for many years."
"The photograph I'd like to describe is a black and white image of my grandmother sitting in her garden, taken by my cousin at a family gathering about five years ago. It's a candid shot, not posed, which is precisely what makes it so beautiful.
In the photograph, my grandmother is sitting on an old wooden bench surrounded by rose bushes. She is looking down at a cup of tea in her hands with a gentle, contented smile. The late afternoon sunlight is filtering through the trees, creating dappled shadows across her face. She is wearing her favourite cardigan, and her silver hair catches the light.
My cousin took it without my grandmother noticing, which captured an authentic moment rather than a forced smile for the camera.
I treasure this photograph because it perfectly encapsulates who my grandmother was: peaceful, elegant, and deeply connected to her garden. She passed away two years ago, and this image brings me immense comfort. It hangs framed in my hallway, and I smile every time I walk past it."
"The challenging thing I'd like to describe is completing a marathon, which I did last year in my home city. It was something I had always considered doing but never seriously committed to until about eight months before the race.
The challenge was multifaceted. Physically, the training was incredibly demanding, requiring me to wake up at 5 a.m. for long runs before work, even in terrible weather. Mentally, pushing through the pain during the final 10 kilometres tested my willpower in ways I hadn't anticipated. I also had to completely overhaul my diet and sacrifice many social engagements.
On the day itself, everything went reasonably well until kilometre 32, when I hit what runners call "the wall." My legs felt like lead, and every step was an act of determination. The support of spectators cheering along the route was genuinely what carried me through.
Crossing that finish line was one of the most emotional moments of my life. The overwhelming sense of achievement, combined with the realisation that months of disciplined effort had paid off, brought tears to my eyes. It taught me that I'm capable of far more than I believed."
"The memorable journey I'd like to describe is a road trip through the Scottish Highlands that I took with two close friends last summer. We travelled in a small campervan, covering approximately 800 miles over ten days.
We started in Edinburgh and drove north through the Cairngorms National Park, then along the west coast through Glencoe, and finally reached the Isle of Skye. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, with dramatic mountains, pristine lochs, and ancient castles at every turn.
What made the journey so memorable was the combination of spectacular landscapes and the freedom that travelling by campervan provided. We had no fixed itinerary and would simply stop wherever looked appealing. One evening, we parked beside a remote loch and watched the most incredible sunset I've ever seen, with the sky turning shades of orange, pink, and purple that reflected perfectly in the still water.
We encountered fascinating people in small villages, tasted extraordinary seafood, and hiked through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. It was a journey that reminded me how beautiful the world is and how much joy there is in simple adventures."
"I'd like to describe a time I helped a colleague, Sarah, prepare for an important presentation she was giving to senior management. She had joined the company relatively recently and was extremely nervous about speaking in front of our directors.
Over the course of two weeks, I spent several lunch breaks and a few evenings after work helping her refine her slides, practise her delivery, and anticipate potential questions. We ran through the presentation multiple times, and I provided feedback on everything from her body language to the pacing of her speech.
I helped her because I recognised how overwhelming it can feel when you're new to a company and facing high-stakes situations. I remembered how much I would have appreciated similar support when I was in her position.
When the day arrived, she delivered a fantastic presentation and received excellent feedback from the management team. Seeing her confidence grow throughout our preparation was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief that taking time to support others is one of the most meaningful things we can do professionally."
"The time I felt genuinely happiest was when I received news that I had been awarded a scholarship to pursue a master's degree at my dream university. It happened on a rainy Tuesday afternoon in March, about eighteen months ago.
I had been checking my email obsessively for weeks, knowing that decisions were imminent. When I finally saw the subject line "Scholarship Decision," my hands were literally shaking. Reading the words "We are delighted to offer you" felt surreal, and I had to read the email three times before it truly registered.
I was alone in my flat when I received the news. I immediately called my parents, who had supported me throughout the application process, and then my closest friends. Everyone was absolutely thrilled for me, and the outpouring of congratulatory messages over the next few hours was overwhelming.
I felt so happy because this represented the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. It validated my academic efforts and opened a door to opportunities I had only dreamed about. More importantly, it meant I could pursue further education without burdening my family financially."
"The difficult decision I'd like to describe was leaving a well-paid, stable job to start my own business. I had been working as a marketing manager at a large corporation for five years, and the position offered excellent salary and benefits. However, I had always harboured an entrepreneurial ambition.
The decision was agonising because the risks were considerable. I had financial commitments, including a mortgage, and no guarantee that my business idea would succeed. My family, while supportive, were understandably concerned about me giving up security for uncertainty.
I made the decision through a process of careful analysis. I created a detailed business plan, conducted market research, and saved enough money to cover six months of expenses. I also sought advice from several entrepreneurs who had made similar transitions. Ultimately, I decided that the regret of never trying would be worse than any potential failure.
The outcome has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The first year was financially difficult, but the business has steadily grown. I now earn less than before but have infinitely greater job satisfaction and control over my life. I have absolutely no regrets."
If you stop too early, the examiner will ask you to continue, which disrupts your flow. Aim for the full 2 minutes by adding details and examples.
The examiner will notice and it affects your Fluency score. Notes should trigger your memory, not be a script.
While not mandatory, addressing all prompts ensures a comprehensive answer. Check each one off mentally.
Examiners detect memorised speech easily. It sounds unnatural and will lower your score. Use models for ideas, not scripts.
You can invent a believable story. The examiner assesses your English, not the truth of your content. A well-told fictional story scores higher than a true but poorly expressed one.
No, you cannot request a different topic. You must attempt the card you are given. Even if the topic seems difficult, try to adapt it to something you can talk about.
The examiner will prompt you with "Is there anything else you'd like to say?" or a related question. Use this as a cue to add more detail or speculation about the topic.
No, the order doesn't matter. Organise your talk in whatever way feels most natural. The bullet points are simply prompts to help you develop your answer.
They are relatively brief (1 question, yes/no or short answer). They don't significantly affect your score but answer them fully when possible.
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