IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards: How to Answer + 30 Topics

IELTS Speaking Part 2, the “long turn” or “cue card” part, is the only time in the test when you speak on your own: one minute to prepare, then up to two minutes on a topic from a task card. You cannot know your card in advance, but the cards come in a few recurring types (people, places, objects, experiences, activities and plans), so you can prepare for the types instead of guessing questions.

This guide has two halves: how to answer any cue card (the format, a four-step structure, the one-minute plan, two sample answers and the common mistakes), then 30 practice cue cards organised by type, with a tip for each. Format facts are checked against the official IELTS pages (see Sources) as of October 2026. The cards are our own practice topics in the official format, not leaked or “predicted” test questions.

How Part 2 works

According to IELTS, Part 2 works like this:

The examiner gives you a task card with a topic and points to cover, plus a pencil and paper.
You have one minute to prepare and make notes.
You talk for up to two minutes. The examiner stops you when the time is up; being stopped is not a penalty.
The examiner may ask one or two questions on the same topic.

The whole part lasts 3–4 minutes, including the preparation time. It is rated on the same four criteria as the rest of the test (Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation); our band descriptors guide explains what each band means. For where Part 2 sits in the whole test, see the IELTS Speaking test format.

The key is not memorising answers. It is being comfortable with the common card types, so nothing catches you off guard.

How to answer any cue card

The card format

Every card follows the same pattern: a main instruction (“Describe a person who has inspired you”), three or four points under “You should say”, and a final “and explain…” point.

Describe a person who has inspired you.
You should say:
- who this person is
- how you know them
- what they do
and explain why they have inspired you.

The points are there to help you. Covering them gives your talk a shape; the “explain” point is where you show opinion, feeling and reasons, so save time for it.

A four-step structure: Set up, Tell, Add, Reflect

Use this for any card:

Step	Time	What you say
Set up	about 15–20 seconds	Name your example and give context. “I’d like to talk about my aunt, who has been a big influence on me since I was a teenager.”
Tell	about 40–50 seconds	Cover the points on the card, in order, as a story rather than a list.
Add	about 30–40 seconds	One specific moment, detail or example that brings the story to life.
Reflect	about 15–20 seconds	Answer the “explain” point: why it matters, how you felt, what changed.

The times are a guide, not a rule. The aim is to still have something to say when the examiner stops you at two minutes.

The one-minute plan

First 15 seconds: read the whole card and choose one specific example. Do not change your mind.
Next 30 seconds: write keywords (not sentences) for each point, plus two or three concrete details: a name, a place, a moment.
Last 15 seconds: number your keywords in speaking order and decide your first sentence.

Two sample answers

These are our own example answers to show the structure; use them for ideas, not to memorise.

Card: Describe a place you would like to visit in the future. You should say where it is, how you learned about it, what you would do there, and explain why you want to visit this place.

“A place that’s been on my travel list for years is Kyoto, in the Kansai region of Japan, a couple of hours by train from Tokyo.

I first became interested in it through a documentary about traditional Japanese architecture that I watched at university. The images of quiet temples surrounded by carefully designed gardens really stayed with me, and since then I’ve read quite a lot about the city and even started learning some basic Japanese.

If I had the chance to go, I’d want to slow down rather than rush between tourist spots. I’d definitely visit Fushimi Inari, the shrine with thousands of orange gates, and I’d love to try a traditional tea ceremony and walk around the Gion district in the evening.

The reason it appeals to me so much is that it seems to balance old and new: it’s a working modern city that still protects its heritage. I think spending time there would teach me something about patience and noticing small details, which is something I’m trying to get better at in my own life.”

Card: Describe a challenge you faced and overcame. You should say what the challenge was, when it happened, how you dealt with it, and explain how you felt after overcoming it.

“I’d like to talk about finishing my final-year dissertation while my family was going through a difficult time.

This was about three years ago. In the middle of my busiest semester, my grandmother became seriously ill, and I suddenly found myself travelling home most weekends to help look after her while trying to keep up with my studies.

I dealt with it by reorganising everything. First, I had an honest conversation with my supervisor, who helped me set a more realistic timeline. Then I learned to use small pockets of time, writing on the train and reading articles while I waited at the hospital. Most importantly, I accepted that my work didn’t have to be perfect.

When I finally submitted it and passed, I felt relief first, but then a kind of pride I hadn’t felt before. It showed me I could cope with pressure without giving up on my goals, and I think it’s made me calmer about challenges since then.”

Common Part 2 mistakes

Stopping too early. If you stop well before two minutes, the examiner hears less of your English. Practise with a timer until two minutes feels normal.
Being vague. “A book I read” is weak; “Atomic Habits, which I read on my commute last spring” is strong. Specific names, places and moments give you more to say.
Ignoring the “explain” point. It is where you show opinion and reasons, which is good for coherence and vocabulary.
Reciting a memorised answer. Memorised talks tend to sound flat and often drift off the card. Memorise structures and useful phrases, not scripts.
Writing sentences in the minute. You will not have time to read them. Keywords only.

30 practice cue cards by type

Category	# of Topics
👤 People	6
📍 Places	5
📦 Objects	5
🎉 Events & Experiences	6
🎯 Activities & Hobbies	4
💡 Abstract & Hypothetical	4

👤 People (6 Topics)

You describe someone you know, or someone who has influenced you.

1. A Person Who Has Influenced You

Describe a person who has had a big influence on your life.

You should say:

who this person is

how you know them

what they have done to influence you

and explain why they have had such an influence on you.

💡 Tip: Choose someone specific—a teacher, family member, or mentor. Avoid generic answers about celebrities unless you have a genuine personal connection.

2. A Friend You’ve Known for a Long Time

Describe a friend you have known for a long time.

You should say:

how you met

how long you have known each other

what you do together

and explain why this friendship has lasted so long.

💡 Tip: Focus on one or two memorable stories rather than listing everything you’ve done together.

3. A Family Member You Spend Time With

Describe a family member you enjoy spending time with.

You should say:

who this person is

what you usually do together

what kind of person they are

and explain why you enjoy spending time with them.

💡 Tip: Be specific about activities. “We cook together every Sunday” is better than “We spend time together.”

4. A Person Who Is Good at Their Job

Describe someone you know who is very good at their job.

You should say:

who this person is

what their job is

how you know them

and explain why they are good at their job.

💡 Tip: Include specific examples of their skills or achievements, not just general praise.

5. A Person You Would Like to Meet

Describe a famous person you would like to meet.

You should say:

who this person is

what they are famous for

how you first learned about them

and explain why you would like to meet them.

💡 Tip: Prepare 2-3 specific questions you’d ask them. This makes your answer more concrete.

6. A Person Who Taught You Something

Describe a person who taught you a useful skill.

You should say:

who this person is

what skill they taught you

how they taught you

and explain how this skill has helped you.

💡 Tip: The skill doesn’t have to be academic—cooking, driving, or a sport all work well.

📍 Places (5 Topics)

Place topics require descriptive language. Practice using adjectives and sensory details.

7. A Place You Like to Visit

Describe a place you like to visit in your free time.

You should say:

where this place is

how often you go there

what you do there

and explain why you enjoy visiting this place.

💡 Tip: Describe the atmosphere—sounds, smells, how it makes you feel. Don’t just list facts.

8. A City You Would Like to Visit

Describe a city you have never been to but would like to visit.

You should say:

what city it is

where it is located

what you know about it

and explain why you would like to visit this city.

💡 Tip: Be honest if you haven’t researched deeply. “I’ve seen photos of…” or “I’ve heard that…” is perfectly fine.

9. A Place That Is Special to You

Describe a place that is special to you.

You should say:

where it is

what it looks like

when you first went there

and explain why it is special to you.

💡 Tip: Emotional connection matters more than the place itself. A simple park with childhood memories beats a famous landmark you visited once.

10. A Quiet Place You Like

Describe a quiet place you like to go to.

You should say:

where it is

how you found it

what you do there

and explain why you like this quiet place.

💡 Tip: Contrast it with noisy places to emphasize why the quiet matters to you.

11. A Place Where You Go to Relax

Describe a place you go to when you want to relax.

You should say:

where this place is

how often you go there

what you do to relax there

and explain why this place helps you relax.

💡 Tip: This could be the same as “quiet place” but focus on relaxation activities specifically.

📦 Objects (5 Topics)

Object topics are about things you own, use, or want. Be ready to describe physical appearance and personal significance.

12. Something You Own That Is Important to You

Describe something you own that is very important to you.

You should say:

what it is

how long you have had it

how you got it

and explain why it is important to you.

💡 Tip: Sentimental value often makes for better stories than expensive items.

13. A Gift You Received

Describe a gift you received that made you happy.

You should say:

what the gift was

who gave it to you

when you received it

and explain why it made you happy.

💡 Tip: Talk about the thought behind the gift, not just the gift itself.

14. A Piece of Technology You Use

Describe a piece of technology you use often.

You should say:

what it is

when you got it

how often you use it

and explain why it is useful to you.

💡 Tip: Go beyond “my phone”—be specific about which features you use and why.

15. Something You Would Like to Buy

Describe something expensive you would like to buy in the future.

You should say:

what it is

how much it costs

why you want it

and explain how you would feel if you bought it.

💡 Tip: Explain why you haven’t bought it yet—saving up, waiting for the right time, etc.

16. A Book or Movie You Enjoyed

Describe a book you read or a movie you watched that you enjoyed.

You should say:

what it was about

when you read/watched it

why you chose it

and explain why you enjoyed it.

💡 Tip: Don’t summarize the entire plot. Focus on one aspect that stood out and why.

🎉 Events & Experiences (6 Topics)

These topics ask about things that happened to you. Use past tense and tell a clear story.

17. A Happy Childhood Memory

Describe a happy memory from your childhood.

You should say:

what the memory is

when it happened

who was there

and explain why this memory makes you happy.

💡 Tip: Simple moments work best—a family trip, birthday party, or day with friends.

18. A Time You Helped Someone

Describe a time when you helped someone.

You should say:

who you helped

how you helped them

why they needed help

and explain how you felt about helping them.

💡 Tip: Small acts of kindness are fine. You don’t need a heroic story.

19. A Difficult Decision You Made

Describe a difficult decision you had to make.

You should say:

what the decision was

when you had to make it

what options you had

and explain why it was difficult.

💡 Tip: Talk about your thought process, not just the outcome.

20. An Event You Attended Recently

Describe an event you attended recently.

You should say:

what the event was

where it was held

who you went with

and explain how you felt about the event.

💡 Tip: Weddings, concerts, sports games, work events—anything counts as an “event.”

21. A Time You Were Surprised

Describe a time when you were pleasantly surprised.

You should say:

when it happened

where you were

what surprised you

and explain why it was a pleasant surprise.

💡 Tip: Build up to the surprise in your story—describe what you expected first.

22. A Time You Had to Wait for Something

Describe a time when you had to wait for something.

You should say:

what you were waiting for

how long you waited

what you did while waiting

and explain how you felt about waiting.

💡 Tip: Waiting for exam results, a job offer, or a package delivery all work well.

🎯 Activities & Hobbies (4 Topics)

These topics focus on things you do regularly. Show enthusiasm and specific details.

23. A Hobby You Enjoy

Describe a hobby you enjoy doing in your free time.

You should say:

what the hobby is

when you started doing it

how often you do it

and explain why you enjoy this hobby.

💡 Tip: Explain what specifically you enjoy about it—the challenge, relaxation, social aspect, etc.

24. A Sport or Exercise You Do

Describe a sport or physical activity you enjoy.

You should say:

what sport or activity it is

when you started

how often you do it

and explain why you enjoy it.

💡 Tip: Even walking or yoga count. You don’t need to be an athlete.

25. Something New You Learned Recently

Describe something new you learned recently.

You should say:

what you learned

how you learned it

how long it took

and explain how you felt about learning this new thing.

💡 Tip: Learning from YouTube, apps, or self-study is totally valid.

26. An Activity You Do to Stay Healthy

Describe an activity you do to stay healthy.

You should say:

what the activity is

how often you do it

where you do it

and explain how it helps you stay healthy.

💡 Tip: Mental health activities (meditation, walks) are just as valid as gym workouts.

💡 Abstract & Hypothetical (4 Topics)

These are trickier—they ask about goals, changes, or imaginary situations.

27. A Goal You Want to Achieve

Describe a goal you hope to achieve in the future.

You should say:

what the goal is

when you want to achieve it

what steps you are taking

and explain why this goal is important to you.

💡 Tip: Be specific about your plan. “I want to be successful” is vague. “I want to pass IELTS and move to Australia” is concrete.

28. A Change You Would Like to Make

Describe a change you would like to make in your life.

You should say:

what change you want to make

why you want to make it

how you plan to make it

and explain how this change would affect your life.

💡 Tip: Be honest about obstacles. It makes your answer more realistic and relatable.

29. Something You Would Do If You Had More Time

Describe something you would do if you had more free time.

You should say:

what you would do

why you would do it

how much time you would need

and explain why you don’t have time for it now.

💡 Tip: Use conditional language naturally—”If I had time, I would…” / “I wish I could…”

30. An Ambition You Have Had Since Childhood

Describe an ambition you have had since you were young.

You should say:

what the ambition is

when you first had this ambition

what you have done to work toward it

and explain whether you still have this ambition.

💡 Tip: It’s okay if your ambition changed. Explaining why shows self-awareness.

🎯 How to Practice These Topics

Once you know the card types, here is how to prepare:

Step 1: Categorize, Don’t Memorize

Notice how many topics overlap:

“A friend” and “A person who influenced you” → same person, different angle
“A quiet place” and “A place to relax” → same place, different focus
“A hobby” and “Something new you learned” → could be the same activity

Prepare 5-6 strong stories that can adapt to multiple topics.

Step 2: Practice the 1-Minute Prep

For each topic:

Set a timer for 1 minute
Jot down bullet points (not full sentences)
Speak for 2 minutes

This is exactly what happens in the real exam. Practice the time pressure.

Step 3: Record Yourself

You can’t improve what you can’t hear. Recording reveals:

Filler words (um, uh, you know)
Grammar mistakes
Pronunciation issues
Awkward pauses

Step 4: Get Feedback

The hardest part of Speaking practice is knowing if you’re improving.

Options:

Free: Ask a friend to listen
Paid: Book a tutor session
Tech: Use an app with pronunciation analysis

Practice with feedback

Knowing the card types is step one. Practising with feedback is what raises your score.

Lingo Copilot Speaking lets you:

Practise Part 2 cue cards with an AI examiner, under test timing
Get pronunciation feedback from your recording
See estimated bands for all four criteria (AI estimates, not official scores; how we score)
Track your improvement over time

The free evaluation takes about 10–12 minutes and shows you where to focus. For a quick check first, the free IELTS Speaking scorer estimates your band from one recorded answer, with no signup.

Take the Free Speaking Evaluation →

Quick reference: all 30 practice topics

#	Topic	Category
1	A person who has influenced you	People
2	A friend you’ve known for a long time	People
3	A family member you spend time with	People
4	A person who is good at their job	People
5	A person you would like to meet	People
6	A person who taught you something	People
7	A place you like to visit	Places
8	A city you would like to visit	Places
9	A place that is special to you	Places
10	A quiet place you like	Places
11	A place where you go to relax	Places
12	Something you own that is important	Objects
13	A gift you received	Objects
14	A piece of technology you use	Objects
15	Something you would like to buy	Objects
16	A book or movie you enjoyed	Objects
17	A happy childhood memory	Events
18	A time you helped someone	Events
19	A difficult decision you made	Events
20	An event you attended recently	Events
21	A time you were surprised	Events
22	A time you had to wait	Events
23	A hobby you enjoy	Activities
24	A sport or exercise you do	Activities
25	Something new you learned	Activities
26	An activity to stay healthy	Activities
27	A goal you want to achieve	Abstract
28	A change you would like to make	Abstract
29	Something you’d do with more time	Abstract
30	An ambition since childhood	Abstract

Final Tip

You will get one card, not 30. But if you have practised every type, with a structure you trust and a few flexible stories, nothing on the card will surprise you.

After Part 2, the examiner moves to a discussion linked to your topic: our Part 3 guide shows how to handle it, and the Part 1 guide covers the opening interview. To keep talking for the full two minutes, see our fluency tips.

Good luck with your exam.

Start Practicing These Topics Now →

Sources

The practice cue cards and sample answers in this guide are our own. Lingo Copilot is not affiliated with, endorsed or approved by IDP, the British Council or Cambridge University Press & Assessment.