Tackle IELTS Speaking Test: 8 Essential Tips for The Speaking Part 2
Does the thought of speaking alone for two minutes make you nervous?
You are not alone. For many candidates, IELTS Speaking Part 2 (also known as the “Individual Long Turn”) is the most intimidating part of the exam.
This is the reality: The examiner gives you a Cue Card, a pencil, and paper. You have one minute to prepare and then you must speak for up to two minutes. It sounds simple, but without a strategy, many students run out of things to say after 45 seconds.
To help you secure a Band 7+ score, we have compiled 8 proven strategies to help you talk fluently, coherently, and confidently.
What Happens in Part 2?
Before we discover the tips, let’s clarify the format:
- The Topic: You receive a card asking you to describe a person, place, object, event, or experience.
- The Prep: You get exactly 1 minute to make notes.
- The Talk: You speak for 1 to 2 minutes.
- The Follow-up: The examiner asks one or two brief questions to wrap up.
8 Tips to Ace Your Cue Card
1. Maximize Your 1-Minute Prep Time
Never sit and do nothing during your preparation time. This minute is your lifeline.
- Don’t write sentences: You don’t have time.
- Write keywords: Jot down trigger words that will remind you of stories or vocabulary.
- Aim for 3 points per bullet: Look at the prompts on the card and try to write three keywords for each one. This ensures you won’t run out of things to say.
2. Let the Card Be Your Map
The task card usually contains 3-4 bullet points (e.g., who it was, where it happened, why you liked it). Use these bullet points to structure your speech. They provide a natural Beginning, Middle, and End for your story.
3. Start Strong
Don’t waste time “umming” and “ahhing.” Tell the examiner immediately what you are covering. A clear opening sentence settles your nerves and helps the examiner follow you.
- Example: “I’m going to talk about a place that is special to me. This place is the small village where my grandparents live…”
4. Stick to Real Experiences
It is tempting to invent an exciting story, but lying requires more brainpower.
- If you tell the truth, you can visualize the memory, which makes your speech more fluent and natural.
- If you invent a story, you might get confused or run out of details. Always choose a topic familiar to you.
5. Expand with Details (The “W” Questions)
If you just answer the bullet points directly, you will finish in 30 seconds. You need to elaborate.
- Add sensory details: What did it look like? Smell like? How did you feel?
- This extra detail is what pushes your time towards the 2-minute mark.
6. Don’t Ignore the “Why” Question
The last bullet point on the card usually asks for your opinion or explanation (e.g., “Explain why this person influenced you”).
- This is the most important part. It allows you to use complex grammar and emotional vocabulary.
- Spend the most time on this section.
7. Show Off Your Vocabulary
Part 2 is your stage. Since you have a minute to plan, try to include 2 or 3 high-level words or idioms relevant to the topic.
- Instead of: “It was a nice building.”
- Say: “It was a stunning piece of architecture.”
8. Practice Makes Perfect
You cannot learn to swim by reading a book, and you cannot learn to speak by reading articles.
- Record yourself: Use your phone.
- Time yourself: Can you keep going for 2 minutes?
- Listen back: Do you pause too much? Is your grammar accurate?
Practice Time: Try These Cue Cards
Ready to test yourself? Grab a timer and a piece of paper. Give yourself 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak for these topics.
Topic A: Nature
Describe a wild animal that can be found in your country.
- What it looks like
- Where it lives
- What you like/don’t like about it
- Explain how people in your country generally feel about it.
Topic B: Events
Describe a family celebration you have been to.
- What the celebration was for
- Where it took place
- Who was there with you
- Explain what you enjoyed about the event.
Common Part 2 Topics List
Don’t stop there. Here are 6 more topics that frequently appear in the real exam. Which one would you find most difficult?
- Describe a restaurant you enjoyed visiting.
- Describe a meal that you remember well.
- Describe a teacher who had a strong influence on you.
- Describe a film which left a strong impression on you.
- Describe a childhood friend you have known for a long time.
- Describe an event from your childhood that you remember clearly.
💬 Join the Discussion
Which topic above scares you the most?
Is it describing a person? Or perhaps talking about a historical event?
Let us know in the comments below! If you were given a difficult topic, what strategy would you use to handle it?