Quick answer: In Speaking Part 2, you receive a cue card with a topic and 4 bullet prompts. You get 1 minute to prepare (use a pencil and paper provided), then speak for 1-2 minutes uninterrupted. The examiner may ask 1-2 follow-up questions afterward. Practice with a timer, record yourself, and aim to speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds per card.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards 2026: 100+ Practice Topics
Oleksii VasylenkoIELTS 8.0
Founder & IELTS Preparation Specialist
IELTS Speaking Part 2 gives you a cue card with a topic and 4 bullet points. You have 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1-2 minutes. Below are 100+ practice topics organized by category so you can practice systematically.
People
A person you admire
- • Who this person is
- • How you know them
- • What they have done
- • Why you admire them
A famous person you'd like to meet
- • Who they are
- • What they are famous for
- • How you would meet them
- • What you would talk about
A teacher who influenced you
- • Who the teacher was
- • What they taught
- • How they taught differently
- • How they changed your life
A family member you're close to
- • Who they are
- • What they look like
- • What you do together
- • Why you're close
Put the speaking technique into practice
Try a short diagnostic with its own original prompt. Give a clear answer, explain why, and add an example. You will receive a practice estimate—not a full Part 2 mock or an official score.
Try the Speaking diagnostic →No account needed · microphone required
Places
A place you'd like to visit
- • Where it is
- • How you'd get there
- • What you'd do there
- • Why you want to go
A beautiful city you've been to
- • Where it is
- • When you went
- • What you saw
- • Why it was beautiful
A quiet place you enjoy
- • Where it is
- • When you go there
- • What you do there
- • Why you like it
A place where you studied
- • What the place was
- • When you studied there
- • What you studied
- • Why it was good for studying
Experiences
A memorable trip
- • Where you went
- • Who you went with
- • What you did
- • Why it was memorable
A time you helped someone
- • Who you helped
- • How you helped them
- • Why you helped
- • How you felt afterward
A difficult decision you made
- • What the decision was
- • When you made it
- • Why it was difficult
- • How it turned out
A time you received good news
- • What the news was
- • Who told you
- • How you reacted
- • How it changed your life
Objects & Media
A book that influenced you
- • What the book is
- • Who wrote it
- • What it's about
- • How it influenced you
A piece of technology you use
- • What it is
- • How often you use it
- • What you use it for
- • How it changed your life
A gift you received
- • What the gift was
- • Who gave it to you
- • When you received it
- • Why it was special
A film that made an impact
- • What the film is
- • When you watched it
- • What happens in it
- • Why it affected you
Skills & Activities
A skill you'd like to learn
- • What the skill is
- • Why you want to learn it
- • How you'd learn it
- • How it would help you
A sport you enjoy
- • What the sport is
- • How often you play/watch
- • Who you play/watch with
- • Why you enjoy it
A hobby that relaxes you
- • What the hobby is
- • When you do it
- • How long you've done it
- • Why it relaxes you
An activity you did as a child
- • What the activity was
- • How often you did it
- • Who you did it with
- • How you feel about it now
Practice Speaking with an AI Examiner
Speak your answer to any cue card above and get instant feedback on fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Like a real IELTS exam — but with detailed feedback instead of just a band score.
Start Speaking PracticeStart for free · No credit card required
How to Use Your 1-Minute Preparation Time
- 1.Read all 4 bullet points first (10 seconds). Don't start writing immediately. Understand the full scope of what you'll be speaking about.
- 2.Write keywords for each bullet (30 seconds). Don't write sentences — you won't have time and you'll just read them aloud, which sounds unnatural. Use single words or short phrases that trigger your memory.
- 3.Add a story or example to one bullet (10 seconds). The bullet points are prompts, not limits. If you add a specific personal story to one of them, you'll easily extend your speaking time past the 1-minute mark.
- 4.Review your notes and take a breath (10 seconds). When the examiner says 'begin,' start speaking from your first bullet point. Follow the order — it gives your speech natural structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I speak for IELTS Speaking Part 2?
You must speak for 1-2 minutes. The examiner will stop you at 2 minutes. Aim for about 1 minute 45 seconds — this shows you can sustain fluent speech without running out of content. Practice with a timer and record yourself to check your pacing.
Can I write full sentences in my 1-minute preparation notes?
No — you won't have time. Write keywords or short phrases for each bullet point on the cue card. For example, instead of 'I went to Kyoto in 2023 with my sister,' write 'Kyoto 2023, sister, temples, food.' This gives you structure without wasting preparation time.
What happens if I finish speaking before 1 minute?
The examiner will ask 'Can you tell me anything more about that?' This is your signal that you spoke too briefly. To avoid this, add a personal story, comparison, or opinion to extend your answer. The bullet points on the cue card are prompts, not limits.
Do I need to cover all 4 bullet points on the cue card?
No — the bullet points are suggestions, not requirements. You'll score based on fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, not on whether you mentioned every bullet. However, following the structure helps organize your speech and prevents you from running out of things to say.
How many cue cards should I practice before the exam?
Practice at least 20-30 cue cards before your exam. Record each one and listen back — you'll notice filler words, repetition, and grammar errors you don't catch while speaking. The more cards you practice, the more comfortable you become with the 1-minute preparation format.
Can I ask the examiner to repeat the cue card instructions?
No — the examiner reads the instructions once and hands you the card. However, you can ask the examiner to clarify the timing ('How long do I have?' or 'Should I start now?'). The content on the card is yours to read silently during your 1-minute preparation.