30 IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards for Practice (with Tips)

Part 2 topics can feel endless, but almost every cue card belongs to one of five families: people, places, objects, events and experiences. If you prepare a few flexible stories for each family, you can adapt them to most cards you meet.

All the cards below are original practice cards in the IELTS style. For each one, give yourself one minute to prepare and speak for two minutes. Our speaking practice tool can time you and give feedback on your answer.

People

1. Describe a teacher who influenced you. Say who they were, what they taught, what they were like, and explain why they influenced you.
2. Describe a friend you have known for a long time. Say how you met, what you do together, how your friendship has changed, and explain why it has lasted.
3. Describe someone who is good at their job. Say who they are, what they do, how you know them, and explain why you think they are good at it.
4. Describe a person you would like to meet. Say who they are, how you know about them, what you would talk about, and explain why you want to meet them.
5. Describe a family member you admire. Say who they are, what they do, what qualities they have, and explain why you admire them.
6. Describe a neighbour who has helped you. Say who they are, how long you have known them, how they helped, and explain how you felt.

Places

7. Describe a place in your city where you like to relax. Say where it is, how often you go, what you do there, and explain why it helps you relax.
8. Describe a town or city you would like to visit. Say where it is, what you know about it, what you would do there, and explain why you want to go.
9. Describe a building you find interesting. Say where it is, what it looks like, what it is used for, and explain why you find it interesting.
10. Describe a place where you study or work well. Say where it is, what it is like, when you use it, and explain why it suits you.
11. Describe a natural place you have visited. Say where it is, when you went, what you did there, and explain how you felt about it.
12. Describe a shop or market you often visit. Say where it is, what it sells, why you go there, and explain what makes it special.

Objects

13. Describe a piece of technology you find useful. Say what it is, when you got it, how you use it, and explain why it is useful.
14. Describe a gift you gave someone. Say what it was, who you gave it to, why you chose it, and explain how they reacted.
15. Describe something you bought that you were happy with. Say what it was, where you bought it, how much it cost, and explain why you were happy with it.
16. Describe a book you have read more than once. Say what it is about, when you first read it, why you read it again, and explain what you learned from it.
17. Describe an item you would never throw away. Say what it is, how you got it, where you keep it, and explain why it matters to you.
18. Describe a photograph you like. Say what it shows, who took it, where you keep it, and explain why you like it.

Events

19. Describe a celebration you enjoyed. Say what it was, where it took place, who was there, and explain why you enjoyed it.
20. Describe a time when you received good news. Say what the news was, how you received it, who you told, and explain how you felt.
21. Describe a sports event you watched or took part in. Say what it was, when it happened, what happened, and explain why it was memorable.
22. Describe a festival in your country. Say when it happens, how people celebrate it, what you do, and explain why it is important.
23. Describe a time when you were late for something important. Say what it was, why you were late, what happened, and explain how you felt.
24. Describe a performance you saw. Say what it was, where you saw it, who you went with, and explain what you thought of it.

Experiences

25. Describe a skill you learned that took a long time. Say what it is, when you started, how you learned it, and explain how you feel about it now. (See the model answer.)
26. Describe a difficult decision you made. Say what it was, when you made it, how you made it, and explain whether it was the right decision.
27. Describe a time when you helped someone. Say who you helped, what the situation was, what you did, and explain how you felt.
28. Describe a mistake you learned from. Say what happened, when it happened, what you did next, and explain what you learned.
29. Describe a goal you hope to achieve. Say what it is, why you want to achieve it, what you are doing now, and explain how you will feel when you achieve it.
30. Describe a time when you tried something new. Say what it was, why you tried it, how it went, and explain whether you would do it again.

The "story bank" method

Instead of preparing 30 separate answers, prepare six to eight flexible stories from your own life, such as a trip, a family celebration, a difficult exam or learning a new skill. Then practise adapting them:

• A trip to the mountains can answer: a natural place (11), a memorable journey, a time you tried something new (30), a photograph you like (18).
• Your grandmother can answer: a family member you admire (5), someone who influenced you (1), a gift you gave (14).

A one-minute plan for any card

Write keywords only:

1. Who / what / where: one line.
2. Background: when, how it started.
3. Details: two or three specific things, such as names, colours, numbers and feelings.
4. Why it matters: your reflection, which fills the last 30 seconds naturally.

FAQ

Do my stories have to be true?

No. You are assessed on your English, not on facts. A believable invented story is fine.

What if I finish before two minutes?

Add a comparison ("It's quite different from…") or a reflection on the future ("I hope one day…"). The examiner will stop you when time is up.

Read the full method in Speaking Part 2: how to speak for two minutes.