IELTS Speaking Cue Cards Topics & Samples

IELTS Cue Cards are core of Speaking Part 2 in IELTS exam. They guide you to speak on an unfamiliar topic for 1 to 2 minutes. Here’s what you need to know:

• Structure of a Cue Card

  • Topic Title: A broad subject.

  • Bullet Points: 3 to 5 prompts you must address.

  • Follow Up Question: One extra question after your talk.

• Timing

  • 1 minute to prepare notes.

  • 2 minutes to speak continuously.

  • 30 to 60 seconds of examiner questions afterward.

• What It Tests

  • Can you speak smoothly and link ideas?

  • Do you use a range of vocabulary?

  • Are your sentences varied and correct?

  • Is your speech clear and natural?

Here’s a sample IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card you might get in the exam:

When you pick this card, you will have 1 minute to make notes and 1-2 minutes to speak.

Use this as your practice prompt. Jot down quick keywords under each bullet, structure your talk (intro -> body -> conclusion), and aim for a smooth, 2-minute narrative.

Structured Preparation & Tips for a Memorable Journey

Use these elements to plan a coherent, vivid, and impactful IELTS speaking response.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases for a Memorable Journey

Use these language features to add color, coherence, and authenticity to your storytelling.

Below are three full-length (~2-minute) sample responses to the "Describe a memorable journey you had" cue card, each followed by a brief review explaining its IELTS band score.

“Well, um, I want to talk about a journey I had to Goa last year. I was going with my parents and my sister. We drove there by car, and it took about ten hours. Umm We stayed in a small hotel near the beach. Everyday we used to swim in the sea and sit on the sand. All the time we ate seafood for both lunch and dinner. The sunsets were nice. I took lots of photos with my phone. We also walked along the shore and collected shells. It was fun but, um, sometimes it was very hot. After two days, we came back home. I really liked it and want to go again.”

“I’d like to describe a journey I took to Goa with my family last summer. We set off early one Saturday morning in our car and arrived around midday. First, we checked into a beachfront hotel where we spent the afternoon swimming and sunbathing. Next, we explored the local markets, sampling spicy vindaloo and fresh coconut water. In the evenings, we strolled along the shoreline to watch the spectacular sunset. On our final day, we visited an old Portuguese church and learned about Goa’s colonial history. This trip stands out because it combined relaxation with cultural discovery, and I returned feeling refreshed and inspired. I’d certainly love to go back to explore more hidden beaches and historic sites.”

I’m going to tell you about a journey that still makes me smile every time I think about it. Last July, three of my closest friends and I decided to road-trip from Manali up to Leh—about 475 kilometres of some of the most dramatic terrain you can imagine. We piled into a battered little SUV at dawn, and as soon as we hit the Rohtang Pass, the winding roads felt like they belonged in a movie.

The air got thin, the sky turned deeper blue, and jagged peaks loomed overhead. Around every hairpin bend was a view more jaw-dropping than the last—shimmering lakes, stark rock faces, prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. We stopped at small roadside cafés run by local families, where we slurped steaming cups of sweet tea and swapped stories with truck drivers about what lay ahead.

By day three, we were cruising along the Changthang Plateau, altitude above 4,500 metres. My head throbbed a little, but the sense of achievement was incredible. I’ll never forget the moment we rounded a corner and saw the sun setting behind Pangong Lake—its surface glowing pink and orange like molten glass. We just sat on those rocks in stunned silence.

That trip taught me so much: I learned the value of pacing yourself, the kindness of strangers, and how unexpectedly peaceful it can be to spend hours with nothing but your thoughts and mountain air. Honestly, it was one of the most exhilarating, soul-lifting experiences of my life—and I can’t wait to go back.

You should say:

• Who your best friend is

• How you met them

• What qualities they have
  and explain why they are your best friend.

1-Minute Planning

Cue Card 2-Minute Model Answer- Describe Your Best Friend

Introduction
I’d like to describe my best friend, Ravi, whom I met seven years ago in high school.

Who & How We Met
We were both in our tenth-grade art class. On the first day, he helped me mix acrylic paints correctly. That simple act broke the ice, and we’ve been inseparable since.

Key Qualities
Ravi is fiercely loyal and has a great sense of humor. Whenever I’m stressed, he cracks a joke that instantly lightens my mood. He’s also deeply empathetic—last year, when my family moved cities, he called every day to check on me and even video-chatted to keep me company.

Why He’s My Best Friend
What truly makes him my best friend is his unwavering support. He’s the first person I call with good news or bad. His advice always balances logic and kindness—he once helped me prepare for a crucial exam by quizzing me for hours. I trust him completely, and I know he’d drop everything to help me in a crisis.

Conclusion
In short, Ravi’s loyalty, humor, and empathy have made our friendship a constant source of strength. I’m incredibly grateful to have him in my life.