IELTS Speaking Part 2, also called the Cue Card part, is one of the hardest parts in the IELTS exam. It checks how well you can speak clear and fluent on one topic for 1–2 minutes after getting only 1 minute to prepare.
The IELTS Speaking test is an important part of the IELTS exam where you show your English speaking skills. In this IELTS speaking, one hard part is the Cue Card section. Here, the examiner gives you a card with one topic and some points. You get 1 minute to prepare and then you speak for 1–2 minutes on that topic. You can look at the cue card and also your notes while speaking.
To do well in this part of the IELTS speaking test, you need a good IELTS preparation plan. The best way is to understand how the IELTS Cue Card works, practice common cue card topics, and learn some smart speaking methods. If you are finding the best and easy IELTS Cue Cards, we have shared the top ones for you. This article will show common IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics with sample answers to help in your preparation. We will also explain the exam pattern, few examples, and last, the study plan. You will also find IELTS Cue Card samples with answers here.
The IELTS Speaking section is divided in three parts:
- Introduction and Interview
- Individual Long Turn
- Discussion
- What is an IELTS Cue Card?
- IELTS Speaking Test Format
- IELTS Cue Card Pattern
- IELTS Cue Card Topics
- IELTS Cue Card Topics with Answers (Cue Card 2025)
- How to Prepare for the IELTS Cue Card Section
- IELTS Cue Card – Preparation Resources
What is an IELTS Cue Card?
An IELTS Cue Card is also called a task card. It ask you to talk about one topic in the IELTS Speaking test. On the card, there is one main topic and few bullet points that help you what to say. Sometimes you also get one small follow-up question. You will get paper and pencil to make notes in that one minute before you start. After that, you have to speak for around 1–2 minutes without stopping.
IELTS Speaking Test Format
The IELTS Speaking Test consists of three parts:
| Part |
Description |
Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Introduction and Interview |
4 to 5 minutes |
| 2 |
Individual Long Turn (Cue Card Task) |
3 to 4 minutes |
| 3 |
Two-way Discussion based on Part 2 |
4 to 5 minutes |
IELTS Cue Card Pattern
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 called Cue Card. Here examiner give you a topic with some points you talk. You get 1 minute to think and 2 minutes to speak.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
- Examiner give cue card with topic and 3 or 4 points.
- You get 1 minute to make small notes.
- Then you speak 2 minutes without stopping.
- After you finish, examiner may ask 1 or 2 follow-up questions.
- This part check your fluency, vocabulary, and how good you talk in English naturally.
These have been provided in the chart below:
| Main Heads |
Topics for IELTS Speaking Cue Cards |
|---|---|
| Places |
House, Country, Tourist Destination, City, Hotel, Building, etc. |
| People |
Family, Famous Person, Your inspiration, etc. |
| Things |
Food, Book, Film, Goals, Gift, etc. |
| Situations |
Birthday, Wedding, When you helped someone, An important decision in your life, etc. |
| Work |
Workplace, Project you would like to do |
| Study |
Your field of study, the Course you would like to pursue |
IELTS Cue Card Topics
Cue Card IELTS: In this section of the article, we will cover some important IELTS Cue Card topics and their related questions:
| IELTS Cue Card Topics |
Cue Card Questions |
|---|---|
| House |
|
| Office |
|
| Study |
|
| Country |
|
| Tourist Destination |
|
| Food |
|
| Goals |
|
| Film |
|
| Book |
|
| Event |
|
| Personality |
|
| School/College |
|
| Media |
|
Part 2 of the Speaking Test, i.e. the IELTS Cue Cards, is followed by Part 3, which is linked, to Part 2. Even though this article will cater to Part 2 of the Speaking Test, we have mentioned a few details about Part 3 so that you have a fair idea of how things work.
IELTS Speaking Test Part-3 (Discussion) Pattern
In this part of the examination, you will discuss with the examiner on the topic that was covered in Part 2. This will involve a back-and-forth conversation with the examiner. For example, if in Part 2 you were asked to describe your stay at a hotel, the discussion in Part 3 might involve something on hotel management. This is more of an abstract discussion where you are judged on your ability to express your opinions and your skill to explain a broader topic. Part 3 usually lasts for about 4-5 minutes.
IELTS Cue Card Topics with Answers (Cue Card 2025)
As mentioned above, there are 6 major heads under which the topics asked on the IELTS Cue Card fall. Let us look at some of the examples:
Example 1: ‘People’ question on the IELTS Cue Card
Sample Answer:
When I was small kid, I like play sports, mostly basketball. The athlete I admire most is Kobe Bryant, he always give me big inspiration. He also inspire many peoples who think success comes from hard work not just luck.
Kobe Bryant was very famous basketball player for Los Angeles Lakers. He win many NBA championships and also got many MVP awards in life. He not only play basketball, he also talk about motivation and life. His hard work and discipline make me feel I should try more and do better in life and job.
I been watch basketball many years and saw so many NBA games where Kobe play. Apart from games, he also come in ads and videos. You can find his motivational videos on YouTube, I watch them when I feel lazy or low, they give me more energy to keep going.
What I like most is his achievements and attitude. He work as player, coach and motivational speaker. He always win by hard work and focus. He never said success came just from talent, it’s always practice and effort for him.
He practice more than anyone, he love his work so much. That why he reach so far. I feel very inspired when I see him play or talk. His discipline, motivation and love for basketball make him my biggest role model. Kobe story teach me if you want something, you got work hard and never give up.
Must Read:- Common Mistakes in IELTS Speaking and How to Fix Them!
Example 2: ‘Things’ question on the IELTS Cue Card
Sample Answer:
I am going to talk about a meal I had when I was travelling to New Delhi. I am diet-conscious so it’s little difficult for me to find right food when I am on move.
I had this meal while travelling to New Delhi for some important meeting. On the way, I stop at small cosy coffee shop for little time. The owner of café was very polite and he also cook. I was not expecting much honestly, but the meal was really beyond my expectations.
I don’t remember the name of cook, who also owner of café, but I remember his hospitality and café’s nice feeling. I asked him secret of this recipe, he said secret is in freshness of vegetables. All vegetables were very fresh from market.
The freshness of salad and wonderful hospitality still make me remember this experience.
How to Prepare for the IELTS Cue Card Section
Now you know about IELTS Cue Card topics, first we see what you should do on test day.
Use the 1-Minute Preparation Time
Use this 1 minute to write small ideas about topic. Don’t write full sentence, just keywords or short phrases. Notes help you remember points. They work like prompts when you speak and make sure you talk about all part of topic.
Structure Your Response
Split answer in three part:
-
Introduction: Say little about topic
-
Main Body: Talk about each bullet with examples or detail
-
Conclusion: Sum up or say your thought
This make speech flow nice and easy understand.
Keep your practice regular
The Practice will help you to maintain fluency and confidence. Pick different topic and speak on it with 1-minute prep and 2-minute talking. Record yourself, it help find mistake in pronunciation or grammar.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Big vocabulary help speak better. Read article, watch English video, write new words.
Stay Calm and Composed
Normal feel nervous. Stay calm speak better. If forget something, pause little, look at note and continue. Remember examiner check how you communicate effectively, not only if know topic.
IELTS Cue Card – Preparation Resources
Let us look at some of the IELTS preparation resources that you will need for preparing your Part-2 of the Speaking Test, or Cue Card.
- Visiting the ielts.org: It is the official IELTS website. Irrespective of the section, you want to prepare for, you must start with this website. It will give you in-depth knowledge of the test pattern. You can also go through the sample questions and read the official IELTS practice material.
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS: This book must form the base of your preparation. The official website and the official guide should be read and revised thoroughly.
- IELTS Speaking Strategies by Rachel Mitchell: This book provides strategies, explanations, structures, tips, and tricks. It will help you prepare for all the 3 Parts of the Speaking Test.
- Collins Speaking for IELTS: The book is well structured and has a good balance of theory, examples, and tips.
- Recorder: You can find a sufficient number of topics in the books mentioned above and on the internet. You should speak on these topics and record what you are speaking. You will get an understanding of how you speak and what areas need improvement. You can choose topics from newspapers and journals as well. Reading newspapers and journals will help you gain knowledge that might prove to be useful in Part 3 of the Speaking Test.
- Cambly App: You can connect with native speakers via one-on-one video chat. This will help you improve your listening and speaking skills both as you will be accustomed to the language and accent.
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Visa applicationIELTS Cue Card topics fall under 6 main heads: places, people, things, situations, work, and study.
No, you don’t need use hard IELTS vocabulary in Cue Card part. Wide vocabulary is helpful, but more important is to say your ideas and thoughts clearly. Better use words you know, simple and clear. Using big words you don’t know can make mistake or confuse you.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
The overall duration of the IELTS speaking section is 11-14 minutes. Knowing the test format and practising frequently are necessary to prepare for the IELTS Speaking portion.