IELTS Cue Card Generator
Practice IELTS Speaking Part 2 under real exam conditions: get a random cue card from 92 previously reported topics, take 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 2 minutes with the built-in timer — exactly the format the examiner uses.
How IELTS Speaking Part 2 works
Part 2 is the “long turn”. The examiner gives you a cue card with a topic and four prompts, along with paper and a pencil for notes. You get exactly 1 minute to prepare, and then you must speak for 1 to 2 minutes on your own — the examiner stays silent until your time is up, then may ask one or two brief rounding-off questions before Part 3.
Part 2 tests your ability to speak at length coherently — organising ideas, connecting sentences, and keeping going without support. It feeds the same four scoring criteria as the rest of the Speaking test: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
How to use your 1 minute of preparation
- Choose fast.Pick the first example that comes to mind — a familiar story beats a “better” one you have to invent.
- Write keywords, not sentences. One or two words per bullet point is enough to anchor your talk.
- Add one concrete detail — a name, a date, a feeling. Specifics make your answer longer and more natural.
- Plan your last sentence.The final prompt always starts with “and explain” — saving it for the end gives your talk a natural conclusion.
- Don't stop early.If you run out of ideas, extend with comparison (“compared to when I was younger…”) or speculation (“if I had the chance again…”).
IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card topics list
All 92 cue cards in the generator, grouped by topic type. These are based on commonly recurring topics reported from past IELTS exams — the exact wording rotates between test versions, but the same topic types come back again and again.
People (16 topics)
Describe a person you admire
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •how you know them
- •what qualities they have
- •and explain why you admire them
Describe a family member you spend the most time with
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •what you usually do together
- •how often you see them
- •and explain why you spend so much time with them
Describe a friend from your childhood
You should say:
- •who this friend is
- •how you met them
- •what you used to do together
- •and explain why this friendship was important to you
Describe a famous person you would like to meet
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •what they are famous for
- •what you would say or do if you met them
- •and explain why you would like to meet them
Describe a person who helped you when you needed it
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •when and where they helped you
- •how they helped you
- •and explain how you felt about their help
Describe an interesting old person you have met
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •how you met them
- •what you talked about or did together
- •and explain why you found them interesting
Describe someone who is very good at their job
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •what their job is
- •how you know them
- •and explain why you think they are good at their job
Describe a person who speaks a foreign language well
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •which language they speak
- •how they learned it
- •and explain why you think they speak it well
Describe a leader you admire
You should say:
- •who this leader is
- •what they do or did
- •how you learned about them
- •and explain why you admire them
Describe a neighbour you know well
You should say:
- •who this neighbour is
- •how long you have known them
- •what you usually talk about or do together
- •and explain why you get on well with them
Describe a person who is polite
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •how you know them
- •what they do that shows politeness
- •and explain why you think they are polite
Describe a person you used to argue with but don't anymore
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •what you used to argue about
- •why you stopped arguing
- •and explain how your relationship has changed
Describe someone who has influenced your career or study choices
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •how they influenced you
- •when this influence happened
- •and explain why their influence mattered to you
Describe a shop assistant or salesperson who gave you good service
You should say:
- •where you met this person
- •what they helped you with
- •how they treated you
- •and explain why you remember their service
Describe a person who is patient
You should say:
- •who this person is
- •how you know them
- •when you noticed their patience
- •and explain why you think patience is important
Describe a relative you would like to know better
You should say:
- •who this relative is
- •how often you see them
- •what you know about them so far
- •and explain why you would like to know them better
Places (15 topics)
Describe a city you would like to visit
You should say:
- •where this city is
- •how you first heard about it
- •what you would do there
- •and explain why you would like to visit it
Describe a quiet place where you like to spend time
You should say:
- •where this place is
- •how often you go there
- •what you do there
- •and explain why you like this quiet place
Describe a place near water you have enjoyed visiting
You should say:
- •where this place is
- •when you went there
- •what you did there
- •and explain why you enjoyed visiting it
Describe a café or restaurant you like to visit
You should say:
- •where it is
- •what kind of food or drinks it serves
- •how often you go there
- •and explain why you like this place
Describe a park or garden you enjoy visiting
You should say:
- •where it is
- •what it looks like
- •what people do there
- •and explain why you enjoy visiting it
Describe an interesting building in your city
You should say:
- •where this building is
- •what it looks like
- •what it is used for
- •and explain why you find it interesting
Describe a crowded place you have visited
You should say:
- •where this place is
- •when you went there
- •who you went with
- •and explain how you felt about being in a crowded place
Describe a place you visited that was different from what you expected
You should say:
- •where this place is
- •what you expected before visiting
- •what it was actually like
- •and explain why it was different from your expectations
Describe a village or small town you have visited
You should say:
- •where this village or town is
- •when you visited it
- •what you did there
- •and explain what you liked or disliked about it
Describe a shopping centre or market you like to visit
You should say:
- •where it is
- •what you can buy there
- •how often you go there
- •and explain why you like this place
Describe a place with a lot of trees or plants
You should say:
- •where this place is
- •how you found out about it
- •what it looks like
- •and explain why you like or dislike being there
Describe a place you go to relax
You should say:
- •where this place is
- •how often you go there
- •what you do there
- •and explain why it helps you relax
Describe a historical place you have visited
You should say:
- •where this place is
- •when you visited it
- •what you saw or learned there
- •and explain why this place is historically important
Describe a room in your home that you like
You should say:
- •which room it is
- •what is in this room
- •how often you spend time there
- •and explain why you like this room
Describe a place where you can see beautiful scenery
You should say:
- •where this place is
- •how you got there
- •what the scenery looks like
- •and explain why you find the scenery beautiful
Objects (14 topics)
Describe a gift you received that was important to you
You should say:
- •what the gift was
- •who gave it to you
- •when you received it
- •and explain why it was important to you
Describe a book you have recently read
You should say:
- •what the book was about
- •why you decided to read it
- •what you learned from it
- •and explain whether you would recommend it to others
Describe a piece of technology you find useful
You should say:
- •what it is
- •how you use it
- •how often you use it
- •and explain why you find it so useful
Describe something you bought recently that made you happy
You should say:
- •what you bought
- •where you bought it
- •why you bought it
- •and explain why it made you happy
Describe an old object your family has kept for a long time
You should say:
- •what the object is
- •where it came from
- •how long your family has had it
- •and explain why your family keeps it
Describe a photograph that means a lot to you
You should say:
- •what the photograph shows
- •when and where it was taken
- •who took it
- •and explain why it means a lot to you
Describe a piece of clothing you like to wear
You should say:
- •what it looks like
- •when you got it
- •how often you wear it
- •and explain why you like wearing it
Describe an item you lost and later found
You should say:
- •what the item was
- •when and where you lost it
- •how you found it again
- •and explain how you felt when you found it
Describe a toy you had when you were a child
You should say:
- •what the toy was
- •who gave it to you or how you got it
- •how you used to play with it
- •and explain why you remember this toy
Describe a piece of furniture in your home
You should say:
- •what the furniture is
- •where it is located
- •how long you have had it
- •and explain why it is useful or important to you
Describe something you own that is expensive to you
You should say:
- •what the item is
- •when you got it
- •how much it cost or how you got it
- •and explain why it is important to you
Describe a work of art or handicraft you like
You should say:
- •what it is
- •where you saw it
- •what it looks like
- •and explain why you like it
Describe an app on your phone you use a lot
You should say:
- •what the app is
- •when you started using it
- •what you use it for
- •and explain why you find it useful
Describe something you would like to buy in the future
You should say:
- •what it is
- •why you want to buy it
- •how you would use it
- •and explain how you plan to get enough money for it
Events & Experiences (17 topics)
Describe a memorable journey you have taken
You should say:
- •where you went
- •how you travelled
- •who you went with
- •and explain why this journey was memorable
Describe a festival or celebration you enjoyed
You should say:
- •what the occasion was
- •where and when it took place
- •what you did there
- •and explain why you enjoyed it
Describe a time when you helped someone
You should say:
- •who you helped
- •what the situation was
- •how you helped them
- •and explain how you felt after helping them
Describe an achievement you are proud of
You should say:
- •what you achieved
- •when it happened
- •what difficulties you faced
- •and explain why you are proud of it
Describe a time when you were late for something important
You should say:
- •what you were late for
- •why you were late
- •what happened as a result
- •and explain how you felt about being late
Describe a difficult decision you once made
You should say:
- •what the decision was
- •why it was difficult
- •how you made your choice
- •and explain whether you think it was the right decision
Describe a time when you received good news
You should say:
- •what the news was
- •how you received it
- •who you shared it with
- •and explain why it was good news for you
Describe your first day at school or work
You should say:
- •where it was
- •what happened that day
- •who you met
- •and explain how you felt on that day
Describe a time when you had to wait for something
You should say:
- •what you were waiting for
- •where you were
- •how long you waited
- •and explain how you felt while waiting
Describe an occasion when you got up very early
You should say:
- •when this happened
- •why you got up early
- •what you did afterwards
- •and explain how you felt about getting up early
Describe a time when you were very busy
You should say:
- •when this was
- •what you had to do
- •how you managed your time
- •and explain how you felt during this busy period
Describe a change that improved your life
You should say:
- •what the change was
- •when it happened
- •why you made this change
- •and explain how it improved your life
Describe a time when you disagreed with someone
You should say:
- •who you disagreed with
- •what the disagreement was about
- •how you resolved it
- •and explain how the disagreement affected your relationship
Describe an interesting conversation you had with someone
You should say:
- •who you talked to
- •when and where this happened
- •what you talked about
- •and explain why the conversation was interesting
Describe a time when you tried a new activity for the first time
You should say:
- •what the activity was
- •when and where you tried it
- •who was with you
- •and explain how you felt trying something new
Describe a special meal you had with your family or friends
You should say:
- •when this meal took place
- •who you had it with
- •what you ate
- •and explain why this meal was special
Describe a time you moved to a new home or city
You should say:
- •when this happened
- •why you moved
- •how you felt about the move
- •and explain what changed in your life afterwards
Activities & Hobbies (13 topics)
Describe a sport you enjoy watching or playing
You should say:
- •what the sport is
- •when you started watching or playing it
- •who you watch or play it with
- •and explain why you enjoy it
Describe a hobby you enjoy in your free time
You should say:
- •what the hobby is
- •when you started it
- •how much time you spend on it
- •and explain why you enjoy it
Describe an outdoor activity you like to do
You should say:
- •what the activity is
- •where you usually do it
- •who you do it with
- •and explain why you like doing it outdoors
Describe something you do to stay healthy
You should say:
- •what you do
- •how often you do it
- •when you started doing it
- •and explain how it helps you stay healthy
Describe a skill you would like to learn
You should say:
- •what the skill is
- •why you want to learn it
- •how you would learn it
- •and explain how this skill would help you in the future
Describe a game you enjoyed playing in your childhood
You should say:
- •what the game was
- •who you played it with
- •where you played it
- •and explain why you enjoyed playing it
Describe an activity you do with your family
You should say:
- •what the activity is
- •how often you do it
- •who takes part in it
- •and explain why this activity is important to your family
Describe a creative activity you enjoy, such as drawing or writing
You should say:
- •what the activity is
- •when you started doing it
- •how often you do it
- •and explain why you find it enjoyable
Describe a form of exercise you like
You should say:
- •what the exercise is
- •where you usually do it
- •how often you do it
- •and explain why you like this form of exercise
Describe an activity you find relaxing
You should say:
- •what the activity is
- •when you usually do it
- •how long you spend on it
- •and explain why you find it relaxing
Describe a hobby you would like to try in the future
You should say:
- •what the hobby is
- •how you learned about it
- •what you would need to start it
- •and explain why you would like to try it
Describe an activity you do in your spare time that costs little or no money
You should say:
- •what the activity is
- •where you usually do it
- •who you do it with
- •and explain why you enjoy this activity
Describe a group activity you have taken part in
You should say:
- •what the activity was
- •who else took part
- •what you did
- •and explain how you felt about working with a group
Media & Abstract Topics (17 topics)
Describe a film that made a strong impression on you
You should say:
- •what the film was about
- •when and where you watched it
- •who you watched it with
- •and explain why it made a strong impression on you
Describe a song that means something special to you
You should say:
- •what the song is
- •when you first heard it
- •what the song is about
- •and explain why it is special to you
Describe a TV programme you watch regularly
You should say:
- •what the programme is
- •what it is about
- •when you usually watch it
- •and explain why you watch it regularly
Describe a website or app you use often
You should say:
- •what it is
- •how you found out about it
- •what you use it for
- •and explain why you use it so often
Describe an advertisement you remember well
You should say:
- •what the advertisement was for
- •where you saw or heard it
- •what happened in it
- •and explain why you remember it so well
Describe a piece of advice you received that was helpful
You should say:
- •what the advice was
- •who gave it to you
- •what the situation was
- •and explain how this advice helped you
Describe a rule or law you think is good
You should say:
- •what the rule or law is
- •where it applies
- •how you learned about it
- •and explain why you think it is a good rule or law
Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school
You should say:
- •what the subject was
- •who taught it
- •what you learned in it
- •and explain why you enjoyed studying it
Describe a magazine or newspaper you like to read
You should say:
- •what it is called
- •how often you read it
- •what kind of articles it has
- •and explain why you like reading it
Describe a podcast or radio programme you listen to
You should say:
- •what it is about
- •when you started listening to it
- •how often you listen to it
- •and explain why you enjoy it
Describe a piece of news that interested you recently
You should say:
- •what the news was about
- •where you heard or read about it
- •why it caught your attention
- •and explain how you felt about this news
Describe a photo or video that went viral online
You should say:
- •what it showed
- •where you saw it
- •why you think it became popular
- •and explain how you felt when you saw it
Describe a plan you have made for the future
You should say:
- •what the plan is
- •when you made this plan
- •how you intend to carry it out
- •and explain why this plan is important to you
Describe something you learned by yourself
You should say:
- •what you learned
- •how you learned it
- •how long it took you
- •and explain why you decided to learn it on your own
Describe a goal you have achieved
You should say:
- •what the goal was
- •when you set this goal
- •how you achieved it
- •and explain how you felt after achieving it
Describe a positive change you would like to see in your city or country
You should say:
- •what the change would be
- •why this change is needed
- •how it could be achieved
- •and explain how this change would benefit people
Describe a company or organisation you admire
You should say:
- •what the company or organisation does
- •how you learned about it
- •what makes it stand out
- •and explain why you admire it
Frequently asked questions
How does IELTS Speaking Part 2 work?+
The examiner hands you a cue card with a topic and four prompts, plus paper and a pencil. You have exactly 1 minute to prepare and make notes, then you must speak about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes without interruption. The examiner may ask one or two short follow-up questions before moving to Part 3.
How long should I speak in IELTS Speaking Part 2?+
Aim to keep talking for the full 2 minutes. Stopping well short of 90 seconds usually hurts your Fluency and Coherence score, because you give the examiner less evidence of sustained speech. The examiner will stop you at 2 minutes — being stopped is normal and not a problem.
Do I have to cover all four bullet points on the cue card?+
No — the bullets are prompts to help you structure your talk, not a checklist you are scored against. Using them keeps your answer organised, but you can spend more time on some points than others, and you will not lose marks for missing one.
Can I ask for a different cue card topic in the real exam?+
No. In the real test you must speak about the topic you are given, even if it feels unfamiliar. That is exactly why practicing with random cue cards is so effective — it trains you to build a 2-minute answer about any topic within 1 minute of preparation.
What should I write in my 1-minute preparation notes?+
Write keywords, not sentences. A quick approach: jot one or two words for each bullet point, plus one detail (a name, a place, a feeling) that makes your story concrete. Many high scorers use the past–present–future pattern: what it was, what it means now, how it might matter later.
Are IELTS cue card topics repeated in real exams?+
Yes — cue cards are drawn from rotating pools, and the same broad topics (a person you admire, a memorable journey, a useful piece of technology) reappear regularly in slightly different wording. Practicing recurring topic types prepares you for most cards you could receive.
Practicing alone only gets you halfway
Take a full AI-examined IELTS Speaking test on Worddemy — a realtime voice examiner runs Parts 1–3 with you, then scores your performance against the official band descriptors.