Speak to Score #2: Nailing the Cue Card – Strategies for IELTS Speaking Part 2

How to Master the IELTS Cue Card (Part 2)

Stop Worrying. Start Winning.

Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test scares people. You get a topic card, one minute to think, and then you talk for two whole minutes without stopping.

Sounds scary? Here's the truth: It's actually the EASIEST part once you know the trick.

What Happens in Part 2?

Simple: The examiner gives you a card with a topic. You get 1 minute to prepare with pencil and paper. Then you speak for 1-2 minutes without interruption. That's it!

This is YOUR time to shine. No one interrupts you. You control what you say.

The Simple Structure That Always Works

Remember PREP:

P = Point - What are you talking about? R = Reason - Why is this interesting? E = Example - Tell the full story with details (longest part!) P = Personal thought - How do you feel about it?

Quick Example:

Topic: Describe a place you want to visit

"I've always wanted to visit Tokyo, Japan. I love how it mixes old and new culture together. I've seen amazing photos of ancient temples next to huge modern buildings. I'd love to try real sushi at the fish market and walk through cherry blossom parks in spring. My friend visited last year and said the trains are super clean and always on time. She even went to a cat café where you drink coffee while playing with cats! I think visiting Tokyo would be amazing. I'm saving money now and hope to go in the next two years."

That's 90 seconds! Easy, right?

Tell a Story, Not Just Facts

Don't say: "I helped my friend. She had a test. She passed." (That's only 15 seconds!)

Instead, tell it like a story: "Last month, my classmate Anna was really stressed about her math exam. I sat with her in the library and we studied for three days. At first, she didn't understand algebra at all, so I explained it using real-life examples. On the third day, her face lit up - she finally got it! When she passed, she texted me with five happy emojis. That moment made me realize I love teaching people."

See the difference? Details, feelings, and a clear beginning-middle-end make your talk longer and more interesting.

Use Connecting Words

Sound fluent with these phrases:

• "I'd like to talk about..."

• "First of all..." / "After that..." / "In the end..."

• "The reason is..."

• "Looking back, I learned that..."

Practice With a Timer

Find sample cue cards online. Give yourself 1 minute for notes. Then record yourself speaking for 2 minutes. Do this 10 times and Part 2 will feel easy on test day.

The Bottom Line

Part 2 is your chance to show what you can do. Use the PREP structure. Tell stories with details. Practice with a timer.

You've got this!