IELTS Speaking Part 2
In Speaking Part 2, you speak about a topic using a cue card and develop your ideas for up to two minutes.
Understanding Speaking Part 2
Understand how Part 2 works
Learn what the examiner is looking for
See the structure of the long turn
How Part 2 Works (Step-by-Step)
Understand timing and process
Follow each stage of the test
Learn what happens before and after speaking
Cue Card & Preparation
Learn how to use your 1-minute preparation
Understand the cue card format
See example notes and ideas
Strategies, Practice & Mistakes
Practise real Part 2 topics
Improve your fluency and organisation
Avoid the most common mistakes
Understanding Speaking Part 2
The second part of the IELTS Speaking test is called the Long Turn.
In this part, the examiner gives you a cue card with a topic to talk about. You have 1 minute to prepare your ideas before you begin speaking.
You then speak for up to 2 minutes about the topic. The examiner will listen and may ask one or two short follow-up questions when you finish.
The goal of this section is to see how well you can organise your ideas and speak clearly for a longer period of time.
Preparation Time: 1 minute
Speaking Time: 1–2 minutes
Follow-up Questions: 1–2 short questions
Task Type: Speak about a topic using a cue card with prompts
How Speaking Part 2 Works
(Step-by-Step)
The diagram below shows the steps of IELTS Speaking Part 2.
Listen carefully
to the instructions.
If you don’t understand a word on the task card, you can ask the examiner.
Use your time wisely. Makes notes, not sentences.
The examiner will ask you to stop when the two minutes are up.
Understanding the Cue Card
The topic is random, so you cannot know exactly which topic you will receive in the test.
However, the topics are usually familiar and personal rather than academic. This means you will often talk about your experiences, opinions, or things in your daily life.
For example, you might describe a place you like, a person who influenced you, or an experience you remember well.
Notice the different verb tenses in the cue card.
You can add your own ideas if you need to speak longer.
Important
You do not need to speak about the bullet points in order.
They are there to help you develop your answer. You can add your own ideas and examples if you want.
Using Your 1-Minute Preparation Time
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will have 1 minute to prepare before you start speaking.
Use this time to write short keywords that help organise your ideas. Do not write full sentences, because there is not enough time.
Your notes should help you remember your ideas, not write your whole answer.
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Write keywords only — not full sentences.
Important
Write one or two keywords for each bullet point on the cue card. This will help you organise your answer and speak more confidently.
Strategies for Stronger Part 2 Answers
In this section, you will find practical tips to help you prepare, organise your ideas, and speak confidently in Part 2.
Part 2 - Speaking
Tips and Advice
Practise Often
Pace Yourself
Sound Natural
Know
the Card
Expand Your Ideas
Show
Your Skills
Common IELTS Speaking Part 2 Mistakes to Avoid
Many students lose marks in IELTS Speaking Part 2 because of simple mistakes. These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Try answering a real IELTS Part 2 cue card.
Use 1 minute to prepare and speak for up to 2 minutes, just like in the real test.
