10 Engaging IELTS Cue Card Topics to Help You Ace Your Speaking Exam

Meetu Jain

May 1, 20234 min read

Updated: Sep 26, 2024

The IELTS Speaking Test takes about 11-14 minutes and is conducted by a trained examiner. There are 3 parts:

1. Part 1 is 4-5 minutes long and the examiner asks general questions about home, family, job, studies, interests and a wide range of similar topics.

2. Part 2 is 2-3 minutes long and the examiner presents a task card with prompts. The candidate is allowed to prepare and take notes for about 1 minute. Then, they have to speak for 1-2 minutes. Later, the examiner might ask 1 or 2 questions on the same topic.

3. Part 3 is 4-5 minutes long where the examiner and the candidate engage in a discussion on more abstract issues which are thematically linked to the topic in Part 2.

Here we are sharing some interesting cue card questions:

1. Talk about a resolution that you made for this year.

Which resolution is it?
Why did you make it?
How do you plan to accomplish it?
By when do you think you will be able to accomplish it?

2. Talk about your biggest achievement in the last year.

What is it?
What efforts did you put in?
Did you face any hurdles?
Why do you think it is the biggest achievement?

3. Talk about any goal that you could not accomplish in the last year.

Which goal was it?
Why couldn’t you achieve?
How do you plan to achieve it now?
How would you feel when you will achieve it?

4. Talk about a party that you hosted or attended recently.

Who hosted the party?
Where was it?
Describe the venue, theme, food etc.
What did you enjoy the most?

5. Talk about a time when you got late for an important occasion.

Which occasion was it?
Why was it important?
Who all were affected?
How did you make for the loss?

6. Talk about an item that your purchased online.

What was it?
Describe the item.
Why did you purchase?
How would you rate the item and the website?

7. Talk about a person whom you consider successful.

Who is the person?
Talk about their accomplishments.
Why do you consider them successful?
How does this person inspire you?

8. Talk about a peaceful place you like visiting.

Which place is it?
How did you get to know about this place?
How often do you visit?
Describe the place?

9. Talk about a pet animal you would like to have.

Which animal is it?
Where can you find it?
Why would you like to have that animal as pet?
Would you have to make some special arrangements to keep it?

10. Talk about a plant that is important to you.

Which plant is it?
Where is it found?
Why is it important?
Would you like to have it at your home?

The above are a few examples out of the huge variety of topics that can be asked.

Tips for Part 2

Do utilize 1 minute time to read the whole cue card properly and take notes.
When you start speaking, start from the topic statement.
Cover the bullet points one by one in the same sequence.
Generally one question requires greater description.
Do not skip any question.
Do not stop yourself but wait for the examiner to stop you.
Practice extensively with timer.
Finally, HOW you present is more important than WHAT you present. So, focus on overall presentation.

Do practice the given cue cards and follow the tips.

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