IELTS Speaking · Part 2
20 cue card topics with Part 3 follow-ups
Real cue cards in the exam format, each paired with the abstract Part 3 questions an examiner would ask next.
How Part 2 works: The examiner hands you a card. You get one minute to prepare and make notes, then you speak for two minutes without interruption. The examiner will not react or encourage you — that is normal and does not mean you are doing badly.
The 20 cards below come from TalkSmart's exam bank and follow the same structure as the real test: one topic plus four prompts, the last of which is always "and explain why". Under each card you will find the Part 3 discussion questions that grow out of that topic in the real exam.
How to fill the two minutes
The most common mistake is racing through the four prompts and finishing in forty seconds. The card is a frame, not a checklist. Give each prompt roughly thirty seconds and add one concrete example to each.
- Do not write sentences in the preparation minute — write keywords. Written sentences turn into reading aloud, and reading costs you fluency marks.
- Never skip the last prompt. "Explain why" is where the marks are: it asks for an opinion plus a reason.
- Finish your sentence if time runs out. Being stopped is planned, not a failure.
20 cue card topics
1. Describe a person who has influenced you
You should say:
- who this person is
- how you know them
- what they have done
- and explain why they influenced you
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- What qualities make someone a good role model?
- Do you think celebrities influence young people too much?
- How has the idea of a role model changed over generations?
- Should schools teach students about historical role models?
2. Describe a skill you learned as an adult
You should say:
- what the skill is
- how you learned it
- how difficult it was
- and explain why you wanted to learn it
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Is it harder to learn new things as you get older?
- Should employers pay for staff training?
- Which skills will be most valuable in the future?
- Do you think online learning is as effective as classroom learning?
3. Describe a journey you remember well
You should say:
- where you went
- who you travelled with
- what happened during the journey
- and explain why you remember it
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Why do people enjoy travelling to other countries?
- How has tourism changed your country?
- Is air travel too cheap given its environmental cost?
- Will virtual reality ever replace real travel?
4. Describe a website or app you find useful
You should say:
- what it is
- how often you use it
- what you use it for
- and explain why you find it useful
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- How has the internet changed the way people find information?
- Should there be more regulation of social media?
- Do you think people trust online information too easily?
- What are the risks of relying on apps for everyday tasks?
5. Describe an important decision you made
You should say:
- what the decision was
- when you made it
- who helped you
- and explain why it was important
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Do people make better decisions alone or in groups?
- Should young people make their own career decisions?
- How do you think emotions affect decision-making?
- Is having too many choices a problem?
6. Describe a place where you like to relax
You should say:
- where it is
- how often you go there
- what you do there
- and explain why it helps you relax
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Why do people find it difficult to relax these days?
- Are cities designed well for relaxation?
- How important are public parks?
- Do you think working hours should be shorter?
7. Describe a book or film that made an impression on you
You should say:
- what it was about
- when you read or watched it
- what happened in it
- and explain why it made an impression
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Do people read less than they used to?
- Can films teach us as much as books?
- Should governments fund the arts?
- How does storytelling shape a culture?
8. Describe a time someone helped you
You should say:
- who helped you
- what the situation was
- what they did
- and explain why their help mattered
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Are people in your country willing to help strangers?
- Should schools require students to do volunteer work?
- Is it the government or individuals who should help those in need?
- Has city life made people less helpful?
9. Describe a goal you achieved
You should say:
- what the goal was
- how long it took
- what you had to do
- and explain why you are proud of it
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Why do some people give up on their goals?
- Is success mostly about hard work or luck?
- How do you think society defines success?
- Should children be taught to set goals?
10. Describe a piece of news you found interesting
You should say:
- what the news was about
- where you heard it
- who you discussed it with
- and explain why it interested you
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- How do people usually get news in your country?
- Is traditional journalism still important?
- Should news be free for everyone?
- How can people tell real news from fake news?
11. Describe an old object your family has kept
You should say:
- what it is
- how long the family has had it
- who it belonged to
- and explain why it is kept
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Why do people keep old things?
- Should governments protect historical buildings?
- Is it important for young people to learn about the past?
- Do museums still matter in the digital age?
12. Describe a time when you were very busy
You should say:
- when it was
- what you had to do
- how you managed
- and explain why it was a busy period
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Why do people feel busier than in the past?
- How can people manage their time better?
- Should companies allow flexible working hours?
- Is being busy a sign of success?
13. Describe a meal you enjoyed
You should say:
- what the meal was
- where you ate it
- who you were with
- and explain why you enjoyed it
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- How have eating habits changed in your country?
- Is fast food a serious problem?
- Should schools teach cooking?
- Do family meals still bring people together?
14. Describe an interesting conversation you had
You should say:
- who you talked to
- where it happened
- what you talked about
- and explain why it was interesting
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Are people losing the ability to have deep conversations?
- How has messaging changed communication?
- Should schools teach communication skills?
- Is it harder to disagree politely these days?
15. Describe a city you would like to visit
You should say:
- which city it is
- how you heard about it
- what you would do there
- and explain why you want to go
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- What makes a city a good place to live?
- Should governments limit tourism in popular cities?
- How will cities change in the next fifty years?
- Is urbanisation good for a country?
16. Describe a time you worked with a team
You should say:
- what the task was
- who was in the team
- what your role was
- and explain why the experience was useful
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- What makes a team work well together?
- Are some tasks better done alone?
- Should schools grade group work?
- How has remote work changed teamwork?
17. Describe something expensive you bought
You should say:
- what it was
- when you bought it
- how you paid for it
- and explain why you decided to buy it
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Do people spend money more carelessly than in the past?
- Should children be taught how to manage money?
- Is advertising too persuasive?
- Does owning more things make people happier?
18. Describe a natural place you have visited
You should say:
- where it is
- when you went
- what you saw there
- and explain why you remember it
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- How can countries protect natural areas?
- Is economic growth compatible with protecting nature?
- Should there be limits on visitors to natural sites?
- Do children today spend enough time outdoors?
19. Describe a change that improved your life
You should say:
- what the change was
- when it happened
- how it affected you
- and explain why it was an improvement
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Why do people find change difficult?
- Are large life changes better made when young?
- How do societies adapt to rapid change?
- Should governments help people whose jobs disappear?
20. Describe a job you would like to do
You should say:
- what the job is
- what it involves
- what skills it needs
- and explain why it appeals to you
Part 3 — discussion questions from this topic
- Which jobs are most respected in your country?
- Should salary be the main reason for choosing a job?
- How will automation change employment?
- Is job security still realistic?
Why Part 3 is different
Part 2 is personal — you talk about your own life. Part 3 is abstract: the examiner asks about the social side of the same topic. After a card about "a person who influenced you", you discuss who decides what makes a role model. Here the examiner pushes you and asks you to defend your view. Disagreeing is fine and costs you nothing, as long as you give reasons.
For the full list of Part 1 questions see the Part 1 question bank, and for the whole test and how it is scored see the IELTS Speaking guide.
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