In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a specific topic and a set of points to cover. You will have 1 minute to prepare and then must speak for 1-2 minutes. This part assesses your ability to organize your thoughts, speak fluently, and provide relevant details. Here are some common topics, along with example answers to help you prepare:

Topic 1: Describe a Memorable Holiday You Had
- Cue Card:
Describe a memorable holiday you had. You should say:- Where you went
- Who you went with
- What you did there
- And explain why it was memorable
- Sample Answer:
One of the most memorable holidays I ever had was a trip to Bali, Indonesia, last year. I went there with my best friend, Lisa. We both love exploring new places, and Bali was on our bucket list for a long time because of its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture.During our stay, we visited several famous beaches, like Kuta and Seminyak, where we enjoyed swimming and surfing. We also explored the Ubud area, known for its lush rice terraces and traditional Balinese arts and crafts. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where we hiked and took in the breathtaking views. We also participated in a local cooking class, learning how to make traditional Balinese dishes like Nasi Goreng and Satay.This holiday was memorable because it was a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. I also felt a great sense of freedom and joy while traveling with my friend, making it an unforgettable experience that I would love to repeat someday.
Topic 2: Describe a Person Who Has Greatly Influenced You
- Cue Card:
Describe a person who has greatly influenced you. You should say:- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities this person has
- And explain how this person has influenced you
- Sample Answer:
The person who has greatly influenced me is my high school English teacher, Mr. Johnson. I met him when I was in the 10th grade, and he taught English literature in a very engaging and inspiring way.Mr. Johnson is a passionate teacher who has a unique ability to make even the most complex topics interesting. He is also very patient and approachable, always willing to help his students with any difficulties they have. His enthusiasm for literature and his dedication to teaching had a profound impact on me.He influenced me by encouraging me to think critically and express my ideas confidently. He also introduced me to a wide range of books and writers, which sparked my love for reading and writing. Because of him, I decided to pursue English literature at university, and it has been one of the best decisions of my life.
Topic 3: Describe a Useful Skill You Have Learned
- Cue Card:
Describe a useful skill you have learned. You should say:- What the skill is
- When you learned it
- How you learned it
- And explain why you think it is useful
- Sample Answer:
A useful skill I have learned is public speaking. I first learned this skill during my university years when I joined a debate club. At first, I was very nervous about speaking in front of an audience, but with practice and guidance from my club mentors, I gradually became more confident.To improve my public speaking skills, I participated in various debates and presentations, watched online tutorials, and practiced regularly in front of a mirror. I also received constructive feedback from my peers, which helped me identify my weaknesses and work on them.I think this skill is incredibly useful because it enables me to communicate effectively in both personal and professional situations. Public speaking has helped me become more persuasive, improve my confidence, and connect better with others. It’s a skill that I believe everyone should develop, as it can open up many opportunities in life.
Topic 4: Describe a Time When You Helped Someone
- Cue Card:
Describe a time when you helped someone. You should say:- Who you helped
- How you helped them
- Why you helped them
- And explain how this person felt after you helped them
- Sample Answer:
A time when I helped someone was a few months ago when I assisted my neighbor, Mrs. Lee, with her groceries. She is an elderly lady who lives alone, and one day, I noticed her struggling to carry several heavy bags from the local market.I offered to help her carry the bags to her house, which she gladly accepted. After we reached her home, I stayed for a while and helped her organize the groceries in her kitchen. She seemed very grateful for the assistance, and we had a pleasant conversation about her experiences growing up in the neighborhood.I helped her because I noticed she was having a hard time, and I believe it is important to assist those in need, especially the elderly. She was very appreciative and expressed her thanks multiple times, which made me feel happy and fulfilled. It was a small gesture, but it made a big difference to her.
Conclusion
Preparing for IELTS Speaking Part 2 involves understanding how to organize your thoughts, expand on ideas, and speak confidently for 1-2 minutes. Practice different topics, focus on using clear and varied vocabulary, and include specific details to make your speech engaging and coherent. The key is to be natural and relaxed while demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English.