Understanding Part 2
IELTS Speaking Part 2 is also called the "Long Turn" or "Cue Card" section. You receive a topic card with bullet points and must speak for 1-2 minutes.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 1 minute (you get paper and pencil) |
| Speaking Time | 1-2 minutes (aim for the full 2 minutes) |
| Cue Card | Topic + 3-4 bullet points to cover |
| Follow-up | 1-2 short questions after you finish |
Key insight: The examiner will stop you at exactly 2 minutes. If you stop before 1 minute, it hurts your fluency score. Practice with a timer.
The 4-Part Structure
Use this proven structure to organize your 2-minute response and ensure you cover all bullet points.
Set the scene. Introduce what/who/where you'll discuss. "I'd like to talk about..."
Cover bullet points 1 and 2. Give details, examples, sensory descriptions.
Cover bullet points 3 and 4. Explain context, reasons, comparisons.
Reflect on the topic. Why is it memorable? How did it affect you?
Preparation Minute Strategy
In your 1-minute prep time:
- 10 seconds: Read the full card twice
- 30 seconds: Jot 3-4 keywords for each bullet point
- 20 seconds: Think of your opening and closing sentences
Do NOT write full sentences. You won't have time to read them while speaking naturally.
50 Part 2 Topics
People
Places
Objects
Events & Experiences
Activities & Hobbies
Sample Band 7 Responses
Describe a person who has inspired you
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they have done that inspired you
- And explain why they inspire you
"I'd like to talk about my grandmother, who I've always found incredibly inspiring.
She's now in her late eighties, and I've known her my entire life, obviously. We've always been quite close because when I was growing up, my parents worked long hours, so she often looked after me and my sister.
What particularly inspires me about her is how she reinvented herself after my grandfather passed away about fifteen years ago. Rather than withdrawing from life, which would have been understandable at her age, she actually started volunteering at a local charity shop and took up painting, something she'd always wanted to try but never had time for when she was raising her family.
I think what makes her so inspiring is her resilience and her attitude toward life. She's faced significant challenges, including health problems in recent years, but she maintains this remarkable positivity. She always says that every day you wake up is a good day. That perspective has really influenced how I approach my own difficulties. When I'm stressed about exams or work, I try to remember her attitude, and it helps me put things in perspective."
What Makes This Response Band 7
- Coherence: Clear structure following all bullet points
- Vocabulary: "reinvented herself," "maintaining remarkable positivity," "put things in perspective"
- Grammar: Mix of tenses, relative clauses, conditionals
- Fluency: Flows naturally with appropriate discourse markers
Describe a place you would like to visit
You should say:
- Where it is
- What you know about it
- How you learned about it
- And explain why you would like to visit
"If I could travel anywhere, I'd choose to visit Iceland, which has been on my bucket list for several years now.
It's a Nordic island nation located in the North Atlantic, just below the Arctic Circle. From what I understand, it's a country of remarkable contrasts, with glaciers and volcanoes existing side by side. The capital, Reykjavik, is apparently the northernmost capital city in the world.
I first became interested in Iceland after watching a nature documentary about the Northern Lights. The footage of the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky was absolutely breathtaking. Since then, I've done quite a bit of research online and followed several travel photographers on social media who regularly post stunning images of Icelandic landscapes.
The main reason I'm so keen to visit is the unique natural scenery. I'm particularly interested in seeing the famous geysers and hot springs, as well as the black sand beaches which look completely otherworldly in photographs. I'm also attracted to the fact that it's relatively unspoiled by mass tourism compared to many European destinations. The idea of experiencing such dramatic, untouched landscapes really appeals to me."
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Too Short
"My grandmother inspires me. She is kind and nice. I love her very much." (15 seconds)
Fix: Add Details
Explain HOW she's kind, give a specific example, describe a memory, explain the impact on you.
Mistake: Memorized Script
Speaking at unnatural speed, no hesitations, topic doesn't match content.
Fix: Prepare Ideas, Not Scripts
Have flexible stories that adapt to different topics. Practice expressing ideas naturally.
Mistake: Missing Bullet Points
Talking only about what, ignoring why or how.
Fix: Use the Structure
Glance at your notes to ensure you cover all points. The "why" and "feelings" bullets are often forgotten.
Filler Word Awareness
Occasional fillers ("um," "well," "you know") are natural and acceptable. Excessive use hurts your fluency score. Replace with:
| Instead of... | Try... |
|---|---|
| "Um... um..." | "Let me think about that..." or just pause |
| "Like, like, like..." | "For example..." or "such as..." |
| "You know..." | "What I mean is..." or skip it |
Practice Part 2 with AI Feedback
Verborise analyzes your 2-minute responses for: timing, structure, vocabulary range, filler words, and coherence. Get Band 7 phrase suggestions.
Start Part 2 PracticeFlexible Story Strategy
Prepare 5-6 versatile stories that can answer multiple Part 2 topics. Here's how one story adapts:
One Story, Multiple Topics
Base story: A trip to Japan with a friend
- "Describe a journey you remember well" - the trip itself
- "Describe a time you tried new food" - eating ramen in Tokyo
- "Describe something you learned" - learning about Japanese culture
- "Describe a place you visited" - Kyoto temples
- "Describe a time you were surprised" - size of Tokyo
- "Describe something you'd like to do again" - the whole experience
See also: All IELTS Topics | Full IELTS Course | How to Get Band 7