In Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, you will be given a cue card with a topic on it. You will have 1 minute to prepare to speak about this topic, and then you will have to talk for 1-2 minutes. Here are 5 tips to help you answer IELTS cue card questions successfully.
1. Make sure you understand the question.
Before you start talking, make sure that you understand what the question is asking you. If you're not sure, ask the examiner to clarify. It's better to ask for clarification than to try to answer a question that you don't understand fully.
2. Make a note of 3-4 main points that you want to talk about.
Don't try to memorize what you're going to say—just make some rough notes about the main points that you want to touch on. This will help keep you focused when you're speaking and prevent you from going off on tangents.
3. Speak slowly and clearly.
It can be easy to get nervous when speaking for 1-2 minutes, but it's important to speak slowly and clearly so that the examiner can understand you and give you a good score for fluency and coherence. Try to avoid filler words like "um" and "like," which will just make your speech sound choppy. Take a deep breath before you start speaking, and try to relax!
4. Give concrete examples and details to support your points.
Vague statements will not impress the examiner—you need to back up your claims with specific examples and details. This will show that you have a good grasp of the topic and that you can express yourself clearly.
5. Don't worry if you can't think of something to say right away—just take a moment to think about it.
If you find yourself drawing a blank, it's okay to take a brief pause to collect your thoughts before continuing. This is much better than just repeating yourself or rambling on without really saying anything of substance. Just remember not to take too long, or else you'll go over time!
Takeaway
Answering IELTS cue card questions in Part 2 of the speaking test doesn't have to be difficult—just follow these simple tips, and you'll be well on your way to getting a great score!