Answer IELTS cue cards like a pro!
The IELTS cue card is a challenging task for many IELTS test-takers.
To get a high score, it is vital to understand what the examiner is looking for in this second task.
Here are some essential tips on how to answer IELTS cue cards so that you can ace the speaking section of the IELTS test.
1. Talk about the topic for 1-2 minutes without pauses
The examiner wants to see that you can speak fluently about a given topic.
This means that you should try to speak continuously for the entire duration of the allotted time without pausing or taking too long to think about your response.
Of course, if you need a few seconds to gather your thoughts, that's perfectly fine. Just don't let too much dead air go by.
2. Include specific details and examples
To get a high score on content, your answer must be relevant to the question and include specific details and examples.
For instance, if you are asked to describe your hometown, don't just list off a few facts about the location.
Instead, describe what it's like to live there and why you enjoy it so much.
Tell stories about your personal experiences and share your favorite things about the place. The more specific you are, the better.
3. Organize your thoughts using simple language
Use language that is easy to understand and free of grammatical errors.
This doesn't mean that you should use overly simple words or sentences; just avoid using complicated vocabulary or sentence structures that might trip you up or confuse the examiner.
In addition, be sure to organize your thoughts logically so that your answer flows smoothly from one point to the next.
A good way to do this is to use signposting language such as "first," "second," "finally," etc., to transition between ideas.
4. Finish strong with a sincere closing statement
End your answer on a positive note by summing up what you've said or expressing thanks for the question.
For example, you might say something like, "So those are my reasons for loving my hometown! It's truly a special place."
Or, "Thanks for asking me about my hometown! I had a great time talking about it."
A sincere closing statement will leave a good impression on the examiner and could help boost your score on delivery and fluency.
Answering an IELTS cue card may seem daunting at first, but if you follow these essential tips, you'll be well on your way to acing the speaking section of the IELTS test.
Just remember to focus on fluency, content, language use, and delivery, and you'll do great!
IELTS CUE CARD TOPICS WITH ANSWERS
In the IELTS speaking section of the test, one of the tasks is to respond to a cue card (in Part 2).
The cue card contains a topic and some instructions, and it's up to you to talk about the particular topic for 1-2 minutes.
Below are some examples of recent IELTS cue card topics so that you know what to expect on test day.
There are also some ideas to help you tackle answering any cue cards for IELTS speaking.
IELTS Cue Card Topics
Describe a time when a family member asked you about a foreign country
You should say:
- Who the family member was
- What they wanted to know
- How you responded
Describe a historical place you visited with your family members
You should say:
- Where it is located
- What it looks like
- What you did there
Describe a good law in your country that you think is important
You should say:
- What the law is
- How you learned about it
- Who benefits from this law
Describe a crowded place you have been to
You should say:
- Where it was
- When you visited
- What you did there
Describe a famous person you want to meet
You should say:
- Who this person is
- Why you want to meet them
- What you would talk about
Describe a practical skill you would like to learn
You should say:
- What this skill is
- How you would use it
- Why you want to learn it
Describe a peaceful place you have visited
You should say:- Where it is
- What you did there
- Why you found it to be peaceful
Ideas to answer this cue card:
- A beach I visited
- A forest I hiked in
- A lake near my hometown
- An island getaway
- A quiet hilltop village
How do I start an IELTS Speaking topic?
How to introduce your answer:
- I'd like to talk about a peaceful place I visited recently. It was (the location of the place), and it really made me feel relaxed and at ease...
- I'm going to tell you about (the place you visited), and why I found it to be peaceful. I'll explain what I did there, and how the experience made me feel...
- I'm going to talk about a place I visited recently, called (name the location). It was an extremely peaceful and calming experience for me, and I'd like to share the details with you...
How to describe what you did there:
- I spent some time exploring the area, taking in its beautiful scenery and enjoying the tranquility that surrounded me. I even had a chance to...
- I took part in some outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, or just simply wandering around...
- I also got to appreciate the stunning views of nature that surrounded me--the lush green trees and grasses; the bright blue sky; and the vibrant colors of wildflowers...
How to explain how you felt while in that place:
- Being in (the place) felt like a breath of fresh air. It was so peaceful and calming, that I couldn't help but feel relaxed and content. The atmosphere was serene and it was the perfect getaway.
- I felt incredibly lucky to have been able to experience (the place). It was unlike anything else I'd ever seen before. There was a feeling of peace and wonder that came over me while I was there, and it's something that I'll never forget.
- Being in (the place) was an incredibly moving experience for me.
Describe a place in your country that you would recommend others to visit
You should say- what kind of place it is
- where it is located
- what people can see/do there
Ideas about different places you could talk about to answer this IELTS cue card
- A city: e.g. Boston, London, Sydney
- A natural wonder: e.g. Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon
- A historical site: e.g. the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramids
How to introduce your answer
I would recommend visiting {place} in {city/country}. It's a beautiful/historic/interesting place with plenty to see and do.
How to describe where the place is located:
- If it's a city: It's located in {state/country}.
- If it's a natural wonder: It can be found in {city/state/country}.
- If it's a historical site: It's situated in {city/state/country}.
How to describe the geographical location of the place
- It's situated on the {coast/river/border of...}.
- It's located in the {forest/mountains/valley}.
- It's set in the {ruins/desert/ ancient city}.
Some typical things people can see/do
- Walking around the city/exploring the natural landscape
- Visiting museums and art galleries
- Trying the local food
Some possible reasons why it is worth recommending
- It's a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- There are plenty of things to see and do, so there's something for everyone.
- It's a great place to learn about {history/culture/art}.
- It's a great place to take amazing photos.
How to end your talk
If you're looking for a place with plenty to see and do, I highly recommend visiting {place} in {city/country}. It's a beautiful/historic/interesting/fascinating place that is sure to have something for everyone.
Talk about a person who has inspired you
- who is the person?
- how do you know him/her?
- how did he/she inspire you?
Ideas about different people to talk about to answer this IELTS cue card:
- A family member
- A friend
- A celebrity
- A teacher
- A mentor
How to introduce your answer
I'd like to talk about my {person}. He/She has been a great source of inspiration for me throughout my life.
{person} is someone who I have always looked up to. He/She is a strong and independent person who has overcome many challenges in his/her life.
{person} is one of my biggest idols. He/She is an amazing singer and songwriter who has had a huge impact on the music industry.
{person} was my high school English teacher. He/She was an incredible teacher who really inspired me to pursue my passion for {writing / drama / engineering, etc.}
There have been many people who have inspired me throughout my life, but one person who has had a particularly significant impact is my grandmother. I have always been close to her and she has always been a source of wisdom and guidance for me. Even in her later years, she was still an incredibly active and engaged member of her community. She would always go out of her way to help others, whether it was volunteering at the local food bank or simply offering a kind word to someone who looked like they were having a tough day.
Her selflessness and compassion were truly inspiring, and she taught me the importance of giving back to those less fortunate. She also instilled in me a love of learning; even in her 90s, she was still taking classes and expanding her horizons. She was a remarkable woman, and I am so grateful to have had her in my life.
Because of my grandmother, I have always been interested in social justice issues and giving back to my community. It was she who first showed me the importance of helping others, whether it was volunteering at the local food bank or simply offering a kind word to someone who looked like they were having a tough day.
After graduation, I plan to continue working with youth in some capacity, whether it is through teaching, coaching, or mentoring. I believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and I want to do whatever I can to help them achieve that.
In closing, I'd just like to say how much my grandmother meant to me, and how grateful I am to have had her in my life. She was a truly remarkable woman, and I know that she will continue to inspire me even after she is gone.
IELTS cue card topics with answersTalk about an interesting conversation you had recently
You should say:- Who you spoke to
- What the conversation was about
- Why you found it interesting
IELTS cue card
How to answer this cue card
- An interesting conversation can be had with anyone on any topic
- It doesn't have to be a deep or meaningful conversation to be interesting
- A good conversation is one where both parties are engaged and interested in what the other has to say
Example introduction to cue card model answer
I recently had an interesting conversation with my friend about her new job. We spoke about her new role, her responsibilities, and the company she's now working for. I found it interesting because it's a very different industry from what she used to work in. She told me about the challenges she's facing and how she's enjoying the change of pace. I enjoyed speaking to her because she's always open to new experiences and is very...
Recently, I had an interesting conversation with my friend John. We were talking about our plans for the future and what we want to do with our lives. I found it interesting because we have very different ideas about what we want to do. He wants to travel the world and see new places, while I want to settle down and start a family. It was interesting to hear his perspective on things and why he feels that way. I enjoyed speaking to him because he is always so open-minded and willing to listen to other people's opinions.
The conversation took place in a cafe. We were both sitting at a table, with our coffee in front of us. The conversation started with him asking me about my plans for the future. I told him that I wanted to settle down and start a family. He seemed surprised by this and asked why I didn't want to travel the world as he does. I explained that I feel like it's important to put roots down somewhere and create a stable life for myself and my future family. He understood what I was saying, but he still doesn't agree with me. He thinks that life is too short to not see as much of it as possible.
I can see his point of view, but I still don't think that I could ever fully commit to the nomadic lifestyle. For me, there's something comforting about having a home to come back to. Even if I do move around a lot, I think I'll always need that anchor in my life.
The conversation ended on a good note and we parted ways, but I can't help but wonder if he'll ever understand where I'm coming from. Maybe one day he'll settle down too and then he'll know how I feel. Or maybe he'll continue to travel the world forever and never look back. Either way, I'm glad that we had that talk. It was eye-opening for both of us.
IELTS cue card topics with answersDescribe a time when you had to use your organizational skills
You should say:- When this was
- What you had to do
- How you did it
IELTS speaking cards
Ideas to answer this cue card
- A time at work when you had to organize a project or event
- A time in your life when you had to get organized and make a plan
- A time when you had to help someone else get organized
- A time when you had to study for an exam and had to use your organizational skills to study effectively
- A time when you had to clean your house or apartment and used your organizational skills to do so efficiently
Example cue card Introduction
I'm going to talk about a time when I had to organize a project at work. It was a big project and there were a lot of moving parts, so it required me to be very organized. I had to make sure that everyone on the team knew what they were supposed to be doing, and that the project stayed on track.
At work, I am often required to use my organizational skills in order to complete tasks efficiently. For example, when we are working on a project that requires input from several different departments, I have to make sure that everyone is on the same page and knows what their deadlines are. This can be quite challenging, but luckily I am quite good at keeping track of details and making sure that everything runs smoothly. As a result, my coworkers often come to me when they need help getting things done.
I was once tasked with organizing a company-wide event. This involved coordinating with different teams, booking venues, and dealing with a lot of logistics. It was a lot of work, and we had some challenges along the way. For example, one of the venues we booked ended up being double-booked, so we had to quickly find a new location. But in the end, everything came together and the event was a success.
In my current role, I am responsible for managing our social media accounts. This includes creating and scheduling posts, interacting with followers, and monitoring analytics. It's a lot of work, but I enjoy it because it allows me to be creative and use my marketing skills. Plus, it's a great way to connect with our customers and learn about their needs.
Overall, I have a lot of experience with project management and coordination. I am detail-oriented and good at keeping track of deadlines. I also have excellent communication skills, which is important in coordinating with team members and external partners.
My job is challenging, but I enjoy it because it allows me to use my organizational skills to help others. I am always looking for ways to streamline processes and make things run more smoothly. My ultimate goal is to make my coworkers' lives easier and help our company be as successful as possible.
- What kind of work is it?
- Why do you want to do that kind of work?
- How do you think you can achieve it?
Ideas for introducing your answer to this cue card question, before expanding upon specific details of the work:
- I would like to work in a field that is creative and helps people in some way. I want to be able to use my imagination and help others as a result. I think I can achieve this by working hard and pursuing my goals.
- I would like to find a challenging position that allows me to learn new things and use my skills to solve problems. I think I can achieve this by being adaptable and open to new ideas.
- I would like to work in a field that is meaningful to me and makes a difference in the world. I want to be able to help people and make a positive impact. I think I can achieve this by being compassionate and working towards my goals.
Describe a time when you had to give a presentation
- what the presentation was about
- who you gave it to
- how you felt about it
IELTS Cue Card
Examples of when you might have to give a presentation:
- At work – you may have to give a presentation to your boss or colleagues about a project you’re working on.
- In school – you may have to give a presentation in front of your classmates as part of an assignment.
- At a conference – you may have to give a presentation to an audience.
Talk about an interesting experience you had working with someone from another country
- who the person was
- what work you did
- why it was interesting
IELTS Cue Card
Examples of this situation:
- I had an interesting experience working with someone from another country when I was doing my internship in a ...
- When my boss sent me to the United Arab Emirates to work in the company's Dubai branch, I was teamed up with a girl from Egypt ...
- I once had to train someone from another country on our computer system, and it was quite challenging...
- I worked with a guy from Japan who was an international student when I was doing my final-year project at university.
Talk about your plans for continuing your professional development
- what you plan to do
- how you will do it
- when you hope to achieve it
And say if you think it's important to always learn something new at work.
IELTS cue card examplesExamples of professional development that people often undertake:
- Taking courses or attending workshops to learn new skills related to work
- Participating in mentorship programs or shadowing more experienced colleagues
- Engaging in networking opportunities to meet new people and learn about different approaches to work
Describe a short journey that you didn't enjoy
- why did you make the trip?
- what occurred during it?
- what didn't you enjoy about it?
And say how you felt after the trip.
IELTS cue cards with answersHere are some examples of short journeys people don't like:
- A long car ride with a screaming baby in the backseat
- A crowded and hot subway ride during rush hour
- Being stuck in traffic. Whether it's a short journey to the shops or a long commute to work, being stuck in traffic is frustrating and makes people feel angry and stressed.
- Making a journey when tired. Whenever we're tired, our patience level dips. We can become irritated quickly. And this can make even the shortest trip/journey seem like an endurance test and much less interesting (describe how bored/miserable you were) during the journey.
Describe something you received for free
- What was it?
- When and where did you receive it?
- Why did you receive it?
And say how you felt about receiving it.
IELTS cue cardExamples of free items people might receive:
- A free sample of a new product at a store
- A free ticket to a movie or concert
- A free piece of advice from a friend or family member
Describe a school rule that you had to obey
- What was the rule?
- Did you agree with it?
- Why was the rule put in place?
And say what would happen if students disobeyed the rule.
Examples of typical rules at school:
- No running in the halls
- No phones during class
- No food or drink in the classrooms
Talk about a married couple you know that inspires you
- How did you meet them?
- Why do they inspire you?
- How long you've known them?
And explain what their secret to a successful marriage is.
IELTS cue cardSecrets to a successful marriage:
- Couples who communicate well are more likely to have a successful marriage. They understand their partner's needs and wants and can express their own clearly.
- Partners who respect each other (mutual respect) appreciate each other's opinions and make an effort to understand an alternative point of view.
- Couples willing to compromise know that neither person is always going to get their way, and they are willing to meet in the middle to find a solution that works for both of them.
Talk about a well-paid job that you believe you would be good at
- What does the job entail?
- What are the requirements for this position?
- Why do you feel that you would be an ideal candidate for this role?
And explain any other advantages the job offers?
IELTS cue cardAdvantages well-paid jobs typically offer:
- Good pay: Well-paid jobs tend to offer competitive salaries that can help you keep up with the cost of living and save for your future.
- Benefits: Many well-paid jobs also come with important benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans.
- Job security: With a well-paid job, you can often count on a certain level of job security, which can give you peace of mind and stability.
Talk about your favorite building in your city/country
- Where is it?
- What does it look like?
- Why do you like it?
IELTS speaking cue cards
Examples of favorite types of buildings in your city or country:
- I love the old Victorian homes in my city. They are so beautiful and have so much character. I can't help but admire them every time I see one.There is one building in particular, it's...
- I really enjoy the modern, sleek skyscrapers that line the skyline. They are so impressive and make me feel like I'm living in a fantasy world. The one building I like best is...
- I have a soft spot for quaint little shops and cafes. I love the feeling of exploring new places, and these types of buildings always seem to have something new and interesting waiting for me. My favorite building is ...
Describe a garden or park where you recently spent some time
- What did you do there?
- Why did you go there?
- What did you like most about it?
IELTS cue card samples
Examples of types of gardens or parks where people might spend time that you can use for your answer:
- a community / public / private garden
- an amusement park / nature park / zoological park
- a botanical garden
Talk about a time when you experienced foreign food
- When did you eat it?
- Where did you eat it?
- How did you feel about it?
IELTS speaking cue card
Examples of food and reasons people like/dislike it you could use in your answer:
- When I traveled to Italy. I ate at a small, family-run restaurant in Florence and had the most amazing pasta dish I have ever tasted. I loved it because it was so full of flavor and unlike anything that I had ever eaten before.
- When I visited my friend in another city, we went to a restaurant that served food from her country. I found it very spicy and intense and didn't enjoy it as much as she did. I think part of the reason is that I'm not used to eating food that is so spicy.
- When my family decided to try a new cuisine for dinner one night. We had something called Pho, which is a Vietnamese soup. I found it very savory and hearty, and I enjoyed it.
- When I went to a Mexican restaurant for the first time. I tried a dish called tacos al pastor, which are tacos made with pork marinated in a special sauce. I thought they were delicious.
What food can be classed as foreign?
Foreign food can be defined as any cuisine not typically found in your home country. This could include dishes from other cultures or even just foods that are not common in your area.
Describe a small business you'd like to start
- What is the business?
- What would you need to start it?
- Where would it be?
IELTS candidate task card
Ideas for a small business you can start anywhere
- A mobile pet grooming business where customers can schedule appointments for their pets to be groomed at their home or office. This would require some basic marketing materials and a website. This type of business could be especially successful in bigger cities where pet owners are often busy.
- An import/export business specializing in bringing goods between your destination country and your home country. This could be a brick-and-mortar store or an online business and would require some knowledge of international shipping laws and customs regulations. This type of business could take advantage of the growing number of people who emigrate to other countries but miss things from their native culture.
- A home-based business that provides concierge services. This could include running errands, scheduling appointments, and making travel arrangements. Concierge services could be popular with busy professionals and families who don't have the time to do these things themselves.
Talk about an interesting animal you saw
You should say:- where you saw it
- what it looked like
- what it was doing
Talk about a particular occasion when you lost your temper
You should say:- where this happened
- what led to you losing your temper
- how you felt afterwards
Talk about your favourite singer or band
You should say:- who they are
- what kind of music they sing
- why you like them
Talk about your favourite sport when you were a child
You should say:- what this sport was
- where you would play it
- who you would play it with
Describe a positive change in your life IELTS cue card
You should say:- what this change was
- when it took place
- how it came about
Talk about an old person you know and admire
You should say:- who the person is
- how you know them
- what they do that you admire
and explain why you admire what they do.
IELTS Cue Card Section FAQs
What is a cue card?
A cue card is a prompt that gets presented by the examiner which provides you with a topic on talking about it. The topics are normally everyday things, experiences, previous events, or a specific situation of some kind.
How Many Cue Cards are there in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test?
There is one cue card. It has one prompt and some bullet points to help you when you respond. The purpose is to see if you can communicate effectively when asked to talk about a topic for a couple of minutes.
How many minutes do you need to speak for?
You have 1 minute preparation time and after that, you get 2 minutes to speak. Try to speak for the full two minutes to show the examiner how good your spoken english is.
What do you do if you can't think of anything to say?
If you find the topic difficult at first glance, don't worry! Brainstorm ideas and some appropriate vocabulary based on the bullet points. Then use those to help guide your answer. Try to cover all the points in your talk.
What happens if you run out of time while speaking?
The examiner will tell you when the time is up. Relax, just bring your talk to a close by completing the phrase.
After you finish, the examiner asks a brief question (a rounding-off question) relevant to what you spoke about in Part 2, before moving on to Part 3.
Always remember, you have a full two minutes of speaking time. Try to use it all.
It is also a good idea to get in the habit of practicing and timing yourself, so you know how long two minutes feels. Try setting the timer on your phone. When the timer starts, begin talking immediately and practice speaking until it stops after two minutes.
Where can I get IELTS cue cards?
There are a few ways you can get IELTS speaking practice cue cards. One of the ways is to purchase a book containing cue card samples. Or search online for free samples. There are lots of examples of cue cards (with sample answers) on this blog.
Are there different types of IELTS Cue Card?
Yes, for example, some Cue Cards ask about personal experiences, your opinion on a topic, or future plans.
What are some typical cue card topics for IELTS?
For IELTS speaking, there are various cue cards that could be given to you.
Examples:- Describe a typical day/weekend with your family
- Describe something you do often after work/school
- Talk about an advertisement that you found interesting
What is the IELTS speaking test format?
The speaking test in IELTS is face to face with an examiner. It lasts around 11-14 minutes.
IELTS Speaking has three parts — Part 1 involves you answering questions about yourself and other things related to daily life.
In Part 2, the examiner asks you to speak on a topic for between one and two minutes.
This is followed by Part 3, which is designed to be more abstract, but loosely related to the topic in Part 2. You're expected to be able to discuss things in more depth and express your opinion.
Is answering an IELTS cue card a difficult task if English is not your native language?
How difficult YOU find tackling the cue card section will depend on your level of English language proficiency. If you have good grammar and vocabulary and can speak well - then it should be relatively easy.
However, speaking for an extended time (up to 2 minutes) is a real-life practical skill. Like giving a presentation. It's something you must practice to become really good at. Some easy ways to improve quickly include reading the specific instructions for the cue card carefully before you begin talking. And aim to keep talking for the maximum time to get a good fluency score.
Do cue cards repeat?
Yes, they do, but with minor changes to them. There's no guarantee the exact cue card will appear again - although the same topic may. It's best to prepare by practicing with as many cue card topics as possible. This way you will be ready in case a cue card is repeated.
How do you start a cue card?
Take a minute to think when you get the cue card, before answering. I usually recommend writing down some notes before you answer. Just so you can make sure that everything flows smoothly and you cover the main points. After that, start talking as passionately as you can about the particular topic.
You can begin by using introductory phrases like "I'd like to tell you about...", or "Well, I remember a time when...", depending on the wording of the cue card.
How do you frame your answer for the Cue Cards?
Remember, always explain the details mentioned on the card. Justify your reasons and include examples. Avoid repetitiveness. And end with a summary of your key points.
How can I make my cue card answers better?
Here are some steps to help you get a higher band score in the cue card section.
- Fully grasp what the question is asking.
- Be natural and fluent.
- Vary your vocabulary and grammar.
- Give a detailed answer.
- Practice as much as you can.
So, if you follow these tips, you will perform better in the IELTS speaking test Section 2 (cue card).