IELTS Speaking Part 2, also known as “The Long Turn” or “Cue Card Task,” is a crucial component of the IELTS Speaking test. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to excel in this section.
What to Expect
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will be given a task card with a topic and some bullet points to cover. You will have one minute to prepare and then need to speak for up to two minutes on the topic. The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions after you finish your long turn. This part of the test evaluates your ability to organize your thoughts and speak spontaneously on a given subject.
- Duration: 3-4 minutes (including 1 minute preparation time)
- Format: You’ll receive a topic card with a specific topic
- Task: Speak for 1-2 minutes on the given topic
Key Strategies
- Understand the Task Card: Carefully read the task card and ensure you understand the topic and the points you need to cover. Use the one-minute preparation time wisely to jot down key ideas and structure your response.
- Structure Your Speech: Organize your talk into a clear structure: introduction, main points, and conclusion. This helps you stay on track and makes your speech more coherent.
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice is essential. Use a variety of topics to practice speaking for two minutes. Record yourself to evaluate your fluency and coherence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary allows you to express your ideas more precisely and effectively. Learn synonyms and practice using them in context to avoid repetition.
Advanced Tips
- Use Connectors and Discourse Markers: Words like “firstly,” “moreover,” “on the other hand,” and “in conclusion” can help structure your speech and make it more fluent.
- Tell a Story: If appropriate, narrate a personal story or experience related to the topic. This can make your speech more engaging and easier to follow.
- Develop Each Point Fully: Instead of briefly mentioning each bullet point, try to expand on each one. Provide examples, reasons, and details to make your speech richer.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Nervousness can affect your performance. Practice relaxation techniques and stay calm during the test to speak more confidently.
How to Practice Exercises
- Simulate Test Conditions: Practice speaking for two minutes on various topics under timed conditions. This helps you get used to the pressure of the real test.
- Use Task Cards: Create or find task cards similar to those used in the IELTS exam (see examples below). Practice organizing your thoughts and speaking based on these cards.
- Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions allows you to review your performance, identify areas for improvement, and track your progress over time.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a partner or a tutor who can provide constructive feedback on your fluency, coherence, and overall performance.
Things to Avoid
- Going Off-Topic: Stick to the topic and the points on the task card. Going off on a tangent can confuse the examiner and negatively impact your score.
- Overuse of Fillers: Avoid using too many fillers like “um,” “uh,” and “you know.” These can disrupt the flow of your speech and make you appear less fluent.
- Ignoring Grammar and Pronunciation: While fluency is important, do not neglect grammar and pronunciation. Errors in these areas can affect your overall score.
- Speaking Too Fast or Too Slowly: Speaking too fast can make it difficult for the examiner to understand you, while speaking too slowly can make you seem less fluent and confident. Aim for a natural pace to ensure clarity and comprehension.
Exercise Topics and Questions
Travel (Experience)
Describe a memorable trip you took.
- Where you went
- What you did
- Who you went with
- And explain why it was memorable
Book (Object)
Describe a book that had a significant impact on you.
- What the book is
- What it is about
- When you read it
- And explain how it influenced you
Person (Individual)
Describe someone who has inspired you.
- Who the person is
- How you know them
- What they have done to inspire you
- And explain why they are inspirational
Event (Occasion)
Describe a celebration you attended.
- What the celebration was
- Where it was held
- Who was there
- And explain why it was special
Technology (Object)
Describe a piece of technology you find useful.
- What it is
- How it works
- How you use it
- And explain why it is useful to you
Hobby (Activity)
Describe a hobby you enjoy.
- What the hobby is
- How you got into it
- How often you do it
- And explain why you enjoy it
Film (Object)
Describe a movie that you recently watched.
- What the movie is
- What it is about
- Where you watched it
- And explain why you liked or disliked it
Skill (Ability)
Describe a skill you would like to learn.
- What the skill is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how it will benefit you
Place (Location)
Describe a place you would like to visit.
- Where it is
- What you know about it
- Why you want to visit
- And explain what you would do there
Food (Object)
Describe a dish you enjoy eating.
- What it is
- How it is prepared
- When you first tried it
- And explain why you like it
Achievement (Accomplishment)
Describe an achievement you are proud of.
- What the achievement is
- How you achieved it
- Why it was significant
- And explain how it has impacted your life
Friend (Person)
Describe a close friend.
- Who the friend is
- How you met
- What you do together
- And explain why you consider them a close friend
Sport (Activity)
Describe a sport you enjoy watching or playing.
- What the sport is
- How you became interested in it
- How often you watch or play it
- And explain why you enjoy it
Festival (Event)
Describe a festival in your country.
- What the festival is
- How it is celebrated
- Who participates in it
- And explain why it is important
Teacher (Person)
Describe a teacher who has influenced you.
- Who the teacher is
- What they taught you
- How they influenced you
- And explain why they were influential
Weather (Condition)
Describe your favorite type of weather.
- What it is
- Why you like it
- How it affects your mood
- And explain what you do during this weather
Pet (Animal)
Describe a pet you have or had.
- What kind of pet it is
- How you got it
- What you do together
- And explain why it is special to you
Job (Occupation)
Describe a job you would like to have in the future.
- What the job is
- What the responsibilities are
- Why you are interested in it
- And explain how you plan to achieve it
Building (Structure)
Describe a building you like.
- What the building is
- Where it is located
- What it looks like
- And explain why you like it
Art (Object)
Describe a piece of art that you like.
- What it is
- Who created it
- Where you saw it
- And explain why you like it
Tradition (Custom)
Describe a tradition in your culture.
- What the tradition is
- How it is practiced
- Who participates in it
- And explain why it is important
Volunteer Work (Activity)
Describe a volunteer experience you have had.
- What the volunteer work was
- Where you did it
- Who you helped
- And explain why it was meaningful
Language (Skill)
Describe a language you would like to learn.
- What the language is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how it will benefit you
Nature (Environment)
Describe a natural place you enjoy visiting.
- What the place is
- Where it is located
- What you do there
- And explain why you enjoy visiting it
Fashion (Object)
Describe a piece of clothing you like.
- What it is
- Where you got it
- When you wear it
- And explain why you like it
Restaurant (Place)
Describe a restaurant you enjoy going to.
- What the restaurant is
- Where it is located
- What kind of food it serves
- And explain why you like it
Hometown (Place)
Describe your hometown.
- Where it is located
- What it is known for
- What you like about it
- And explain why it is special to you
Gift (Object)
Describe a gift you have received.
- What the gift was
- Who gave it to you
- When you received it
- And explain why it was special
Family (People)
Describe a family member you are close to.
- Who the family member is
- What your relationship is like
- What you do together
- And explain why you are close
Adventure (Experience)
Describe an adventurous activity you have done.
- What the activity was
- Where you did it
- Who you did it with
- And explain why it was adventurous
Season (Time)
Describe your favorite season.
- What the season is
- What the weather is like
- What activities you do during this season
- And explain why it is your favorite
Photograph (Object)
Describe a photograph that is special to you.
- What the photograph shows
- Who took it
- When it was taken
- And explain why it is special
Dream (Ambition)
Describe a dream you have for the future.
- What the dream is
- How you plan to achieve it
- Why it is important to you
- And explain what you would do if you achieved it
Music (Object)
Describe a song that helps you relax.
- What the song is
- Who the artist is
- When you listen to it
- And explain why it helps you relax
Museum (Place)
Describe a museum you have visited.
- What the museum is
- Where it is located
- What exhibits you saw
- And explain why it was interesting
Park (Place)
Describe a park you like to visit.
- What the park is
- Where it is located
- What you do there
- And explain why you like it
Music Instrument (Object)
Describe a musical instrument you would like to learn.
- What the instrument is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how it will benefit you
Movie Character (Person)
Describe a movie character you like.
- Who the character is
- What movie they are from
- What you like about them
- And explain why they are your favorite
App (Object)
Describe a mobile app you find useful.
- What the app is
- How it works
- How you use it
- And explain why it is useful to you
Historical Figure (Person)
Describe a historical figure you admire.
- Who the person is
- What they did
- Why they are important
- And explain why you admire them
Shopping (Activity)
Describe a shopping experience you enjoyed.
- What you bought
- Where you went
- Who you were with
- And explain why it was enjoyable
Exercise (Activity)
Describe a form of exercise you enjoy.
- What the exercise is
- How you do it
- How often you do it
- And explain why you enjoy it
Garden (Place)
Describe a garden you like.
- What the garden is
- Where it is located
- What it looks like
- And explain why you like it
Artwork (Object)
Describe a piece of artwork you created.
- What it is
- How you created it
- What inspired you
- And explain why it is special to you
Beach (Place)
Describe a beach you have visited.
- Where it is located
- What it looks like
- What you did there
- And explain why you enjoyed it
Holiday (Event)
Describe your favorite holiday.
- What the holiday is
- How you celebrate it
- Who you celebrate it with
- And explain why it is your favorite
Public Transport (Object)
Describe a form of public transport you use.
- What it is
- How often you use it
- Why you use it
- And explain what you like or dislike about it
Internet (Technology)
Describe a useful website for learning new skills.
- What the website is
- What skills you can learn there
- How you use it
- And explain why you find it useful
Flower (Object)
Describe a flower you like.
- What it is
- Where it grows
- What it looks like
- And explain why you like it
Exhibition (Event)
Describe an exhibition you have visited.
- What the exhibition was
- Where it was held
- What you saw
- And explain why it was interesting
Game (Activity)
Describe a game you enjoy playing.
- What the game is
- How you play it
- Who you play it with
- And explain why you enjoy it
Charity (Organization)
Describe a charity you support.
- What the charity is
- What it does
- How you support it
- And explain why it is important to you
Meal (Object)
Describe a meal you enjoyed.
- What the meal was
- Where you had it
- Who you were with
- And explain why you enjoyed it
Market (Place)
Describe a market you like to visit.
- Where it is located
- What you can buy there
- How often you visit
- And explain why you like it
Road Trip (Experience)
Describe a road trip you have taken.
- Where you went
- Who you went with
- What you saw
- And explain why it was memorable
Concert (Event)
Describe a concert you have attended.
- What concert it was
- Where it was held
- Who performed
- And explain why you enjoyed it
Poem (Object)
Describe a poem you like.
- What it is called
- Who wrote it
- What it is about
- And explain why you like it
Festival (Event)
Describe a cultural festival you have attended.
- What the festival is
- Where it was held
- What you did there
- And explain why it was interesting
Advice (Experience)
Describe a piece of advice you received.
- What the advice was
- Who gave it to you
- When you received it
- And explain how it helped you
Exercise (Activity)
Describe a form of exercise you enjoy.
- What the exercise is
- How you do it
- How often you do it
- And explain why you enjoy it
City (Place)
Describe a city you have visited.
- What city it is
- When you visited
- What you did there
- And explain why you liked it
Language (Skill)
Describe a language you would like to learn.
- What the language is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how it will benefit you
Nature (Environment)
Describe a natural place you enjoy visiting.
- What the place is
- Where it is located
- What you do there
- And explain why you enjoy visiting it
Museum Exhibit (Object)
Describe a museum exhibit you found fascinating.
- What the exhibit was
- Where you saw it
- What it featured
- And explain why it fascinated you
Innovation (Object)
Describe an innovation that has changed people’s lives.
- What the innovation is
- How it works
- How it has impacted people’s lives
- And explain why it is significant
Festival (Event)
Describe a festival in another country that you would like to attend.
- What the festival is
- Where it is held
- What activities take place
- And explain why you would like to attend
Neighborhood (Place)
Describe a neighborhood you like.
- Where it is located
- What it looks like
- What amenities it has
- And explain why you like it
Recipe (Object)
Describe a recipe you enjoy cooking.
- What the recipe is
- What ingredients are needed
- How to prepare it
- And explain why you enjoy cooking it
Celebrity (Person)
Describe a celebrity you admire.
- Who the celebrity is
- What they are known for
- Why you admire them
- And explain how they have influenced you
Public Speaking (Experience)
Describe a public speaking experience you had.
- What the event was
- Where it took place
- What you spoke about
- And explain how you felt about it
Craft (Activity)
Describe a craft activity you enjoy.
- What the craft is
- How you do it
- How often you do it
- And explain why you enjoy it
Festival (Event)
Describe a local festival in your area.
- What the festival is
- How it is celebrated
- Who participates in it
- And explain why it is important to the community
Historical Site (Place)
Describe a historical site you have visited.
- What the site is
- Where it is located
- What you saw there
- And explain why it was interesting
Volunteer Work (Activity)
Describe a volunteer project you participated in.
- What the project was
- Where it took place
- What you did
- And explain why it was meaningful
Pet (Animal)
Describe a pet you would like to have.
- What kind of pet it is
- Why you want it
- How you would take care of it
- And explain how it would benefit your life
Art Gallery (Place)
Describe an art gallery you have visited.
- What the gallery is
- Where it is located
- What exhibits you saw
- And explain why it was interesting
Technology (Object)
Describe a technological device you want to buy.
- What the device is
- What it does
- Why you want it
- And explain how it will benefit you
Workshop (Event)
Describe a workshop you attended.
- What the workshop was about
- Where it took place
- What you learned
- And explain why it was useful
Game (Activity)
Describe a board game you enjoy playing.
- What the game is
- How you play it
- Who you play it with
- And explain why you enjoy it
Health (Activity)
Describe a healthy habit you have.
- What the habit is
- How you developed it
- How it benefits you
- And explain why you continue to do it
Gift (Object)
Describe a gift you gave to someone.
- What the gift was
- Who you gave it to
- Why you chose it
- And explain how the person reacted
Holiday Destination (Place)
Describe a holiday destination you would like to visit.
- Where it is located
- What you know about it
- Why you want to visit
- And explain what you would do there
Art (Object)
Describe a painting you like.
- What it is called
- Who painted it
- What it depicts
- And explain why you like it
Weekend Activity (Experience)
Describe your favorite weekend activity.
- What the activity is
- How you do it
- Who you do it with
- And explain why it is your favorite
Neighborhood (Place)
Describe a neighborhood you would like to live in.
- Where it is located
- What it looks like
- What amenities it has
- And explain why you would like to live there
Life Event (Experience)
Describe a life event that changed you.
- What the event was
- When it happened
- How it changed you
- And explain why it was significant
Public Figure (Person)
Describe a public figure you would like to meet.
- Who the person is
- What they are known for
- Why you want to meet them
- And explain what you would talk about
Outdoor Activity (Experience)
Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy.
- What the activity is
- Where you do it
- How often you do it
- And explain why you enjoy it
Social Media (Object)
Describe a social media platform you use.
- What it is
- How you use it
- Why you use it
- And explain what you like or dislike about it
Holiday (Event)
Describe a holiday you would like to experience.
- What the holiday is
- Where it is celebrated
- How it is celebrated
- And explain why you would like to experience it
Friendship (Experience)
Describe a memorable experience with a friend.
- What the experience was
- When it happened
- What you did
- And explain why it was memorable
Music (Object)
Describe a musical genre you enjoy.
- What the genre is
- How you discovered it
- Why you enjoy it
- And explain how it makes you feel
Public Transport (Object)
Describe a memorable journey you had on public transport.
- What the transport was
- Where you were going
- What happened during the journey
- And explain why it was memorable
Skill (Ability)
Describe a skill you have that you are proud of.
- What the skill is
- How you developed it
- Why you are proud of it
- And explain how it benefits you
Market (Place)
Describe a market you would like to visit.
- Where it is located
- What you can buy there
- Why you want to visit
- And explain what you would do there
Craft (Activity)
Describe a craft project you have completed.
- What the project was
- How you did it
- What materials you used
- And explain why you chose to do it
Restaurant (Place)
Describe a restaurant you would like to visit.
- What the restaurant is
- Where it is located
- What kind of food it serves
- And explain why you would like to visit
Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 2 requires practice and strategy. Use this guide to structure your preparation, and remember that confidence comes with consistent practice. Good luck with your IELTS journey!