IELTS Speaking Part 2, also known as the cue card or long turn, is one of the most important components of the IELTS speaking test. In this part, the examiner gives you a small card containing a topic and a few bullet points. You have one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak continuously. Many students struggle with this section because it requires fluency, organization, vocabulary range, and the ability to speak without interruption.
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This guide provides Band 9 cue card samples, useful vocabulary, structures, and a complete preparation roadmap to help you improve your score. Whether you’re preparing for IELTS Academic or General Training, this content will help you build confidence and perform better on test day.
⭐ What Happens in IELTS Speaking Part 2?
In Part 2, the examiner will:
- Hand you a cue card with a topic.
- Give you a paper and pencil for notes.
- Allow you one minute to prepare.
- Ask you to speak for 1–2 minutes on the topic.
- Listen without interrupting (unless you exceed time).
This part tests:
- Fluency and coherence
- Vocabulary range
- Ability to develop ideas
- Pronunciation
- Grammatical accuracy and variety
Because you must speak for 2 minutes, it is essential to learn how to tell stories, describe experiences, and add details naturally.
Why IELTS Speaking Part 2 Is Challenging
Students often struggle with:
- Running out of ideas
- Speaking too quickly
- Using basic vocabulary
- Freezing during the long turn
- Forgetting what to say
- Worrying about grammar
The goal of this article is to help you overcome these problems using simple frameworks and high-quality sample answers.
✔ How to Answer IELTS Cue Cards (Band 8–9 Formula)
Use this 4-step formula for any cue card:
1. Start with a Clear Introduction
Briefly paraphrase the topic.
Example: “I’d like to talk about…”
2. Give Background Context
Explain when, where, or how the event/topic happened.
3. Provide Main Details
Follow the bullet points on the card and expand each one.
4. Add Extra Details and Personal Feelings
Describe emotions, lessons learned, deeper meaning, etc.
This structure ensures your response is:
- Logical
- Well-organized
- Long enough
- Rich in vocabulary
⭐ Top IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Samples (with Band 9 Answers)
Below are SEO-rich cue card topics plus full Band 9 sample answers you can use for your website.
Cue Card 1: Describe a person who inspires you
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know him/her
- What qualities he/she has
- And explain how he/she inspires you
Band 9 Sample Answer
One person who truly inspires me is Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. I first came across him in a documentary about entrepreneurs when I was in high school, and since then, I’ve been fascinated by his vision and determination.
What inspires me most about him is his ability to think beyond conventional limits. For example, he dreams of colonizing Mars, which most people find impossible. Yet he continues working tirelessly to turn this idea into reality. He also promotes sustainable energy through electric cars, which shows his concern for the future of humanity.
Another quality I admire is his resilience. Despite facing multiple failures, including rocket explosions and financial losses, he never gave up. Instead, he used these failures as learning experiences.
He inspires me because he reminds me that innovation comes from courage, and real success often starts with crazy ideas. Whenever I face challenges, I think about his journey and feel motivated to push myself harder.
Cue Card 2: Describe an unforgettable journey you took
You should say:
- Where you went
- Who you went with
- What happened during the journey
- And explain why it was unforgettable
Band 9 Sample Answer
One of the most unforgettable journeys I’ve ever taken was a trip to Bali, Indonesia last year. I travelled with a group of close friends, and we spent five days exploring beaches, temples, and local markets.
The highlight of the journey was visiting the Uluwatu Temple during sunset. The view was absolutely breathtaking. We also watched a traditional Kecak dance performance, which was fascinating because it blended culture, music, and storytelling.
Another memorable moment was trying parasailing for the first time. At first, I felt terrified, but once I was in the air, I felt a strong sense of freedom and excitement.
This trip is unforgettable because it helped me step out of my comfort zone, experience new cultures, and create lifelong memories with my friends.
Cue Card 3: Describe a useful piece of technology you own
You should say:
- What it is
- How you use it
- Why it is important
- And explain how it has changed your life
Band 9 Sample Answer
The piece of technology I find extremely useful is my noise-cancelling headphones. I bought them two years ago because I needed something to help me concentrate while studying.
I use them almost every day, especially when I’m working in noisy environments. They block out background sounds, allowing me to focus on my tasks more effectively. I also use them during online meetings and while traveling.
What makes them important is their ability to reduce stress and improve productivity. When I put them on, I feel like I’m in my own world. They have significantly changed my life by helping me become more efficient and organized.
Overall, this device has become an essential tool for my daily routine.
Cue Card 4: Describe a book you enjoyed reading
You should say:
- What the book is about
- Why you read it
- What you learned from it
- And why you enjoyed it
Band 9 Sample Answer
One book I truly enjoyed reading is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. This book focuses on how small habits can transform a person’s life.
I read it because I wanted to improve my daily routine and become more productive. After reading it, I learned about the importance of consistency and small improvements.
The reason I enjoyed it is that the author uses simple language and real-life examples, making the ideas easy to understand and apply. After finishing the book, I started implementing small changes in my routine, such as reading for ten minutes a day and organizing my tasks the night before.
This book had a positive impact on me and became one of my favorites.
Cue Card 5: Describe a goal you want to achieve
You should say:
- What the goal is
- Why it is important
- How you plan to achieve it
- And how you will feel after you achieve it
Band 9 Sample Answer
A goal I want to achieve in the near future is becoming fluent in English. This goal is extremely important for me because English is widely used in academics, business, and travel. It will open many opportunities in my career.
To achieve this goal, I practice speaking every day and watch English content such as TED Talks and documentaries. I also read extensively to improve my vocabulary and grammar.
I believe that once I achieve this goal, I will feel more confident and independent. It will also help me communicate effectively with people from different countries.
⭐ Useful Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2
Here are some high-scoring words and phrases:
For Describing People
- determined
- inspiring
- warm-hearted
- charismatic
- down-to-earth
For Describing Experiences
- unforgettable
- breathtaking
- life-changing
- overwhelming
- extraordinary
For Feelings
- thrilled
- delighted
- frustrated
- relieved
- satisfied
For Transitions
- To begin with…
- Another important point is…
- What impressed me the most was…
- On top of that…
- Overall…
Using these naturally will help you reach Band 8–9.
⭐ How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Step-by-Step Guide)
Here is a complete preparation roadmap:
Step 1: Understand the Format
Know that you must speak for 2 minutes, so practice long responses.
Step 2: Practice with Real Cue Cards
Use a list of common IELTS topics. The more topics you practice, the more confident you become.
Step 3: Use the 4-Step Structure
Introduction → Background → Details → Personal feelings
This structure works for every topic.
Step 4: Develop Storytelling Skills
Part 2 is basically storytelling. Add:
- Descriptions
- Examples
- Emotions
- Lessons learned
Storytelling makes answers more natural.
Step 5: Practice with a Timer
Set:
- 1 minute for preparation
- 2 minutes for speaking
Record yourself and listen to identify mistakes.
Step 6: Improve Your Vocabulary
Focus on:
- Descriptive adjectives
- Collocations
- Topic-specific words
Avoid repeating simple words like “good,” “nice,” “bad.”
Step 7: Learn to Expand Ideas
If you run out of ideas, add:
- When it happened
- Why it happened
- What you felt
- What you learned
This will keep your answer long enough.
Step 8: Focus on Fluency, Not Perfection
Do NOT stop to correct yourself. Keep speaking naturally.
Step 9: Get Feedback
Practice with:
- Teachers
- Online partners
- AI speaking tools
External feedback improves your weak points.
Step 10: Simulate the Real Exam
Practice complete speaking tests every week to reduce anxiety.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 can be challenging, but with the right strategies, vocabulary, and practice techniques, anyone can score Band 7, 8, or even 9. The key is consistency and confidence. Use the sample answers provided here, apply the 4-step structure, and rehearse regularly.
The more you practice telling stories in English, the more natural your performance becomes.