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IELTS cue card practice

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Practise Part 2 the way the test runs it: one minute to prepare, then up to two minutes speaking. Our practice cards are not real test questions.

Practice card: People

Describe a teacher who changed how you think about a subject.

You should say:

  • who the teacher was
  • what they taught you
  • how they taught it

and explain why it changed your thinking.

The recording stays in this browser tab. Nothing is uploaded.

How do you answer a cue card?

Use your minute to choose one real example and write key words, not sentences. Then cover each point on the card and finish with the reason.

For a full method and a sample answer, read the guide to IELTS Speaking Part 2. For more topics, with model answers, see IELTS speaking topics for 2026.

All practice cue cards

Prefer to choose your own? Here is every card in the tool, written by our team.

People

  • Describe a teacher who changed how you think about a subject.
  • Describe an older person in your family you enjoy talking to.
  • Describe a neighbour who once helped you.

Places

  • Describe a busy market or shopping street you know well.
  • Describe a quiet place you go to when you need to think.
  • Describe a city you would like to live in for one year.

Work and study

  • Describe a time you earned or saved money for something important.
  • Describe a difficult task you finished at work or in your studies.
  • Describe a practical skill you learned outside a classroom.

Technology

  • Describe an app or website you use almost every day.
  • Describe a time a phone or computer problem caused you trouble.
  • Describe something you learned from an online video.

Culture and events

  • Describe a family celebration you remember well.
  • Describe a festival that is important in your area.
  • Describe a traditional dish you would serve to a foreign guest.

Travel

  • Describe a long journey you enjoyed.
  • Describe a trip that did not go as you planned.

Health and habits

  • Describe a healthy habit you would like to start.
  • Describe a change you made to your daily routine.

Media and ideas

  • Describe a book or film that made you see something differently.
  • Describe a news story that stayed in your mind.
  • Describe a piece of advice that turned out to be right.

Environment

  • Describe something people in your city could do to keep it cleaner.
  • Describe a natural place you would like to protect.

SpeakWisely is an independent practice tool. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by IELTS, the British Council, IDP or Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

Questions people ask

How long do you get for an IELTS cue card?
In Part 2 you get one minute to prepare and can make notes, then you speak for up to two minutes.
Are these real IELTS cue cards?
No. The SpeakWisely team wrote these practice cards in the same shape as a Part 2 task. They are not past or current test questions, and no one can tell you which cards will appear.
Is my recording uploaded?
No. On this page the recording stays in your browser tab so you can listen back, and it is gone when you leave the page.
Do I need an account?
No. The timer, cards and recording work without one. An account is only needed if you want AI feedback on your answers.
Does this page give me a band score?
No. It gives you timed practice and questions to check yourself. For an estimated band and feedback from your own words, sit a mock test with Clara. That band is an AI estimate, not an official IELTS result.

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