IELTS SPEAKING CUE CARD
IELTS Speaking (Part 2): CUE CARD/ Individual Round
General Instructions: In the Speaking module (Part 2), the examiner provides a topic to the candidate, generally referred to as a “Cue Card.” It includes 4-5 questions. The candidate is given only 1 minute to prepare. A paper and pen/pencil are provided by the invigilator for taking notes. It is important to speak about the topic for 2 minutes or until the examiner stops you.
Remember, you have to speak for 1-2 minutes in this round, so don’t worry if the examiner stops you in between.
Key points to keep in mind while attempting:
- Read the questions carefully and make notes in sequence to maintain a structured response.
- Ensure that you answer each question in your story.
- Make your speech sound like a conversation by adding tones and expressions, and by pausing for a second or two at commas and full stops.
- Be fluent while speaking. Avoid unnecessary pauses like “ummmm” or “aaaaaaa”.
- Do not include the examiner in your speech. Avoid using words like “you,” “yourself,” or “us”.
Cue Card Sample Answer
TOPIC: Describe a person you know who likes to talk a lot.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How do you know him/her
- What he/she likes to talk about
- And explain how you feel about this person.
Here is a sample answer for your reference:
The person who comes to mind is one of my closest friends, Richa. I met her during my college days. We were in the same batch for three years. She is truly a chatterbox, loving music, cooking, and reading about places, people, and experiences. Richa is a very curious person who enjoys hearing about others’ experiences and perspectives. She is also kind and loving at heart, with a charismatic personality that attracts everyone. This is why she has many friends and makes people feel as if they have known her for years.
Richa is everyone’s favorite because of her humor. Her comic timing is amazing, making her company enjoyable for everyone. She was the best speaker in college, frequently participating in debates, presentations, and poetry recitation competitions. Our teachers were always impressed by her performances and appreciated her creative mind. She also loves to talk about different histories and places. I remember she often told us stories about various places like Vrindavan, Jaipur, and Delhi—places we had never heard of before. Through her stories, we came to understand their significance.
Additionally, Richa is always there to help her friends, elders, and juniors. She constantly encouraged all of us to become better versions of ourselves. She believes in learning and improving every day. I feel she is a complete package of entertainment, intellect, and a good human being.
When I took my IELTS Exam, I found this book “The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Speaking” useful for practicing speaking. You can also refer to “IELTS Speaking 2024” for cue card preparation. I hope it helps you too!