The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Speaking Part 2: How to Give Perfect Answers

The examiner stops asking questions, picks up a Topic Card, a pencil and a small notepad or piece of paper. They hand them to you and say, “I’m going to give you a topic and I’d like you to talk about it for one to two minutes.” The one-minute timer starts ticking. This is it—the Individual Long Turn, the core of IELTS Speaking Part 2. For many candidates, this moment brings a rush of anxiety. How can you possibly plan a two-minute speech in just sixty seconds?

This is where many test-takers falter. They either freeze during the preparation time, struggle to structure their thoughts, or run out of things to say after just 45 seconds. The key to success is not about having a perfect, memorised speech, but about having a powerful strategy. A good strategy allows you to use your preparation time effectively, structure your talk coherently, and speak confidently for the full two minutes.

This guide will demystify the entire process. We will provide a step-by-step method that covers everything from effective note-taking to structuring your talk and delivering it with confidence. By the end, you will have a clear and practical toolkit to transform this challenging task into your highest-scoring section.

Deconstructing IELTS Speaking Part 2: What You Need to Know

To master this section, you first need to understand its mechanics and what the examiner is looking for.

The Format: Cue Card and the ‘Long Turn’

The process for IELTS Speaking Part 2 is always the same:

The examiner gives you a cue card with a topic and three or four bullet points to guide you.
You are given exactly one minute to prepare and make notes on the paper provided.
You must then speak on that topic for one to two minutes. The examiner will listen without interrupting and will tell you when to stop.
After you finish, the examiner will ask one or two brief follow-up questions directly related to your talk.

A typical cue card might look like this:

Describe a memorable holiday you took.

You should say:

where you went
who you went with
what you did there

and explain why this holiday was so memorable for you.

What is the Examiner Assessing?

During your two-minute talk, the examiner is assessing you on the four key criteria:

Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak at length without long pauses or hesitation? Is your talk well-structured and easy to follow?
Lexical Resource (Vocabulary): Do you use a good range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately? Do you use synonyms and paraphrasing?
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Do you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures? Are your sentences grammatically correct?
Pronunciation: Is your speech clear and easy to understand? Do you use features like intonation and stress effectively?

The Golden Minute: How to Plan Your Talk Effectively

Your one minute of preparation time is the most valuable asset you have in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and wasting it is not an option.

Don’t Write Sentences, Make Keyword Notes

The biggest mistake candidates make is trying to write full sentences. You simply don’t have time, and you can’t read and speak naturally at the same time. So, the goal is to create a mind map of keywords.

For the holiday topic, your notes should look like this, not like a script:

Where: Spain, Costa del Sol – small beach town
Who: Family – mum, dad, younger sister
What: Swam every day, beach, built sandcastles, tried paella (delicious!), local market
Why memorable: First family trip abroad, felt grown-up, relaxing, beautiful sunsets, no school!

These keywords are enough to trigger your memory and guide your talk.

The ‘5 Ws’ Technique for Idea Generation

If your mind goes blank, use the ‘5 Ws’ (and one H) to quickly generate ideas for your notes. Just ask yourself:

Who? (was with me)
What? (happened)
Where? (did it take place)
When? (did it happen)
Why? (was it important/memorable)
How? (did I feel)

This simple framework helps ensure you have enough material to talk about for the full two minutes.

A Simple Structure for a Coherent 2-Minute Talk

A clear structure will make your talk sound more coherent and will help you manage your time effectively. Think of it as a mini-essay with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Part 1: The Introduction (15-20 seconds)

Don’t just jump into the first bullet point. Start by paraphrasing the topic from the cue card. This gives you a confident and fluent start.

Example: “Today, I’d like to talk about a really memorable holiday I took a few years ago with my family. It was a trip to the south of Spain, and it stands out in my memory for several reasons.”

Part 2: The Main Body – Addressing the Points (80-90 seconds)

This is the core of your talk. Use your keyword notes to address the bullet points on the cue card. Treat them as a guide, not a strict checklist. Use linking words to transition smoothly between your points.

Example:

(Where/Who): “We travelled to a small town on the Costa del Sol. I remember it was my first time seeing the Mediterranean Sea. I went with my parents and my younger sister…“
(What): “Moving on to what we did, our days were quite simple but fun. We spent most of our time at the beach, swimming in the sea and attempting to build huge sandcastles…“
(Why): “The main reason this holiday was so memorable for me was because it was our first proper family vacation outside of our country. I felt so independent and grown-up…“

Part 3: The Conclusion (15-20 seconds)

Avoid stopping abruptly. A short concluding sentence provides a satisfying end to your talk and shows the examiner you have control over your speech. Summarise your main feeling or thought about the topic.

Example: “So, all in all, it was a truly fantastic experience. The combination of the beautiful weather, the delicious food, and quality family time made it a trip I will certainly never forget.“

Example Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards and Answers

Describe a teacher who had a positive influence on you.

You should say:

who this person was
what subject they taught
how they influenced you

and explain why you remember them so well.

(Introduction) "I'd like to talk about a teacher who had a significant impact on my academic life, and that would be my high school history teacher, Mr. Davies. He was a truly inspirational figure for me during a very formative time in my life, and I still think about his lessons today. (Main Body) He taught World History, which, to be honest, I initially thought would be a rather dull and uninteresting subject. I was expecting to just memorise dates and names. However, Mr. Davies had this incredible ability to bring the past to life. He wasn't just a teacher; he was a master storyteller. Instead of just reading from a textbook, he would paint vivid pictures with his words. I’ll never forget the way he described ancient Rome, making us feel like we were walking through the Colosseum. He used maps, old photographs, and even music to create an immersive atmosphere in the classroom. The main way he influenced me was by teaching me how to think critically. He constantly challenged us to question historical narratives and to look at events from multiple perspectives. He would ask things like, 'Why do you think the official account might be biased?' This was a revelation for me; before his class, I had never really questioned what I read in books. He taught me that history isn't just a set of facts, but a story that is open to interpretation. (Conclusion) So, all in all, the reason I remember him so vividly is because he didn't just teach me a subject; he equipped me with a valuable life skill. He turned a potentially boring topic into a fascinating exploration and fundamentally changed the way I approach learning. His passion was infectious, and that's an experience I will certainly never forget."

Why This is a Good Answer

Clear Structure: The candidate follows the Introduction-Body-Conclusion model perfectly. The talk begins with a clear statement of intent, addresses the cue card points logically, and ends with a concise summary.
The Power of Storytelling: The answer goes beyond facts. Phrases like “paint vivid pictures with his words” and the specific example of him describing ancient Rome turn the talk into an engaging story.
Range of Vocabulary & Grammar: The candidate uses strong vocabulary (“inspirational figure,” “formative time,” “vivid pictures,” “immersive atmosphere,” “revelation”). They also demonstrate a good grammatical range, using past tenses to describe the events and a past perfect tense (“I had never really questioned”) to add complexity.
Fluency and Coherence: Linking phrases like “However,” “The main way,” and “So, all in all” ensure the talk flows smoothly from one point to the next.

Describe a special gift you received.

You should say:

what the gift was
who gave it to you
when you received it

and explain why it was so special.

(Introduction) "I'm going to talk about a gift that means a great deal to me, which is a classic leather-bound journal I received for my 18th birthday. While it might not be the most expensive or flashy gift I’ve ever gotten, it holds a tremendous amount of sentimental value. (Main Body) It was given to me by my grandfather. He’s a man of few words, so he often expresses his feelings through thoughtful gestures. I received it on the morning of my birthday, just before a big family celebration. The house was already bustling with activity and noise, so when he quietly pulled me aside, it felt like a very personal, calm moment amidst the chaos. He simply handed me the small, wrapped box and said, 'This is for your thoughts.' The journal itself is beautiful, with thick, cream-coloured paper and a wonderful, earthy smell of real leather. But the reason it's so incredibly special is because of what my grandfather wrote on the first page. He wrote a short message about the importance of documenting one's journey through life, not just the big events, but the small moments of quiet reflection. It was the first time he had ever shared that kind of personal philosophy with me. Up until then, our relationship had always been warm, but reading those words felt like he was letting me into a deeper part of his world. (Conclusion) Thinking back on it now, I realise that he wasn't just giving me a book; he was giving me permission to be introspective and a tool to understand myself better. I've used it for years to write down ideas, fears, and dreams. It's not something I write in daily, but I turn to it whenever I’m facing a difficult decision or want to capture a feeling I don't want to forget. Reading old entries is fascinating; it’s like having a conversation with my younger self. So, it's more than just an object; it's a treasure chest of my personal history and a constant reminder of my grandfather's quiet wisdom."

Why This is a Good Answer

Clear Structure: The answer has a clear beginning, middle, and end, making it very easy for the listener to follow the narrative.
The Power of Storytelling: The candidate creates a touching story around the gift, focusing on the emotional context (“man of few words,” “heavily sentimental value”) and the specific moment it was received. The quote from the grandfather is a powerful storytelling device.
What to Do If You Finish Early: The candidate naturally extends the talk by describing their feelings now (“Thinking back on it now…”) and talking about the future (“I plan to keep it…”), ensuring they speak for the full time.
Range of Vocabulary & Grammar: Excellent vocabulary is used (“flashy gift,” “sentimental value,” “thoughtful gestures,” “introspective,” “quiet wisdom”). The use of present perfect (“I’ve used it for years”) connects the past event to the present effectively.

Describe a time you felt very proud of a family member.

You should say:

who the family member was
what they did
when this happened

and explain why you felt so proud.

(Introduction) "I'd like to share a memory of a time I felt an immense sense of pride for my younger sister, Sarah. This happened about three years ago, during her final year of university, and it wasn't just about an academic achievement, but about the resilience she showed. (Main Body) My sister was studying engineering, which is a notoriously difficult field. During her final semester, she was working on a major design project that was worth a huge portion of her final grade. About a month before the deadline, her computer crashed, and tragically, she lost almost all of her work. She was absolutely devastated. For a couple of days, she was on the verge of giving up. In fact, She was convinced it was impossible to redo months of work in just a few weeks. However, to our surprise, this was where her pride came in. After the initial shock, something shifted in her. She became incredibly focused and determined. She worked tirelessly, staying up late in the library and collaborating with her professors. She didn't complain; she just put her head down and rebuilt the entire project from scratch. When she finally submitted it, she was exhausted but relieved. Later, when she received her results, we learned that she had received one of the highest marks in her class for that project. (Conclusion) So, the reason I felt such overwhelming pride wasn't just because of her high grade. It was because I witnessed her face a major setback with incredible strength and perseverance. She could have easily given up, but she chose to fight back. It was a powerful lesson in resilience for me, and it remains my most cherished memory of her."

Why This is a Good Answer

Clear Structure:The story is told chronologically and logically, with a clear introduction setting the scene, a body explaining the conflict and resolution, and a conclusion summarizing the core feeling.
The Power of Storytelling:This is a perfect example of a narrative. It has a clear problem (computer crash), rising action (working tirelessly), a climax (getting the high mark), and a resolution (the feeling of pride). This structure is naturally engaging.
Range of Vocabulary & Grammar:The candidate uses strong, emotive language (“immense sense of pride,” “notoriously difficult,” “absolutely devastated,” “overwhelming pride,” “cherished memory”). The narrative structure allows for a natural use of different past tenses (simple past, past continuous, past perfect).
Fluency and Coherence: Transitions like “However, to our surprise, this was where her pride came in.” and “So, the reason I felt…” guide the listener through the story seamlessly.

Describe a beautiful place you have visited.

You should say:

where the place was
when you visited it
what you did or saw there

and explain why you found it so beautiful.

(Introduction) "I'm going to describe a place of breathtaking natural beauty that I visited last year, which was Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Canada. I had seen countless pictures of it online, but I can honestly say that none of them do it justice. (Main Body) I visited in the middle of summer, around July, which is the best time to see the lake in its full glory. The journey itself was spectacular, driving through the majestic Rocky Mountains. When we arrived and I walked to the edge of the water, I was just stunned into silence. The lake is the most incredible, vivid shade of turquoise blue I have ever seen. It almost looks unnatural, like a painting. This vibrant colour is apparently due to rock flour refracting the sunlight. The lake is surrounded by a ring of towering, snow-capped mountains, and the contrast between the sharp, grey peaks and the impossibly blue water was just awe-inspiring. We spent the day there, and we decided to rent a canoe to paddle out to the middle of the lake. Being out on that crystal-clear water, surrounded by complete silence and monumental nature, was a profoundly peaceful experience. I remember just sitting in the canoe, not paddling, just looking at the scenery. (Conclusion) Ultimately, the reason I found it so beautiful was its sheer, unspoiled grandeur. It felt like stepping into a pristine, untouched corner of the world. It wasn't just a pretty view; it was an overwhelming sensory experience. The scale of the mountains and the purity of the colours made me feel very small in the best way possible. It’s a place I would definitely recommend to anyone and I hope I will be able to go back and see it again one day."

Why This is a Good Answer

Clear Structure: The candidate clearly introduces the place, describes the visit in the main body, and provides a reflective conclusion, hitting all the cue card points logically.
The Power of Storytelling: Instead of just listing facts, the answer describes a personal journey and experience. The moment of being “stunned into silence” and the anecdote about sitting in the canoe make the description personal and engaging.
Range of Vocabulary & Grammar: The answer is rich with descriptive adjectives (“breathtaking,” “spectacular,” “majestic,” “vivid turquoise,” “awe-inspiring,” “profoundly peaceful,” “unspoiled grandeur”). There is also a good mix of tenses, ending with a future hope (“I hope I will be able to…”).
What to Do If You Finish Early: The final sentence about recommending the place and hoping to return is a great way to extend the talk naturally and end on a positive, forward-looking note.

Essential Strategies for Scoring High in IELTS Speaking Part 2

To move from a good score to a great one, incorporate these advanced strategies.

The Power of Storytelling

The best answers in IELTS Speaking Part 2 are stories. A story is naturally engaging, easy to structure (beginning, middle, end), and much easier to talk about for two minutes than a list of dry facts. Instead of just stating facts, describe your feelings, the atmosphere, and the details.

Factual: “We ate paella. It had seafood. It was nice.”
Storytelling: “I’ll never forget the first time I tried authentic Spanish paella. The restaurant was right by the beach, and the waiter brought out this huge, steaming pan filled with bright yellow rice and fresh seafood. The aroma was just incredible…”

Using a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar

Your story is the perfect vehicle for showcasing your language skills.

Vocabulary: Instead of “nice weather,” use “glorious sunshine” or “a perfect blue sky.” Instead of “I was happy,” say “I was absolutely thrilled” or “I felt a real sense of freedom.”
Grammar: Try to use a variety of tenses. When talking about your holiday, you can say: “Before we went, I had never been on a plane (past perfect). Now, I travel quite often (present simple), and I hope I will be able to go back to Spain one day (future).”

What to Do If You Finish Early

If you finish covering your points and notice there is still time left, don’t panic and go silent. Keep talking! Add more details.

Add a related anecdote: “That actually reminds me of another funny thing that happened…”
Describe your feelings now: “Thinking back on it now, I realise how important those family moments were…”
Talk about the future: “I would definitely recommend it to anyone, and if I get the chance, I plan to go back and explore more of the region.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Speaking Part 2

Panicking During Preparation: Trust your strategy. Focus on keywords, not perfect sentences.
Ignoring the Bullet Points: Use them as your guide. Failing to address the prompt will lower your score.
Speaking in a Monotone: A story needs emotion. Vary your tone and intonation to keep the examiner engaged.
Stopping Before Two Minutes: This signals a lack of fluency. Always have a backup idea or detail to add if you finish early.
Using Memorised Answers: Examiners can spot a pre-prepared script easily, and it will result in a low score. Be authentic.

Success in IELTS Speaking Part 2 is not about luck; it’s about having a robust and flexible strategy. By mastering the one-minute preparation, following a clear structure, and using storytelling to engage the examiner, you can turn two minutes of pressure into two minutes of high-scoring, confident communication.

Key Takeaways:

Plan with Keywords: Use your one-minute preparation to jot down keywords, not full sentences.
Follow the Structure: Use the Introduction-Body-Conclusion model to ensure your talk is coherent.
Tell a Story: Transform your answer into a personal story to make it more fluent, engaging, and easy to extend.
Keep Talking: Always aim to speak until the examiner stops you. Have extra details ready just in case.

Final Expert Tip: Practice is key. Use the timer on your phone and record yourself speaking for two minutes on various sample topics. Listen back to your recordings. This is the single best way to get a feel for the timing, identify your weaknesses, and build the fluency and confidence you need to excel.

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