IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards / Topics to focus on for 2024. These topics will be repeated so it is worth preparing for them. However, your aim is NOT to memorise model answers. The speaking test requires you to use your English in a natural way. This means you should prepare ideas and vocabulary for the topics but give your talk naturally and fluently during the test. Memorised answers are not accepted in IELTS.

Below you will find a list of topics and model answers for four of them to give you an idea of how to tackle IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards. I’ve highlighted interesting, high band score expressions in the model answers.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Topics 2024

IELTS Cue Card 1 

A Character from a Film

• what the character was like
• who played the part
• when you saw the film
• why you like this character

IELTS Speaking Model Answer 1

I’d like to talk about a character from a Korean Drama.  I know it isn’t a film, but I really don’t watch films anymore and just prefer watching dramas on Netflix. The character in this particular drama was actually an autistic lawyer in a Korean Drama called Extraordinary Attorney Woo. The drama was praised worldwide and is considered one of the best Kdramas ever made. The character was a female law graduate who had autism and had just been given a job in a law firm. Her autism was evident from the get-go. She struggled with sensory overload, was obsessed with specific topics that she couldn’t help talking about and struggled with basic tasks such as entering a building using revolving doors. However, regardless of her challenges, she was brilliant at law and could think outside the box in a way that other attorneys couldn’t. In time, she became a valued and respected member of staff.

I honestly can’t tell you much about the actress who played the part because she was new to me. However, I was really struck by her acting skills. She was so convincing and I’m pretty sure she won a number of awards for her performance. She didn’t just act the part in style, she managed to incorporate all body language and mannerisms.

I first watched the drama a couple of years ago and since then, I’ve watched it again because it isn’t just poignant, it’s also amusing, emotional, insightful and entertaining. It really is a show with everything.

What can I say about why I like the character? Well, what’s not to love. Someone with the strength to take on the world when the world works so differently to how she works. Everything is challenging for her, yet her enthusiasm and determination to succeed never diminishes. I think we all need to admire people like that.

Cue Card Tips for this Topic:

1. Some points on the cue card will be longer to talk about than others.
2. Choose a character that has depth so that you have lots to talk about.
3. Prepare ideas for which actor you want to talk about and which character they played. You can choose to focus on the actor more than the character or vice versa.
4. It’s ok to say that you don’t know much about something. It’s shows confidence and a natural ability to use English. However, you still need to talk at length.
5. Be chatty and give your opinion as often as you want.
6. This is a topic about People – there are many similar topics in IELTS Speaking Part 2. Always prepare plenty of topics about people, such as children, famous people, someone foreign, someone older, someone with good advice, someone with a skill, someone interesting, someone close to you, someone who likes music or cooking or languages or fashion etc.

Speaking Part 3 Questions: Films

Click below to show:

Part 3 Questions

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IELTS Cue Card 2

A new law you would like to see introduced.

• what it is
• what it would change
• how popular it would be
• why you think it’s important

Model Answer 2:

There is a law that I really wish would be introduced and that is to prevent people from owning dogs if they are not completely committed to taking care of them long-term. I know it’s a strange wish but I do feel very strongly about it.

It’s so easy for people to buy a dog. They buy them without thinking of whether they are prepared to look after them for 15 years or so. A dog becomes part of a family. It is a pack animal and gets really attached to the people it lives with and when it loses its pack, it suffers emotional distress and even end up in a dog pound, possibly put down if no one wants to adopt it. It’s cruel.

Too many people buy pets for their children in the same way that they buy a toy. But a pet is a living creature, not a plastic toy. So, introducing this type of law that makes people fully responsible for the animal for the whole of its natural life would make people think twice about buying it in the first place. It would also ensure that the people who do buy a dog have seriously considered the commitment and are prepared to take care of it properly. This would also ensure that animal cruelty numbers go down, which obviously is essential. I think we need this kind of law.

Looking at how popular it would be, well, it’s not likely to be popular. Most people want the right to buy what they and discard what they want, when they want to. But I feel that even though this law wouldn’t be popular for a long time, eventually people would come to respect the law and respect animal rights to a save and stable living environment.

I’ve probably already explained why it’s important. It would prevent animals becoming homeless and suffering terribly. It would also prevent animal cruelty. I feel really passionate about animal rights. These creatures are our responsibility. In fact, the whole planet is our responsibility to keep safe. I really believe that laws slowly need to be introduced so that we gradually become care takers of the animals and plants on this planet. This is our only home on the whole planet and we must be more conscientious.

Tips for this topic:

1. Choose a law about something you are interested in and feel strongly about. Here are some examples:
   • animals, children’s education, women’s safety, road safety, immigration, cost of education, health care, noise, littering, pollution, importing foreign products, cost of rent, owning a business (really there is no limit to the ideas you can have for this topic)
2. It’s fine to talk about one law and then continue talking about other aspects of the topic. For example, in this model answer I also talked about taking care of the planet. It’s fine to do this and it’s a great way to introduce more language and extend your talk.
3. This is a challenging topic for IELTS Speaking Part 2 – but just be open and talk about things you are familiar with.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Law

Click below:

Part 3 Questions Law

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IELTS Cue Card 3

An interesting dish you like

• what it is
• where you ate it
• how it is made
• why you liked it

Model Answer 3:

I’m going to talk about a dish that I absolutely love and eat whenever I’m in the mood. The dish doesn’t really have a name because it isn’t a fancy dish. It’s actually quite simple to make, it consists of simple ingredients and it considered everyday food. The dish is Turkish Scrambled Eggs. I’m pretty sure most countries have their version of this kind of dish, but I really like this one. For me it ticks all the boxes.

I actually learned about this dish from watching a Youtube video. I think this is one the good things about Youtube. Sometimes random videos pop up in your video feed and introduce you to something you would otherwise not have learned about. It really does make the world a small place and a much more interesting one.

Anyway, the only time I’ve eaten it, I made it at home myself. So, in some ways, I can say I’ve never had the authentic dish. But I’m pretty sure I nailed it and made it correctly. It’ made quite simply by slow cooking some onions in a pan over a gentle heat and then adding tomatoes. Once the tomatoes have broken down, you stir in the eggs and keep stirring. You then add some cheese. You can also add herbs and spices such as chilli flakes, paprika and garlic granules. It’s very straight forward. Anyone can make it.

For me this is a comfort dish. It’s one I make when I want to feel cosy and relaxed. It isn’t my only comfort dish. I’ve got a long list of food I love to eat when the time is right. I love Korean food with it’s interesting flavours, Chinese food with its fresh stir-fried vegetables, Spanish tapas, which are incredible side dishes and of course middle eastern dishes that are just packed with flavour.

Tips for this topic:

1. I introduced my own prompt about how I heard of this dish. This is a great technique to expand your answer and perfectly fine for a high band score.
2. Not all prompts will be suitable for your choice of subject. That’s fine and doesn’t matter.
3. The more detail you give, the bigger range of language you are showcasing.
4. Feel free to talk about other dishes as well.
5. Always prepare ideas for foreign foods, traditional foods and foods you have never tried but want to.
6. Always prepare language about cooking and food because that topics appeared in part 1 as well.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Food 

Click below:

Part 3 Questions

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IELTS Cue Card 4

Something you are proud of achieving

• what it is
• when it happened
• what you did
• why you felt proud

Model Answer 4:

I’m going to tell you about a time that I travelled abroad. I know it is not the typical topic that people talk about when they think of something proud. But for me, I was proud of taking this trip for personal reasons. I had just recovered from an illness that caused me much pain and suffering. When I recovered, my family suggested that I go and stay with family for a short holiday. Instead, I bought a ticket abroad and travelled on my own for the first time in my life. This may not be an achievement for most people, but it was the most courageous thing I’ve ever done, particularly as I couldn’t speak the language of the country I visited.

This happened a number of years ago. I remember it distinctly because it was such an incredible experience. Some people in my family though I was irresponsible when I booked my ticket to China. In their mind, it was a country very far away and extremely different. But for me it was an adventure. I had never been there before. It was all completely new. It turned out to be a challenging trip because there were plenty of unforeseen events that were difficult to deal with. But the trip its was rewarding. I learned so much about the Chinese culture and traditions that it opened my mind to a whole new way of life. I can definitely say it was life changing, a pivotal point in my life.

I believe very much that we must live life to the fullest. We must embrace changes and take up new challenges. I think that if we do this, we will stay young at heart and the world will be a better place. Since then, I’ve done a lot I’ve been proud of like learning a new language, building a business, having children and so much more. Some people are scared of challenges and they prefer to do things that make them comfortable. But I believe you must push yourself to achieve as much as you can.

Tip for this topic:

1. achievements can be big things like – getting a job, winning an award, giving a talk, passing a test – or they can be small, personal achievements such as the example above. Sometimes the small things are easier to talk about. You don’t get a higher band score because you talked about something more difficult.
2. This type of topic is very flexible so make sure you choose to talk about something you can easily talk at length about.
3. Try to avoid talking about your work or your studies because you must show the examiner you can talk about less familiar topics if you want a high score.
4. Don’t be scared to take your talk in any direction you want. At the end of the talk, you can talk about your values, your beliefs, your opinions – anything you want in relation to the main topic.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Achievements

Click below:

Part 3 Questions

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IELTS Speaking Cue Card 5

An outdoor activity

• what it is
• when you do it
• how you do it
• why you like it

Model Answer 5:

The activity that I do outside is taichi. It’s an old, traditional form of Chinese exercise dating back many centuries that people used to and still do practice for their health. It isn’t just an exercise for health though. It’s also a form of martial arts. I don’t really think it’s possible to describe it because the movement are not similar to anything else, except possible kungfu done at a slow pace. You don’t need any equipment to do it because you do need to use loose clothing and particular footwear.

Taichi is often done in the morning before people go to work. However, I personally practice it at any time of day because I believe the more often you do something, the better you will get at it. When I lived in China, I did it in the park and really enjoy the experience. The parks were beautifully laid out with large paved areas where people could do other outdoor activities such as dancing, playing cards, playing musical instruments and having picnics. I think parks in China are used with much more versatility than in European parks. The Chinese almost use parks like their own private garden. In fact, many of them don’t have their own garden so that’s why they do so many things in the parks.

I don’t think it’s ever easy to explain why you like something. I certainly feel more invigorated after I’ve done my practice. As the pace of taichi is extremely slow, it helps you centre yourself and ground yourself. This is really important in such a busy world when things move so fast.

There is an outdoor activity that I’ve never tried, but I’ve always wanted to and that’s camping. I’ve always wanted to buy a tent and some camping gear like a camp stove and sleeping bag, and then go into a forest and take a break from the world. Outdoor activities are such a great way to connect to the natural world. And of course with camping you can also hone your survival skills, which is useful.

Tips for this topic:

1. As you see, the order of information in the talk doesn’t follow the prompts very well. This is fine. The prompts can be used flexibly.
2. Taichi isn’t really an activity. It’s more of a sport. But this topic can be flexible because we are using similar language.
3. Whenever you talk about an activity or sport always mention equipment or things you need (including clothing or any other requirement).
4. With activities, it is also possible to talk about who you do them with, how often and where you do them.
5. If you finish your talk early, instead of stopping, start speaking about another activity. Always have a second idea planned.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Outdoor Activities

Click below:

Part 3 Questions

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More IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics for 2024

1. a piece of art you like
2. someone who sings well
3. a place you go to relax
4. a time you gave good advice
5. a time someone gave you good advice
6. a difficult choice you once made
7. a time you did something unexpected
8. a young person you enjoy spending time with
9. a wild animal / a pet
10. a good conversation you had
11. water sports
12. a future aim you have
13. your morning routine
14. a device you would like to have
15. someone who makes you laugh
16. someone you admire
17. a time you worked in a group
18. a book/magazine/newspaper you enjoy or found useful
19. a website you use a lot
20. a useful skill
21. a garden or outdoor space you enjoy
22. a party you enjoyed
23. a holiday
24.  a time you were late
25. a time you had to wait for something
26. an item of clothing you used to wear
27. a uniform you like

You must also prepare common speaking part 2 topics which are recycled each year. Click here: COMMON IELTS SPEAKING PART 2 TOPICS

Share your Speaking Test Experience

Share your topics and experiences with everyone in the comments box below.

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