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:
- Some points on the cue card will be longer to talk about than others.
- Choose a character that has depth so that you have lots to talk about.
- 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.
- 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.
- Be chatty and give your opinion as often as you want.
- 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- Does having a star in a movie guarantee its success?
- Not necessarily. I think there are quite a lot of movies these days that have famous actors or actresses in that don’t do well and don’t get good reviews. But I suppose, a film that does have a well-known actor in is going to grab more attention and bring in more money, even if the film isn’t popular with critics.
- What makes a good movie?
- That’s a really difficult question to answer because it depends what kind of movie it is. What I mean is, some movies need really good special effects and music to make them good like movies based on comics or animation movies, whereas other movies do well because of a strong storyline that viewers can connect with. Sometimes it’s a combination of factors like the right director with the right actors and a strong script.
- Why are some actors successful and others are not?
- I think some of it is down to timing. I mean quite a lot of actors who are famous now weren’t famous when they started acting. They had to wait for the right movie to come along that allowed them to shine. And I suppose some actors become successful because of their looks.
- Should movies based on real events be truthful to the facts?
- I’m not sure about movies needing to be 100% truthful. Movies are a form of entertainment and they sometimes need to adapt real life events so that the movie is enjoyable or so that the script works. They might need to change some people’s characters or even invent a character. But I think when it’s a film about an event where people died or where traumatised, the film really must be respectful to people’s memories.
- Do you think violent movies encourage violent behaviour?
- Yes, sometimes. I think films are getting more and more violent, and people are getting used to that level of violence instead of being turned off by it. I personally, am against violent movies because I don’t think they are necessary forms of entertainment.
- Why do some people prefer watching lengthy dramas rather than films?
- It’s a good question because dramas, like the ones found on Netflix, are really popular these days. I reckon that people like stories that last longer so that you can spend more time with the characters and see the storyline slowly unfolding. Films are great for one evening of entertainment, but if you want more, then dramas are the best option.
- Which is better, watching movies at the cinema or at home?
- If it’s a really great movie with special effects, stunts and great music, it’s best to watch it at the cinema with their wide screen and surround speakers. It’s also great to share a movie with that with an audience, it really adds to the experience. But other movies are fine for just watching in the comfort of your own home where you can take breaks, chill out and fall asleep if you want.
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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:
- 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)
- 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.
- 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- What rules should children be taught?
- Do you think rules should only be taught to children in schools?
- Do you think all laws are good?
- Why does it take so long to put new laws in place?
- Are police officers popular in your country?
- Why do some people commit minor crimes like stealing?
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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:
- 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.
- Not all prompts will be suitable for your choice of subject. That’s fine and doesn’t matter.
- The more detail you give, the bigger range of language you are showcasing.
- Feel free to talk about other dishes as well.
- Always prepare ideas for foreign foods, traditional foods and foods you have never tried but want to.
- 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- Do you think it’s important for children to learn to cook?
- Do you think children should learn about tradition foods in your country?
- Why do some people prefer eating at home rather than in a restaurant?
- Why do some people eat junk food when they know it isn’t good for them?
- Is foreign food popular in your country?
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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:
- 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.
- This type of topic is very flexible so make sure you choose to talk about something you can easily talk at length about.
- 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.
- 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- Do you think some people are born to be successful?
- Why do some people like to do the same things every day, while others like to do different things?
- Do you think schools and parents put too much pressure on children to succeed?
- What is more important, people skills or experience?
- Do you think people have more pressure to be successful today than in the past?
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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:
- 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.
- Taichi isn’t really an activity. It’s more of a sport. But this topic can be flexible because we are using similar language.
- Whenever you talk about an activity or sport always mention equipment or things you need (including clothing or any other requirement).
- With activities, it is also possible to talk about who you do them with, how often and where you do them.
- 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- Do you think everyone should have a hobby?
- Why is it important for children to do activities outside?
- What type of sport is most popular in your country?
- What do you think about people who do dangerous sports?
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More IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics for 2024
- a piece of art you like
- someone who sings well
- a place you go to relax
- a time you gave good advice
- a time someone gave you good advice
- a difficult choice you once made
- a time you did something unexpected
- a young person you enjoy spending time with
- a wild animal / a pet
- a good conversation you had
- water sports
- a future aim you have
- your morning routine
- a device you would like to have
- someone who makes you laugh
- someone you admire
- a time you worked in a group
- a book/magazine/newspaper you enjoy or found useful
- a website you use a lot
- a useful skill
- a garden or outdoor space you enjoy
- a party you enjoyed
- a holiday
- a time you were late
- a time you had to wait for something
- an item of clothing you used to wear
- 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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I must commend your kind gestures Liz. Your articles really helped me years ago, when I first took my IELTS test. I did so well in Listening and Writing, than in speaking and reading, and that gave me an overall band of 8. Unfortunately, the result is more than 2 years now and I need to write another test for a valid result. It may sound funny but I’m really scared this time around because I don’t feel very prepared.
A lot of your knowledge from your previous test is still there inside you. As you prepare for your second test, it will starting coming back to you. Nothing has changed in the test, except that there is only a 2min checking time for answers in the computer-based listening test. Review things step by step and you’ll be fine. Band 8 was a great score before and you’ll get it again!! Good luck 🙂
I’m so glad to recived your email my lovely teacher Liz. Thank you so much Iget a benift from your performance, techniques in 4 skill
Iappreciate you for helping ang supporting us. I hope when I will do the exam do the best and have high grate InshaAlah
Thanks alot
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck!
The model answers are good. I have problem speaking for long time. I always finish early.
The aim is to expand your talk by going beyond the cue card bullet points. They are there to provide you with a strong foundation and structure, but it is your task to develop your talk by adding other details and descriptions.
I took my test last week and I got a animal I am interested in. It was difficult to talk for 2 minutes. I wish I had this topic list before.
Love your website
Hope your test went well.
Liz. …pls suggest how to organize ideas while preparing cue card ?
I’m planning on making a video as soon as I can about using the bullet points on the cue card properly. I’m just waiting for my health to improve slightly and then I’ll make it. Hopefully next week. Look out for it on my Youtube channel and this website.
This is very useful. Thank you Liz
You’re welcome 🙂
I enjoyed the speaking task,I read here and want to read more. Thank you so much.
I’m glad it was useful 🙂