Rounding off questions often surprise people in IELTS Speaking Part 2 because they aren’t prepared for them. These are questions which are asked at the end of your part 2 talk and before the part 3 discussion begins.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 is the talk or sometimes called “the long turn”. You will be given a topic on a cue card which also contains prompts. You will have 1 minute to prepare and you should speak for 2 minutes. After your talk, you will be asked rounding off questions. Following that, part 3 will begin.
What are rounding off questions?
They are basic, simple questions that the examiner will ask you when you finish your part 2 talk.
Why are there rounding off questions?
Rounding off questions serve to help you relax and get back into the question/answer mode after you have been talking for 2 minutes continuously. It serves as a way to help you get ready for part 3 questions.
Are rounding off questions difficult?
No. Rounding off questions in IELTS Speaking Part 2 are mostly simple questions directly related to your talk. They are much easier than part 3 questions and are usually just an extension of the part 2 topic.
Are there always two rounding off questions?
Yes, two is the usual number. However, in some circumstances, the examiner might only ask one if the examiner feels the other rounding off question isn’t appropriate.
Are the rounding off questions written on the cue card?
No, they are not. The IELTS speaking examiner has the questions on a separate paper which you will not see.
Cue Card & Rounding Off Questions
Below is an IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card with possible rounding off questions.
Describe a recent holiday. You should say:
- when it was
- where you went
- what you did there
- and why you enjoyed it.
Rounding Off Questions:
- Would you ever go there again?
- Would you recommend other people to go on a similar holiday?
As you can see, the rounding off questions are not difficult and directly relate to your cue card topic.
More Examples of Cue Cards and Rounding Off Questions
Cue card and rounding off questions:
Describe a public building. You should say:
- what building it is
- where it is
- what it’s like
- and why you like it
Rounding off questions
- When was the first time you saw the building?
- Do you often visit that building?
Cue card and rounding off questions:
Describe a uniform you wore at school or work. You should say:
- when you wore it
- who bought it for you
- what it was like
- and how you feel about it.
Rounding off questions
- Are uniforms expensive to buy?
- What would you change about the uniform you wore?
Cue Card and rounding off questions:
Describe someone in your family who is similar to you. You should say:
- who the person is
- what the person is like
- how you are similar to each other
- and how you feel about the person
Rounding off questions:
- Do you like spending time with that person?
- What do you usually do together?
Cue card and rounding off questions
Describe a time when you were disappointed. You should say:
- when it was
- where you were
- what happened to make you disappointed
- and what you would do differently if it happened again.
Rounding off questions
- Does this type of situation often happen to you?
- What do you do to feel better after you’ve been disappointed?
I hope you’ve found this page useful. Rounding off questions are not difficult, but it is good to know about them and be prepared. It is important that you enter the test room with a full understanding of what will happen. There should be no surprises in the test format or how the examiner behaves.
Free IELTS Speaking Lessons & Tips
To see more free lessons and tips for IELTS speaking exam preparation, click here: Free Speaking Lessons & Tips
All the best
Liz 🙂
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I had my test yesterday. I must say your tips proved helpful. Part 1 questions included talking about my apartment, neighborhood, etc. For part 2, I talked about a time when I was unable to use my mobile phone. I was to describe the situation, when and where, and how I felt when I could not use my phone.
Hi Liz,
Thank you for the continuous support!
I appeared for the speaking test recently, below were the questions asked to me :
– What type of accommodation do I live in? Do I like it?
– Cue card-Speak of your mentor.who it is and how he/she helped you.
– What are the qualities of a good teacher?
– Did I like science as a subject?
– Should college education be made mandatory for all?
Keep doing a great job of helping the aspiring IELTS candidates.
Best Wishes,
Seema
Thanks a lot Liz.
I have exam today and I realised letter that I was really fast with my speed so can you please tell me that will benefit my result or negative effect?
If the examiner could understand you, it’s fine.
I couldn’t thank you enough… Your website has motivated me to continue learning more, wish you a a quick recovery, Liz.
Great to hear that you are feeling motivated. I really think motivation and enthusiasm are an essential key to success 🙂
Hi liz!
I recently took an IELTS test, but had problems during speaking section, there was a lot of noise and I couldn’t concentrate, I remember asking the interviewer to repeat the questions. Also I got my worse grade. Do you think I should ask for a re evaluation? I don’t know how It would it would work since the problem will be the noise. Please let me know, thanks!
A fan of you!
If you ask for a remark, the recording goes to a senior examiner to grade. If the level of your English was above the score you got, you will get an increase. While the noise factor is something you could complain about, it won’t be a reason to give you a higher score. Only producing a higher level of English will alter your score.
Thank you Liz for your e book, it helps me a lot. Be safe always
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you for this and I wish you quick recovery and permanent Sound health. Your IELTS website is the best and second to none we love and appreciate your work here.
Thanks 🙂
May the almighty God protect you and Grant you quick recovery in the of Jesus. Amen.
You are a global asset and therefore we want the best for you you.
Thanks
Dear Liz
wishing you to recover your health as soon as possible and more videos we genuinely enjoy watching your videos! Especially when you smiling, you have agreat smile and your voice is so clear, always reminds with Sansa Stark voice (game of throwns) I hope May Allah accept our prayers, & duas inshallah and may He protect you all for this current Crisis and grant you health.
To make for us more videos.
Yassin MASA.
That’s a nice comment – thanks. Hoping all of us remain safe during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Get well soon ma’am. Regards
Ielts liz is the best
Thanks 🙂
Thank you very much for your Reply.
My husband too brought your essay videos and grammar book..it really helped to clear doubts of different essay structures. I would highly recommend all your materials for getting a high score.
Lots of love and blessing, Dear Elizabeth.
I’m really pleased to hear my e-book and lessons have been helpful. It’s wonderful to know that my work has helped someone improve. Stay safe!
Hi Liz,
I’ve always thought that the directly related to part 2 questions were part of Part 3. Good to know! Thank you very much!
You are also correct. Part 3 questions are based on your part 2 topic, but they are broader world issues about that topic. They require you to compare, evaluate, speculate etc. Part 3 is also about people in general, not about you. Rounding off questions are just simple questions about you.
Dear Liz,
Thank you for this post and all the other post to improve our IELTS Score.
I would like to know..is it essential to write summing up a sentence at the end of body paragraphs? I mean the conclusion sentence of each item.
If yes, can we start our sentence with ‘having said that’?
I will eagerly look forward to having your reply soon.
No, you don’t need to conclude body paragraphs at all in any IELTS writing.
Hello Mam,
I must say your website is so informative for me ,but please add some more videos on cue card, especially one full sample on latest topic, so we can prepare it again. Actually ,due to Covid-19, we all stuck at home and doing nothing just just rejuvenate ourself ,we need one more video of yours
Sorry, but due to long term health problems I can’t make more videos. However, I’ll post more lessons on this website each week.
I love your content which is really helpful and useful to me
Thanks for your support
Thank you so much, dear Liz, your tips and advices about ielts prepration are extremely helpful.
I also want say that I just bought your books and they are awesome,really useful.
Yassin MASA from Sudan
Great to hear. I’m glad you like my e-books 🙂
I always tried to follow your tips about IELTS, really your material and tips are very helpfull.