Last Updated on September 17, 2025
Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test in 2025? One of the trickiest parts is Part 2 of the speaking exam, called the Cue Card round. This is where you are asked to speak for up to two minutes on a given topic. These IELTS cue cards or speaking test topics change regularly. Which is why staying updated with the common themes, sample answers, and cue card speaking strategies is essential – exactly what this guide will help you with. You will receive the latest IELTS Cue Cards 2025, organized into nine broad categories. Plus, you can access and explore IELTS speaking topics with answers and tips on how to speak naturally and fluently about a topic. By the end of the guide, you will also learn what examiners expect if you do not use the full two minutes, and how to avoid losing marks. All of which are essential if you want a Band 7, 8 or higher.
What are IELTS Cue Cards?
A cue card is a short prompt given in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 test. It is usually asked that you describe an experience, a person, a place, or an opinion. You will get one minute to prepare, and then expected to speak for up to two minutes on a specific topic. The ability to use the full time effectively is the key to demonstrating a) your fluency and b) coherence.
Why IELTS Cue Cards Change
IELTS cue cards are changed to test your ability to speak naturally and fluently about a topic. Not just memorising pre-prepared answers. The 2025 IELTS Cue Cards in this guide explores nine broad groups, with common themes, and sample answers. So that students can understand and prepare for every possible IELTS Cue Card topics.
Latest IELTS Cue Card Topics
Here are the nine broad categories of IELTS Cue Cards which contain in them specific topics, with 3 model answers, along with follow-up questions, vocabulary related to the topic, and tips to improve your fluency and coherence when coming up with ideas.
IELTS Cue Cards about Events in the Past
(Use of memory-based storytelling)
- Describe a time when you observed the stars
- Describe a skill that you learned in your childhood
- Describe a time you were very busy
- Describe a problem while shopping online
- Describe an achievement success you are proud of
- Describe something that you did with someone
- Describe an occasion when you got incorrect information
- Describe something that surprised you
- Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone
- Describe a long car journey you went on
- Describe a time when you helped a friend
- Describe a time when you lost an important and valuable item
- Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel confident
- Describe your first day at school
- Describe when someone gave you something you wanted
- Describe a wedding ceremony you attended
- Describe the best gift/present you have received
- Describe your summer holidays or vacations
- Describe a time when you missed an appointment
- Describe an old friend you got in contact with again
- Describe an English lesson that you really enjoyed
- Describe an occasion when many people were smiling
- Describe a time when you used a map
- Describe a period when you were busy
- Describe a time you helped a child
- Describe a time you got up early
- Describe a time you successfully did something difficult
- Describe an activity that wastes your time
- Describe an arts and crafts activity that you had at school
- Describe your experience when you changed your school
- Describe a time you made a promise to someone
- Describe a time when you made a decision to wait for something
- Describe a skill you learned from older people
- Describe the cake you received from others
- Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination
- Describe a time you saw something interesting on social media
- Describe a person who impressed you in primary school
- Describe an interesting conversation you had with your friend
- Describe a positive change in your life
IELTS Cue Card about Person/People
(Focus on people, use adjective and specific anecdotes)
- Describe a famous person you are interested in
- Describe a person who you believe dresses well
- Describe an interesting neighbor
- Describe a sportsperson that you admire
- Describe some who often helps others
- Describe a person who inspired you to study abroad
- Describe someone in your family
- Describe a famous scientist or inventor you know about
- Describe a person who thinks music is important and enjoys music
- Describe a person who loves buying things at low prices
- Describe a female leader you like
- Describe a person who is good at making people feel welcome in his or her home
- Describe a person you know who likes to talk a lot
- Describe an interesting conversation you had with a very old person
- Describe a person you follow on social media
- Describe a family member whom you would like to work with in the future
- Describe a businessman you admire
- Describe a family member who made you proud
- Describe a person who solved a person in a smart way
- Describe someone older that you whom you admire
- Describe a person you know who is from a different culture
- Describe a friend you like to talk with
- Describe your favorite singer
- Describe a famous athlete you know
- Describe a character from a movie
- Describe a popular/well known person in your country
- Describe a teacher who has influenced you in your education
- Describe a person who impressed you in primary school
- Describe a person who likes to grow plants
IELTS Cue Cards about Habits
(talk about routine, lifestyle, and use present simple tense)
- Describe a daily routine that you enjoy
- Describe something healthy you enjoy doing
- Describe a habit your friend has and you want to develop
- Describe something that saves your time
- Describe an activity that wastes your time
Cue Card with Answers about Objects
(can be things, possessions, inventions, tools, equipments)
- Describe an invention that is useful in daily life
- Describe a useful object in your home that you cannot live without
- Describe a bag you want to own
- Describe something that you own and want to replace
- Describe a piece of equipment that is important in your home
- Describe an object you find particularly beautiful
- Describe a toy you liked in your childhood
- Describe a picture/photograph of you that you like
- Describe a piece of clothing you wear often
- Describe a thing you cannot live without
- Describe an item on which you spent more than expected
- Describe a chocolate you did not like
Cue Card for Speaking about Place
(can include towns, cities, rooms, travel, nature, buildings)
- Describe you idea of a perfect home
- Describe a quiet place
- Describe a crowded place you have visited
- Describe a place where you would like to go to relax
- Describe an area in your home where you feel relaxed
- Describe a long walk you have ever had
- Describe the scene of a hospital
- Describe a historical building you have been to
- Describe a place in your city where you can see wildlife
- Describe a village near your hometown
- Describe a natural place
- Describe a house or apartment you would like to like in
- Describe a place you would like to live in the future
- Describe your favorite restaurant
- Describe a tall building in your city
- Describe the most photographed place in your country
- Describe a place you visited on vacation
- Describe a tourist place no one visits
- Describe a place in a village that you visited
- Describe a public facility that has been renovated and improved
- Describe a place you have been to where things are expensive
- Describe a library you have visited
- Describe a place where there was a lot of noise
IELTS Cue Card Topics about Future/Would Like to
- Describe a historical period you would like to know more about
- Describe a subject/course you would like to learn in the future
- Describe a job you would not like to do
- Describe a long term goal you would like to achieve
- Describe a sport that you only have watched before but have not played yourself
- Describe a plan in your life that is not related to work or study
- Describe a course that impressed you a lot
- Describe a competition you would like to take part in (Chess, Debate, Cooking)
Cue Card Topics about Favourite Things
- Describe an exciting book that you enjoy reading
- Describe a book that you read many times
- Describe a film or tv programme which has made a strong impression
- Describe a book that had a major influence on you
- Describe a story or a novel that was particularly interesting to you
- Describe your favorite movie
- Describe your favorite singer
IELTS Speaking Cue Card about Cultural Events/ Items
- Describe a traditional festival that is important in your country
- Talk about a traditional object of your country
- Describe a good law in your country
- Talk about an important river in your country
- Talk about a special day which was not that expensive
- Describe a development in your country
- Describe a resolution you made in the new year
- Describe an advertisement that you do not like
Cue Cards for IETLS about Unusual/Abstract
- Describe something important that you lost
- Describe a rule that is important in your school or at work
- Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise
- Describe something that was thrown by someone and you picked up
- Describe a time when you insulted your teacher
- Describe a time when you were sleepy but had to stay awake
- Describe a time when you overheard a stranger talking in public
- Describe an occasion when you heard someone complaining in a restaurant/store
- Describe the time you learned a difficult word
- Describe a puzzle you have played
Tips to Approach the IELTS Cue Card Task
Quick tip: Address the cue card as a short story with structure. With a beginning, middle (details/examples) and a short wrap. The point is to be clear, organised and natural.
Before you speak (the one-minute prep)
- Read the card fully. Know exactly what the examiner expects.
- Jot down three to six bullet points. This can include 1 context line, 2-3 facts or examples and 1 concluding line.
Two-minute skeleton
- In the first 0 to 10 seconds, say what you will describe and a time/context
- In the next 10 to 40 seconds, state your main point, including who/what/where
- In the next 40 to 90 seconds, add an example or short story that illustrates your point
- In the next 90 to 110 seconds, talk about why it matter (the result, its impact or feelings)
- In the next 110 to 120 seconds, add a short wrap up sentence
Language and delivery
- You can use linking phrases to improve coherence. For example: Firstly, then, for example, as a result, etc.
- You need to keep a bank of 50 to 100 ready phrases, but not full answers.
- You should vary sentence length for rhythm
- Be wary of your tenses. Pick a tense (past/present) and stick to it.
Practise Routine to follow
- Record ten different cue card topics. Focus one day on past cards, one day on hypothetical cards.
- TIme your answers everytime. Aim to reach 100 to 110 seconds reliably.
- Review recordings for filler words, and mistakes with tense and coherence.
What happens if you do not speak for the full two minutes
Speaking for the full two minutes in IELTS Speaking Part 2 is not about filling silence. It is about showing that you can speak at length clearly and coherently.
Stopping well short of the two minute mark does not automatically fail you. But know that it can affect many scoring areas
- Fluencey and Coherence
Why it matters: Examiners want to see your ability to keep ideas flowing, use linking language and thought organization
If you stop early: Short answers often make it look like the speaker could not expand or struggle to find language.
- Completeness
Why it matters: Part 2 of IELTS Speaking assesses whether you cover the IELTS Cue cards in bullets.
If you stop early: You can risk leaving your thought points untouched. This can lower task completeness.
- Perception of Confidence and Preparedness
Why it matters: A two-minute answer that ends confidently reads as being controlled and practised.
If you stop early: Examiners may judge you as being unsure or underprepared. Even if you know the content
Practical Recovery Tactics If You Finish Early
- Immediately add this: “Another small detail is…” Use this to gice one short example.
- Reflect briefly using this: “This experience made me realize….”. This adds depth and time.
- Use comparison: “it was quite different from….” This can be an easy filler for you.
How IELTS and IELTS Cue Cards are Connected
The IELTS exam has four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Yout Speaking Part 2 (IELTS Cue Card) round directly affects your band score. To prepare effectively, you should look at IELTS as a whole test, not just one section or part.
Quick Checklist to Avoid Short Answers to IELTS Cue Cards
- Use the one-minute preparation time to plan your three or four talking points.
- Try to include at least once concrete example or story
- Keep a mental timer for the skeleton of the answer
- Have your recovery lines memorized.
- Make sure you consistently hit 100 to 110 seconds in practise.
Conclusion
The IELTS Cue Card task in Part 2 of the speaking test may feel unpredictable. But with the right approach, you can turn it into your strongest section.
In this guide, we explored nine major cue card categories, the latest IELTS Cue Cards 2025 topics, practical speaking strategies. We even explore what happens if you do not speak for the full two minutes
Remember, it is not about memorization. It is about testing your ability to speak naturally fluently and confidently. Use the one-minute to prepare wisely. Structure your two-minute talk clearly and practise with the topics above until you consistently reach full time.
FAQs
Cue cards are part of IELTS Speaking Part 2. The examiner gives you a card with a topic. You have one minute to prepare with notes. Then you must speak for 2 minutes on the topic. It tests fluency, coherence.
To score 8.5, you must speak fluently and at length of 2 minutes. For that, you must practise with cue cards daily, record yourself and get feedback. Focus on extending answers, and avoid memorized templates.
Yes, cue cards are recycled. But about 50% change every 4 months. That is why practising common categories is more reliable.
Start with a direct opening sentence. This will help show confidence, buy you time and shows the examiner that you are focused. Once that is done, you can then expand on the details
Questions relating to people and events are the most repeated.
End with a short wrap-up sentence. This will summarize your feelings or opinions. A smooth ending sounds confident.
No. The topic is given randomly by the examiner. What you can choose however, are what details to include. For example, if asked to describe a book, you can pick any book you feel comfortable talking about. It does not necessarily have to be your favorite.
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