Tips
Cue cards in speaking tests (like IELTS) can be tricky, but with the right strategy, you can handle them confidently. Here are some tips:
1. Understand the Task
- Read the cue card carefully and underline key points.
- Identify the tense—is it asking about the past, present, or future?
- Make sure to answer all parts of the prompt.
2. Plan Quickly (1-Minute Preparation)
- Use a simple structure:
- Introduction – Briefly introduce the topic.
- Main Details – Answer each part of the cue card.
- Personal Experience or Opinion – Add your thoughts or a related story.
- Conclusion – Summarize briefly.
- Jot down keywords instead of full sentences.
- Use WH questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How) to generate ideas.
3. Expand Your Answer
- Don’t give one-line answers—add examples, reasons, and personal experiences.
- Use connectors like Furthermore, In addition, However, As a result to make it natural.
4. Speak Clearly and Naturally
- Don’t rush—speak at a steady pace.
- Focus on pronunciation and intonation.
- Use pauses to sound more natural instead of using fillers like “umm” or “you know.”
5. Practice Regularly
- Record yourself and analyze fluency and grammar.
- Practice with random cue cards to improve spontaneity.
- Time yourself—aim for 2 minutes of continuous speaking.
Practice Predicted Cue Cards – August 2025
- Describe a conversation you remember clearly.
- Describe an English lesson that you enjoyed.
- Describe a movie you have watched and would like to watch again.
- Describe a sport you would love to watch.
- Describe a time when your vehicle broke down.
- Describe a friend you had during your childhood.
- Describe a subject or course you would like to study in the future.
- Describe a website where you can buy or sell second-hand items.
- Describe a person you know who dresses in an unusual way.
- Describe a place you would like to visit because of its historical significance.
- Describe a building that you find interesting.
- Describe a time when you were late for something important.
- Describe a gift you received that was special to you.
- Describe an advertisement you found particularly memorable.
- Describe some good news you heard from someone close to you.
- Describe a person you know who helps the environment.
- Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted.
- Describe an elderly person you know who lives a happy life.
- Describe an occasion when someone gave you positive advice
- Describe an interesting neighbour.
- Describe an important event you celebrated.
- Describe an ambition that you haven’t achieved.
- Describe a time when you organised a happy event successfully.
- Describe a skill that you learned from older people.
- Describe a long walk you have ever had.
- Describe something that you can’t live without (not a computer/phone).
- Describe a person you only met once recently and want to know more about.
- Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country.
- Describe a party that you enjoyed.
- Describe an occasion when you helped a family member/relative with something.
- Describe a person who likes to make things by hand (e.g., toys, furniture).
- Describe a time that you showed something new to others.
- Describe an online video in which you learned something new.
- Describe a person who has strong opinions.
- Describe a prize you have received recently (e.g., money, something valuable, a medal).
- Describe a crowded place you have visited.
- Describe a challenge you faced that you thought was rather difficult.
- Describe a person whom you follow on social media.
- Describe a rule you dislike and would like to change in the future.
- Describe an item of clothing that someone gave you.
- Describe a city that you think is very interesting/famous.
- Describe a time you visited a new place.
- Describe a story someone told you that you remember.
- Describe a gift you would like to buy for your friend.
- Describe an important river/lake in your country.
Important Websites for Speaking
Here are the official websites for IELTS Speaking preparation with clickable links:
- IELTS Official Website – Sample test questions and details about the Speaking test:
https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources/sample-test-questions - British Council IELTS – Free online IELTS Speaking practice tests:
https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests/speaking - IDP IELTS – Speaking test format, sample questions, and preparation tips:
https://ielts.idp.com/prepare/article-free-speaking-practice-questions
These links will help you access official IELTS Speaking materials and practice tests. Let me know if you need more guidance! 😊