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 – September 2025
- Describe a film that made you laugh.
- Describe a place in your country or part of your country that you would recommend to visitors/travelers.
- Describe a sports event you would like to watch.
- Describe a person’s house/apartment that you think is very good.
- Describe a time when you forgot/missed an appointment.
- Describe your favorite place in your house where you can relax.
- Describe a popular place for sports (e.g. a stadium) that you’ve visited.
- Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste (e.g. in a park, beach etc.).
- Describe a city you have been to and would like to visit again.
- Describe an argument two of your friends had.
- Describe a person from a different cultural background with whom you enjoy spending time.
- Describe a website that sells second-hand items.
- Describe a story or novel you have read that you found interesting.
- Describe a person you have met who you want to work or study with.
- Describe a problem you had while shopping online or in a store.
- Describe a difficult thing you did and succeeded in.
- Describe a time when you needed to search for information.
- Describe a time when someone gave you something that you really wanted.
- Describe a famous person you would like to meet.
- Describe an intelligent person you know.
- Describe an article on health you read in a magazine or on the internet.
- Describe a friend from your childhood.
- Describe an impressive English lesson you had and enjoyed.
- Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting.
- Describe a skill that you can teach other people.
- Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public.
- Describe a person who persuaded you to do something.
- Describe a person who likes to grow plants.
- Describe a time when you received money as a gift.
- Describe an unusual but interesting building you would like to visit.
- Describe a person who shows his/her feelings very openly.
- Describe a time you made a decision to wait for something.
- Describe a shop/store you often visit.
- Describe a goal you set that you tried your best to achieve.
- Describe an impressive talk/conversation you had that you remember well.
- Describe a place you visited and enjoyed in the countryside.
- Describe a photograph or a painting that you like.
- Describe a place where you saw animals.
- Describe an unforgettable experience that you had.
- Describe something you bought that you really wanted to return.
- Describe a kind of foreign food you like and you have had.
- Describe a place with a lot of trees that you would like to visit (e.g., a forest, oasis).
- Describe a live performance you enjoyed watching.
- Describe a person who helps to protect the environment.
- Describe a TV series you like.
- Describe a plan that you had to change recently.
- Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future.
- Describe a time you enjoyed a free day off work or school.
- Describe a noisy place you have been to.
- Describe a disagreement you had with someone.
- Describe a person you disliked at first but ended up being friends with.
- Describe a friend of yours who is well-dressed and is good at dressing up.
- Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or college).
- Describe a foreign country you would like to visit in the future.
- Describe a tradition in your country.
- Describe a time when you lost or forgot something important.
- Describe a piece of clothing you wore for a special occasion.
- Describe a book that influenced you.
- Describe an achievement you are proud of.
- Describe a decision you made that was difficult.
- Describe an unusual food you have tried.
- Describe a historical building you have visited.
- Describe something useful you learned outside school or college.
- Describe a person who changed your life in some way.
- Describe a family tradition you cherish.
- Describe a place with natural beauty you visited.
- Describe a time when you helped someone.
- Describe an object that has sentimental value.
- Describe a person whose job is important to society.
- Describe a time when you met a friend unexpectedly.
- Describe a job you think is difficult.
- Describe a time when you told someone the truth.
- Describe a person you know who has chosen a career in the medical field.
- Describe a time when you lost an important or valuable item.
- Describe your favorite food at a traditional festival or special event.
- Describe a movie you watched recently.
- Describe a party you enjoyed.
- Describe a person who likes to make things by hand (toys, furniture).
- Describe an online video where you learned something new.
- Describe a prize you received recently.
- Describe a crowded place you visited.
- Describe a challenge you faced that was difficult.
- Describe an ideal place to stay.
- Describe your natural talent that you want to improve.
- Describe your dream house.
- Describe a plan in your life.
- Describe a time you used your smartphone for something important.
- Describe an exciting activity experienced with someone else.
- Describe something that surprised you.
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! 😊