The IELTS Speaking test is one of the four components of the IELTS test. The test has been subdivided into three main parts: short introduction, IELTS cue card round, and discussion round with a series of follow-up questions.
The IELTS Speaking cue card round is a vital component of the Speaking test. In this part, the test-takers need to speak on any of the given IELTS cue card topics. Candidates are generally given 1 minute to prepare for their speech, followed by 2-3 minutes of continuous speaking in front of an IELTS examiner.
The topics included in the IELTS cue card are usually based on your personal experiences, memories, likes or dislikes, or opinions. Some common topics include hobby, movies, cafes, person, family, object, technology, experience, and more. These topics help the examiner understand how well you can speak in English, organise your ideas, and express yourself clearly.
In this article, we will discuss some common and frequently asked cye card topics for IELTS Speaking test. Check what is an IELTS cue card, how to approach IELTS cue card topics, sample questions, answers, and more.
What is an IELTS Cue Card?
An IELTS Cue Card is a small card given to you in the IELTS Speaking Part 2. It has a topic written on it with some bullet points. You need to talk about that topic for 1–2 minutes. Before you speak, you get 1 minute to prepare your answer. You can also make some quick notes during this time using a pencil and paper given by the examiner.
The cue card will always have a main question, like “Describe a place you like” or “Talk about a person who helped you.” Below that, there are 3–4 prompts to help you with what to say. For example, it may ask:
What is it?
Where is it?
Why do you like it?
How do you feel about it?
You should try to cover all the points in your answer. Don’t worry about grammar too much, just speak clearly and with confidence. You can add examples and even tell a small story to make your answer longer.
The IELTS Cue Card section checks how well you can speak for a long time without stopping and how clearly you express your thoughts. It is a good idea to practice many cue card topics before your real exam.
The IELTS Speaking Cue Card is part of Speaking Part 2, where you get a topic and you have to speak for 1-2 minutes. Many students get nervous, but it is not that hard if you follow a proper method. Here’s how you can approach the IELTS Cue Card step by step:
1. Read the Cue Card Properly
When the examiner gives you the cue card, take a few seconds to read it carefully. Focus on the main topic and all the bullet points. Each bullet point will help you decide what to talk about.
2. Use the 1-minute Preparation Time Wisely
You will get 1 minute to prepare your answer. Use this time to quickly note down points using a pencil and paper. You don’t need full sentences, just write a few words that remind you of what to say.
3. Make a Quick Structure
Try to follow a simple structure:
Introduction – Say what you are going to talk about.
Main content – Explain the points in the bullet list one by one.
Personal touch – Add a small story or memory to make it sound real.
Conclusion – End with your opinion or how it made you feel.
4. Speak Naturally, Not Perfectly
You don’t need to speak perfect English, just try to be natural and fluent. Even if you make a few grammar mistakes, it's okay. Fluency and vocabulary are more important than 100% accuracy.
5. Don’t Stop Before 1 Minute
Try to keep speaking for at least 1 minute. If you finish early, the examiner may think you don’t have enough to say. You can add your feelings, examples, or small details to make your answer a bit longer.
6. Practice with Timers
Before the real test, practice with a stopwatch. Pick random cue cards, give yourself 1 minute to prepare, and then speak for 2 minutes. This will help you feel more confident on the real day.
Honestly, I am someone who finds a lot of comfort in cozy cafes, especially ones that feel a bit tucked away from the usual noise. One such place I really enjoy going to is a small café near my university—it is called The Teal Cup. It is not fancy, but it has this warm, welcoming vibe that just instantly makes you feel relaxed.
Where it is
The cafe is located on a quiet lane just a few minutes’ walk from the main gate of my university. I actually stumbled upon it during one of those typical “I need a break” walks after a long day of lectures. It is not something you would spot easily unless you’re really looking. Ream More
IELTS Cue Card Topic: Describe a Funny Incident That Happened to You
Sample Answer:
When and where it happened
What happened
How you reacted
And explain why you found it funny
I’d like to talk about a really funny incident that happened to me during my college days. It was around two years ago, during a group presentation in one of our marketing classes. We were all supposed to wear formal clothes and speak in turns with confidence. Everything was going smoothly, but then something totally unexpected happened. Ream More
The IELTS Cue Card Topics for 2025 cover people, places, events, objects, and abstract ideas. Recent topics include: Describe a stressful day at work, Describe a gift you recently gave, and Describe a nation you know well.
To prepare, practice structuring 2-minute answers around key points like What? When? Why? and how did you feel? Focus on fluency, vocabulary, and grammar while staying calm during the test. For free sample answers, check resources like LeapScholar and IELTS Mentor.
If you need personalized guidance or mock IELTS Cue Card Topics tests, connect with upGrad experts. They will help you master the speaking section and achieve your target band.
An IELTS Cue Card is a small topic card given in the Speaking Part 2. It has one main question and some bullet points to help you talk. You need to speak about that topic for 1 to 2 minutes.
How much time do I get to prepare?
You will get 1 minute to get ready. You can write some quick notes using pencil and paper. No need to write full sentences.
How long should I speak in Part 2?
You should talk for at least 1 minute, but not more than 2 minutes. The examiner will stop you after 2 minutes.
What if I don’t know anything about the topic?
Don’t worry. You can still make up a story or say something similar. The test is for your speaking skills, not for your knowledge.
Can I talk about fake story?
Yes, that’s fine. You can say a real story or just imagine one. It just needs to match the topic.
Do I have to answer all bullet points?
Try to cover all the bullet points on the cue card. It helps to make your answer complete. But if you miss one point, it's still okay.
Can I look at the cue card while speaking?
Yes, you can keep looking at the cue card and your notes while talking.
Can I ask the examiner what the topic means?
No, you can’t ask. The examiner will not explain anything. You have to understand it yourself and talk as much as you can.
What if I make grammar mistakes?
It’s okay. Small grammar mistakes will not affect your marks much. Fluency and speaking clearly is more important.
Can I speak more than 2 minutes?
You can try, but usually the examiner stops you after 2 minutes. So just talk till they stop you.
How can I make my cue card answer better?
You can practice with timer, record yourself, and use sample cue cards. Try to speak with confidence and learn new vocabulary.
Is it okay to use simple English?
Yes! Simple English is totally fine. It’s better to speak clearly than try difficult words and get stuck.
How many cue cards should I prepare?
Try to practice at least 30 to 50 cue card topics. Focus on common topics like people, places, events, and memories.
Will I get same topic as others?
No, every student may get different topic. But many topics are repeated, so preparing popular ones is a smart idea.
Are cue card topics real life?
Yes, most cue cards are about real-life things – like your family, friends, hobbies, travel, etc. You don’t need to study any extra topic for them.