IELTS Cue Card Topics 2025 – Latest Questions, Themes & Preparation Tips

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.

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Introduction: Sample Answers and Structure

List of IELTS Cue Card Topics

Here is a list of the latest IELTS cue card topics with sample questions to help you practice and prepare better for the test.

FAVOURITE

1. Describe your favourite photograph and explain why you love it.
2. Talk about a song that is very special to you.
3. Describe your favourite indoor game you like to play in free time.

TIME-BASED

1. Describe a subject you liked at school.
2. Talk about something you want to buy in future.
3. Describe an age or stage in life that was enjoyable for you.

PERSON

1. Describe a person you admire and why.
2. Talk about an interesting conversation you had with a stranger.
3. Describe an old friend you met after a long time.

FAMILY

1. Talk about a family member you are close with.
2. Describe a family picnic you enjoyed.
3. Talk about a family event you are looking forward to.

OBJECT

1. Describe a gift you gave someone after thinking a lot.
2. Talk about a piece of technology you find useful.
3. Describe a painting or photo in your house.

PLACE

1. Describe a street you like to visit.
2. Talk about a place near water that you visited.
3. Describe a polluted place you have seen.

WORK/STUDY

1. Describe a project or homework you did.
2. Talk about a course or subject that you found useful.
3. Describe your dream job and why you want it.

EMOTIONS/ASPIRATIONS

1. Talk about an ambition you have not yet achieved.
2. Describe a situation that made you very happy.
3. Talk about a goal that you have in life.

OCCASIONS

1. Describe a time when you woke up very early.
2. Talk about a birthday party you attended.
3. Describe an occasion that made you emotional.

RECALL

1. Talk about a teacher from your past you still remember.
2. Describe a dream you remember clearly.
3. Talk about a photo that brings back memories.

POPULAR

1. Describe a popular story from your country.
2. Talk about a musical instrument that is common in your culture.
3. Describe a famous traditional song or dance in your area.

ACTIVITY

1. Talk about a leisure activity popular in your country.
2. Describe an indoor game you enjoyed in your childhood.
3. Talk about a physical activity that keeps you fit.

SOMETHING IMPORTANT

1. Describe something important that you own.
2. Talk about a festival that is important in your country.
3. Describe an important change that happened in your life.

LIFE

1. Talk about an invention that changed people’s lives.
2. Describe life during your school days.
3. Talk about a typical day in your childhood

EVENT

1. Describe a memorable event from your school days.
2. Talk about an event that made you unhappy.
3. Describe a function or celebration you attended recently.

SOMEONE

1. Talk about a kind thing someone did for you.
2. Describe a time when you taught something to someone.
3. Talk about a funny or strange person you met.

WHO YOU ADMIRE

1. Describe an artist or entertainer you admire.
2. Talk about a family member you look up to.
3. Describe a famous leader you respect.

USEFUL

1. Describe a useful website you use.
2. Talk about a plant you think is useful.
3. Describe a useful trick or skill you have learned.

APP/MOBILE

1. Talk about an app you use daily.
2. Describe a mobile app that helped you in studies or work.
3. Talk about a program on your computer or phone that you like.

BUSINESS

1. Describe a successful small business you know.
2. Talk about a businessman you admire.
3. Describe a local shop or brand you trust.

MOVIE

1. Talk about a movie you enjoyed watching.
2. Describe a film that disappointed you.
3. Talk about a movie you want to watch again.

FAMOUS

1. Describe a famous person you would like to meet.
2. Talk about a famous building or monument you visited.
3. Describe a landmark that is popular in your city.

INTERESTING

1. Talk about an interesting lecture or seminar you attended.
2. Describe a story you heard or read that fascinated you.
3. Talk about an interesting article or blog you came across.

HEALTH

1. Describe a health problem you had and how you recovered.
2. Talk about a healthy activity you enjoy.
3. Describe a food or habit that helps you stay healthy.

OTHER CUE CARDS

1. Talk about a law or rule related to environment.
2. Describe a news story that got people’s attention.
3. Talk about a letter or email you wrote that was important.

Also Read: 

• IELTS Speaking Topics with Answers
• Master Cue Card Questions to Ace the IELTS Speaking Test

How to Approach an IELTS Speaking Cue Card?

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.

Recommended Reads:

IELTS Speaking Idioms	IELTS Grammar	IELTS Important Vocabulary
IELTS Collocation	Common Spelling Mistakes in IELTS	How to Crack IELTS Exam in first Attempt

IELTS Cue Card Topics Sample 1

IELTS Cue Card: Describe A Cafe You Like To Visit

Sample Answer:

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

Recommended Reads:

Complex Sentences For IELTS	IELTS Speaking Format	IELTS Speaking Tips and Tricks
IELTS Speaking Topics	IELTS Common Speaking Topics With Answers	How to Improve Vocabulary for IELTS

IELTS Cue Card Topics Sample 2

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

Also Read: Describe An Interesting Song

Conclusion

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.

More IELTS Cue Cards Samples to Explore:

• Describe an Art Exhibition that You Visited
• Describe A Long Walk You Ever Had
• Describe a Film that Made You Laugh
• Describe A Time When You First Talked in A Foreign Language
• Describe A Person Who Wears Unusual Clothes
• Talk About A Time When You Gave Advice to Someone
• Describe A Live Sports Match That You Watched
• Describe A Time When You Helped A Friend
• Describe A Time When You Felt Bored
• Describe A Time When Your Computer Broke Down
• Describe A Difficult Thing You did
• Describe Your Favourite Movie
• Describe A Businessman You Admire
• Describe an Aquatic Animal
• Describe A Good Law In Your Country
• Describe A Toy You Liked in Your Childhood