Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test gives you a cue card with a topic and several bullet points. You have one minute to prepare, then you must speak for up to two minutes. Many candidates find this the most predictable part of the test — because the topics fall into a small number of categories.
If you prepare material for each category in advance, you will never be caught without something to say. In this guide, I will show you the five main cue card categories, what each one requires, and how to prepare for them.
The Five Cue Card Categories
Although the exact wording changes every few months, almost every Part 2 cue card fits into one of five categories:
| Category | What you describe | Example prompts |
|---|---|---|
| Person | Someone you know | Describe a person who inspired you; a friend from your childhood |
| Place | A location | Describe a place you visited; your hometown |
| Object | A thing you own or use | Describe a piece of technology you use; a gift you received |
| Event | Something that happened | Describe a memorable event; a time you helped someone |
| Activity | A hobby or regular activity | Describe a sport you enjoy; a way you save time |
Each category requires a slightly different planning approach. Once you have practised all five, you will be ready for almost any card the examiner hands you.
Category 1: Person Cards
Person cards ask you to describe someone you know — a family member, a teacher, a friend, or a public figure. The challenge is to make your description specific rather than generic.
Planning move: Choose one person you know well and prepare one specific story about them. What did they do? Why is it memorable? How did it affect you?
Vocabulary to prepare: words for describing character and personality — down to earth, hard-working, patient, generous, determined.
Common mistake: Describing someone in general terms without a concrete example. “He is very kind and helpful” scores lower than “He stayed late to help me when I was struggling.”
Category 2: Place Cards
Place cards ask you to describe a location — your hometown, a city you visited, a park, or a building. The challenge is to give the listener a clear sense of what the place is like.
Planning move: Choose a place you know well and think about its physical features and atmosphere. How big is it? What does it look like? How does it sound or smell? Who else is usually there?
Vocabulary to prepare: words for describing places — bustling, tranquil, picturesque, cramped, spacious, off the beaten track.
Common mistake: Listing facts without sensory detail. “It is a big city with many buildings” is flat. “The narrow streets are always crowded, and you can smell street food everywhere” paints a picture.
Category 3: Object Cards
Object cards ask you to describe something you own, use, or would like to have. They have become more common in recent test cycles, often tied to technology or everyday items.
Planning move: Choose an object with a personal story attached. How did you get it? When do you use it? Why is it important to you?
Vocabulary to prepare: words for describing objects — user-friendly, durable, sleek, clunky, indispensable, obsolete.
Common mistake: Describing only the physical features. The bullet points usually ask why it matters to you — that is where the marks are.
Category 4: Event Cards
Event cards ask you to describe something that happened — a celebration, a trip, or an unexpected experience. These cards test your ability to tell a story, which means tense control matters more here than on any other card.
Planning move: Choose one event and structure it in sequence — what happened first, then what happened next, and how it ended. Use the PPF structure: Past, Present, Future.
Vocabulary to prepare: words for narrating — a turning point, out of the blue, to my surprise, it dawned on me.
Common mistake: Jumping between tenses or losing the sequence. Keep the story in one time frame and use time markers — first, then, after that, finally.
Category 5: Activity Cards
Activity cards ask you to describe a hobby, sport, or regular activity. These are often the easiest cards, because you can talk about something you genuinely enjoy.
Planning move: Choose an activity you do regularly and explain how you started, how often you do it, and why you enjoy it. Be specific — instead of “I like reading”, tell the examiner what you read and where.
Vocabulary to prepare: words for describing activities — pastime, recreational, a great way to unwind, a steep learning curve, pick up a skill.
Common mistake: Giving a generic answer that could apply to anyone. Specific details about your own experience make your answer credible and interesting.
Using the One-Minute Preparation Time
You get one minute to make notes before you speak. Use it to write four or five keywords — one for each bullet point on the card. Do not write full sentences; reading from notes flattens your delivery.
If you run out of things to say before two minutes, expand on one point rather than rushing through the rest. Add how you felt, what you thought at the time, and what you learned.
Practice Tips
Prepare one story per category. That is five stories in total. Each one can answer several different cards, so you do not need to memorise hundreds of answers.
Practise with a timer. Give yourself one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak. Record yourself and check whether you covered every bullet point.
Do not memorise full scripts. Examiners can tell when you are reciting, and memorised answers break down as soon as they ask an unexpected follow-up question.