How to Respond to IELTS Speaking Part 2 with Confidence
Hi, it’s me again! In my previous blog, I shared tips on how to handle IELTS Speaking Part 1. Today, let’s dive deeper into Speaking Part 2 — often called the cue card task.
When I first took the IELTS exam five years ago, I remember finding Part 2 the most nerve-racking. Imagine: you’re given a card with a topic, you have just one minute to prepare, and then you need to speak for two full minutes. Back then, I was unprepared and nervous, yet I still managed a Band 7.0. Looking back, I realized what I could have done better. So now, I’d like to share some tested-and-proven tips that will help you speak more confidently and naturally.
Tip #1: Start with a Strong Introduction
Your opening lines matter! A complex yet natural-sounding introduction leaves a positive impression on the examiner right away. It shows that you can handle advanced grammar structures.
One trick is to memorize a flexible introduction template that you can adapt to almost any topic.Example:
“Well, speaking of polluted areas I’ve been to, my hometown’s wet market immediately comes to mind.
This not only answers the question but also demonstrates fluency and lexical range right from the start.
Tip #2: Don’t Stress about Every Bullet Point
On the cue card, you’ll see a main topic plus four prompts to guide your response. For example:
Describe a place you visited that is polluted.
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Where it is
Why you visited this place
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What kind of pollution you saw
How you felt about it
Remember: you don’t have to answer every single point. These prompts are there to help you, not trap you. If one feels uncomfortable, skip it and expand more on the others.
The key is to stay fluent, organized, and on-topic. Even if you digress slightly, just circle back to the main idea. Examiners care more about your fluency than perfect coverage of all points. Tip #3: Be Descriptive and Use Connectives
Think of Part 2 as storytelling. The more vivid your description, the more engaging your answer. Include sensory details such as colors, shapes, atmosphere, or even emotions.
Example:
“I remember walking along the shore one late afternoon, expecting to see a beautiful sunset over the calm ocean. Instead, what caught my attention immediately was the water’s surface. It wasn’t the deep blue I had imagined but rather a dull grey, with plastic bottles and food wrappers floating everywhere. The air felt heavy with a faint, sour smell of rotting waste, and I could even hear the crunch of broken glass beneath my shoes as I stepped closer.”
Also, link your ideas smoothly using connectives and discourse markers:
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Connectives: in addition, however, therefore, all in all
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Discourse markers: if my memory serves me right, to be honest, actually, I must say
These not only improve coherence but also make your speech sound natural and less rehearsed.
Tip #4: End with a Clear Conclusion
A conclusion gives your response structure and makes it sound complete. Preparing a few adaptable closing lines can boost your confidence.
Example template:
“So overall, that’s why I’ll never forget this place. It really left a strong impression on me.”
Even if you don’t perfectly time your conclusion, aim to wrap up smoothly rather than trailing off. Above all, focus on fluency and confidence for the full two minutes.
Final Thoughts
IELTS Speaking Part 2 can feel intimidating, but with the right strategies, you can turn it into an opportunity to impress the examiner. Remember to:
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Start strong with a complex but natural introduction.
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Use the bullet points as a guide, not a rule.
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Be descriptive and link your ideas.
End confidently with a prepared conclusion.
With practice, you’ll not only survive Part 2 but actually enjoy sharing your stories. Who knows? It might even become your favorite section of the test!
