If you plan to study, work or migrate to an English-speaking country, you might have heard of the International English Language Testing System or IELTS exam. It is the world’s most trusted English test and the best choice for governments, universities and employers globally. In India alone, approx 1.3 million people take the IELTS test annually.
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One of the most important parts of the IELTS test is the Speaking section, where you’re expected to express your thoughts clearly and confidently. The IELTS Speaking test consists of 3 parts, with the cue card section being one of the most challenging.
It requires you to speak on a topic given to you on the spot for 2 minutes, followed by a discussion with the examiner for another minute. The cue card topics cover many subjects, from personal experiences to abstract concepts—for instance, family, friends, achievements, study, work, etc. This blog aims to help you understand the test format and prepare effectively.
Here are the key highlights of the IELTS Speaking section:
| IELTS Speaking Test | |
| Administrative Authority | IDP India |
| Duration | 11-14 minutes |
| Parts | 3 Parts |
| Total Band Score | 0-9 |
| Syllabus | Same for general and academic |
Top 65 Makkar IELTS Speaking Cue Card January-April 2025
- Describe An Energetic Person That You Know
- Describe A Job That Is Useful To Society
- Describe A Place You Have Been To And Would Like To Recommend Others To Live There Not Your Hometown
- Describe A Countryside Area That You Have Been To
- Describe Something That Surprised You And Made You Happy
- Describe An Important Event You Celebrated
- Describe A Time When You Organized A Happy Event Successfully
- Describe A Skill That You Learned From Older People
- Describe Someone You Really Like To Spend Time With
- Describe An Interesting Discussion You Had With Your Friend
- Describe A Time You Visited A New Place
- Describe A Gift You Would Like To Buy For Your Friend
- Describe An Old Person You Know Who Has Had An Interesting Life
- Describe A Place In Your Hometown City That Is Different From Other Places And That You Enjoy Visiting With Your Parents Friends
- Describe A Person From Whom Others Like To Ask For Advice
- Describe Someone Else’s Room You Enjoy Spending Time In
- Describe A Place In Your City You Have Been To Where You Can See Wildlife
- Describe Something You Did In Your Study Work That Has Made You Feel Confident
- Describe A Special Meal That Someone Made For You
- Describe A Complaint That You Made And You Were Satisfied With The Result
- Describe A Person Who Always Has Interesting Ideas Or Opinions
- Describe Your Experience When You Changed Your School College
- Describe A Job That One Of Your Grandparents Did
- Describe A Foreign Country You Would Like To Visit In The Future
- Describe A Rule That Is Important In Your School Or At Work
- Describe A Line Or A Few Words That You Remember From A Poem Or Song
- Describe A Time When You Helped A Child
- Describe A Person Who Contributes To Society
- Describe A Positive Change That You Have Made Recently In Your Daily Routine
- Describe A Course That Impressed You A Lot
- Describe A Special Cake You Received From Others
- Describe Something That Was Broken In Your Home And Then Repaired
- Describe A Friend You Like To Talk With
- Describe a beautiful city
- Describe An Invention That Is Useful In Your Daily Life
- Describe A Difficult Decision That You Made And Had A Good Result
- Describe A Quiet Place You Like To Go
- Describe Something You Do To Keep Fit And Healthy
- Describe Something You Do That Can Help You Concentrate On Work Study
- Describe a person you only met once and want to know more about
- Describe A Traditional Product In Your Country
- Describe An Invention That Has Changed The World
- Describe A Person Who Likes To Make Things By Hand
- Describe A New Development In Your Country Or The Area Where You Live
- Describe A Natural Place
- Describe An Interesting Neighbour
- Describe A Time When You Lost An Important And Valuable Item
- Describe A Movie You Watched Recently
- Describe An Occasion When You Helped A Family Member/Relative With Something
- Describe A Crowded Place You Have Visited
- Describe A Place That You Would Like To Learn The Culture There (E.g. A Library Museum Theatre)
- Describe Something That You Did With Someone/A Group Of People
- Describe A Person Who Thinks Music Is Important And Enjoys Music
- Describe A Daily Routine That You Enjoy
- Describe Your Favourite Place In Your House Where You Can Relax
- Describe A Time That Something Changed Your Life In Good Ways
- Describe An Area Of Science (Biology, Robotics etc.) That You Are Interested In And Would Like To Learn More About
- Talk About An Interesting Old Person You Met Recently
- Talk About A Thing You Complained About Something But Finally Got A Good Result
- Describe A Time When Someone Asked For Your Opinion
- Describe A Time You Used Your Cellphone/Smartphone To Do Something Important
- Describe A Way Change That Helps You Save A Lot Of Time
- Describe Something That You Can’t Live Without (Not A Computer Phone)
- Describe An Important River/Lake In Your Country
Keep reading to access LEAP’s exclusive and free IELTS speaking cue cards 2025 PDFthat offers detailed insights and practice materials – just like the Makkar IELTS Speaking PDF 2025.
IELTS Makkar Speaking Cue Cards September-December 2024
Here are a few IELTS Cue Card samples:
IELTS Speaking Makkar Cue Card January-April 2024
- Describe your first school bag
- Describe a drawing/painting that you like
- Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful
- Describe a job that you think is interesting
- Describe a rule that you don’t like
- Describe a memorable childhood memory
- Describe a happy memory from your childhood
- Describe a movie you watched recently that disappointed you
- describe a garden you remember visiting
- Describe a person who solved a problem in a smart way
- Describe an item of clothing that someone gave you
- Describe a place in your hometown that is different and that you enjoy visiting
- Describe a rule that is important in your school or at work
- Describe a speech you gave or a talk you gave to a group of people
- Describe a sport that you only have watched before but have not played yourself
- Describe a successful person who you once studied or worked with
- Describe a time when you had a problem with using the computer
- Describe a city you have been to and want to visit again
- Describe a time you were given false information
- Describe a small business you know
- Describe a traditional event or tradition significant in your country
- Describe a valuable item that you would like to give as a gift
- Describe a website that helped you do something
- Describe an activity that made you feel tired
- Describe a sport you would watch
- Describe an adventure you would like to go on
- Describe an important decision you made
- Describe an invention that is useful in daily life
- Describe an occasion when you lost your way
- Describe a tourist attraction you enjoyed visiting
- Describe an occasion when you spent time with a young child
- Talk about a traditional object of your country
- Describe an occasion when you waited a long time for a nice thing
- Describe a change that benefitted your neighborhood
- Describe someone you know who has recently moved to a new place
- Describe someone you know who often helps others
- Describe the type of home you’d like to reside in
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IELTS Speaking Cue Card Makkar PDF September-December 2023
- Describe a problem you had while shopping online or in a store
- Describe a time you used your cellphone/smartphone to do something important
- Describe an exciting activity that you experienced with someone else
- Describe an important thing you learned, not at school or college
- Describe something that surprised you
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IELTS Makkar Speaking Cue Card January-April 2023
- Describe a competition you would like to take part in
- Describe a creative person whose work you admire
- Describe an invention that has changed the world in a positive way
- Describe a difficult decision that you once made
- Describe a family member whom you would like to work with in the future
- Describe a long walk you have been on
- Describe a friend you like to talk with or an interesting neighbour
- Describe a person you know who is from a different culture
- Describe a plant, vegetable, or crop that you are familiar with
- Describe a positive change in your life
- Describe a time when you observed the stars
- Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste
- Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic jam
- Describe a time you made a decision to wait for something
- Describe a toy you liked in your childhood
- Describe an activity you do to keep fit
- Describe an exciting book that you enjoy reading
- Describe a time that you showed something new to others
- Describe an interesting thing you have learned from a foreign culture
- Describe an invention that has changed how people live
- Describe something important that you lost
- Describe something that helps you concentrate
Makkar IELTS Cue Card January-April 2022
- Describe a building that you saw and impressed you
- Talk about a historical building
- Describe a businessman you admire
- Describe a cafe you like to visit
- Describe a famous athlete you know
- Describe a field of science that interests or interested you
- Describe when someone gave you something you really wanted, a gift you received
- Describe a foreign person who you have heard or known that you think is interesting
- Describe a good decision you made recently
- Describe a habit your friend has, and you want to develop
- Describe a historical place you visited.
- Describe a leisure activity near/on the sea that you want to try
- Describe a natural talent you want to improve
- Describe a noisy place you have been to
- Describe a person who impressed you in primary school
- Describe a place that is easy for you to study
- Describe a polite person you have met
- Describe a popular tradition followed in your country
- Describe a puzzle (jigsaw, crossword, etc.) you have played
- Describe a song or a poem that you like
- Describe a tall building in your city you like or dislike
- Describe a time when you felt proud of a family member
- Describe a time when you got connected with an old friend
- Describe a time when you helped a friend
- Describe a time when you were appreciated or received a prize
- Describe a time when you were friendly to someone, but you don’t like
- Describe an art or craft activity that you had at school
- Describe a time when you’re waiting for something special that would happen
- Describe a time when your computer broke down
- Describe a time you bought something and had difficulty using it
- Describe a difficult skill you learned
- Describe a time you bought something from a street or outdoor market
- Describe a time you felt bored and wasted time
- Describe a time you got lost in a place you didn’t know about
- Describe a time you received important information
- Describe an ideal and perfect place where you would like to stay e g a house, an apartment
- Describe a water sport you want to try in the future
- Describe an activity that you enjoy
- Describe a person who has strong opinions
- Describe an app that you use on your phone
- Describe an enjoyable performance you watched
- Describe an open-minded person you know
- Describe another family that you like (not your own)
- Describe your favorite movie
- Describe your favorite Singer
- Talk about a movie or show that made you laugh
- Talk about a polluted place or city you visited
IELTS Cue Card Topics October-December 2021
- Describe a buddy or someone you know who is a great leader
- Describe a comedy film or a comedy movie that made you chuckle
- Describe a computer or phone program or app
- Describe a crowded place you have been
- Describe a dream you want to fulfil
- Describe a famous person
- Describe a singer that you like
- Describe your dream house
- Describe a favourite snapshot of yourself (or you have taken)
- Describe a future water sport that you’d like to try.
- Describe a health article you read in a magazine or on the internet
- Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned
- Describe a memorable dinner you had
- Describe a movie that inspired you the most
- Describe a family member who you admire
- Describe a product made in the region you come from
- Describe a recent good decision you made
- Describe a reward you have won
- Describe a scientific field that you are interested in
- Describe a senior citizen you know and admire
- Describe a special day that made you happy
- Describe a time when you changed your mind about something
- Describe a time when you gave a piece of good advice to someone
- Describe a time when you were in line for a long time
- Describe a time when you made a promise to someone
- Talk about a trip where you encountered danger
- Describe a time when you were encountered with a wild animal
- Describe a law on environmental protection
- Describe a topic about which you were uninterested in a conversation
- Describe about a time when you visited a location that was polluted
- Describe about a time when you were at an event and didn’t enjoy the music
- Describe an advertisement that you remember
- Describe an application that is made on artificial intelligence
- Describe an incident that changed your opinion
- Describe an individual who has apologised to you.
- Describe an instance when you were taken aback when you ran into a buddy.
- Describe an instance when you witnessed youngsters misbehaving in public
- Describe an interesting conversation with someone
- Describe an interesting ritual of your country
- Describe a unique animal you’ve encountered
- Describe an old person you know
- Describe an unforgettable train journey
- Describe one of your country’s traditions.
- Describe someone you believe is very extrovert
- Describe the first time you spoke in a foreign language
- Describe your favourite weather
- Give an example of a moment when you received excellent news.
- Recollect a blunder you’ve made.
- Talk about a meal you enjoyed
- Talk about a pandemic you witnessed
- Talk about a situation when you had to stay indoors
- Describe a road trip you would like to go on
IELTS Speaking Cue Card Questions June-September 2021
- Describe a family member that you get on well with
- Describe a famous food from your hometown or country
- Describe a friend who has played an important part in your life
- Describe a gift you recently gave to someone
- Describe a festival that is important in your country
- Describe a line that you remember from a poem or song
- Describe a newspaper or a magazine that you like to read
- Describe a painting you would like to have in your home
- Describe a person that you wanted to be like when you were a child
- Describe a piece of furniture that you own
- Describe a short-term job you’d like to do in a foreign country
- Describe a small business you want to start
- Describe a song or poem about the history of your country
- Describe a time when it was important to tell your friend the truth
- Describe a time when you had some medicine
- Describe a time when you read a map or used a map
- Describe a time when you visited a farm
- Describe a time you were late for something
- Describe a time you were pleased with your purchase
- Describe a traffic rule or law you know about
- Talk about something you find interesting
- Describe a useful electronic device you would like to own
- Describe an exciting experience in your life
- Describe an exercise you know
- Describe an important text message you received
- Describe an interesting journey you have been on
- Describe an interesting piece of news that you have recently read about or heard about
- Describe an argument you overheard
- Describe someone or something that made a lot of noise
- Describe something you did that might have had a negative result but ended up positive
- Describe the best party you have been to
- Describe the most useful household appliance that you have
- Describe a successful businessperson you know
- Describe what you would do if you received a very large amount of money
- Describe your experience with an illness or injury
- Describe your favorite author
- Describe your favourite gadget
- Describe your favourite politician
- Describe your favourite writer
- Talk about a book you have never read but would like to read
- Talk about a subject you would like to study in the future
- Talk about one thing you are going to do next weekend
IELTS Speaking Makkar PDF Topics February-May 2021
- Describe a conversation in which you were not interested
- Describe a large company you are interested in
- Describe a long car journey
- Describe a person who helps others in his/her free time
- Describe a person who is very extrovert
- Describe a person who wears unusual cloth
- Describe a place that wasn’t kept clean
- Describe a risk you have taken that had a positive result
- Describe a journey that didn’t go as planned
- Describe a special hotel you stayed in
- Describe a thing you bought, and you are happy about it
- Describe a time when children made you laugh
- Describe a time when you received good news
- Describe a time when you solved a problem through the Internet
- Describe a time when you were cheated
- Describe a time when you were in trouble
- Describe a time you helped someone
- Describe an aquatic animal
- Describe an exhibition you often visited
- Describe an activity that usually wastes your time
- Describe an unusual vacation you had
- Describe your favourite dress
- To describe an expensive activity you enjoyed occasionally
IELTS Cue Card Topics September-December 2020
- Describe a book you read that you found useful or an exciting book you read.
- Describe a change that can improve your local area
- Describe a time you were in a place where you didn’t know the local language
- Describe a difficult challenge that you completed/met
- Describe a dinner you really enjoyed
- Describe a family that you like and are happy to know
- Describe a film you watched or a film that made you think a lot
- Describe a film/movie that made you laugh
- Describe a friend/person who is a good leader
- Describe a goal that you achieved, which was set by yourself
- Describe a job you would not like to do in the future
- Describe a large company that you are interested in
- Describe a mistake you have made
- Describe something you would like to learn in the future
- Describe a performance that you liked
- Describe a person in the news that you want to meet
- Describe a person in your family that you admire or are happy to know
- Describe an instance when you received an apology
- Describe a person who taught you something important
- Describe a person who you think is very open
- Describe a photo of yourself that you like (or you have taken)
- Describe a place where you are able to relax
- Describe a place you visited that has been affected by pollution
- Describe a practical skill you learned or a skill you learned that you think is important
- Describe a prize that you received
- Describe a program or app on your computer or phone
- Describe a situation or a time when you helped someone
- Describe a successful small business that you know
- Describe a time when you first talked in a foreign language
- Describe a time when you travelled by public transportation
- Describe a time when you were excited
- Describe a time when you were surprised to meet a friend
- Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public
- Describe an interesting tradition in your country
- Describe an ambition that you have had for a long time
- Describe an area of science that interests you
- Describe an article on health that you read in a magazine or online
- Describe an energetic person that you know
- Describe an event that ended in failure
- Describe an expensive item you bought
- Describe an important journey that was delayed
- Describe an important piece of news that you received via text message
- Describe an indoor game that you liked to play when you were a child
- Describe an interesting animal
- Describe an occasion when you wore your best clothes
- Describe an old friend you got in contact with again
- Describe one of the family members you spend the most time with
- Describe one time when the weather changed your plan
- Describe something or someone that made a lot of noise
- Describe something you bought that was difficult to use at first
- Describe your favourite clothes
- Talk about something you enjoyed doing in a group
IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample May-August 2020
- Describe a foreign country you have never been to
- Describe a friend or person who is a good leader
- Describe a person you admire
- Describe a person who likes to travel by plane
- Describe a place full of colours
- Describe a popular product from your hometown
- Describe an occasion when you lost something
- Describe a situation where you were not able to use your cellphone
- Describe a time when a family member asked for help
- Describe a time when you did not tell the truth to someone
- Describe a time when you first met someone
- Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake
- Describe a volunteering experience you had
- Describe an experience when you played indoor games
- Describe an experience when you were a member of a team
- Describe an unpleasant job you did
- Describe any advice you received on work or subjects
- Describe the happiest day you had
- Talk about a celebration after an achievement
- Talk about a gift you spent a long time choosing/making
- Talk about a new public building or public place you would like to visit
IELTS Makkar Speaking Cue Card Sample January-April 2020
- Describe a bicycle tour
- Describe a place/country in which you would like to work for a short time
- Describe a day you remember well
- Describe a good law in your country
- Describe a kind of foreign food you tried
- Describe a leisure activity you like doing
- Describe a memorable story told by someone
- Describe a Newly built facility (such as a cinema or garden) that improves quality in your city
- Describe a person who travels by plane a lot
- Describe a place where you want to read and write apart from your home
- Describe a recent news you heard recently
- Describe a school that you went to
- Describe a time when someone gave you something you really wanted
- Describe an experience when you got bored with others
- Describe a time when you found something someone lost
- Describe a time when you gave a gift to someone
- Describe a time when you had to change your plan
- Describe a time when you lied to your friend
- Describe a time when you moved to a new house or new school
- Describe a time when you searched for information on the internet
- Describe an organisation or company where you live, and it employs a lot of people
- Describe some good advice about choosing a job or subject
- Describe something you did to help others
- Describe the advice you received
- Describe your favourite food
- Describe your Favorite Toy in your childhood
- Talk about a Day that would make you happy
- Talk about a female leader
- Talk about a film you would like to discuss with your Friends
- Talk about a night when you could not sleep/stay awake
- Talk about a person who is good at his/her job
- Talk about a person you think has interesting ideas and opinions
- Talk about a place where you feel crowded
- Talk about a place where you would like to study
- Describe someone popular whom you want to meet
- Talk about a product or application based on Artificial Intelligence
- Talk about a public facility that improves local life quality
- Talk about a recent activity that made you happy
- Talk about a situation where you had to be polite
- Talk about a time you learned a new skill
- Talk about a thing you complained about something
- Talk about a time when was the first time you admired the Sky
- Talk about a time when you borrowed something
- Talk about a time when you got up early
- Talk about a TV program that made you laugh a lot
- Talk about an appointment that was put ahead of schedule
- Talk about an experience when you lose something
- Talk about an important conversation
- Talk about an occasion waiting for someone
- Talk about the kind of weather that you like
- Talk about when you meet someone for the first time
- Talk about your favourite game
- Talk about your favorite place for shopping
- Talk about your hometown
IELTS Speaking Makkar PDF Topics September-December 2019
- Describe a person whom you have never met but heard a lot about him and would like to meet
- Describe a plant grown in your country that you think is important
- Describe a favourite thing you own
- Describe a quiet place
- Describe a talkative person
- Talk about a game or sport you enjoyed when you were young
- Talk about an interesting talk or a lecture
- Talk about something that you borrowed from your friend
- Describe a TV or radio presenter you like
IELTS Makkar Cue Card May-August 2019
- Describe a book you want to write
- Describe a family business
- Describe a foreigner who speaks your native language hindi very well
- Describe a faraway (remote) place that you would like to visit
- Describe a person you have seen who is beautiful or handsome
- Describe a person you wanted to be similar to when you were growing up
- Describe a situation when you did not have enough time
- Describe a special date in your country’s history
- Describe a subject you loved to study
- Describe a teenager you know
- Describe a time when you showed or taught a young person how to do a thing
- Describe An intelligent person that you know
- Describe Food that people eat at special events
- Describe one of your grandparent’s jobs
- Describe Something you bought but did not use much
- Describe Things you usually do well (or do regularly) for your job or study
- Describe when someone gave you something you really wanted
- Talk about a foreign language you want to learn (other than English)
- Talk about a friend or person who recently got success
- Talk about a time when you travelled with an old person
- Talk about an interesting old person you met
IELTS Speaking Cue Card January-April 2019
- Describe a cool winter morning
- Describe a place in a village that you visited
- Describe a place such as a park or sports ground which has developed in your city
- Describe a place where you often visit with friends and family
- Describe a public event you have attended recently
- Describe a recent development in your area
- Describe a street market in your city
- Describe a public park or garden
- Describe a time when you arrived very early for an interview
- Describe a time when you had to find some information
- Describe an encouragement given by other people
- Describe an impressive work of art such as painting or sculpture
- Describe an interesting palace in your country that not many tourists get there
- Describe an interesting website you have used
- Describe An island you would like to visit
- Describe an outdoor sport that you haven’t done yet and would like to do in the future
- Describe an ambition that you haven’t achieved
- Describe one time when someone said good words about what you have done
- Describe someone you met recently and would like to know more about
- Describe something interesting that happened in your school
- Describe the Food that people eat on special events
- Describe the idea of your dream vacation
- Describe your choice of study palace (indoor or outdoor)
- Describe your favourite day of the week
- Talk about a book you recently read
- Talk about a building that you admire
- Talk about a Historical period you want to know more about
- Talk about a radio program that you find interesting
- Talk about a time when you helped someone
- Talk about a time when you wore sunglasses
- Talk about equipment that was broken and you got repaired
- Talk about good news that you heard/read on the internet
- Talk about something that you recently bought and felt happy about it
- Describe a piece of equipment you have at home
- Talk about the situation when your friend succeeded
Makkar IELTS Speaking PDF Topics September-December 2018
- Describe a big company/organization near you
- Describe a book that has influenced you
- Describe a comic actor who is popular in your country
- Describe a faraway place that you would like to visit
- Describe something you were disappointed about
- Describe a foreign city you’d like to visit
- Describe a garden you visited as a child
- Describe a gift that made you happy
- Describe a group of people that made you smile
- Describe a happy married couple
- Describe a healthy lifestyle
- Describe a moment you laughed a lot
- Describe a party/describe a party you attended or joined
- Describe a person who helped you in your studies
- Describe a person who made a decision for you recently
- Describe a person you work/study with
- Describe a time when you lost your pet
- Describe a place near a swimming pool
- Describe a place that is not frequented by people
- Describe a place where people go to spend leisure time
- Describe a plan you’ve been making for a long but it didn’t work
- Describe a plant that you find useful
- Describe a rule formed in your school that you agree/disagree with
- Describe your favorite shop
- Describe a special cake
- Describe a time when you had to use your imagination
- Describe a time when you teamed up with an old person
- Describe a time when you visited a new school/home
- Describe a place you would like to visit
- Describe a visit you made using public transport
- Describe an activity you enjoy doing when you are alone
- Describe an animal you like the most (strange/seen for the first time)
- Describe an English lesson that has influenced you
- Describe an important tree(plant) in your country
- Describe an interesting person from another country
- Describe An occasion when you helped someone
- Describe an old friend in your childhood
- Describe an old tree that you have seen
- Describe An organisation you’d like to work for
- Describe the design of a building you visited and liked/talked about
- Describe Disagreement with a decision someone made
- Describe facilities you want in your hometown
- Describe an interesting song
- Describe good news that you have heard recently about your relatives
- Describe a time when you felt incredibly sad
- Describe an interesting job you would like to do
- Describe my favourite magazine
- Describe recent changes in your life
- Describe some story that you like a lot or someone or someone told you about. Or describe a memorable story told by someone
- Describe someone who knows a lot about something
- Describe something happened that made you happy/happy time you experienced recently
- Describe something you bought recently and you are happy with it
- Describe something you received for free
- Describe something you made with your hand for your friend or relative.
- Describe Something you’re planning to do but haven’t done it yet
- Describe the good news about a person you know well
- Describe the time when someone took a good photograph of you
- Describe a place you visited on vacation
- Describe When someone gives positive comments to you
- Describe your favourite item of clothing
- Describe your favorite song
- Describe your first mobile phone.
- Describe your favourite holiday destination
- Talk about a friend who cleverly solved a problem
- Describe a thing you did to learn another language
- Talk about a math skill that you learned in your primary/elementary school
- Talk about a place where you like to study (indoors/outdoors)
- Talk about an important river or lake in your country or hometown
- Talk about something you like to do in your leisure/free time
- Talk about your favourite sport
What is an IELTS Cue Card?
In the IELTS Speaking test, a cue card is a prompt provided to students during Part 2 of the examination. This card presents a specific topic along with guidelines or bullet points that help you structure your response.
The IELTS Speaking Cue Card section assesses your ability to speak fluently, organise your thoughts, and use various vocabulary and grammatical structures. You will be given one minute to prepare after getting the Cue Card. The Cue Card topics cover many subjects, from personal experiences to abstract concepts.
Parts of the IELTS Speaking Test
In the IELTS Speaking Test, you are interviewed by an examiner to assess your fluency in spoken English. The interview begins with general questions, and then there is a Cue Card round with a topic to talk about for a minute.
The IELTS Speaking Test consist of three main parts. These include the topic, prompts to structure your response and follow-up questions.
Let’s look into the 3 parts of the IELTS Exams in detail.
| IELTS Speaking Parts | What does each part involve? |
| Part 1 – Introduction and Interview | In this part, the examiner asks you general questions about yourself, your interests, and your experiences. This part usually lasts about 4-5 minutes and covers your personal life, achievements, friends and family. |
| Part 2- Individual Long Turn | You must speak on a topic on a cue card in this part. You will have one minute to prepare and then deliver a speech for two minutes on the given topic. |
| Part 3- Two-way Discussion | This part involves the examiner asking you questions about the topic you spoke about in Part 2. This part allows you to share further ideas or opinions on the topic. This part of the interview lasts for 4-5 minutes. |
Analysing IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topics
Below are examples of IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics categorised according to different themes. These cue cards cover the latest topics in the last year’s IELTS exam.
| IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topics | Review |
| Person | The question might ask you to talk about a friend, a person you like or someone who impacted you. |
| Study | In these topics, you must discuss the courses you want to pursue. |
| Work | In the following questions, you will be asked about your accomplishments. |
| Favourites | In these topics, you need to write about the things you like. |
| Emotions | You talk about your happy, sad or angry emotions in questions like these. |
| Object | You need to discuss objects like phones, clothes or any other object mentioned in the question. |
| Achievement | In the following questions, you will be asked about your accomplishments. |
| Time-based | In such topics, you will be required to discuss events or situations that have occurred in the past, are happening in the present, or may happen in the future. |
| Place | You will be asked about places you have visited or will visit in these topics. |
| Occasions | These topics include discussions of birthdays, festivals or anniversaries. |
IELTS Cue Card Marking Criteria
The IELTS cue card topic includes a section where you will be given a cue card with a topic to discuss. You will have 11-15 minutes to discuss the subject, and your performance will be evaluated based on specific criteria:
Here are the IELTS speaking scoring criteria:
- Fluency and Coherence evaluate your ability to speak English smoothly and clearly without pauses, repetitions, or interruptions.
- Lexical Resource is your vocabulary, including the range of words used and their appropriateness in context.
- Grammatical Range evaluates the grammatical structures used in your speech, including the correct use of tenses, parts of speech, and sentence structures.
- Pronunciation assesses your ability to pronounce English words correctly, including sounds, stress, rhythm, and intonation, regardless of their native language.
List of IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic Questions
Here are some IELTS Speaking Cue Cards Topics. You must be familiar with the different Cue Card formats you may encounter during the assessment.
By doing so, you can prepare yourself accordingly and increase your chances of success.
1. Discuss a person who has significantly impacted your life.
- Who is the person?
- How did you meet this person?
- In what ways have they influenced you?
- How has your life changed because of them?
2. Describe an achievement you are proud of.
- What is the achievement?
- When did it happen?
- How did you accomplish it?
- Why is it significant to you?
3. Describe a successful small business that you know about. You should say:
- What business/company is it
- What this business does
- How do you know about this business
Explain why you think this business/company is successful.
4. Talk about a hobby or activity you enjoy.
- What is the hobby/activity?
- When and how did you start doing it?
- What do you like about it?
- How does it benefit you or make you feel?
5. Describe a person often in the news and who you would like to meet. You should say:
- Who is this person?
- How do you know them?
- Why are they often in the news?
And explain why you would like to meet them.
6. Discuss a cultural event or festival you have attended.
- Which event or festival was it?
- When and where did it take place?
- What were the highlights of the event?
- How did you feel about the experience?
7. Describe a recent travel experience.
- Where did you go?
- Who did you travel with?
- What did you do there?
- What did you enjoy the most about the trip?
8. Describe a performance you enjoyed watching. You should say:
- What was the performance?
- When and where did you watch the performance?
- Who was performing (or who performed)?
And explain why you enjoyed the performance.?
9. Talk about your favourite book or movie.
- What is the title of the book/movie?
- What is the genre and the storyline?
- Why is it your favourite?
- Would you recommend it to others? Why?
10. Describe a crowded place you’ve been to. You should say:
- When you go there?
- Where the site is (or was)?
- In addition to that, who do you go with?
And explain how you felt about the site.
Sample of a Cue Card Topic With Answers
Here are some samples for IELTS Speaking Cue Card:
Q. Discuss a person who has had a significant impact on your life.
- Who is the person?
- How did you meet this person?
- In what ways have they influenced you?
- How has your life changed because of them?
You’ll have one minute to prepare for the topic, and then you’ll need to speak about it for approximately two minutes.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to answer this question skillfully.
First, state who the person is and your relationship with them.
“My grandfather has significantly impacted my life. He has been a constant presence in my life. He has influenced me in numerous ways as he has always guided me whenever I lost track of things, and I am grateful for his guidance and support.”
Then, provide the details of your relationship and how they influenced you.
“My grandfather has always been a role model for me. He is a kind and compassionate person who always puts others before himself. He has taught me the importance of hard work, honesty, and integrity. He has encouraged me to pursue my dreams and never give up.“
“One of the ways my grandfather has influenced me is by teaching me how to be a good listener. He always takes the time to listen to what I have to say and offers his advice and support. He has also taught me the value of patience and understanding.”
Lastly, summarise your answer and ensure you have covered all the pointers in the Cue Card.
“My life has changed in many ways because of my grandfather. He has helped me become a better person and has given me the confidence to pursue my goals. I am grateful for his love and support, and I hope to be able to repay him someday.”
Sample Answer
My grandfather has significantly impacted my life. He has been a constant presence in my life. He has influenced me in numerous ways as he has always guided me whenever I lost track of things, and I am grateful for his guidance and support.
My grandfather has always been a role model for me. He is a kind and compassionate person who always puts others before himself. He has taught me the importance of hard work, honesty, and integrity. He has encouraged me to pursue my dreams and never give up.
One of the ways my grandfather has influenced me is by teaching me how to be a good listener. He always takes the time to listen to what I have to say and offers his advice and support. He has also taught me the value of patience and understanding.
My life has changed in many ways because of my grandfather. He has helped me become a better person and has given me the confidence to pursue my goals. I am grateful for his love and support, and I hope to be able to repay him someday.
Tips & Tricks to Answer IELTS Cue Card Questions
The IELTS Cue Card (Part 2) requires you to speak for 1–2 minutes on a given topic after 1 minute of preparation. Your response should be structured, fluent, and relevant.
Here are tips & tricks to answer the latest Cue Card Answers:
- Understand the IELTS Cue Card Topic
- Read the prompt carefully and identify the main subject and subpoints given.
- Use the 1-Minute Preparation Wisely
- Write brief notes (keywords, ideas, or phrases) instead of complete sentences.
- Structure your response into the Introduction, Main Points, and Conclusion.
- Follow a Simple Structure
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the topic.
- Description: Answer the sub-questions using examples.
- Personal Opinion: Add your thoughts or experiences.
- Speak Fluently and Naturally
- Avoid long pauses using fillers like “Well, to begin with…” and “As far as I remember…”.
- Use linking words like “Firstly, Secondly, In addition, On the other hand”.
- Expand with Details & Examples
- Add real-life examples or personal stories to sound natural and engaging.
- Mind Your Pronunciation & Grammar
- Speak clearly and confidently with proper intonation.
- Avoid overcomplicated words if you’re unsure about their pronunciation.
- Practice with a Timer
- Regularly practice speaking for 2 minutes on different topics to build confidence.
Do’s & Don’ts for the IELTS Cue Card Exam
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Read the cue card properly before starting. | Don’t memorise answers; it should be spontaneous. |
| Plan your response with notes during the prep time. | Don’t repeat the same points to extend time. |
| Speak for the entire 2 minutes confidently. | Don’t stop speaking before the time is up. |
| Use a mix of simple and complex sentences. | Don’t use too many fillers (umm, uh, like). |
| Stay calm and maintain a steady pace. | Don’t speak too fast or too slow. |
Following these strategies, you can confidently tackle the IELTS Cue Card topic with answers and improve your fluency, coherence, and pronunciation.
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IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topics 2025
- Describe your Favourite Singer: IELTS Cue Card
- Describe A Cafe You Like To Visit Cue Card
- Describe a Long Car Journey You Went On
- Describe A Person Who Wears Unusual Clothes
- Describe Your First Day At School IELTS Cue Card
- Describe a Time When You Observed The Stars
- Describe a difficult thing you did with the IELTS Cue Card
- Describe a Chocolate You Didn’t Like: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
- Describe a Daily Routine That You Enjoy IELTS Cue Card
- Describe a Skill That you can teach other people
- Describe a Place you Visited Where the Air was Polluted
- Describe a Famous Person that you are Interested in
- Describe a Course That You Want to Learn
- Describe a Person who Solved a Problem in Smart Way
- Describe a Prize That You Received recently
- Describe a Volunteering Experience You Have Had
- Describe a Piece of Good News you heard from others
- Describe Something you Taught to Your Friend
- Talk About an Interesting Old Person you Met Recently
- Describe a Dinner you Really Enjoyed
- Describe a Story or Novel That Was Interesting to You
- Describe a Time When you Shared Something with Others
- Describe a Toy you Liked in Childhood
- Describe an Interesting Neighbour
- Describe a Competition You Would Like to Take Part In
- Describe an interesting activity that you remember enjoying most in your Primary School
- Describe Your Childhood Friend
- Describe a rule you did not like in school
- Describe an Object You Find Particularly Beautiful
- Describe a Place Where you are Able to Relax
- Describe a person who has made you feel uncomfortable
- Describe a person you follow on social media
- Describe a place where you would like to go to relax
- Describe a period when you were busy
- Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve
- Describe a situation when you helped someone
- Describe a job you would not like to do in the future
- Describe a time when you used a map
- Describe a skill that you learned in your childhood
- Describe an unusual holiday you had
- Describe an exciting activity that you experienced with someone else
- Describe a person who is good at making people feel welcome in his/her home
- Describe A Time You Successfully Did Something Difficult
- Describe Something in Your Country That You Are Interested In
- Describe a beautiful place to visit in your country
- Describe something you do regularly that helps you work and study better
- Describe a photo that you took and are proud of
- Describe a party that you enjoyed
- Describe a useful object in your home that you can’t live without
- Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful
- Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise
- Describe a sportsperson that you admire
- Describe something that you picked up that was thrown by someone else
- Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways
- Describe a successful person who you once studied or worked with
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Do IELTS Cue Cards repeat?
Ans. Yes, IELTS Cue Cards can be repeated. However, the topics may vary slightly or have a different focus. The IELTS Speaking Cue Cards are refreshed every four months, meaning the topics may change or be updated. It’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest Cue Cards and prepare for various topics to perform well in the IELTS Speaking Test. Preparing for a wide range of topics is essential to increase your chances of success in the IELTS Speaking Test.
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Q. How can I practice the IELTS cue card?
Ans. To practice the IELTS Cue Card, you can start by selecting a random topic and giving yourself one minute to prepare before speaking for two minutes.
Record yourself and listen back to identify areas for improvement. You can also practise with a partner or a tutor to receive feedback and improve your speaking skills. -
Q. What are the topics for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card?
Ans. The IELTS Speaking Test consists of three parts, with the Cue Card section being one of the most challenging. It requires you to speak on a topic given to you on the spot for 2 minutes, followed by a discussion with the examiner for another minute. The Cue Card topics cover many subjects, from personal experiences to abstract concepts—for instance, family, friends, achievements, study, work, etc.
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Q. How do you prepare Cue Cards easily?
Ans. Prepare IELTS Speaking Cue Cards effectively by understanding the test format and potential topics. Create a list of diverse subjects, practice speaking on them, and record yourself for self-assessment. Focus on speaking confidently, using varied vocabulary and grammatical structures. Anticipate follow-up questions, preparing thoughtful responses. Regular, targeted practice ensures familiarity with different themes and boosts confidence in articulating ideas during the exam.
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Q. What happens if I speak for less than 2 minutes in IELTS?
Ans. If you cannot speak for the full two minutes during IELTS Speaking Part 2, it may affect your Fluency score, an essential factor in achieving a score of 7 or higher. While there is no specific penalty for not speaking for the full two minutes, speaking as much as possible is recommended to demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Q. How can I start IELTS practice at home?
Ans. You can start by acquainting yourself with the test’s format and organisation. Access online resources that offer sample test papers and practice materials. Enhance your English proficiency by reading books, watching English films, and listening to English podcasts. Regularly practice speaking and writing in English to refine your language skills further.
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Q. Is it OK to speak slowly in IELTS?
Ans. It’s important to maintain a moderate pace while speaking during the IELTS Speaking Test. Speaking too slowly can lead to a lower score as it limits the amount of language you produce. However, speaking too fast doesn’t necessarily indicate good fluency. It’s recommended to speak naturally and avoid rushing through your responses.
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Q. What are some of the most common IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics?
Ans. Some of the most typical IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics include describing a person who has influenced you, discussing a memorable childhood event, discussing a book or movie you enjoyed, describing a place you have visited, and discussing a current social issue. It is important to prepare for various topics to be ready for any cue card that may be given during the IELTS Speaking Test.
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Q. How do you talk for 2 minutes in IELTS?
Ans. To talk for 2 minutes in IELTS, you must structure your response and organise your thoughts coherently.
Start by introducing the topic and giving a brief overview. Then, provide supporting details and examples to elaborate on your main points.
Use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures to showcase your language proficiency.
Finally, conclude your speech by summarising your main points and providing a final thought. -
Q. What are the 3 parts of the IELTS speaking test?
Ans. The IELTS speaking test consists of three parts. In Part 1, the examiner asks general questions about your life, interests, and experiences. In Part 2, you are given a topic to speak about for two minutes, after which the examiner asks follow-up questions. In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to express opinions and ideas more complexly.
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Q. How do you prepare a Cue Card in 1 minute?
Ans. Make the most of the one-minute preparation time by brainstorming ideas about the topic you will be discussing. Jot down any relevant keywords that come to mind during this time. This is your chance to plan the content you want to cover in your speech, so use it wisely.
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Q. How do you crack the IELTS Speaking Cue Card?
Ans. To excel in the IELTS Speaking Cue Card section, one must prepare meticulously in advance. This involves understanding the test format and the types of topics that may appear, practising speaking on various subjects and recording oneself to identify areas for improvement. It is important to speak confidently and fluently during the speech, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. In the follow-up discussion, be prepared to answer questions related to the topic and share your opinions and ideas.
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Q. What are cue cards for IELTS?
Ans. IELTS Cue Cards are topics in the Speaking Test (Part 2) where you must speak for 1–2 minutes. The card includes a main topic and key points to discuss, with 1 minute of preparation time. Topics can be personal experiences, opinions, or abstract ideas. A well-structured, fluent, and engaging response improves scores.
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Q. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS Speaking?
Ans. To score 8.5 in IELTS Speaking, focus on:
– Fluency & Coherence – Speak naturally without pauses.
– Lexical Resource – Use varied and precise vocabulary.
– Grammatical Accuracy – Use complex sentences correctly.
– Pronunciation – Maintain clarity, stress, and intonation.
– Regular mock tests, self-recording, and expert feedback help achieve a high score. -
Q. How to start any cue card?
Ans. Begin with a short introduction:
– “I would like to talk about…”
– “One interesting experience I had was…”
Then, smoothly move into the main points of the topic using linking words like “Firstly”, “In my experience”, or “For example”. A confident start sets a positive impression. -
Q. Which question is the most repeated in IELTS?
Ans. Some frequently repeated IELTS Cue Cards include:
– Describe a place you visited
– Describe a person you admire
– Describe a memorable event
– Describe a job you would like to do
– Describe an interesting discussion
Practising common topics increases confidence. -
Q. How do I change a cue card question?
Ans. You cannot change the cue card question, but you can adapt your answer if the topic is unfamiliar. Stick to a related topic while ensuring your response is relevant and structured. The examiner does not expect a perfect answer, just clear communication.
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Q. Do I get to use filers ‘umms’ and ‘aahs’?
Ans: A few natural pauses are acceptable, but excessive “umms” and “aahs” lower fluency. Instead, use fillers like:
– “Well, that’s an interesting question…”
– “Let me think for a moment…”
Practicing regularly helps reduce hesitation.
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