IELTS Speaking Part 2 (The Cue Card) is the most challenging section for many test-takers. You have 1 minute to prepare and must speak for 2 minutes on a specific topic. This guide covers the most common predicted topics for 2025 and proven strategies to help you speak confidently and coherently.
What to Expect in Speaking Part 2 (2025)
Part 2 lasts 3-4 minutes total. You receive a cue card with a topic and 3-4 bullet points. You have exactly 1 minute to prepare (you'll receive paper and a pencil), then you must speak for 2 minutes without interruption. The examiner will then ask 1-2 follow-up questions.
2025 Topic Trends
While topics change every 4 months (January-April, May-August, September-December), certain themes remain constant. For 2025, we're seeing a strong focus on:
- Technology & AI: Apps, gadgets, online experiences
- Environment & Sustainability: Green initiatives, pollution, recycling
- Personal Growth: Skills learned, challenges overcome, life-changing decisions
- Social Connections: Friends, family members, influential people
- Places: Travel destinations, childhood homes, special locations
The Golden Rule
Top 10 Predicted Cue Card Topics for 2025
Describe a person who inspired you
You should say: Who they are, how you know them, what they did, and explain why they inspired you.
Key Vocabulary to Use:
role model, determination, perseverance, look up to, influential, charismatic, altruistic, mentor, motivate, admire
Tip: Choose someone whose story you know well. It could be a teacher, parent, celebrity, or historical figure. The key is having details to speak about for 2 full minutes.
Describe a place you would like to visit in the future
You should say: Where it is, how you would go there, what you would do there, and explain why you want to go.
Key Vocabulary:
breathtaking scenery, off the beaten track, cultural heritage, bustling city, tranquil, architectural marvel, picturesque, exotic
Describe a piece of technology you use often
You should say: What it is, how long you have had it, what you use it for, and explain how it helps you.
Key Vocabulary:
indispensable, cutting-edge, user-friendly, obsolescence, navigate, streamline tasks, connect with, efficient
Describe a skill you learned that was difficult
You should say: What the skill was, how you learned it, why it was difficult, and explain how you felt after mastering it.
Key Vocabulary:
challenging, steep learning curve, frustrating, persevere, trial and error, eventually master, rewarding, sense of achievement
Describe an event that changed your life
You should say: When it happened, what happened, who was involved, and explain why it was life-changing.
The PPF Method: Never Run Out of Things to Say
If you run out of things to say before 2 minutes, use the Past, Present, Future method to extend your answer naturally.
- Past: Talk about your past experience with the topic. "I remember when I first encountered this..."
- Present: Describe the current situation. "Nowadays, I usually..."
- Future: Speculate about the future. "In the next few years, I hope to... / I plan to..."
This method naturally forces you to use a variety of grammatical tenses (past simple, present perfect, future will/going to), which boosts your Grammar score!
PPF in Action
Topic: Describe a hobby
Past: "I first got interested in photography about 5 years ago when my uncle gave me an old camera..."
Present: "These days, I take my camera everywhere. I particularly enjoy capturing street scenes..."
Future: "In the future, I'm planning to take a professional photography course and maybe even start a blog..."
How to Use Your 1-Minute Preparation Time
Don't waste your preparation time! Follow this process:
- Read the entire cue card (10 seconds): Understand all bullet points.
- Decide what to talk about (10 seconds): Pick a specific example.
- Write keywords for each bullet point (30 seconds): Not sentences—just triggers.
- Plan your opening and closing (10 seconds): How will you start and end?
Example Notes:
Who: My teacher, Ms. Lee
Met: High school, 2018
What: Encouraged me, extra help
Why inspiring: Changed my mindset, now confident
Common Mistakes in Part 2
- Stopping before 2 minutes: The examiner will not prompt you. Keep talking!
- Not addressing all bullet points: Miss one = lose marks.
- Memorizing answers: Examiners can tell. It sounds robotic and you'll score lower for fluency.
- Speaking too fast: Slow down. It's better to speak clearly for 2 minutes than rush through in 90 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should speak for the full 2 minutes. If you stop early (e.g., at 1 minute 30 seconds), you will lose marks for fluency. Use all the time available.
Practice Speaking Part 2 Now
Record yourself answering these cue cards and get AI feedback on your fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
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