Tags:
Share:
IELTS Academic Speaking Part 2: Complete Interactive Tutorial with Practice, Model Answers, and Band 7+ Strategies (2025)
-
August 7, 2025
IELTS Academic Speaking Part 2: Band 7+ Interactive Tutorial (LingExam | Success Series)
Master IELTS Speaking Part 2 with this complete, step-by-step strategy!
You will practice answering a Cue Card question in 1–2 minutes, with exactly 1 minute to prepare. Use the steps below (hover or tap for tips) to build advanced, organized, and natural answers—just like real exam Band 7+ responses.
Hover or tap on each step to unlock deep expert advice, actionable methods, and sample language. These steps are proven by top IELTS trainers and Band 9 candidates worldwide.
You will practice answering a Cue Card question in 1–2 minutes, with exactly 1 minute to prepare. Use the steps below (hover or tap for tips) to build advanced, organized, and natural answers—just like real exam Band 7+ responses.
Hover or tap on each step to unlock deep expert advice, actionable methods, and sample language. These steps are proven by top IELTS trainers and Band 9 candidates worldwide.
Proven Steps for IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Band 7+)
1
Start by carefully reading the entire Cue Card prompt and all the bullet points. Identify exactly what you must talk about—note the main topic, required details, and any specific tenses you should use (past, present, future). Read every bullet point, as missing any detail can limit your score.
Skim for keywords and underline or mentally note the focus (for example, 'Describe a book you recently read'). Take a few seconds to let the topic sink in and avoid panic. Remember, this stage sets your direction and controls your answer length.
Example: For the cue card ‘Describe a person who inspired you’, highlight ‘who’, ‘inspired’, and each bullet (who they are, how you know them, what they did, why they inspired you).
Skim for keywords and underline or mentally note the focus (for example, 'Describe a book you recently read'). Take a few seconds to let the topic sink in and avoid panic. Remember, this stage sets your direction and controls your answer length.
Example: For the cue card ‘Describe a person who inspired you’, highlight ‘who’, ‘inspired’, and each bullet (who they are, how you know them, what they did, why they inspired you).
2
Take 10–15 seconds to brainstorm the most important points for your answer. Quickly decide what (or who) you’ll describe. Think about which story, event, or person you can talk about most confidently and fluently.
Jot down 3–5 keywords or phrases per bullet point (not full sentences). The goal is to build a ‘map’ of your answer, not to write out your speech. Include at least one strong detail, one personal comment, and one higher-level phrase per bullet.
Example: Keywords for a ‘book’ cue card: “mystery novel / Agatha Christie / last summer / plot twist / recommended by friend / taught me patience”.
Jot down 3–5 keywords or phrases per bullet point (not full sentences). The goal is to build a ‘map’ of your answer, not to write out your speech. Include at least one strong detail, one personal comment, and one higher-level phrase per bullet.
Example: Keywords for a ‘book’ cue card: “mystery novel / Agatha Christie / last summer / plot twist / recommended by friend / taught me patience”.
3
Mentally plan a logical structure: introduction, clear development, and conclusion. Always introduce the topic naturally (“I’d like to talk about...”), then answer each bullet point in order, using linking phrases.
Decide how you’ll transition between ideas and end with a reflective or future-focused statement. This structure shows the examiner your ability to organize complex information smoothly.
Example: “The book I’d like to describe is... First of all... Secondly... Finally... Overall, this book really changed my perspective.”
Decide how you’ll transition between ideas and end with a reflective or future-focused statement. This structure shows the examiner your ability to organize complex information smoothly.
Example: “The book I’d like to describe is... First of all... Secondly... Finally... Overall, this book really changed my perspective.”
4
Think of at least 3–5 higher-level words or expressions you will use. These could be idioms, collocations, topic-specific words, or even native-like connectors. Using Band 7+ vocabulary naturally is critical for a high score.
Write a few of these down as reminders. Make sure you know how to use them accurately and in context. Prepare a couple of synonyms for the topic, so you don’t repeat the same word.
Example: Instead of “interesting”, use “gripping”, “thought-provoking”, or “captivating”. Try: “One phrase that stuck with me was...”, “the story really resonated with me”, “a real page-turner”.
Write a few of these down as reminders. Make sure you know how to use them accurately and in context. Prepare a couple of synonyms for the topic, so you don’t repeat the same word.
Example: Instead of “interesting”, use “gripping”, “thought-provoking”, or “captivating”. Try: “One phrase that stuck with me was...”, “the story really resonated with me”, “a real page-turner”.
5
Prepare a few ‘filler’ phrases and linking words to use if you get stuck. For Band 7+, your speech must flow, even with small mistakes. Think of 2–3 phrases you can use to buy time (“That’s a good question...”, “Let me think for a second...”), as well as 3–5 linking phrases (“Another aspect is...”, “On top of that...”, “What I mean is...”).
Also, mentally rehearse self-correction phrases in case you make an error (“Actually, I should say...”, “What I meant was...”). This not only maintains fluency but shows flexibility.
Example: “Well, to be honest, ...”, “Interestingly enough, ...”, “Sorry, I mean ...”
Also, mentally rehearse self-correction phrases in case you make an error (“Actually, I should say...”, “What I meant was...”). This not only maintains fluency but shows flexibility.
Example: “Well, to be honest, ...”, “Interestingly enough, ...”, “Sorry, I mean ...”
6
Identify which tenses and pronouns will be needed. Most Part 2 topics are about the past, but some need future or present forms. If the task asks about something you ‘would like to do’, remember to use conditionals (“I would love to...”).
Jot down the correct tense for each bullet (“past: what I did”, “present: how I feel now”, “future: what I’ll do next”). This prevents basic grammar mistakes.
Example: For a ‘describe a memorable trip’ card, you’ll mostly use past simple and past continuous, plus maybe present perfect or future (“I have always wanted to go back”).
Jot down the correct tense for each bullet (“past: what I did”, “present: how I feel now”, “future: what I’ll do next”). This prevents basic grammar mistakes.
Example: For a ‘describe a memorable trip’ card, you’ll mostly use past simple and past continuous, plus maybe present perfect or future (“I have always wanted to go back”).
7
Your 1-minute notes should help you stay on track, not script your speech. During your talk, glance at your keywords to remember your points, but never read full sentences or get stuck on the notes. Practice using short prompts as triggers.
This approach keeps your answer natural, avoids memorized language, and helps you adapt if you forget something or want to add a new idea.
Example: If you wrote “unexpected twist”, glance at it and say, “The plot had an unexpected twist that really surprised me...”
This approach keeps your answer natural, avoids memorized language, and helps you adapt if you forget something or want to add a new idea.
Example: If you wrote “unexpected twist”, glance at it and say, “The plot had an unexpected twist that really surprised me...”
8
Plan how you will use the 1–2 minute speaking time. Estimate how long you’ll spend on each bullet (about 25–35 seconds each) and rehearse the pace in your mind. Avoid rushing or speaking too slowly.
If you finish too quickly, add more details, reasons, or personal reflections. If you run long, wrap up with a clear conclusion (“So, to sum up...”). Practice at least twice before the real exam.
Example: “First, I’ll talk about who recommended the book, then describe the plot, and finally explain why I found it so interesting.”
If you finish too quickly, add more details, reasons, or personal reflections. If you run long, wrap up with a clear conclusion (“So, to sum up...”). Practice at least twice before the real exam.
Example: “First, I’ll talk about who recommended the book, then describe the plot, and finally explain why I found it so interesting.”
9
Visualize using natural English intonation, clear pronunciation, and expressive stress on key words. For Band 7+, your answer must sound like real communication, not like reading from a paper.
Mentally ‘hear’ yourself using rising and falling tones for interest and pausing after each main point. Try shadowing native speakers in practice, using words and phrases you plan to include.
Example: Stress main ideas (“the most memorable part...”) and pause after complex sentences (“What surprised me most, though, was... [pause]”)
Mentally ‘hear’ yourself using rising and falling tones for interest and pausing after each main point. Try shadowing native speakers in practice, using words and phrases you plan to include.
Example: Stress main ideas (“the most memorable part...”) and pause after complex sentences (“What surprised me most, though, was... [pause]”)
10
Plan to finish your answer with a reflective statement or a general thought about the topic. This makes it easier for the examiner to move to follow-up questions (Part 3), and shows you can connect your ideas to wider issues or your own life.
Try ending with a lesson learned, a personal belief, or a hope for the future.
Example: “All in all, reading this book made me appreciate the value of friendship.” Or: “This experience really shaped the way I view challenges in my own life.”
Try ending with a lesson learned, a personal belief, or a hope for the future.
Example: “All in all, reading this book made me appreciate the value of friendship.” Or: “This experience really shaped the way I view challenges in my own life.”
Expert Tips & Example Preparation
Tip 1: Don’t panic if you can’t think of the ‘perfect’ story—choose something you can talk about confidently and expand with details.
Tip 2: Always use your 1-minute preparation for quick planning—not for memorizing full sentences.
Sample Preparation: For ‘Describe a book you recently read’, jot keywords: “Harry Potter / adventure / friend’s gift / fantasy world / inspired / perseverance / magical setting.”
Tip 2: Always use your 1-minute preparation for quick planning—not for memorizing full sentences.
Sample Preparation: For ‘Describe a book you recently read’, jot keywords: “Harry Potter / adventure / friend’s gift / fantasy world / inspired / perseverance / magical setting.”
IELTS Academic Speaking Part 2: Cue Card Practice (Band 7+)
🎤
Practice Your Cue Card Task
Describe an important tradition in your country.
You should say:
• what the tradition is
• when and how it is celebrated
• who participates in it
• and explain why this tradition is important in your country.
Step 1: Preparation Time (1 Minute)
01:00
Tip: Listen to your recording, check your fluency and pronunciation, and submit your best version!
Sample Band 7+ Answer & Step-by-Step Explanation
Listen to a real Band 7+ response and explore the detailed strategy for this task. Click or tap each section for advanced commentary, actionable tips, and instant Band 7+ answer keys.
Band 7+ Model Answer
▼
Step-by-Step Strategy & Band 7+ Analysis
▼
10 Hardest Words from Task & Sample (Band 7+ Vocabulary)
Tap or click each word for British & American phonetics, patterns, definitions, sample sentences, synonyms, and typical mistakes!
10 Hardest Phrases & Expressions (Advanced Usage & Real Contexts)
Tap or click each phrase to see phonetics, grammar patterns, expert definitions, sample sentences, synonyms, and typical mistakes!
Practice: IELTS Part 2 Advanced Words & Phrases (Interactive MCQ)
Sharpen your vocabulary and phrase knowledge! Every time, 10 questions are selected randomly from a bank of 30, based on the cue card and model answer above.
Choose the best answer and get an instant Band 7+ explanation for every question.
Choose the best answer and get an instant Band 7+ explanation for every question.
🚀 Learn More & Stay Motivated with LingExam!
Follow LingExam Language Academy for free tips, model answers, live tutorials, and giveaways.
Tap an icon below and join our community on your favorite platform!
Tap an icon below and join our community on your favorite platform!
🌟 Let's build your success together. See you on our channels! 🌟
You May Also Like
-
Sep 25, 2025
Step-by-step IELTS Task 2 tutorial on the Causes & Solutions essay: template, Band 6–8 sample answers, 10 key words &...
-
Sep 25, 2025
Step-by-step IELTS Task 2 tutorial on the Causes & Solutions essay: template, Band 6–8 sample answers, 10 key words &...
-
Sep 25, 2025
Master IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 on air pollution with a step-by-step causes–solutions tutorial, fill-in template, timer, Band 6–8 sample...
-
Sep 25, 2025
Master IELTS Task 2 “outweigh” essays on the working-from-home topic with a step-by-step tutorial, fill-in template, timer, Band 6–8 samples,...