3. 🎤 IELTS Academic Speaking Part 2 Practice — Cue Card, Sample Answer, Vocabulary, Expressions & Interactive Quiz

Example: If the card says “Describe a person who inspires you,” underline who this person is, how you know them, what they do, and why they inspire you. These words guide your structure.

Example notes for “A memorable journey”: Train to Paris → with friends → saw Eiffel Tower → problem with tickets → felt adventurous.

Example introduction: “I’d like to talk about a journey that left a strong impression on me. It happened a few years ago when I travelled to Paris with my friends.”

Example conclusion: “Overall, this journey not only gave me the chance to see new places, but also taught me how to be more independent and flexible.”

1. I would like to talk about ___(topic)___.

2. This happened/This person is/This place is ___(time/place details)___.

3. At first, ___(give some background information)___.

4. One important detail is that ___(key event or reason)___.

5. Moreover, I remember that ___(extra detail/example)___.

6. Another point is ___(second idea with support)___.

7. Finally, what impressed me most was ___(final idea/reflection)___.

8. Overall, I believe that ___(personal reflection/conclusion)___.

Cue Card

Describe a local community event you enjoyed.

You should say:

• what the event was and where it took place,
• who organised it and who attended,
• what you did there,
• and explain why the event was memorable for you.

Timers (Customisable)

Default settings: Preparation 60s • Speaking 120s. You can adjust them if needed.

Preparation — Countdown

Use this time to jot 6–8 keywords and plan your 1–2 minute talk.

Speaking — Timer & Recorder

When you’re ready, start the speaking timer. Recording will stop automatically when the time ends.

Submission

Attach your audio and send your response via WhatsApp or Email. The message will be prepared automatically.

Written Sample Answer

I would like to talk about a local community event I truly enjoyed: our neighbourhood “Harvest Evening,” which took place in the central park near my apartment last October. It was organised by the residents’ association together with a few small businesses, and it attracted families, students, and elderly neighbours who rarely meet during the week.

At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect because I had never joined a community celebration before. However, as soon as I arrived, I noticed colourful stalls selling homemade jam and fresh bread, and there was a stage where a local band played acoustic folk music. One important detail is that volunteers had set up a “swap corner,” where people could exchange books and potted plants; I brought two novels and left with a basil plant that still sits on my kitchen windowsill.

Moreover, I remember joining a short workshop where a chef demonstrated how to make pumpkin soup from seasonal ingredients. The aroma drifted across the park, and the atmosphere felt warm and friendly, even though the evening air was quite chilly. Another point is that I helped a group of kids carve lanterns, which gave me a chance to talk to their parents and learn more about our area.

Finally, what impressed me most was how inclusive the event felt: people from different backgrounds chatted as if they had known each other for years. Overall, I believe this evening was memorable because it turned a group of strangers into a supportive community, and it encouraged me to get involved in other neighbourhood projects.

🟢 Sample Answer — Audio

Listen to the sample answer carefully.

1) Fluency & Coherence

1. The answer follows a clear 4‑part flow: introduction → background → developed details → reflection.

2. It addresses all bullet points naturally without reading them out or listing them mechanically.

3. Discourse markers (“at first,” “however,” “moreover,” “finally,” “overall”) guide the listener through the narrative.

4. Ideas are extended with concrete examples (swap corner, pumpkin soup workshop, lantern carving) to avoid short, choppy sentences.

5. Smooth topic shifts show logical progression from setting to activities to impact on the community.

2) Lexical Resource

6. Uses precise, topic‑appropriate vocabulary (e.g., “residents’ association,” “seasonal ingredients,” “inclusive”).

7. Descriptive language (“aroma drifted,” “colourful stalls,” “acoustic folk music”) paints vivid imagery.

8. Collocations are natural: “community celebration,” “swap corner,” “neighbourhood projects.”

9. Paraphrasing avoids repetition of key words by varying “event,” “evening,” and “celebration.”

10. Registers remain consistent and suitable for a semi‑formal personal account.

3) Grammatical Range & Accuracy

11. Mixes past simple for events and past continuous/present simple for description and general truths.

12. Uses complex sentences with subordinating conjunctions (“as soon as,” “even though”) to show control.

13. Relative clauses (“which took place…,” “that still sits…”) add detail without losing clarity.

14. Accurate article, preposition, and tense choices maintain a natural rhythm.

15. Conditional/causal links are clear (“what impressed me most was… because…”).

4) Pronunciation (for recording)

16. Built‑in sentence stress points (“Harvest Evening,” “residents’ association,” “swap corner”) help highlight keywords.

17. Thought groups are short and balanced, making it easy to pause naturally for breath.

18. Linking (e.g., “kind of,” “lots of”) and weak forms keep the pace smooth and conversational.

19. Rising–falling intonation patterns are implied in contrasts (“chilly air, but warm atmosphere”).

20. Clear endings in the conclusion signal closure before the examiner stops you.

Word: Community

IPA (BrE): /kəˈmjuː.nə.ti/   IPA (AmE): /kəˈmjuː.nə.t̬i/

Part of Speech: Noun (countable/uncountable)

Word Patterns: community + of (people) | local community | the wider community

Definition: A group of people living in the same area or sharing similar interests.

Example: “The local community came together to celebrate the festival.” (means: the people living in the area participated together)

Synonyms: neighbourhood, society, population

Common Mistakes: ❌ Saying “a communities” → Correct: “communities.” ❌ Confusing with “communication.” ❌ Using it only for geography, forgetting it can mean shared interest groups too.

Word: Memorable

IPA (BrE): /ˈmem.ər.ə.bəl/   IPA (AmE): /ˈmem.ɚ.ə.bəl/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Word Patterns: memorable + event/day/experience | find sth memorable

Definition: Worth remembering or easy to remember because it was special or unusual.

Example: “It was a memorable evening that brought neighbours closer together.” (means: the evening was special and unforgettable)

Synonyms: unforgettable, remarkable, notable

Common Mistakes: ❌ Using “memory” instead of “memorable.” ❌ Saying “more memorable than unforgettable” (awkward comparison). ❌ Confusing with “memorised.”

Word: Inclusive

IPA (BrE): /ɪnˈkluː.sɪv/   IPA (AmE): /ɪnˈkluː.sɪv/

Part of Speech: Adjective

Word Patterns: inclusive + of sth | socially inclusive | inclusive atmosphere

Definition: Allowing and welcoming people of all kinds; not excluding anyone.

Example: “The event created an inclusive atmosphere where everyone felt welcome.” (means: nobody felt excluded, all were accepted)

Synonyms: welcoming, open, accepting

Common Mistakes: ❌ Writing “include” instead of “inclusive.” ❌ Saying “more inclusiver.” Correct: “more inclusive.” ❌ Confusing with “exclusive.”

Word: Volunteer

IPA (BrE): /ˌvɒl.ənˈtɪə(r)/   IPA (AmE): /ˌvɑː.lənˈtɪr/

Part of Speech: Noun; Verb

Word Patterns: volunteer + for | volunteer to do sth | a group of volunteers

Definition: (n.) A person who offers to work without pay; (v.) to offer to do something without being forced.

Example: “Several volunteers helped organise the food stalls.” (means: unpaid helpers took part in the organisation)

Synonyms: helper, unpaid worker, offer

Common Mistakes: ❌ Mispronouncing the stress on the first syllable (*VOLunteer*). Correct stress is on the last syllable. ❌ Saying “voluntary” when you mean “volunteer.” ❌ Forgetting it can be both noun and verb.

Word: Atmosphere

IPA (BrE): /ˈæt.mə.sfɪə(r)/   IPA (AmE): /ˈæt.mə.sfɪr/

Part of Speech: Noun (countable/uncountable)

Word Patterns: create an atmosphere | a festive atmosphere | the atmosphere of a place

Definition: The mood, feeling, or character of a place or event.

Example: “Music and decorations gave the park a lively atmosphere.” (means: the park felt exciting and cheerful)

Synonyms: mood, environment, vibe

Common Mistakes: ❌ Spelling it as “atmosphare.” ❌ Overusing it only for weather (it can mean feelings too). ❌ Confusing with “stratosphere.”

Expression: Bring people together

IPA (BrE): /brɪŋ ˈpiː.pəl təˈɡɛð.ə/   IPA (AmE): /brɪŋ ˈpiː.pəl təˈɡɛð.ɚ/

Part of Speech: Verb phrase

Patterns: bring people together + for sth | bring + community + together

Definition: To unite people for a shared purpose, interest, or event.

Example: “The festival helped bring people together across generations.” (means: the festival united different people)

Synonyms: unite, connect, bond

Common Mistakes: ❌ Saying “make people together.” ❌ Forgetting “together.” ❌ Overusing it in formal writing—it’s more conversational.

Expression: A breath of fresh air

IPA (BrE): /ə breθ əv freʃ ˈeə/   IPA (AmE): /ə breθ əv freʃ ˈer/

Part of Speech: Idiom (noun phrase)

Patterns: sth is a breath of fresh air | find sth a breath of fresh air

Definition: Something new, different, and pleasantly refreshing.

Example: “The community event was a breath of fresh air compared to our daily routine.” (means: the event felt refreshing and different)

Synonyms: refreshing change, relief

Common Mistakes: ❌ Saying “breath of new air.” ❌ Misusing it for literal oxygen. ❌ Forgetting the article “a.”

Expression: Break the ice

IPA (BrE): /breɪk ði ˈaɪs/   IPA (AmE): /breɪk ði ˈaɪs/

Part of Speech: Idiom (verb phrase)

Patterns: break the ice + by doing sth | activities to break the ice

Definition: To do or say something that makes people feel more comfortable in a social situation.

Example: “The lantern-carving workshop helped break the ice among neighbours.” (means: it made people relaxed and willing to talk)

Synonyms: start a conversation, ease tension

Common Mistakes: ❌ Saying “cut the ice.” ❌ Using it for serious contexts (it’s for social/relaxed ones). ❌ Forgetting the definite article “the.”

Expression: Leave a lasting impression

IPA (BrE): /liːv ə ˈlɑːstɪŋ ɪmˈpreʃ.ən/   IPA (AmE): /liːv ə ˈlæstɪŋ ɪmˈpreʃ.ən/

Part of Speech: Verb phrase

Patterns: leave a lasting impression + on sb

Definition: To cause someone to remember something or someone for a long time.

Example: “The sense of unity during the event left a lasting impression on me.” (means: I still remember it strongly)

Synonyms: make a mark, be unforgettable

Common Mistakes: ❌ Saying “do an impression” (different meaning). ❌ Mixing with “expression.” ❌ Forgetting “lasting.”

Expression: Out of the ordinary

IPA (BrE): /aʊt əv ði ˈɔː.dɪn.əri/   IPA (AmE): /aʊt əv ði ˈɔːr.dən.er.i/

Part of Speech: Idiom (adjective phrase)

Patterns: sth is out of the ordinary | nothing out of the ordinary

Definition: Unusual or different from what is normal or expected.

Example: “For our small town, such a large gathering was really out of the ordinary.” (means: it was unusual and unexpected)

Synonyms: unusual, exceptional, extraordinary

Common Mistakes: ❌ Saying “out of ordinary” (missing “the”). ❌ Using it for negative things only (it can be positive too). ❌ Confusing with “ordinary out.”