IELTS Speaking Part 2, also known as the “Long Turn,” is a crucial component of the IELTS Speaking test. In this section, the candidate is given a cue card with a specific topic and a set of prompts to guide their response. The candidate has 1 minute to prepare and is then expected to speak for up to 2 minutes without interruption.
This task is designed to assess the ability to speak fluently, coherently, and with a good range of vocabulary and grammar on a specific topic. The long turn is different from Part 1, which is more of a general Q&A, and sets the stage for a more complex and spontaneous interaction in Part 3.
A cue card is a printed task card provided by the examiner during Part 2 of the Speaking test. It presents a topic and usually contains four bullet points that help structure your response. These points are optional guidelines—they help candidates organize their thoughts, but it is not mandatory to follow them rigidly.
Here is a real example of a typical cue card:
Describe a person who has inspired you.
You should say:
Who the person is
How you know this person
What qualities this person has
And explain how this person has inspired you.
Candidates are given a piece of paper and a pencil to make notes during the 1-minute preparation time. After that, the examiner prompts you to begin speaking.
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts, and each part has a different objective:
Part 1: Introduction & Interview (4–5 minutes)
The examiner asks general questions about yourself, your home, family, work, studies, and interests.
Part 2: Long Turn (3–4 minutes total)
You receive a cue card and have one minute to prepare. Then you speak for 1–2 minutes. The examiner will not interrupt you during this time. After your talk, they may ask 1 or 2 follow-up questions.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion (4–5 minutes)
The examiner engages you in a discussion related to the topic in Part 2, asking deeper or abstract questions.
Part 2 is essential because it tests your ability to speak at length, your organizational skills, and your spontaneity, which are all high-level language functions.
The primary purpose of IELTS Speaking Part 2 is to evaluate:
Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak smoothly without excessive hesitation and link your ideas logically?
Lexical Resource: Do you use a wide and appropriate range of vocabulary for the topic?
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Are your sentences grammatically accurate and varied in structure?
Pronunciation: Is your speech clear and easy to understand?
This part of the test challenges test-takers to organize their ideas quickly, think critically, and communicate effectively on a topic they may not have prepared for in advance.
A good IELTS Speaking Part 2 response typically:
Begins with a brief introduction to the topic.
Covers each bullet point, providing supporting details and examples.
Uses linking phrases such as “To begin with,” “In addition,” “What’s more,” and “Finally.”
Includes rich vocabulary and some idiomatic expressions naturally.
Demonstrates a range of grammar (e.g., past tense, present perfect, conditionals).
Concludes smoothly, possibly with a personal reflection or summary.
Here’s a short sample response for the cue card above:
“One person who has truly inspired me is my high school English teacher, Mrs. Harper. I met her when I was in the 10th grade, and she immediately stood out due to her passion for teaching and her encouraging nature. She always believed in her students and pushed us to be our best, even when we doubted ourselves.
One of the most memorable things about her is how she would stay after class to help students improve their writing. She didn’t just teach; she mentored. Her dedication and sincerity showed me the value of hard work and patience.
Because of her, I developed a love for literature and storytelling. She inspired me not just academically but personally. I still carry her lessons with me today, and they’ve shaped the way I approach challenges.”
Cue cards usually revolve around familiar and universal themes. These topics are designed to allow candidates from any background to speak from personal experience or imagination. Common categories include:
People (e.g., a family member, a teacher, a famous person)
Places (e.g., your favorite café, a city you visited, a place you want to go)
Objects (e.g., a gift you received, a book you read, something you made)
Events/Experiences (e.g., a birthday celebration, a time you helped someone, an achievement)
Understanding the typical types of topics helps candidates anticipate the kind of vocabulary and ideas they might need during the test.
Here’s a recommended step-by-step method to approach the cue card:
Read the Topic and Bullet Points Carefully
Understand the main topic and the direction the prompts suggest.
Take Notes During the 1-Minute Prep Time
Write down keywords for each bullet point, including times, names, places, and feelings.
Use a Clear Structure: Introduction → Details → Personal Thoughts
Organize your speech so that it has a logical flow.
Speak Slowly and Clearly
Maintain control of your pace to sound confident and clear.
Don’t Worry About Finishing All Bullet Points
It’s more important to be fluent and coherent than to tick off every single prompt.
Over-preparing with memorized answers
Examiners can recognize rehearsed answers. Authentic responses are better.
Speaking too briefly (less than 1 minute)
This might show a lack of fluency and development of ideas.
Repeating the prompts word-for-word
Instead, paraphrase using your own words to show vocabulary range.
Panicking during silence or hesitation
Use filler phrases to buy time (e.g., “Let me think for a moment…”).
Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 2 starts with a clear understanding of the cue card format and its function in the overall test. It’s not about having perfect English; it’s about being able to express your ideas clearly, naturally, and in an organized way.
By practicing with real cue cards, timing yourself, and using tested strategies, you’ll become more confident in your ability to handle this important section of the IELTS Speaking test.