In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you are given 1 minute to prepare before speaking for up to 2 minutes on a topic provided on a cue card. This short preparation window is often one of the biggest challenges for candidates.
Many test-takers freeze during this minute, unsure of what to say or how to organize their ideas. The ability to brainstorm quickly and effectively under time pressure is crucial to delivering a confident and fluent response.
This lesson introduces a 3-step method for brainstorming using the simple yet powerful framework:
Who, What, When, Where, Why, How.
By mastering this method, you’ll be able to plan your response fast and speak with clarity, structure, and depth.
This method breaks down your planning into three logical steps, helping you cover the cue card topic comprehensively and fluently.
Before you start brainstorming, you need to read and understand the cue card. Pay attention to:
The main topic (usually one sentence at the top)
The bullet points (optional guidelines)
The instruction: “You should say…”
Example Cue Card:
Describe a memorable journey you took.
You should say:
Where you went
How you traveled
What you did there
And explain why this journey was memorable.
Goal in Step 1:
Identify what the main topic is. In this case: a memorable journey.
Once you identify the core topic, your brain is primed to start generating supporting ideas.
Now that you understand the topic, start brainstorming using the six guiding questions:
Who was involved?
Think of people: friend, family member, teacher, group, stranger.
Example: I went with my cousin, who is very adventurous.
What happened during the experience?
Describe the main event or activity in detail.
Example: We went hiking, got lost for a bit, and finally reached a scenic viewpoint.
When did it take place?
Give the time frame: last summer, two years ago, during a school break.
Example: It happened during my winter vacation in 2022.
Where did it take place?
Mention the location and describe it visually.
Example: We traveled to Nainital, a hill station in northern India.
Why was this experience significant or memorable?
Reflect on the emotions or lessons learned.
Example: It was the first time I planned a trip by myself and felt truly independent.
How did you get there and how did it all happen?
Discuss transportation or sequence of events.
Example: We took a train from Delhi and then a local bus to the town.
Tip: Use this method as a mental checklist during your 1-minute prep time. You don’t have to write full sentences—just keywords are enough.
Once you have a list of ideas from the 6W method, you need to organize them quickly into a clear structure. Here’s a simple way to structure your 2-minute response:
Introduction (10–15 seconds)
Start by introducing the topic naturally.
“One of the most memorable journeys I’ve ever taken was a trip to the mountains with my cousin.”
Details (1–1.5 minutes)
Expand using the “Who, What, When, Where, How” points.
“We went to Nainital during the winter holidays in 2022. We traveled by train and then took a bus. It was our first trip without our parents, and everything felt so exciting and new…”
Reflection (15–30 seconds)
Add a personal reflection based on “Why” it was meaningful.
“What made the journey unforgettable was the sense of freedom I felt. I also learned how to be responsible and deal with unexpected problems.”
With this method, you can turn simple brainstorming into a complete, fluent, and well-organized response.
The 6W approach is effective because:
It helps you cover a wide range of content quickly.
It aligns with what the examiner looks for: content depth, vocabulary range, fluency.
It prevents you from panicking or going off-topic.
It provides a natural flow to your response.
Even if you only remember 4 out of 6 W questions, your response will still sound comprehensive and structured.
1. Trying to Think of the “Perfect” Story
Many candidates waste the minute thinking of an “impressive” or “true” story.
Tip: Focus on a simple story you can describe easily, even if it’s made up.
2. Writing Too Much on the Notes Sheet
You don’t have time to write full sentences.
Tip: Just write keywords for each W—focus more on thinking than writing.
3. Forgetting to Include Feelings or Reflections
This makes the response sound dry.
Tip: Always answer the “Why” question to make it personal and emotional.
4. Rushing Without Planning
Jumping straight into speaking without a clear idea can lead to repetition or pauses.
Tip: Use the full minute wisely to mentally map your talk.
Cue Card Topic:
Describe a special gift you received.
You should say:
What the gift was
Who gave it to you
When you received it
And explain why it was special for you.
Step 1: Identify Main Topic
Main focus: a special gift I received.
Step 2: Brainstorm Using 6W
Who: My best friend, Aisha.
What: A leather-bound journal.
When: On my birthday last year.
Where: At a café where we celebrated.
Why: She knew I loved writing and the gift was very thoughtful.
How: She surprised me with it at the end of the meal.
Step 3: Speak with Structure
“One of the most special gifts I’ve ever received was a leather-bound journal from my best friend Aisha. She gave it to me on my birthday last year while we were celebrating at a cozy little café in our town.
The journal was beautifully designed, with thick cream-colored pages and a custom engraving of my name on the cover. Aisha knew that I loved writing and journaling, and she had spent time choosing something that matched my personality.
What made this gift especially meaningful wasn’t just its appearance, but the thought and care she put into it. It made me feel understood and appreciated. Even today, I use that journal to write down my daily thoughts and ideas.”
This is a complete, high-quality answer developed through fast brainstorming.
To become effective at brainstorming under pressure:
Use a timer: Give yourself exactly 60 seconds to plan.
Choose random cue cards from official IELTS sources or practice apps.
Write down 6W points quickly—no full sentences.
Practice speaking aloud for 2 minutes, using your notes.
Record and evaluate your performance based on fluency, structure, and content.
Repeat this process daily with different topics to build confidence and speed.
Key Takeaways:
Use the “Who, What, When, Where, Why, How” method during your 1-minute preparation time.
Focus on ideas over perfection—simple, clear stories are effective.
Structure your answer with an introduction, detailed body, and reflection.
Avoid overthinking or over-preparing. Just get your thoughts organized.
Practice regularly to make brainstorming a natural part of your speaking strategy.
With consistent practice, this method will help you deliver well-organized and fluent responses that can significantly boost your Speaking Part 2 score.