IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics & Questions - Find Most Recent Topics and How to Answer Here

A Quick Look at IELTS Speaking Section

In the IELTS speaking section, you have to interact and communicate with an examiner. The IELTS general and academic speaking sections are the same so you will have to adopt a similar preparation strategy. Let us check out the other parts that are encompassed in the speaking section:

Cue Cards in IELTS Speaking Part 2

A cue card is a small card containing a topic on which you need to speak in front of the examiner. The exam pattern for the IELTS speaking part 2 will require candidates to select one cue card from several options, however, no request to change the topic will be entertained. Through this task, the examiner will be able to evaluate the fluency, lexical resource, grammatical accuracy and range of the candidates.

The topics mentioned on the cue cards will often be based on the life and life experiences of the candidate. Among the cue card topics for the IELTS speaking part 2 include art, books, family, studies, work, daily routine, hobbies and the internet, among other topics. Candidates are advised to speak on the given topic with the least number of mistakes.

When you are asked to describe something that is important to you, you must mention where you have got it from, how long you had it, what and how you used it and explain how is it important. 

Steps in IELTS Speaking Part 2

The step-by-step IELTS speaking part 2 task is described below:

• Step 1: You will be given a cue card by the examiner.

• Step 2: You will get a minute to prepare before speaking. During this time, you can write down the points on which you wish to speak. You will be provided with a paper and pencil for the purpose. Taking notes ensures that you can speak fluently without breaks on the topics assigned to you. 

• Step 3: Also, you will have to follow the instructions and answer the questions appropriately without pauses and unnecessary fillers. 

• Step 4: After you are stopped by the examiner, you may be asked further questions on the topic that you have to answer correctly.

Assessment Criteria of IELTS Speaking Part 2

The IELTS speaking part 2 is evaluated on a few pointers which are given below:

• Lexical Resource: While speaking makes sure to use a variety of vocabulary, phrases and idioms. This will ensure that you are flexible with the language. Remember to use the right words in the right contexts.

• Fluency and Coherence: Your ability to speak fluently while using correct vocabulary and grammar is checked by the examiner. You may pause or hesitate once or twice but you should pick up momentum as soon as possible. Being at a loss for words is not appreciated in IELTS speaking part 2 exam.

• Pronunciation: Do not mix accents. Speak in one accent clearly and loudly. You have to pronounce words correctly and do not mix between words.

• Grammar: The statements should be free of grammatical errors and well structured. You have to speak all the sentences correctly.

How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 2?

The IELTS speaking part 2 can be considered to be a type of extempore, wherein, candidates are required to speak on a given topic without interacting with the examiner. One of the ways to ace this part of the section is to adhere to a well-structured preparation strategy. Some of the important tips for this part of the section have been outlined below:

• Know Evaluation Criteria - First and foremost strategy is to know the assessment criteria for IELTS speaking part 2. Once you are acquainted with the evaluation parameters you will know what the examiner is looking for and prepare accordingly.

• Make a Habit to Speak in English -Make it a regular exercise to speak in English. You can practice speaking in front of the mirror or with your friends and family.

• Solve Previous Year Questions - Practice answering from previous question papers and sample papers. In this way, you will get an idea of what and how to speak in the real exam.

Following the above-mentioned tips can not only help you ace the section, but also prepare you to a number of different types of questions and topics that can be raised in the section.

Things to Avoid in IELTS Speaking Part 2

Speaking part 2 has a list of don’ts that you must avoid in order to score well. Some of the pointers to avoid during IELTS speaking part 2 are:

• You do not need to memorise your two minutes answer. It may seem mechanical.

• Do not use vocabulary that is out of context.

• Do not waste the one-minute preparation time that you will get. Utilise it wisely to prepare pointers for your speech.

• Do not be in a hurry to finish your speaking task. It is necessary to have a slow beginning and choose words carefully with calm composure.

• Do not fumble while speaking. Use necessary connectors to create links between sentences.

• Do not return the task cards. Keep them to help structure the answer and refer to them occasionally while speaking.

Sample Topics for IELTS Speaking Part 2

Some of the common topics that are asked for IELTS speaking part 2 are common everyday actions and surroundings. Here are the sample topics for your understanding:

Sample Questions of IELTS Speaking Part 2

Some of the sample questions of IELTS speaking part 2 are given below for your practice and reference:

• Describe a city where you want to live in future.

• Describe your favourite book.

• Describe a time when you were very afraid.

• Describe a recent news story that surprised you.

• Describe a piece of art that you think is good.

• Describe a healthy lifestyle you know.

• Describe a tv program that made you laugh a lot.

• Describe a time you had difficulty in learning a new language.

• Describe an area of your country you know and like.

• Describe an important invention before the age of the computer.

• Describe a good decision you made recently.

• Describe a music concert you enjoyed watching.

• Describe a popular athlete or sportsperson.

• Describe a quiet place you would like to visit.

• Describe an ambition that you have had for a long time.

• Describe something you do to help you study or work.

• Describe a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading.

• Describe a quiz program or game show on tv.

• Describe an intelligent person you know.

• Describe a fish market you have once visited.

The IELTS speaking part 2 can be challenging with test-takers often not speaking enough, talking too much or delivering an incoherent speech. Therefore, it is necessary to time your speech. Do practice with a clock in hand and you will surely do well in the exam.