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 Speaking Part 2 IELTS

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 questions and topics for 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 Part 2 Speaking questions 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 Involved in IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions and Answers Round

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 for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions and Answers

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 for IELTS. 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 for IELTS 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 the Speaking Part 2 IELTS task.

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 Answer IELTS Part 2 Speaking Questions?

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 Speaking Part 2 IELTS. 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 for a number of different types of questions and topics that can be raised in the section.

Things to Avoid While Answering IELTS Part 2 Speaking Questions

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

Samples for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics

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:

Samples for IELTS Part 2 Speaking Questions

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 Speaking Part 2 IELTS 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.

Examples for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions and Answers

As discussed, you will be given a topic card in the Speaking Part 2 IELTS section. You will be given one minute to get ready for your speech before you must speak for one to two minutes. From the moment you receive the card, pen, and rough paper, you should begin to prepare some rough notes. After 60 seconds, when it is time to speak, your investigator will signal to you. Further, you must keep in mind that you must try to talk uninterruptedly as long as you can for the given amount of time. In this Speaking Part 2 IELTS task, most discussions centre on particular incidents or personal experiences from your life. In the subsequent sections, we will be discussing some examples of IELTS Speaking Part 2 questions with answers that you can use as a reference to get ideas to frame your original answers. 

A standard template of IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics is provided below for your convenience:

Example question: Describe something that happened to you or which is important to you

You should answer: 

• Where did you get it from

• How long do you have been with it

• How is it done? Or, what do you use it for?

• Explain why this thing is important to you

Examples for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics: Health and the Body

The following are two examples provided to answer the Speaking Part 2 IELTS topic named ‘Health and the Body’:

Example I

Question: Describe a healthy activity you enjoy doing.

You should answer: 

• What did you do

• Where did you do it

• Who you did do it with

• Explain why you think doing this is healthy

Let us discuss the activity of running, which possesses, in my opinion, many different kinds of health benefits. It can help you lose weight, lift your mental state, and stimulate your heart extremely well. Although many claim that it harms bones, especially the knees, I also recall reading that it may help strengthen bones. However, if you purchase the appropriate sneakers for running, this is unlikely to occur and your knees will be safe.

I adore running; it is undoubtedly my favourite pastime. When I run in the morning, I discover that I feel energised and vibrant. It also helps me get out of bed and get ready for the day. Running is a type of aerobic activity that benefits the body.

There are a lot of advantages to doing this particular workout. Running, for example, improves your respiratory and core muscles. Additionally, it aids in the prevention of cardiac illnesses like elevated cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it burns calories and reduces obesity. 

If your line of work requires you to sit down all day, you are unlikely to be burning plenty of calories. People's likelihood of developing heart and lung issues will get worse if they carry on in this way of life. Any form of physical activity will maintain them in shape and feed energies into their life, however, I choose running.

Typically, I circle the neighbourhood park near my apartment in Pune. There are playgrounds, a public library, decorative lakes, and a clock tower decorated in an old Chinese-style park. However, the jogging track is unquestionably the most required asset for me. I typically run on the track, but when I feel weary or it is too hot, I do a simple jog instead. The best time for me to run is in the morning because it is generally cooler and I can see the dawn. Around midday, the park fills up with a diverse crowd of people who value their health.  

As a whole, running helps to build muscles, protects against many cardiovascular diseases, and strokes and improves tolerance through elevating mood. So, taking everything into account, it would seem that running is extremely healthy indeed.

Examiner’s question: When do you prefer to eat something, after or before you start running?           

I prefer to eat something modest like a fruit only after a run. Before a run, I experience severe stomach pain if I eat. This is bad since I am unable to exercise and the discomfort takes a while to go gone.

Example II

Question: Describe an exciting sporting competition or event in which you participated.

You should answer: 

• What was the competition or sporting event?

• When and where the event occurred

• Who ended up winning?

• Explain why it was exhilarating

Twenty-two years ago, when I was attending an elementary school, I participated in one of the most exhilarating racing competitions I had ever witnessed to date. This specific sports day event still sticks in my memory since it was sweltering.

The open fields close to my school's building are where it took place. So that we could unwind while waiting for our turn to race, we sat on the grass. Though it was still very warm. My squad had been dominating every competition, including the long jump, egg and spoon race, 100-meter sprint, and others. The professors, however, had to compete in the last race.

Now, neither my teacher nor the leader of my team was particularly athletic. We were all concerned about the instructors' race because the winner received 100 points, meaning that we could have lost the entire sports day if another teacher had won. Ahead of this race, we only had 67 points. 

The instructors were now lined up on the playing field and prepared to compete. When the headteacher blew her whistle, everyone immediately left. It got quite stressful but also very thrilling at this point.

We were all wondering, “Will he be able to do it?" as our professor approached the midway point of the second lap. Then, as they were about to complete their conversation, Mr Joshi, who had been there earlier, stumbled over his shoelace and collapsed to the ground. Mr Sharma, our instructor, suddenly gradually came in the first place! It was amazing, and I can still see my team hopping up and cheering enthusiastically.    

Examiner’s question: Do you still manage to take part in any such competitions?

No, as of now I cannot manage to take part in any such competitions as I do not get enough time because of my studies. However, when the Olympics are on, I enjoy watching the athletics.

Examples for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics: Nature and the environment

The following are two examples provided to answer the Speaking Part 2 IELTS topic named ‘Nature and the environment’:

Example I

Question: Describe a major environmental issue that has occurred in your country.

You should answer: 

• What is the route cause of the issue

• How it has affected your nation

• What efforts have been made to address this, if any?

• Explain why you believe that this issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible

I would like to discuss a problem concerning the environment. It is the contamination of my city's streams, rivers, and canals. I think that factories, utility companies, and individuals who leave their trash on the ground or dump it into the water are the top offenders.

Our waters are polluted as a result of decades of mistreatment and disregard. The waters that surround my city were formerly the subject of studies by environmental specialists who came to the conclusion they were biologically defunct, which implies that no aquatic organism or other life exists there.

The canals were so jam-packed with floating plastic and other forms of trash that boats could hardly move through them. There was a foul odour emanating from the hazardous waste in the waterways. The local governments warned us against swimming in the rivers because of the significant risk of developing a parasitic infection.

The city's waterways began to be thoroughly cleaned off by the Indian government in the late 1980s. Heavy penalties were first imposed on businesses that polluted rivers. Additionally, police were given the authority to prosecute anyone who is found littering in public. Tragically, the government is powerless to evict the primary polluters, who were the people living illegally close to the river. They have their "rights as human beings", which is the only explanation. 

For the universal reason that water is essential to life, the issue must be resolved. Water is an obligatory need for our survival and the preservation and evolution of every living creature on Earth.

Examiner’s question: Do you think that the Indian government has done enough to resolve this issue?

Yes, the Indian government appears to be doing an outstanding job of promoting awareness so that people can start to accept ownership for their unfavourable impacts on the environment.

Example II

Question: Describe your favourite season of the year

You should answer: 

• What is your favourite season and when it occurs in a year

• What is so special about the season or the weather during that time

• What do you typically prefer to do during that season

• Explain why is it your favourite season of the year

Fall/winter or the end of the year have always been my favourite seasons. The leaves are changing hues, the air is crisp and brisk, and I enjoy the sound of the crunching frost under my feet. 

Furthermore, the first snowfall usually occurs around the start of November, which is an ideal time to indulge in a lot of hot cocoa drinks with marshmallows or a few gluhweins. I typically go on autumn hikes in the Himalayan mountains then go skiing and snowboarding with my close companions at the last weekend of November each year.

I more often enjoy visiting Christmas markets, when I get together with friends to buy and enjoy a few gluhweins. I believe the major reason it is my favourite season is that I enjoy chilly temperatures and spending time with friends around an open, wood-burning fire that feels kinda nice and warm. 

Examiner’s question: You do not enjoy summer, then?

I do, but I typically see that India, at this time of year, is too scorching. It does not seem as bad whether I am on vacation, at the beach, or close to a swimming pool. If not, I find it to be highly unsettling. 

Examples for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics: Technology

The following are two examples provided to answer the Speaking Part 2 IELTS topic named ‘Technology’:

Example I

Question: Describe the cause and effects of technology in your school.

You should answer: 

• How technology works and what exactly it is

• When it was first exhibited in your school

• Whether a robot could take the place of a teacher

• Explain both the positive and negative effects of technology

We started using computer technology in our school approximately 18 months before. A few instructors would give assignments that students had to complete by making use of the internet or computer programmes. 

For example, one day, our English teacher encouraged us to share reading and listening excerpts and materials that we had found online with the class. Also, earlier than we could share them, these sections of text and materials needed to be converted to PDF format. Further, our maths teacher encouraged us to search for websites that address math-related issues and use them to sharpen our mathematical skills. Which, in turn, I mostly did.

Now, let us talk about the third question you asked: Whether a robot could take the place of a teacher? I firmly believe that the answer is a big no, at least at the primary and secondary levels of the educational system, technology will never fully replace human teachers. Giving students computer-based issues to answer or assigning online searches is not the only thing that constitutes teaching since much more than that is involved in the process of learning. 

The foundation of learning and teaching must be interpersonal interactions. The way a teacher engages with their students has a big impact on how well they learn. Many people decided to become teachers because their professors motivated them to do so or because their teachers suggested it to them recognising their ability to multiply their knowledge.

Individuals momentarily argue that computer systems are capable of conveying their feelings and emotions, but I do not believe this is true. I think that computers will never truly possess true human traits and defining features. There is bound to be something artificial about them. This is because the god of machines is a human. Hence, building a relationship with a robot or machine would be challenging for me.

In contrast, you will likely experience some sort of sensation or feeling when you encounter your elementary school teacher after, oh, a decade, depending on the kind of bond you had with them. We have no idea what future generations will bring because technology is advancing at a rapid pace. Perhaps the emergence of DNA cloning technology will lead to some truly remarkable advancements, but that is another topic altogether.

Examiner’s question: Do you think that children are becoming lazier because of technology in schools?

Perhaps a bit, certainly. Compared to most individuals, say 15 or 20 years ago, I would argue that the young generation of today has it easier. This is so they can complete tasks and learn things more quickly, including conducting research or finding the solution to, say, an algebra or chemistry problem. You would have visited the school library twenty years ago and spent hours browsing the books. Children can complete it by merely searching for it online.

Example II

Question: Describe a piece of technology which you have only recently begun using.

You should answer: 

• How it works and what it is

• How it improves or makes life simpler

• How it differs from other similar innovative technologies

• Explain whether you anticipate continuing to use it in ten years and why

So, I recently purchased a bike from a store close to my home. This was about two months ago. First, I considered getting a fancy large-sized bike. Nevertheless, I purchased an average-sized one so that the rest of my family could use it as well for emergency purposes. 

My routine entails commuting to work, the grocery store, and meeting friends and family, so my new bike is a great asset to me. All of these places are close to my home and are accessible to me without needing a car.

Since I am riding a bike now, life is much more enjoyable. I am able to do some savings. Given that I no longer need to use the car for short trips, I now spend less money carrying it up. A further benefit is that since I do not use my car as often anymore, I pay less money for repairs. 

Bike riding is also another sort of exercise that works the cardiovascular system and lungs hard. Naturally, this might shield me from conditions like diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, coronary heart disease, and extreme weight gain. These represent a few of the main rationales for why I believe bikes will continue to exist forever.

Examiner’s question: What are your thoughts about the side effects of technological development on human health? 

I suppose that modern technology, like computer systems, has drawbacks. A handful of my fellow classmates are computer engineers, yet they hardly ever work out. As a consequence of this, the majority of them experience certain medical conditions.

Examples for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics: Travel

The following are two examples provided to answer the Speaking Part 2 IELTS topic named ‘Travel’:

Example I

Question: Describe a kind of family vacation that you would like to have in the near future.

You should answer: 

• Which place would you like to visit

• When you will be going

• Why do you want to visit that place and what you will do there

• Explain why it is a kind of family vacation that you would like to have in the near future

Being with relatives at Christmastime in a massive log cabin is my vision of the ideal holiday. Maybe we will be going to do it this year, as I have planned. This is one of the most awaited dram family vacations I am enraptured to share every detail about it with you.

Spending Christmas enveloped by snow, lovely decorations, and a nice wood-burning fire in the living room has always been a fantasy of mine. This is among the factors that make my upcoming trip to Finland with my family so exciting. There are some amazing sights sceneries, and the northern lights.

Nearly a week ago, I watched a television documentary about Finnish Christmas, and thereafter, those pictures have been ingrained in my mind. Since the location we are visiting is relatively close to a major city, it has a good number of shopping malls where we can buy all the holiday decorations and one-of-a-kind gifts for one another. Plus, there are countless locations where you can sample some regional Finnish cuisine. I cannot wait anymore to spoil my family members and have a few quality moments with them.

The snow is, of course, a big part of why I want to take this vacation. The majority of my relatives have never seen snow before. We will have a blast building snowmen and engaging in snowball wars, in my opinion. After that, we may all retreat to our sizable log cabin to warm ourselves by the fire and have hot chocolate with marshmallows. Viewing all of the snow-covered trees will be a nice touch. This will be a great holiday for me in addition to being desirable.

Examiner’s question: Why do you think most people never experience their dream family vacation? 

Time and money, in my opinion, are the primary two factors that refrain people from experiencing their dream family vacation. People usually have excellent ideas for an idyllic vacation, but they are unable to carry them out because of a lack of finances. Or maybe they are unable to take their dream family vacation because they are either over-occupied with their office work or suffer from additional responsibilities.  

Example II

Question: Describe an adventurous and memorable journey you have experienced.

You should answer: 

• Where did you go

• How did you manage to travel there

• Whom did you go with

• Explain how that adventurous experience turned out to be a memorable experience

The trip I took to Amsterdam in December is one of my favourites. I made the last-minute reservation because I wanted to go on an impromptu date with my spouse. Engaging in spontaneous adventures is something additional I adore. It is just like aimlessly walking the streets, taking in the sights of intriguing unfamiliar places, and letting the entire experience unfold. On my flight to Amsterdam, this is exactly what took place.

The round-trip ticket to Amsterdam was my expense. I did, however, first run into a little bit of a snag with my visa, but it resolved itself extremely quickly. I was picked up together with my companion by a transfer driver and taken to a restaurant in the centre of the town after we eventually landed in Amsterdam.   

There were 100 other people in the hotel along with us, the majority of whom were newlyweds from different European nations. We shared some of our time exploring the downtown area with two other couples and they were both friendly and polite.

Furthermore, not only have we built friendly connections from nearly every corner of the world, but we also have made wonderful memories that last a lifetime. Particularly some of the evenings spent out together with a few of the other hotel guests. It was amazing to have a glass of fine wine and devour freshly prepared doughnuts.  

I believe that visiting downtown was my favourite aspect of the entire vacation. We finally found ourselves in a restaurant with karaoke! As a whole, it was an adventurous experience that turned out to be a memorable one.

Examiner’s question: Have you again visited Amsterdam since?

Tragically, I have not yet. This last year, my schedule has been extremely busy with my job and other family responsibilities, so I have not had much time to travel. I might travel sometime in the future. 

In the end, try considering the Speaking Part 2 IELTS task as ‘telling a short story to someone’, which will help you understand it better. Use different intonations and pitches to give it an intriguing sound. Remember to speak more slowly than usual so that the examiner can understand every nuance of your answering story. For a good band score, speaking lightning-fast is not necessary. Speaking precisely and clearly is of greater importance.

Keep in mind that there will always be a follow-up question asked by your examiner. These will almost always be connected to the content that you just provided the examiner. Remember, your response to this query should be succinct, that is, within two to three sentences only. Making a recording of yourself practising your IELTS Speaking Part 2 questions and answers on your phone will help you if you are having trouble figuring out where your speaking flaws are coming from. This is an effective technique to hear oneself speak aloud so you can listen for grammatical and pronunciation issues that are often made.