Table of Contents
IELTS Speaking Cue Card Tips
Speaking Part – 2 Tips
Requirements
You will know that Part 2 has begun when the examiner asks you to talk in some detail about a particular topic – a topic which is usually easy for you to find things to talk about. Note that you are only asked to talk about one topic.
The requirements for effective performance in Part 2 are that you:
• talk in some detail about the topic referred to on the card you are given
• try give an organised answer by following the instructions written on the card
• keep talking about the topic – with no help from the examiner – for at least one minute and up to 2 minutes.
Remember, Part 2 is concerned with your ability to speak with little or no hesitation and in some detail about a simple topic
What To Do and What Not To Do
Do’s
1. Use your preparation time to think about your answer think only about what is written on the card.
2. Organise your reply by following the order of the instructions given on the card.
3. Be aware of how long you have been talking by practising with a wristwatch before you do the test.
4. Make sure you have answered all that is required on the card, and be prepared to answer a couple of questions at the end.
Don’ts
1. Do not digress; that is, do not talk of things which are not directly related to the topic on the card.
2. Do not hesitate for too long in your answer. It is better to speak about anything than not to speak at all!
3. Do not be afraid to correct a grammatical mistake, but fluency is just as important as grammar, and too much correction will make it hard for you to be understood.
4. Do not expect the examiner to give you feedback on how well you performed in your talk.
Part 2 – What To Do in the Minute of Silence
When the examiner hands you the card your one minute of preparation time has begun. Read the card carefully, noting what the topic is. Since there is no title on the card*, the topic might not be immediately clear, but the topic is given in the very first sentence.
You will see that there are a number of instructions to follow, and all the items of information required are expected to be referred to in your answer. You can certainly add extra information if you think it is appropriate, and you are wise to do so – if you have time – provided that you do not digress (speak “off” or away from the topic).
The best approach is to read the card quickly from beginning to end, and then go back to the first specific instruction after the topic sentence. Think of things to say about each of the instructions in the remaining time you have. Although you are allowed to make notes (and refer to them in your answer), unless you have practised this approach, it is probably best to spend your time thinking rather than writing. But some candidates may wish to ask the examiner for notepaper to write on. There are usually 3 or 4 instructions to speak about – so aim to speak for 30 seconds on each one.
