- A cue card gives you a topic, three prompts and a final “explain” line. You get one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak.
- Almost every card is about a person, a place, an object, an experience or an activity.
- “Recent” cue card lists come from candidates' memories, not from IELTS, so prepare categories rather than single cards.
- Six well-practised stories can cover most of the 60 topics below.
Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test is built around a cue card: a small card with a topic to talk about for up to two minutes. Because you can't choose the topic, many students try to learn hundreds of cards by heart. There is a much better way.
This page lists 60 common IELTS cue card topics for 2026, grouped into the six categories that almost every card belongs to. You'll also find three sample answers, and a simple plan for preparing a handful of stories that work for dozens of cards.
What is an IELTS cue card?
In Part 2, the examiner hands you a card, a pencil and some paper. You have one minute to prepare, then you speak for up to two minutes without interruption. Every card follows the same pattern:
Describe a place in your city where people go to relax.
You should say:
- where it is
- what people do there
- how often you go there
and explain why it is a good place to relax.
The first line is the topic. The three prompts help you organise what to say, and the last line asks you to explain, which is where your opinions and best language come in. Afterwards, the examiner may ask one or two short questions before moving on to Part 3, a discussion linked to your topic.
Are there new cue cards for 2026?
IELTS doesn't publish its questions. Cards are taken from a large bank that is updated over time, and many students believe the topics change every few months, which is why you'll see lists called “January to April” or “September to December”.
Those lists are made from what candidates remember after their test. They are useful for spotting common themes, but they are not official, and the same topic often comes back with slightly different wording: a gift you received one year, a gift you gave the next.
How to answer any cue card
Use the same plan for every topic. Our full guide to answering Part 2 covers each step in detail.
- Prepare (1 minute): choose one real example, then write 2 or 3 key words for each prompt. Don't write sentences.
- Open (about 15 seconds): say what you are going to talk about in one or two sentences.
- Tell the story (about 60 seconds): cover the prompts with details such as when, where, who and what happened.
- Explain (about 30 seconds): answer the last line with reasons and feelings.
- Keep going: add a detail or a reflection until the examiner says thank you.
60 IELTS cue card topics for 2026
These cards are written in the style of the real test and cover the topics students report most often. Each category starts with a tip on what the examiner wants to hear.
People (10 cue cards)
Describe what the person is like and give one or two real examples of things they did.
- 1.Describe a person who has influenced your life.
You should say who this person is; how you know them; what they have done for you; and explain how they have influenced you.
- 2.Describe a teacher you remember from primary school.
You should say who the teacher was; what subject they taught; what they were like; and explain why you still remember them.
- 3.Describe a friend you have known for a long time.
You should say how you met; how long you have known each other; what you do together; and explain why this friendship has lasted.
- 4.Describe a family member you admire.
You should say who this person is; what they do; what qualities they have; and explain why you admire them.
- 5.Describe someone older than you whom you respect.
You should say who this person is; how you know them; what they have achieved; and explain why you respect them.
- 6.Describe a person who is very good at their job.
You should say who this person is; what their job is; how you know about their work; and explain what makes them so good at it.
- 7.Describe a famous person you would like to meet.
You should say who this person is; what they are famous for; what you would ask them; and explain why you would like to meet them.
- 8.Describe a person who helped you solve a problem.
You should say who this person is; what the problem was; how they helped; and explain how you felt about their help.
- 9.Describe a neighbour you know well.
You should say who this neighbour is; how long you have known them; what you talk about; and explain why you get on well with them.
- 10.Describe someone you follow on social media.
You should say who this person is; what they post about; how you found them; and explain why you follow them.
Places (10 cue cards)
Help the examiner picture the place: where it is, what you see and hear there, and what people do.
- 11.Describe a place in your city where people go to relax.
You should say where it is; what people do there; how often you go; and explain why it is a good place to relax.
- 12.Describe a city you would like to visit in the future.
You should say which city it is; what you know about it; what you would do there; and explain why you want to visit it.
- 13.Describe a quiet place you like to go to.
You should say where it is; how you found it; what you do there; and explain why you like it.
- 14.Describe a building you find interesting.
You should say where it is; what it looks like; what it is used for; and explain why you find it interesting.
- 15.Describe a park or garden you enjoy visiting.
You should say where it is; what it looks like; who you go there with; and explain why you enjoy it.
- 16.Describe a restaurant you would recommend.
You should say where it is; what kind of food it serves; when you last went there; and explain why you would recommend it.
- 17.Describe a place where you like to study.
You should say where it is; what it is like; how often you study there; and explain why it helps you study.
- 18.Describe a historical place you have visited.
You should say where it is; when you went there; what you learned there; and explain how you felt about the visit.
- 19.Describe your ideal home.
You should say where it would be; what it would look like; who you would live there with; and explain why it would be ideal for you.
- 20.Describe a place near water that you enjoy, such as a river, lake or beach.
You should say where it is; how often you go there; what you do there; and explain why you enjoy it.
Objects (10 cue cards)
Say where the object came from, how you use it and what it means to you, not only what it looks like.
- 21.Describe a gift you gave someone.
You should say what the gift was; who you gave it to; why you chose it; and explain how the person reacted.
- 22.Describe something you bought that you were very happy with.
You should say what it was; where you bought it; how you use it; and explain why you are happy with it.
- 23.Describe a book you enjoyed reading.
You should say what the book was; what it was about; when you read it; and explain why you enjoyed it.
- 24.Describe something you spent more money on than you expected.
You should say what it was; how much you expected to pay; why it cost more; and explain how you felt about it.
- 25.Describe a piece of technology you use every day.
You should say what it is; when you started using it; what you use it for; and explain how your life would be different without it.
- 26.Describe a photograph you like.
You should say what is in the photograph; who took it; where you keep it; and explain why you like it.
- 27.Describe something you own that you would never sell.
You should say what it is; how you got it; how long you have had it; and explain why you would never sell it.
- 28.Describe a piece of clothing you like to wear.
You should say what it is; where you got it; when you wear it; and explain why you like it.
- 29.Describe an app or website you use often.
You should say what it is; how you found it; what you use it for; and explain why it is useful to you.
- 30.Describe a toy you liked as a child.
You should say what the toy was; who gave it to you; how you played with it; and explain why you liked it so much.
Experiences and events (15 cue cards)
Tell it as a story: set the scene, say what happened in order, then say how you felt and what you learned.
- 31.Describe your first day at a new school or job.
You should say when it was; what happened that day; who you met; and explain how you felt at the end of the day.
- 32.Describe a time you moved to a new home.
You should say when you moved; where you moved to; what the move was like; and explain how you felt about the change.
- 33.Describe a time you felt proud of yourself.
You should say when it was; what you did; who was with you; and explain why you felt proud.
- 34.Describe a time when you were very busy.
You should say when it was; what you had to do; how you managed your time; and explain how you felt during this period.
- 35.Describe a time when you felt bored.
You should say when it was; where you were; what you did to pass the time; and explain why you felt bored.
- 36.Describe a time you got up very early.
You should say when it was; why you got up early; what you did that day; and explain how you felt about it.
- 37.Describe a wedding or celebration you went to.
You should say whose celebration it was; where it took place; what happened; and explain why you remember it.
- 38.Describe a time you helped someone.
You should say who you helped; what the situation was; how you helped; and explain how you felt afterwards.
- 39.Describe a time you changed your mind about something.
You should say what you first thought; what made you change your mind; what you think now; and explain whether it was a good decision.
- 40.Describe a time you were late for something important.
You should say what the event was; why you were late; what happened as a result; and explain how you felt.
- 41.Describe a time you received good news.
You should say what the news was; how you heard it; who you told; and explain why it was good news for you.
- 42.Describe an unusual holiday or trip you had.
You should say where you went; who you went with; what happened; and explain why it was unusual.
- 43.Describe a time you had to wait a long time for something.
You should say what you were waiting for; how long you waited; what you did while waiting; and explain how you felt.
- 44.Describe a mistake you made.
You should say what the mistake was; when it happened; what you did about it; and explain what you learned from it.
- 45.Describe a time you did volunteer work.
You should say what the work was; where you did it; who you worked with; and explain how you felt about it.
Activities, skills and goals (10 cue cards)
Explain how you started, what is involved and how it has changed you. Future topics need will, would and going to.
- 46.Describe an activity you do after school or work.
You should say what the activity is; when and where you do it; who you do it with; and explain why you enjoy it.
- 47.Describe a skill you could teach other people.
You should say what the skill is; how you learned it; how you would teach it; and explain why it is a useful skill.
- 48.Describe a sport you would like to try.
You should say what the sport is; where you could do it; what equipment you would need; and explain why you would like to try it.
- 49.Describe a hobby you started recently.
You should say what the hobby is; when you started; why you started it; and explain how it makes you feel.
- 50.Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve.
You should say what the goal is; when you set it; what you are doing to reach it; and explain why it is important to you.
- 51.Describe something you learned from an older person.
You should say who the person was; what you learned; how they taught you; and explain why it was useful.
- 52.Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy.
You should say what the activity is; where you do it; how often you do it; and explain why you enjoy it.
- 53.Describe a plan or resolution you made for the new year.
You should say what the plan was; why you made it; whether you kept it; and explain how you felt about it.
- 54.Describe a game you enjoyed playing as a child.
You should say what the game was; who you played it with; where you played it; and explain why you enjoyed it.
- 55.Describe a habit you would like to change.
You should say what the habit is; when it started; how you could change it; and explain why you want to change it.
Media, ideas and society (5 cue cards)
Give your opinion and support it with a reason or an example. These cards lead naturally into Part 3.
- 56.Describe a film or TV series you enjoyed.
You should say what it was; what it was about; when you watched it; and explain why you enjoyed it.
- 57.Describe an advertisement you remember.
You should say what it was for; where you saw it; what happened in it; and explain why you remember it.
- 58.Describe a piece of news that interested you.
You should say what the news was; how you heard about it; who you talked to about it; and explain why it interested you.
- 59.Describe a song or piece of music that is special to you.
You should say what it is; when you first heard it; when you listen to it; and explain why it is special to you.
- 60.Describe a rule that you think is important.
You should say what the rule is; where it applies; what happens if people break it; and explain why you think it is important.
3 cue card sample answers
Each answer is about 270 words, roughly two minutes of natural speech. Useful phrases are highlighted. Use them as models of structure and language, not as scripts to memorise.
Sample 1: An activity you do after school or work
I'd like to talk about something I do almost every evening after work, which is going for a long walk around the lake near my flat.
It started about two years ago, when I took an office job and realised I was sitting at a desk for nine hours a day. A colleague suggested walking as a simple way to stay active, so I gave it a try, and before long it had become part of my routine. I usually go at around seven, once the heat has gone out of the day, and the full loop takes me roughly forty minutes.
Most of the time I walk on my own and listen to podcasts, often about history or science, but on Fridays my younger brother comes with me and we use the time to catch up. The path is busy at that hour, with joggers, families and older people chatting on the benches, so there's always something going on.
The main reason I enjoy it is that it helps me switch off. After a day of emails and meetings, being outside and moving my body clears my head far more effectively than scrolling through my phone on the sofa. I also sleep much better on the days I walk. On top of that, it's completely free, which matters to me because I'm saving up for my studies. So all in all, it's a small habit, but it has made a real difference to my health and my mood.
Sample 2: A teacher you remember from primary school
The person I'm going to describe is Mrs Amina Khan, who taught me English when I was about nine years old.
She was quite strict, but in a fair way, and she had a habit of bringing lessons to life. Instead of just reading from the textbook, she turned stories into short plays, and every pupil had to take a part, even the shy ones like me. I remember being terrified the first time I had to read aloud in front of the class, but she sat at the back, nodded and smiled, and somehow that gave me the confidence to finish.
What made her different was that she noticed small things. If someone was struggling at home or had fallen behind, she would quietly stay after class to help them, and she never made anyone feel stupid for asking a question. She also kept a little shelf of books in the corner, and you could borrow one every Friday, which is how I got into the habit of reading.
The reason I still remember her is that she changed the way I saw myself. Before her class, I thought I was bad at languages; by the end of the year, I was volunteering to read. Looking back, I think a lot of my interest in English, and probably the reason I'm taking this test, goes back to her classroom.
Sample 3: A book you enjoyed reading
I'd like to talk about a novel I read last winter, a mystery set on a small island, where a journalist returns home to investigate a disappearance that happened years earlier.
A friend lent it to me during a long train journey, and to be honest, I didn't expect much, because I don't usually read crime stories. But within a few pages, I was hooked. The writer switches between the present day and the night of the disappearance, so you slowly put the pieces together at the same time as the main character.
I read most of it in two evenings, which is unusual for me, and I kept trying to guess the ending. I was completely wrong, which I loved. I've since recommended it to several friends, and we've had some long arguments about whether the ending was fair.
What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. The island felt so real, with the wind, the fishing boats and the small community where everyone knows everyone's business, that it felt as if I had been there. It also got me back into reading for pleasure. Before that I mostly read for my studies, but now I always have a novel on the go, even if it's only ten pages before bed.
These samples show the kind of language examiners associate with band 8. Your actual band also depends on how you say it, including your fluency, pronunciation and how naturally you speak.
Prepare 6 stories that cover most cue cards
Instead of preparing 60 answers, prepare six flexible stories and practise telling them from different angles. One good trip, for example, can answer a card about a holiday, a place near water or a time you got up early.
| Prepare a story about… | It can answer cards about… |
|---|---|
| A trip you took | an unusual holiday, a place near water, a time you got up early, a city you visited, a photograph you like |
| A person who taught you something | a teacher, someone older you respect, a person who helped you, something you learned from an older person |
| A skill or hobby | an activity after school or work, a skill you could teach, a hobby you started, a time you felt proud |
| A big change | moving home, your first day at school or work, a time you were busy, a time you changed your mind |
| A special object | a gift, something you would never sell, something you bought, a piece of technology |
| A celebration | a wedding, a time you received good news, a festival, a meal at a restaurant |
How to practise cue cards
- Pick a card from the list, start the free IELTS speaking timer and do the full one minute of preparation and two minutes of speaking.
- Record yourself. Did you cover the prompts, answer the “explain” line and keep talking until the end?
- Short of ideas? The speaking answer generator shows how a topic can be developed. Use it for ideas, then answer in your own words.
- After each card, answer a few related discussion questions from our Part 3 questions guide, just as you would in the test.
- Do one card from each category every week, so no type of topic catches you by surprise.
Practise cue cards with an AI examiner
Get a real-style cue card, prepare for one minute, speak for two and get feedback on all four criteria.
- Parts 1, 2 and 3 in the real exam format
- Answer with your microphone, or type if you prefer
- A band score with examiner-style comments
