Part 2 of IELTS Speaking is the long-turn task and the hardest section to pace under exam conditions. This is a curated list of 50 cue cards reported by candidates in early 2026 test windows, grouped by theme so you can build the topical lexicon efficiently. Pair this with our Speaking Band 7+ strategy.
People (10 cards)
Describe a person who… inspired you / you helped recently / made you laugh / is a good leader / you would like to meet / taught you something important / is older than you / lives in your neighbourhood / has an interesting job / you met on holiday.
Places (10 cards)
Describe a place… you visit often / you would like to visit / where you study or work / where you can relax / that is famous in your country / you visited that disappointed you / where you spent a special day / near water / in a city you like / that is unusual.
Objects (10 cards)
Describe an object… you bought recently / that is important to you / you would like to own / you received as a gift / that is old in your family / you use every day / that broke and you fixed / you lost / made by hand / from another country.
Experiences (10 cards)
Describe a time when… you helped a stranger / learned a new skill / changed your mind / were busy / waited a long time / felt proud / had to make a quick decision / met someone interesting / worked in a team / received good news.
Hobbies and abstract (10 cards)
Describe… an activity you do for fun / a healthy habit / a sport you would like to try / a TV programme you enjoy / a piece of advice you received / a goal you want to achieve / a positive change in your life / a book you read recently / a website you use often / a tradition in your country.
Frequently asked questions
Are these the actual 2026 IELTS questions?
These cards are reported by recent test-takers — the IELTS question pool rotates and exact wording varies, but the themes match recent test windows.
How long should my Part 2 answer be?
Aim for 1.5–2 minutes. The examiner will stop you at 2 minutes; speaking less than 1 minute hurts the band.
Can I take notes during the 1-minute preparation?
Yes — paper and pencil are provided. Use bullet points, not full sentences.