IELTS Speaking Part 285+ Free Cue Cards & TranscriptsBritish Audio & Band 9 Lexicon
100+ IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards Database
Complete database of IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics with high-scoring Band 9 sample transcripts, 1-minute prep notes, advanced collocations, audio narration, and Part 3 follow-up questions.
💡 Strategy: The Band 9 "5 Ws" 1-Minute Planning Technique
During your 1 minute of preparation time, write down key keyword anchors using the Who? What? Where? When? Why? structure.
1. Anchor: Person, place, or object
2. Context: Setting & timeframe
3. Story: Key details & events
4. Reflection: Impact & why it matters
🔍
Category:
Difficulty:
Showing 85 of 85 cue cards
People & Relationships
High-Frequency
Describe a person who has had a strong influence on your life
Prompts:
- • Who this person is and how you know them
- • What qualities this person possesses
- +2 more bullet points...
insatiable curiosityequanimitypedagogical+1 more
People & Relationships
High-Frequency
Describe a friend you made in your childhood who is still important to you
Prompts:
- • Who this friend is and how you first met
- • What memories you shared growing up together
- +2 more bullet points...
serendipitycamaraderiefair-weather acquaintance+1 more
People & Relationships
High-Frequency
Describe an inspiring leader or entrepreneur you admire
Prompts:
- • Who this leader is and what industry they work in
- • What major milestones or achievements they have accomplished
- +2 more bullet points...
behemothgrowth mindsetruthless autocrat+1 more
People & Relationships
High-Frequency
Describe an interesting elderly person you know or have met
Prompts:
- • Who this person is and how you encountered them
- • What life experiences or stories they shared
- +2 more bullet points...
octogenariantopologicalcynical nostalgia+1 more
People & Relationships
High-Frequency
Describe a creative artist or musician you admire
Prompts:
- • Who this artist is and what art form they practice
- • How you first discovered their work
- +2 more bullet points...
minimalismflamboyantunvarnished+1 more
People & Relationships
High-Frequency
Describe a teacher who had a memorable impact on your education
Prompts:
- • Who this teacher was and which subject they taught
- • What teaching methodology made them stand out
- +2 more bullet points...
tedious academic choreallegorypainstaking scrutiny+1 more
People & Relationships
Medium
Describe a helpful neighbour you know or have had
Prompts:
- • Who this neighbour is and where you lived near them
- • How you came to know them
- +2 more bullet points...
neighborly apathyrapportvigilant+1 more
People & Relationships
Medium
Describe an adventurous person you know or follow
Prompts:
- • Who this person is and what kind of adventures they undertake
- • How you know about them
- +2 more bullet points...
hypoxiajeopardyaudacity+1 more
Places & Travel
High-Frequency
Describe a quiet place where you like to relax or study
Prompts:
- • Where this place is located and how you discovered it
- • What the surroundings and ambiance are like
- +2 more bullet points...
strike goldstumble acrosstranquil haven+1 more
Places & Travel
High-Frequency
Describe a crowded or bustling city you have visited
Prompts:
- • Which city it was and when you traveled there
- • What made the city feel so crowded or energetic
- +2 more bullet points...
demographic densityorganized chaoscivic discipline+1 more
Places & Travel
Challenging
Describe a historic architectural landmark you found fascinating
Prompts:
- • What the landmark is and where it is situated
- • When and how you had the opportunity to see it
- +2 more bullet points...
masterclasskaleidoscopicblow someone away+1 more
Places & Travel
High-Frequency
Describe a scenic natural place that took your breath away
Prompts:
- • Where this natural landscape is located
- • When and with whom you traveled there
- +2 more bullet points...
do something justicespellboundinconsequential+1 more
Places & Travel
Medium
Describe an ideal home or apartment you would love to live in
Prompts:
- • Where this ideal home would be situated
- • What the layout, rooms, and interior design would be like
- +2 more bullet points...
give free reinbiophilicopen-plan+1 more
Places & Travel
High-Frequency
Describe a country or foreign city you would love to visit in the future
Prompts:
- • Which destination you wish to visit and where it is located
- • How you first became intrigued by this place
- +2 more bullet points...
travel bucket listethereal spectacleantithesis+1 more
Places & Travel
Medium
Describe a peaceful park or public garden in your city
Prompts:
- • Where this park or garden is situated
- • How frequently you go there and with whom
- +2 more bullet points...
go-to sanctuarymeanderingantidote to+1 more
Places & Travel
Medium
Describe a hotel or accommodation that gave you an exceptional experience
Prompts:
- • Where this hotel or lodging was located
- • When and why you stayed there
- +2 more bullet points...
cross the thresholdin a league of one's ownanticipatory hospitality+1 more
Places & Travel
High-Frequency
Describe a traditional open-air market or bazaar you enjoyed exploring
Prompts:
- • Where this market is located and when you went there
- • What kinds of goods, spices, street food, or crafts were sold
- +2 more bullet points...
sensory experienceintoxicatingwitty banter+1 more
Places & Travel
Challenging
Describe an unusual or quirky place you visited that surprised you
Prompts:
- • Where this eccentric place is and how you heard about it
- • What bizarre or unexpected features it exhibited
- +2 more bullet points...
fair share ofsubterraneanrough-hewn+1 more
Places & Travel
High-Frequency
Describe a memorable road trip or train journey you have taken
Prompts:
- • Where this trip took place and where you traveled to
- • Whom you went with and what mode of transport you took
- +2 more bullet points...
crowning highlightunimpededtake one's breath away+1 more
Places & Travel
High-Frequency
Describe a coastal area or beach destination you love
Prompts:
- • Where this coastal area is situated
- • When and how often you have visited it
- +2 more bullet points...
recharge one's batteriesbracingdeep geological time+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
High-Frequency
Describe a useful smartphone application you use on a daily basis
Prompts:
- • What the app is and what functionality it provides
- • How often you use it and for what purposes
- +2 more bullet points...
juggleseamless synchronizationsecond brain+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
Medium
Describe a time-saving piece of electronic equipment in your home
Prompts:
- • What the device is and when you acquired it
- • What household chore or task it automates
- +2 more bullet points...
uphill battlemaneuvervirtually non-existent+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
High-Frequency
Describe an artificial intelligence tool or software that impressed you
Prompts:
- • What AI tool it is and how you utilize it
- • What specific tasks or problems it helps you solve
- +2 more bullet points...
sparring partnerintractablenuanced grasp+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
High-Frequency
Describe a website you visit regularly to gain knowledge or information
Prompts:
- • What the website is and what domain of knowledge it covers
- • How you first discovered this online portal
- +2 more bullet points...
inundated withempirical rigordoom-mongering+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
Medium
Describe a computer skill or digital software program you recently learned
Prompts:
- • What software or skill it is and why you chose to learn it
- • How you went about learning it
- +2 more bullet points...
black boxsteep learning curvefall into place+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
Medium
Describe a smart home device or wearable technology you find helpful
Prompts:
- • What the wearable or smart device is and what metrics it tracks
- • How it integrates into your daily wellness routine
- +2 more bullet points...
unobtrusivelygold standarddecimate+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
Medium
Describe a piece of technology you bought that did not live up to expectations
Prompts:
- • What the tech product was and why you purchased it
- • What marketing claims or features appealed to you initially
- +2 more bullet points...
seduced bystark contrastnovelty wears off+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
High-Frequency
Describe an online learning platform or course you found valuable
Prompts:
- • What platform it was and what subject you studied
- • How the curriculum and video lectures were structured
- +2 more bullet points...
bite-sizedneuroplasticityspaced repetition+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
Challenging
Describe a futuristic technological innovation you are eager to see developed
Prompts:
- • What the innovation is and what scientific principles it relies upon
- • What current global challenge it could resolve
- +2 more bullet points...
unequivocallyexistential strugglecivilizational leap+1 more
Technology & Gadgets
High-Frequency
Describe a vehicle or mode of transportation that fascinated you
Prompts:
- • What vehicle it is and how it is propelled
- • Where you saw or rode in it
- +2 more bullet points...
mind-bogglingmesmerizingtopple over+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
High-Frequency
Describe a memorable wedding celebration you attended
Prompts:
- • Whose wedding it was and where the ceremony took place
- • What traditional customs or modern ceremonies were observed
- +2 more bullet points...
breath of fresh airostentatiousnot a dry eye in the room+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
High-Frequency
Describe a traditional cultural festival you participated in
Prompts:
- • What festival it is and what historical or cultural significance it holds
- • How people prepare for and celebrate it
- +2 more bullet points...
resonate withauspiciousundulating+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
High-Frequency
Describe a live sports match or athletic competition you watched
Prompts:
- • What sporting event it was and which teams were competing
- • Where you watched it and who was with you
- +2 more bullet points...
visceral adrenalinerollercoaster of emotionsunbridled euphoria+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
Medium
Describe a surprise celebration or party you helped organize
Prompts:
- • Who the surprise was for and what occasion it marked
- • How you covertly coordinated the guest list and venue
- +2 more bullet points...
keep someone in the darkno small featunder the pretext of+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
High-Frequency
Describe a memorable musical concert or live theater performance
Prompts:
- • Who performed and where the venue was located
- • What musical pieces or theatrical scenes were performed
- +2 more bullet points...
render speechlessundisputed pinnacletransfixed+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
Medium
Describe a public holiday celebration in your country that you enjoy
Prompts:
- • What public holiday it is and when it is observed
- • What historical event or value it commemorates
- +2 more bullet points...
hold in high esteemgrassrootspolitical polarization+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
High-Frequency
Describe an awards ceremony or graduation you attended
Prompts:
- • What milestone was being honored and where it was held
- • What key speeches or presentations were delivered
- +2 more bullet points...
culmination ofspeak truth to powerdisenfranchised+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
Medium
Describe a competition or contest you participated in
Prompts:
- • What kind of competition it was and why you entered
- • How you prepared and trained beforehand
- +2 more bullet points...
jump into the deep endpressure cookercrucible+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
High-Frequency
Describe a family gathering or reunion that was particularly joyous
Prompts:
- • When and where the reunion occurred
- • Which generations of your family were present
- +2 more bullet points...
under one roofheirloomliving bridge+1 more
Memorable Events & Experiences
Medium
Describe a community volunteer event you participated in
Prompts:
- • What the charitable or community initiative was
- • What specific tasks you and fellow volunteers carried out
- +2 more bullet points...
backbreakinggood cheerroll up one's sleeves+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
High-Frequency
Describe a challenging project or assignment you successfully completed
Prompts:
- • What the project entailed and what goals you had to achieve
- • What obstacles, tight deadlines, or resource limits you faced
- +2 more bullet points...
pro-bonoformidableburn the midnight oil+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
Medium
Describe a practical skill you learned outside of formal schooling
Prompts:
- • What skill it is and why you decided to acquire it
- • How you practiced and who assisted you
- +2 more bullet points...
get one's hands greasymuscle memory kicks inself-reliance+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
High-Frequency
Describe your ideal job or career ambition in the future
Prompts:
- • What profession or role it is and in which industry
- • What responsibilities and daily tasks it involves
- +2 more bullet points...
definitive career aspirationcircular economymultifaceted skill set+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
High-Frequency
Describe a foreign language you have studied or would like to learn
Prompts:
- • Which language it is and why you selected it
- • What aspects of its grammar or pronunciation are challenging
- +2 more bullet points...
lyrical energymatter-of-factardent lover+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
High-Frequency
Describe an effective study habit or routine that helps you succeed
Prompts:
- • What the study technique is and how you implement it
- • When and why you adopted this method
- +2 more bullet points...
scrape a passing gradedeceptively simpleillusion of competence+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
High-Frequency
Describe a difficult decision you had to make regarding your study or work
Prompts:
- • What the decision was and what options were before you
- • What pros, cons, and uncertainties you weighed
- +2 more bullet points...
stark choiceanalysis paralysistake the leap of faith+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
High-Frequency
Describe a time when you worked effectively in a team or group
Prompts:
- • What the team objective was and who your teammates were
- • What specific role you played in the collaborative effort
- +2 more bullet points...
cross-disciplinaryfierce impassecollective synergy+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
High-Frequency
Describe an ambitious personal goal you set for yourself and achieved
Prompts:
- • What the goal was and when you committed to it
- • What structured roadmap or daily milestones you established
- +2 more bullet points...
antithesis ofhit the walldig deep into+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
High-Frequency
Describe a presentation or speech you had to deliver to an audience
Prompts:
- • What the topic of the presentation was and who the audience comprised
- • How you prepared your slides and rehearsed your rhetoric
- +2 more bullet points...
make one's knees shakeeyesoremorph into+1 more
Work, Education & Skills
Medium
Describe a subject you thoroughly enjoyed studying during secondary school
Prompts:
- • What subject it was and who taught it
- • What fascinating theories or experiments you explored
- +2 more bullet points...
graveyard of factsdeclassifiedhealthy skepticism+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
High-Frequency
Describe a book or novel that left a profound impression on you
Prompts:
- • What the book was and who authored it
- • What the central plot or philosophical theme explored
- +2 more bullet points...
harrowingstop someone dead in their trackssovereign domain+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
High-Frequency
Describe a memorable film or documentary that made you think deeply
Prompts:
- • What the title of the film was and who directed it
- • What themes or social commentary it presented
- +2 more bullet points...
linger in one's subconsciousbreathtakingly intimateanthropocentric+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
High-Frequency
Describe an outdoor leisure activity or sport you enjoy in your spare time
Prompts:
- • What the outdoor activity is and where you practice it
- • What equipment or physical preparation is necessary
- +2 more bullet points...
sedentaryflow stateruminate over+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
Medium
Describe a creative hobby you pursue to express yourself
Prompts:
- • What creative pastime it is and how you got started
- • What materials or tools you work with
- +2 more bullet points...
sanctuaryunsalvageableunparalleled+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
Medium
Describe an indoor board game or strategy game you enjoy playing
Prompts:
- • What the game is and how many players participate
- • What strategic rules or objectives govern gameplay
- +2 more bullet points...
cajoleblacklist fromintoxicating blend+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
High-Frequency
Describe a photograph or painting that you find visually captivating
Prompts:
- • What the image depicts and who created it
- • Where you saw it or have it displayed
- +2 more bullet points...
indelible imprintvisually arrestingstep into someone's shoes+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
High-Frequency
Describe a television series you found captivating and binge-watched
Prompts:
- • What series it was and what genre it belongs to
- • What the central plot hook and character development were
- +2 more bullet points...
stranglehold of suspensesaving faceeschew+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
Medium
Describe a musical instrument you enjoy playing or would love to master
Prompts:
- • What instrument it is and what sound timbre it produces
- • How difficult the finger dexterity or embouchure is to learn
- +2 more bullet points...
polyphonicresonant timbrecathartic+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
Medium
Describe a photography excursion or photo you took that you are proud of
Prompts:
- • Where you took the photograph and what subject you captured
- • What camera settings, natural lighting, or framing you used
- +2 more bullet points...
precariousetherealspellbound+1 more
Hobbies, Leisure & Entertainment
High-Frequency
Describe a museum or art gallery exhibition you visited
Prompts:
- • What museum it was and what artifacts were showcased
- • How the curation and informational displays were arranged
- +2 more bullet points...
transfixedvitrinesend shivers down one's spine+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
High-Frequency
Describe an environmental problem in your hometown or country
Prompts:
- • What the environmental issue is and what causes it
- • How it impacts public health and local biodiversity
- +2 more bullet points...
thermal inversionrepercussionsband-aid on a gaping wound+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
High-Frequency
Describe a wild animal that you find fascinating
Prompts:
- • What animal it is and what its natural habitat looks like
- • What evolutionary adaptations and behaviors make it unique
- +2 more bullet points...
elusivemasterclass inexistential perils+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
Medium
Describe a plant, flower, or tree that has cultural significance in your country
Prompts:
- • What plant or tree it is and where it typically flourishes
- • What symbolic meaning or historical tradition is attached to it
- +2 more bullet points...
anaerobic siltimmaculateuntainted+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
Medium
Describe an outdoor camping or hiking trip in the wilderness
Prompts:
- • Where you went camping and who joined you on the expedition
- • What outdoor gear you set up and what meals you prepared
- +2 more bullet points...
restorativetake one's breath awayablaze with+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
High-Frequency
Describe an eco-friendly green initiative or habit you recently adopted
Prompts:
- • What the sustainable habit or initiative is
- • Why you decided to incorporate it into your lifestyle
- +2 more bullet points...
spurred to actioningrained conveniencesecond nature+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
Medium
Describe an extreme weather event or natural phenomenon you experienced
Prompts:
- • What the weather event was and when it struck
- • How you and your family secured your home and prepared
- +2 more bullet points...
untamed wrathflurry of preparationunnerving+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
Medium
Describe a wildlife sanctuary, zoo, or marine park you visited
Prompts:
- • Where the sanctuary is situated and what species reside there
- • How the enclosure habitats prioritize animal welfare and enrichment
- +2 more bullet points...
uplifting revelationunyielding commitmentof one's own volition+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
High-Frequency
Describe a body of water (river, lake, or ocean) you found breathtaking
Prompts:
- • Where the body of water is and what surrounded its shores
- • What shade of water and aquatic life it exhibited
- +2 more bullet points...
render spellboundglacial rock flourethereal+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
High-Frequency
Describe an environmental documentary or book that altered your perspective
Prompts:
- • What documentary it was and who presented or narrated it
- • What ecological catastrophe or biodiversity decline it highlighted
- +2 more bullet points...
gut-punchrapaciousdisaster porn+1 more
Environment, Nature & Animals
Medium
Describe an agricultural farm or countryside visit that taught you about food production
Prompts:
- • Where the farm was and what crops or livestock were raised
- • What farming techniques or harvesting methods you observed
- +2 more bullet points...
naive complacencyregenerative farmingbent double+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
High-Frequency
Describe a precious gift you received that meant a great deal to you
Prompts:
- • What the gift was and who presented it to you
- • On what occasion or milestone you received it
- +2 more bullet points...
imbue withpassing of the torchunwavering moral integrity+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
Medium
Describe a handcrafted item you made or purchased
Prompts:
- • What the handmade item is and what materials were used
- • Who crafted it and how much labor was invested
- +2 more bullet points...
painstakinginterlocking dovetail jointsplanned obsolescence+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
High-Frequency
Describe a piece of clothing you wore on a very special occasion
Prompts:
- • What the garment looked like and what fabric it was tailored from
- • What special event or ceremony you wore it for
- +2 more bullet points...
bespokesartorialrite of passage+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
Medium
Describe an item you bought that you rarely or never used
Prompts:
- • What the item was and where you purchased it
- • What impulse or expectation drove you to buy it
- +2 more bullet points...
gullibilitygather dustrelegated to+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
High-Frequency
Describe an antique or family heirloom that has been passed down
Prompts:
- • What the antique object is and how old it is estimated to be
- • Which ancestors preserved and passed it along
- +2 more bullet points...
horologygive someone goosebumpstangible umbilical cord+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
Medium
Describe a piece of furniture in your home that you find especially comfortable
Prompts:
- • What piece of furniture it is and where it is positioned
- • What materials, ergonomics, and cushioning it features
- +2 more bullet points...
micro-sanctuaryaniline leatherhaven for+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
Medium
Describe a souvenir you brought back from a trip that holds memories
Prompts:
- • What the souvenir is and where you acquired it
- • What cultural artisan or shop you purchased it from
- +2 more bullet points...
pride of placeatelierbogged down+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
Medium
Describe a piece of equipment or tool you purchased for a hobby
Prompts:
- • What the specialized equipment is and for which pastime
- • What technical specifications made you invest in it
- +2 more bullet points...
a poor craftsman blames his toolsentirely different beastbokeh+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
High-Frequency
Describe a sentimental personal item you would save in an emergency
Prompts:
- • What the item is and how long you have possessed it
- • Why financial value is irrelevant compared to its personal value
- +2 more bullet points...
dog-earedemotional archivebouts of+1 more
Objects, Possessions & Gifts
High-Frequency
Describe an electronic accessory you cannot live without while traveling
Prompts:
- • What accessory it is (e.g. noise-canceling headphones, universal adapter)
- • Why it is indispensable during transit and long flights
- +2 more bullet points...
sensory assaultprime real estatesoundproof vacuum+1 more
Decisions, Challenges & Changes
High-Frequency
Describe a major positive change you made to your daily routine
Prompts:
- • What habit or change you implemented in your schedule
- • Why you decided to break your previous routine
- +2 more bullet points...
vicious cyclecircadianfortnight+1 more
Decisions, Challenges & Changes
Medium
Describe a time when you had to be extremely patient
Prompts:
- • What situation tested your patience and where you were
- • Why the delay, waiting period, or outcome took so long
- +2 more bullet points...
instantaneous gratificationat a snail's pacelose one's temper+1 more
Decisions, Challenges & Changes
High-Frequency
Describe a time you overcame a personal fear or phobia
Prompts:
- • What fear you suffered from (e.g. public speaking, heights, swimming)
- • What circumstance compelled you to confront this fear
- +2 more bullet points...
glossophobiaconfront head-oncognitive reframing+1 more
Decisions, Challenges & Changes
Medium
Describe a disagreement or conflict you resolved peacefully
Prompts:
- • Who the disagreement was with and what caused the friction
- • Why emotions became heated or perspectives diverged
- +2 more bullet points...
breeding ground fordredging up past grievancesclear the air+1 more
Decisions, Challenges & Changes
High-Frequency
Describe a valuable piece of advice you received from someone
Prompts:
- • Who offered you the advice and what circumstance prompted it
- • What the core message or philosophy of the advice was
- +2 more bullet points...
recalibratelet consistency do the heavy liftingepiphany+1 more