The IELTS exam is one of the most crucial tests when planning to study abroad. Moreover, the speaking section of the test assesses your use of spoken English and thus is quite essential. Some of the students find it a bit challenging to appear for the cue card task in this exam. Read the write-up to know all about the IELTS speaking cue cards, and get the latest topics, and tips that will help you achieve 8+ bands.
Brief About the IELTS Speaking Section
The IELTS speaking section is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests. It is divided into three parts: a face-to-face interview between the examiner and the candidate, cue cards for IELTS, and follow-up questions. The IELTS speaking section lasts for about 11-14 minutes. Following are the parts of the speaking section:
Part 1
The first part is the introduction and personal interview round which lasts for about 4-5 minutes. Here, the examiner may ask you general questions about everyday topics like your home, family, hobbies, interests, and more.
Part 2
Post introductory interview is the IELTS cue cards task. You will be given a card with a topic and asked to talk about it for 1-2 minutes. There are four to five pointers provided on the cue card that you must cover in your speech.
Part 3
The last part is an IELTS cue card with answers based on the follow-up questions wherein you will engage in a discussion with the examiner. Here, the examiner might ask some questions related to part 2 topic, to understand your ideas and opinions.
What Is an IELTS Cue Card?
In the IELTS speaking cue cards, a specific topic will be provided along with a few pointers around which the candidate must frame their response. The card contains a prompt or signal known as a cue that helps guide your response or action. It is either a short phrase or sentence that introduces the topic. You will be given a minute or two to prepare on the given topic, post which you must speak for 1-2 minutes. The cue cards are represented in the rectangle, and on the right side are the instructions to follow while you attempt speaking part 2 of the IELTS test.
How to Approach an IELTS Speaking Cue Card?
Answering IELTS speaking cue cards requires a proper structure and strategy. Moreover, the ideal way to draft a well-organised answer is to divide the sections into parts. These include an introduction, the body wherein you mention the key highlights and the conclusion. Moreover, to score well in the IELTS speaking section, part 2, the content in the response must be structured. Here’s how you must approach the task:
1. Take a few seconds and carefully understand the topic, instructions, and guidelines.
2. Use the preparation time wisely to organize your thoughts and outline key points.
3. Speak naturally with a flow, once the examiner signals you to begin.
4. Showcase your language skills by using enriched vocabulary for IELTS exam.
5. Your response must last for a minute or two, maintaining a pace without rushing or pausing.
Trending IELTS Cue Card Topics in 2025
To get the desired band score on the IELTS exam, the candidate must practice well. Here is a list of the latest IELTS cue cards containing trending questions. Have a look:
1. Describe an interesting conversation that you had with a very old person
2. Describe an unusual holiday that you had
3. Describe your dream house
4. Describe a place where you would like to go to relax
5. Describe an English lesson that you enjoyed
6. Describe a time when you lost your way
7. Describe a Skill That You Learned in Your Childhood
8. Describe a sportsperson that you admire
9. Describe a daily routine that you enjoy
10. Describe a Problem While Shopping Online
These are the trending and latest IELTS cue cards. Besides, there are various IELTS practice test online that you can take. Further, let us look at the marking criteria for the cue card task.
IELTS Cue Card Marking Criteria
In the IELTS speaking section, cue cards will be assessed and evaluated based on four criteria. These include fluency and cohesion, grammar, lexical resources, and pronunciation.
Fluency and Cohesion
This assesses your ability to speak naturally and logically, connecting ideas smoothly and using appropriate cohesive devices in the speech. It is evaluated on the basis of the pace, tone, pauses, and more.
Lexical Resources
Your use of lexical resources and vocabulary indicates your ability to use a variety of words and phrases appropriately. Your vocabulary needs to be refined thus you must be well aware of words, their meaning, and their usage.
Pronunciation and Delivery
This evaluates your ability to speak clearly and with accuracy. Your pronunciation of words is vital as it determines your tone while speaking. Moreover, it conveys your thoughts well.
Grammatical Errors
Lastly, the correct usage of tenses, phrases, and parts of speech is very crucial. Moreover, you will not be able to deliver your message properly if you fail to use any of these in an efficient manner.
Important Tips for IELTS Speaking Cue Cards
In IELTS speaking cue cards, it is vital to use enriched vocabulary such as idioms, proverbs, and more. Thus, in this section, we have mentioned some tips and tricks to help you excel in the cue card with an 8+band score. Let us have a glance at the following pointer:
1. You will be provided with a minute to prepare before you speak. Thus, use the preparation time rationally.
2. Take a lot of mocks as the IELTS speaking mock test helps you understand the tasks properly.
3. Your responses must include the bullet points provided in the cue cards.
4. Practice with a stopwatch. It is advisable to record yourself speaking for about two minutes.
5. Read more to enhance your vocabulary and grammar.
6. Regularly engage in conversations in English with your friends and family, this will improve your confidence.
7. Do not hesitate while speaking, work on your fluency.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, this was all about the IELTS speaking cue cards. The write-up covers a brief about all three parts of the speaking section. Moreover, instructions on how to approach the task and a few tips that will help you get an 8+band score are also provided. The IELTS speaking section is a crucial part of the exam that requires proper preparation. Thus, it is essential to take mock and practice tests. Apart from speaking sample tests, you may even take the IELTS reading mock test for practice and get a great overall score.
