What Part 2 asks you to do
The examiner gives you a cue card. It names a topic and lists a few points, usually starting with "You should say:". For example: Describe a place you like to visit. You should say where it is, how often you go, what you do there, and why you like it.
You then get one minute to prepare, with paper and a pencil for quick notes. After that you speak for one to two minutes. When you finish, the examiner asks one or two short questions to round off the topic. New here? Start with the full IELTS Speaking guide.
Use your one minute well
One minute feels short, so do not write full sentences. Write a few words for each point on the card, plus one or two extra ideas. Notes, not an essay.
A quick way to fill the minute:
- Write the card's points down the side of your paper.
- Next to each, note one key word you can talk about.
- Add one story or example — a real or made-up moment you can describe.
- Note two or three useful words for the topic so you don't search for them while speaking.
A structure that fills two minutes
Follow the points on the card in order — they are a ready-made plan. A simple, reliable shape:
| Stage | What to do | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Say what you chose in one sentence. | 10 sec |
| Cover the points | Answer each point on the card, in order. | 60–70 sec |
| Tell a moment | Describe one specific example or story. | 30 sec |
| Close | Say how you feel about it and why. | 15 sec |
The story in the middle is the secret to reaching two minutes. A specific moment ("I remember one time when…") is easy to stretch and sounds natural.
How to keep going (and not stop early)
Stopping after 40 seconds is the most common Part 2 problem. To keep the talk moving:
- Add "because" and "for example" to every idea. They force you to explain and give a reason, which adds time and shows range.
- Describe with the senses. What did you see, hear, or feel? Details are easy to talk about.
- Use linking phrases to move between ideas — the reason is, what I mean is, on top of that. For a fuller list, see our guide on speaking fluency (coming soon).
- If you run out, go back to "why". Explaining why you like or remember something can always add another 20 seconds.
- Don't worry if the examiner stops you. Being stopped at two minutes is normal and good — it means you spoke enough.
The best way to trust this method is to run it against the clock several times and hear where you stall. Aflo lets you do a real Part 2, times you, and shows exactly where your fluency drops — see how the scoring works.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I speak in IELTS Speaking Part 2?
One to two minutes. Aim for the full two minutes; the examiner will stop you if you go over, which is fine.
Can I make up the story in Part 2?
Yes. You are scored on your English, not on whether the story is true. Invented details are perfectly acceptable and often help you speak more freely.
What if I finish before two minutes?
Go back and add reasons and examples. Explaining why, or describing one specific moment in more detail, is the easiest way to fill the time.
Do I have to use all the points on the cue card?
You should try to cover them, because they give your talk a clear structure, but you will not fail for missing one. Use them as a plan rather than a strict checklist.