How to best prepare for IELTS Speaking part 2 with Cue Cards

In this tutorial you will learn:

* How to prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 2 – the long turn with cue cards.

This will help you in your IELTS Speaking exam because:

* You will learn essential tips for IELTS Speaking Part 2 preparation.

* You will get practical advice and exercise tips for answering cue cards.

Summary

* What happens: cue card – 1 min to prepare and write down notes + up to 2 min to answer + 1-2 follow-up questions. Don’t be scared when you’re interrupted.

* Prepare NOT to be surprised by the topic. You can actually answer anything.

* There is no wrong answer: wrong is NO answer at all or OFF-TOPIC.Take notes!

* answer all parts of the task in brief -> this gives your answer structure

* write the most relevant keywords

* put down good relevant vocabulary

* not too many details, you will add them as you speak and develop

* make your notes make sense because the cue card will be taken from you + also legible handwriting!

* think of ONE good example that is appropriate for the topic

5.Don’t go off-topic and don’t twist the topic.

6.Paraphrase the cue card words in your own words.

7.Write out your answers into a Google doc. You will see a blue underline with grammar suggestions. This is much much smarter than Grammerly.

8.When writing out your cue card answers try and implement this structure:

The recent family memory I would like to share with you is one about my brother’s birthday. It was such a good TERRIFIC experience, mainly because of two reasons. Firstly….. 

Secondly….. 

Using this framework lends a little structure to your answer, this may help your confidence because you have a plan.

* After writing out your answers, review them and look for opportunities to improve, for example if you see the word “good” -perhaps change it for “terrific”.

Secondly the food was just really good simply delicious! 

Another tip is to give examples after your reasons.

Secondly the food was just really good simply delicious! For example, the creme brulee my mum made was all but gone within two minutes of serving! 

11.While writing out your answers, try adding some collocations, here are a few easy ones:

If my memory serves me well, it was in 1999… 

If I remember correctly it was the creme brulee that just disappeared within two minutes! 

* Record yourself. Listen to yourself afterwards and pay attention to what you could improve (topic relevance, development, hesitation, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary).

* In a couple days do the same cue card again. Compare your old and new answer. Any improvement?

* Listen to good speakers extensively – short TED talks. Learn from them. Become them!

Write out answers for every cue card you can get your hands on. Get the grammar corrected in the google doc. Research the cue card topic online and search for new specific vocabulary for that topic. Then review the card and improve it with your new vocab.

Master the superlative. This will add some colour to your talk, it’s also essential for Academic Task 1.

14.Memorize a successful opening phrase, like: “When it comes to our local festivals, the one I particularly like is… .”

Or, I would like to tell you about the local festivals in my county, Yorkshire….

15.Practice talking on random topics without stopping for 2 minutes. Time yourself.

16.Practice taking notes only, even without answering, to improve note-taking skills.

17.Try to practice with another person because it feels different from merely talking on your own/to your phone.

Take a look at some more tutorials to help you prepare for your IELTS Speaking exam:

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