Recent Topics

Cue Card Topics from Recent IELTS Exams:

The second section of the IELTS Speaking test is called the "Cue Card" or "Candidate Task Card". In this section, the examiner gives the test-taker a topic that comes with 4 related questions. The candidate has 1 minute to think and make notes about what he/she is going to talk about, and then 1 to 2 minutes to talk about the topic. If you follow the questions that come with the topic, you should end up delivering an answer which is organised and coherent. However, you are not bound to answer all the questions that come with the topic.  

Many students find this section challenging as they find brainstorming, note-taking and then actually talking about the given topic for about 1-2 minutes a tough task. They sometimes find a topic much more challenging if they have to use their imagination to make a story about the topic. But a little confidence and practice can make them ready to face the challenge and virtually talk about any topic they are given. 

Many test-takers are also afraid of unknown or unfamiliar topics. So for them, it is advised to look at some recent Cue Card/Candidate Task Card topics and brainstorm as much as possible to think about what they are going to talk about if they are given these same topics. This way, they would not only gain confidence but also get ready to talk about unknown topics. 

We will list several cue card topics here which are taken from recent real exams, as well as suggestions for the upcoming tests so that you can practice well. Please do not try to memorise the answer to any cue card topic as it would only make your answer worse and decrease your band score. 

For any difficult topic, please think hard and prepare an answer. If you share this answer, we will correct it and publish the modified version with your credentials on our website. Post your answer here as a comment.

The following Cue card topics are taken from the recent IELTS exams. It will help you with some ideas about the recent topics in the IELTS test. For the answer to any Cue card, click on the link provided below the topic. 

We would love to hear from test-takers who have taken tests lately. If you have recently taken an IELTS test, please add the Cue Card topic you were given in your exam in the comment section. We believe that Sharing is Caring!

# 1. Describe an occasion when you had to do something in a hurry.

You should say:

• what you had to do
• why you had to do this in a hurry
• how well you did this

and explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 2. Describe a monument (e.g., a statue or sculpture) that you like.

You should say:

• what this monument is
• where this monument is
• what it looks like

and explain why you like this monument.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 3. Describe a big city you would like to visit.

You should say:

• which big city you would like to visit
• how you would travel there
• what you would do there

and explain why you would like to visit this big city.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 4. Describe the neighbourhood you lived in when you were a child.

You should say:

• where in your town/city the neighbourhood was
• what kind of people lived there
• what it was like to live in this neighbourhood

and explain whether you would like to live in this neighbourhood in the future.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 5. Describe a tourist attraction you enjoyed visiting.

You should say:

• what this tourist attraction is
• when and why you visited it
• what you did there

and explain why you enjoyed visiting this tourist attraction.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 6. Describe a review you read about a product or service.

You should say:

• where you read this review
• what the product or service was
• what information the review gave about the product or service

and explain what you did as a result of reading this review.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 7. Describe a luxury item you would like to own in the future.

You should say:

• what item you would like to own
• what this item looks like
• why you would like to own this item

and explain whether you think you will ever own this item.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 8. Describe some technology (e.g. an app, phone, software program) that you decided to stop using.

You should say:

• when and where you got this technology
• why you started using this technology
• why you decided to stop using it

and explain how you feel about the decision you made.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 9. Describe a public holiday that people enjoy.

You should say:

• what public holiday it is
• how it is celebrated
• what you do during that time

and explain why people enjoy this public holiday so much.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 10. Describe an area of science that interests you.

You should say:

• what are of science it is
• what it mostly deals with
• how you know about this

and explain why you are particularly interested in this area of science.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

 

# 11. Describe the risk that may have gone wrong but turned out well.

You should say:

• when it was
• what type of risk you took
• what could have gone wrong

and explain how it turned out well.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 12. Describe a time when a family member asked for your help.

You should say:

• when it was
• who asked for your help
• how you helped

and explain how you felt about it.

[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

 

# 13. Describe a time when you asked for an extension of time.

You should say:

• when it was
• what the task was
• who you asked for the extension in time

and explain why you needed more time to complete it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 14. Describe a club or association you have been involved in.

You should say:

• what type of club or association it was
• how long you have been a member
• what you did as a member

and explain what you enjoyed about it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 15. Describe something you enjoyed doing in a group.

You should say:

• what you did in a group
• whom you did it with
• when you did it

and explain how you felt about doing it in a group.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 16. Describe an expensive hobby you can’t pursue daily.

You should say:

• what it is
• why it is expensive
• why you wish to pursue it

and explain when you are planning on doing it in the near future.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 17. Describe something you were disappointed about.

You should say:

• what it was about
• when it happened
• why it disappointed you

and explain how you felt about it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 18. Describe a national day in your country.

You should say:

• what day it is
• how it is celebrated
• what the historical significance of this day is

and explain how you feel about this day.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 19. Describe an interesting place in your hometown.

You should say:

• what it is
• where it is
• what it is famous for

and explain why this place is interesting in your opinion.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 20. Describe a prize you have won.

You should say:

• what it was
• what you had to do to win it
• how many other competitors were there

and explain how you felt after winning it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 21. Describe a feature of your personal character that you find important.

You should say:

• what it is
• why is it important to you
• What difference it makes in your life

and explain why it is important to you.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 22. Describe a rule you did not like in school.

You should say:

• what it was
• how others thought about this rule
• have you ever violated this rule

and explain why you did not like this rule.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 23. Describe a difficult choice you had to make in your life.

You should say:

• what it was
• when you had to make it
• how it affected your life

and explain why this was a difficult choice to make.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 24. Describe a garden you remember visiting.

You should say:

• where it is
• what it looks like
• what people usually do there

and explain why you remember it.

[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 25. Describe a television programme you watched and did not enjoy.

You should say:

• what this TV programme was
• where and when you watched it
• what it was about

and explain why you did not enjoy it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 26. Describe a writer you would like to meet.

You should say:

• who the writer is
• what you know about this writer already
• what you would like to find out about him/her

and explain why you would like to meet this writer.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 27. Describe a festival that is important in your country.

You should say:

• when the festival is celebrated
• what people do during this festival
• what you like or dislike about it

and explain why this festival is important in your country.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 28. Describe a time when you forgot something important.

You should say:

• when it was
• what you forgot
• how you managed the situation

and explain how you felt about it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 29. Describe a person who likes to travel by plane.

You should say:

• who this person is
• how you know this person
• where this person travels to

and explain why this person likes to travel by plane.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 30. Describe a day when you thought the weather was perfect.

You should say:

- where you were on this day
- what the weather was like on this day
- what you did during the day

and explain why you thought the weather was perfect on this day.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 31. Describe a long walk you ever had.

You should say:

• when this happened
• where you walked
• who you were with

and explain how you felt about this long walk.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 32. Describe an unforgettable advertisement (that you saw or heard).

You should say:

• what kind of advertisement it was
• what the content of the advertisement was (or what product or service was advertised)
• where you saw or heard it

and explain why you think this is an unforgettable advertisement.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 33. Describe an important historical event in your country.

You should say:

• when it happened
• what happened
• who the most important people involved were

and say why it is important to the history of your country.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 34. Describe an important day in your life.

You should say:

• when this day was
• where you were and what happened
• if you were alone or with others

and explain why this day was important to you.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 
 

# 35. Describe a historical place you have been to.

You should say:

• what kind of place it is
• what it looks like
• where it is

and explain how the place is related to history.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 36. Describe a house or apartment you want to live in.

You should say:

• what it would look like
• where it would be located
• what facilities this would have

and explain why you want to live there.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 37. Describe something you or someone you know collects.

You should say:

• what you or this person collects
• how the collection is stored
• how quickly the collection is growing

and say what kind of person would enjoy collecting that thing, and why?
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]  

# 38. Describe something enjoyable you can do on a computer.

You should say:

• what it is
• what equipment or software you need to do that
• why and how often you do it

and explain why you enjoy doing this on a computer.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 39. Describe a musical instrument you would like to be able to play.

You should say:

• what musical instrument it is
• what it looks like
• what it sounds like

and explain why you would like to be able to play it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 40. Describe your favourite place to eat out.

You should say:

• where it is
• what kind of food it serves
• what the decor is like

and explain why it is your favourite place to eat out.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 41. Describe something you like doing during the winter.

You should say:

• what you do
• where you do it
• what clothes or equipment you need

and explain why you like doing it during the winter.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 42. Describe a sport or exercise that you do for fitness.

You should say:

• what it is
• wow often you do it
• why you do it

and explain how this activity or sport helps your fitness.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 43. Describe a situation when you were late.

You should say:

• what the event was you were late for
• what the reason was for being late
• how you felt about it

and explain how you managed even after being late.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 44. Describe a person who you believe dresses well.

You should say:

• who this person is
• what kind of dresses he/she wears
• how you know him/her

and explain why you think this person dresses well.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 45. Describe a place that has a special meaning to you.

You should say:

• what kind of place it is
• where it is
• what it looks like

and explain why this place has a special meaning to you.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 46. Describe a part of your city that is changing.

You should say:

• where it is
• how  it is changing
• why it is changing

and describe how you feel about the change.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 47. Describe a TV or radio presenter you like.

You should say:

• what program he/she presents
• how often you watch/ listen to him/her
• what s/he does or talk about

and explain why you like this TV or radio presenter.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 48. Describe a decision which you have made that you feel was wrong.

You should say:

• what the decision was and why you made that decision
• how long it took to realize that it was a wrong decision
• why you think it was a wrong decision you made

and explain how you would alter that decision if you could.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 49. Describe your favourite means of transport.

You should say:

• what is it
• when and how often you use it
• why you use it

and explain why it is your favourite transport.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 50. Describe your ideal home or place to live.

You should say:

• where it would be
• how big it would be
• what it would contain

and explain why this kind of accommodation would attract you so much.

[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 51. Describe an item of clothing you purchased that you didn’t like.

You should say:

• what the clothing is
• where and why you bought it
• what colour and style it is

and explain why you didn’t like it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 52. Describe an important decision you have made.

You should say:

• what it was
• why you made it and how important it was
• whether it was a good decision or not

and explain what effect that decision had on you.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ] 

# 53. Describe someone you know who is a good teacher.

You should say:

• who this person is
• how you know him/her
• what kinds of subjects they teach

and explain why this person is good at teaching.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card  ] 

# 54. Describe a photograph you have taken yourself which you particularly like.

You should say:

• what the picture show
• when you took it
• why you took it

and explain why you particularly like this photograph.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 55. Describe an important technological advancement in your country.

You should say: 

• what it is
• how it happened
• how long it took

and explain what effect it has had on people in your country.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 56. Describe your favourite way to relax.

You should say: 

• what is it
• how effective it is for you
• when and how you relax.

and explain why you like this way of relaxation.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 57. Describe a relative/ friend/ family member who you think is similar to you.

You should say: 

• who is he/ she
• what he /she does
• what others think about him/her

and explain how he/ she is similar to you.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 58. Describe an app you use on your mobile phone.

You should say:

• what it is
• how you use it
• what benefits do you get

and explain why this mobile app is important to you.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 59. Describe a time that you and your friend had a disagreement.

You should say:

• when this happened
• who you disagreed with
• what you and your friend argued about

and if you two solved the disagreement in the end. 
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 60. Describe a photograph you have taken yourself which you particularly like.

You should say:

• what the picture show
• when you took it
• why you took it

and explain why you particularly like this photograph.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 61. Describe a situation when you had to be nice to someone you dislike.

You should say:

• who this person was
• why you do not like him/her
• what happened

and why you still had to be nice to him/her.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 62. Describe someone you know who is a good teacher.

You should say:

• who this person is
• how you know him/her
• what kinds of subjects they teach

and explain why this person is good at teaching.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 63. Describe a job you would like to have.

You should say: 

• what it is
• why you would like to have this job
• what skills you will need to do this job

and explain why you want to have this job.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 64. Describe something kind that someone did for you.

You should say: 

• who this person was
• where and when it happened
• what s/he did for you

and explain how you felt about it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 65. Describe a place you went to which was full of colours.

You should say: 

• where it was
• why you went there
• what you did there

and explain why you think that place was made so colourful.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 66. Describe something you borrowed from your friends or family.

You should say: 

• what it was
• when you borrowed it and from whom
• why you borrowed it

and explain why it was important for you to borrow it.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card ]

# 67. Describe an important social change in your country.

You should say: 

• what it was
• how it happened
• how long it took

and explain the effect it has had on people in your country.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card  ] 

# 68. Describe a time when you could not freely express your opinion.

You should say: 

• when it was
• what opinion you have had in mind
• who were there

and explain why you could not express your opinion freely.
[ Click here for the answer to this cue card  ] 

Expected Cue Card Topics: 2023-2024 Exams:

1: Describe a place where you can read and write. [Model Answer]
2: Describe an event/incident/situation when someone apologized to you. [Model Answer]
3: Describe a change that will improve your local area. [Model Answer]
4: Describe a dream place or a dream home that you’d like to live in in the future. [Model Answer]

5: Describe a time when you were excited and happy about something. [Model Answer]

6: Describe an interesting conversation you had with someone. [Model Answer]

7: Describe an occasion when the weather forced you to change your plan. [Model Answer]
8: Describe a toy you enjoyed the most playing with when you were a child. [Model Answer]
9: Describe a colourful place you have visited and liked. [Model Answer]
10: Describe a historical building you have visited recently. [Model Answer]
11: Describe something that you borrowed which was useful to you. [Model Answer]
12: Describe a goal that you have set in your life. [Model Answer]
13: Describe a new public place or public building you would like to visit. [Model Answer]
14: Describe a person who is good at his/her work. [Model Answer]
15: Describe an important text message you received. [Model Answer]
16: Describe a time when you saw an interesting animal or bird. [Model Answer]
17: Describe a crowded/noisy place you have been to. [Model Answer]
18: Describe a successful small company you know about. [Model Answer]
19: Describe an article you read on the internet or in a magazine about healthy living. [Model Answer]
20: Describe a situation when you helped someone. [Model Answer]
21: Describe a practical skill (i.e. driving, swimming etc.) you have learned. [Model Answer]
22: Describe a performance you enjoyed watching. [Model Answer]
23: Describe a family member you spend the most time with. [Model Answer]
24: Describe a job that you would like to do in the future. [Model Answer]
25: Describe an occasion when you could not use your mobile phone. [Model Answer]
26: Describe a journey in which you used public transport. [Model Answer]
27: Describe a time that something good happened to you. [Model Answer]
28: Describe a person who is often in the news, and who you would like to meet. [Model Answer]
29: Describe a uniform (school or company) you once wore. [Model Answer]
30: Describe a challenge you faced recently. [Model Answer]
31: Describe a situation when you helped someone in his/her work or study. [Model Answer]
32: Describe a time when you did not tell a friend the whole truth. [Model Answer]
33: Describe a trip with your friends that you enjoyed a lot. [Model Answer]
34: Describe something special you brought back home from a holiday. [Model Answer]
35: Describe a place where you used to play when you were a child. [Model Answer]
36: Describe a famous person in another country whom you want to meet. [Model Answer]
37: Describe a special day in your life that you remember well. [Model Answer]
38: Describe a person who encouraged you to achieve a goal. [Model Answer]
39: Describe a singer or musician you like. [Model Answer]
40: Describe a leisure activity you have done lately with your family. [Model Answer]
41: Describe something that you borrowed from your friend or family member. [Model Answer]
42: Describe an advertisement you have watched and liked. [Model Answer]
43: Describe an important technological advancement in your country. [Model Answer]
44: Describe a time when you celebrated some kind of success or achievement. [Model Answer]
45: Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake. [Model Answer]
46: Describe a picture or photograph you have in your room. [Model Answer]
47: Describe a person who has creative/interesting ideas or opinions. [Model Answer]
48: Describe an indoor activity that you enjoy. [Model Answer]

49: Describe a challenging thing/task that you did well. [Model Answer]

50: Describe a person who has taught you something important/valuable. [Model Answer]

51: Describe an area of science that interests you. [Model Answer]

52: Describe a tall building or structure you have seen. [Model Answer]  

53: Describe a healthy activity you enjoy doing regularly. [Model Answer]

54: Describe a time when a family member asked for your help. [Model Answer]

55: Describe a risk you have taken which had a positive result. [Model Answer]

Suggested Cue Card Topics - 2023 IELTS Exams:

1. Describe an experience when you searched for something that you lost. [Model Answer]

2. When you went outside of your country for the first time. [Model Answer]

3. Describe a time when you represented a team. [Model Answer]

4. Describe when you were a speaker in a meeting or a public function. [Model Answer]

5. Describe a time when you were made responsible for something you did not do. [Model Answer]

6. Describe a friend of your family you remember from your childhood. [Model Answer]

7. Describe an occasion when the weather forced you to change your plan. [Model Answer]

8. Describe a time when you were forced to stay home for a few days. [Model Answer]

9. Describe a time when you could not buy an item that you needed to buy. [Model Answer]

10. Describe a news story you have read or heard about recently. [Model Answer] 

11. Describe a foreign TV programme you have watched. [Model Answer]

12. Describe a book or magazine you have read while you were on a journey. [Model Answer]

13. Describe a hotel where you have stayed in just for a night. [Model Answer] 

14. Describe a person who has given you some important advice. [Model Answer]

15. Describe a boat journey that you have ever taken. [Model Answer]

16. Describe a time when you talked to a stranger. [Model Answer]

17. Describe a neighbour who is very friendly to others. [Model Answer]

18. Describe an occasion when you wore your best clothes. [Model Answer]

19. Describe a useful website you have visited/browsed. [Model Answer]

20. Describe an interest or hobby that you enjoy. [Model Answer]

Recent Cue Card topics - June 2023 Exams - December 2023 Exams:

1. Describe a film/movie you would like to watch with your family.

You should say:

• what film/movie it is
• how you know about it
• when and where you want to watch it with your family

and explain why you want to watch it with your family.

[ Click here to read the answer to this Topic ]


2: Describe a place where you can read and write (not your home).

You should say:

• what place it is
• how relaxed you would feel reading and writing there
• whether you already read or write there

and explain if it is a good place to read or write.

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]

3: Describe a person who has taught you something.

You should say:

• who this person is
• what he has taught you
• when this person has taught you that

and explain how this can be helpful to you.

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]

4: Describe a colourful place that you remember well.

You should say:

• what place it is
• when you went there
• why it is so colourful

and explain why you still remember this place so well.

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]


5: Describe a goal or ambition that you have in your life.

You should say:

• what goal or ambition it is
• why you have this goal or ambition
• what you will need to do to achieve it

and explain how you plan to achieve it.
[ Click here for the answer to this Topic ]

6: Describe an interesting historic place.

You should say:

• what place it is
• where it is located
• what you can see there now

and explain why this place is interesting.

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]

7: Describe a time when you changed your opinion.

You should say:

• when it was
• what your original opinion was
• why you changed it

and explain how you felt about it.

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]

8: Describe a good human quality you admire.

You should say:

• what it is
• how it can help us to do better in life
• whether you have this quality

and explain why you admire this quality so much. 

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]

9: Describe an interesting animal that lives in water.

You should say:

• what animal it is
• how you know about this animal
• whether it is a common animal in your country

and explain why you think it is an interesting animal.

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]

10: Describe a tall building or structure you have seen.

You should say:

• what it is
• where it is located
• when you saw it

and explain what purpose this building or structure serves.

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]

11: Describe a song that has a special meaning to you.

You should say:

• what this song is about
• when and where you first heard this song
• how often you listen to this song now

and explain why this song has a special meaning to you.

[ Click here to read the Model Answer to this Topic ]