IELTS Cue Card Topics 2025: The 20 Most Common Themes

IELTS Speaking Part 2 gives you a cue card with a topic and 3–4 bullet points. You get 1 minute to prepare and must speak for 1–2 minutes. These 20 themes appear most frequently.

People

1. Describe someone who has influenced you.
2. Describe a famous person you admire.
3. Describe a teacher who made an impact on you.

Places

1. Describe a place you have visited that impressed you.
2. Describe a city you would like to live in.
3. Describe a park or outdoor space you enjoy.

Objects

1. Describe a gift you have given or received.
2. Describe a piece of technology you use often.
3. Describe a book that affected you.

Events

1. Describe a celebration or festival you attended.
2. Describe a time you achieved a goal.
3. Describe a memorable journey or trip.

Activities

1. Describe a sport or physical activity you enjoy.
2. Describe a skill you have learned recently.
3. Describe a hobby you have.

Abstract/Ideas

1. Describe a tradition in your culture.
2. Describe a time when you helped someone.
3. Describe a piece of news that interested you.
4. Describe a goal you want to achieve in the future.
5. Describe an environment or nature experience you remember.

Preparation tip

For each theme, prepare a 'bank' answer: a real personal story with sensory details, feelings, and a reflection. The same story can be adapted across multiple cue card prompts.