elts.coach
Practice ▾
Start free
IELTS Speaking Part 2

IELTS cue cards with Part 3 questions (page 3)

500 practice cue cards in the real Part 2 format, each with its Part 3 discussion questions. Give yourself one minute to make notes, then talk for two minutes, and record yourself if you can.

Want feedback on your talk? In the app you speak (or type) your answer and get a band for each of the four criteria in about 20 seconds. How to answer Part 2 →

101. Describe a product you bought that you now use regularly.

You should say:
  • what the product is
  • when and where you bought it
  • how you first heard about it
  • and explain why you use it regularly
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of products are most often advertised to the public?
  2. How can advertising influence people's choices when they shop?
  3. Why are some people more easily influenced by advertising than others?
  4. How is advertising on social media different from advertising on television?
  5. Why do companies spend so much money on advertising?
  6. How might advertising change in the future?

102. Describe a celebration or public event you attended.

You should say:
  • what the occasion was
  • where and when it took place
  • who you went with and what people did
  • and explain what made the event enjoyable or memorable
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of public celebrations are popular in many communities?
  2. How can organisers make community events enjoyable for people of different ages?
  3. How have public celebrations changed compared with the past?
  4. Why do some people prefer live entertainment to watching it on a screen?
  5. How can theatre and dance help people understand different experiences or cultures?
  6. Do you think live arts events will become more or less popular in the future?

103. Describe a home you have lived in that offered good value for its cost.

You should say:
  • where it was
  • what the home was like
  • who lived there with you
  • and explain why you thought it was good value for its cost
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What factors do families usually consider when choosing a place to live?
  2. How do housing choices of younger adults often differ from those of older adults?
  3. How can the design of a neighbourhood influence people's housing choices?
  4. How can high housing costs affect family life and daily routines?
  5. Why has it become difficult for many people to find housing they can afford?
  6. What changes could make housing more affordable in the future?

104. Describe a product or service you chose after comparing different options.

You should say:
  • what the product or service was
  • when and where you needed it
  • how you compared the different options
  • and explain why you chose that one
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What methods do companies use to advertise products?
  2. How do online advertisements differ from advertisements in public places?
  3. Why do some advertisements influence people more than others?
  4. How do people usually decide whether a product is worth buying?
  5. Do younger and older people tend to make different buying choices? Why?
  6. How might advertising and people’s shopping habits change in the future?

105. Describe a time when you took photographs during an ordinary day.

You should say:
  • when and where it happened
  • what you photographed
  • what you used to take the photographs
  • and explain why you decided to take those photographs
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of events do people commonly take photographs at?
  2. How do people of different ages tend to take photographs differently?
  3. Why do people sometimes choose to photograph everyday scenes rather than special events?
  4. How has sharing photographs online changed the way people communicate?
  5. Why do some people feel pressure to present a perfect image of their lives online?
  6. How might photography and photo-sharing change in the future?

106. Describe a place you have lived in or stayed in that you considered affordable.

You should say:
  • where the place was
  • what it was like
  • how long you lived or stayed there
  • and explain why you thought it was affordable
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What features do people usually look for when choosing a home they can afford?
  2. How can rising housing costs affect the choices people make about where to live?
  3. Why do housing costs vary so much between different areas?
  4. What are some advantages of renting a home rather than buying one?
  5. How can high housing costs affect a community over time?
  6. What changes might make suitable housing more affordable in the future?

107. Describe a social event where people danced.

You should say:
  • where and when it took place
  • who was there
  • what kind of dancing people did
  • and explain how you felt at the event
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Why do people dance at celebrations?
  2. How have the kinds of dances people do at social events changed over time?
  3. In what ways can dancing help people feel connected to one another?
  4. What kinds of dance or theatre events can people attend in their communities?
  5. Should local authorities spend public money on dance and theatre events? Why or why not?
  6. How might technology change the way people experience dance and theatre in the future?

108. Describe a place with a large number of trees that you have visited.

You should say:
  • where the place was
  • when and why you went there
  • what you did there
  • and explain how you felt about the place
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What do people usually do when they visit forests or wooded areas?
  2. Why are forests important to communities living nearby?
  3. How might the uses of forests differ between urban and rural areas?
  4. What are some common causes of damage to forests?
  5. Who should be responsible for protecting forests: governments, businesses, or local communities?
  6. How might the way societies use forests change in the future?

109. Describe a journey you made using public transport.

You should say:
  • where you were going
  • what kind of transport you used
  • who you travelled with, if anyone
  • and explain what you thought of the journey
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Why do some people choose public transport instead of travelling by car?
  2. What could make buses and trains more comfortable for passengers?
  3. How do transport choices differ between large cities and smaller communities?
  4. How can people’s everyday travel choices affect the environment?
  5. Who should take the lead in making transport more environmentally friendly: individuals, businesses, or governments?
  6. How do you think transport might change as societies try to respond to climate change?

110. Describe a documentary or video about ocean life that you watched.

You should say:
  • what it was about
  • where and when you watched it
  • what you learned or found interesting
  • and explain how it made you feel about ocean life
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of programmes about animals are popular with the public?
  2. How can television and online videos help people learn about ocean animals?
  3. Do people learn more about wildlife from documentaries now than they did in the past?
  4. What are some common threats to ocean animals?
  5. Why is it difficult for societies to protect ocean life?
  6. How might the protection of ocean animals change in the future?

111. Describe a time when you decided to try a product or service after seeing a special offer for it.

You should say:
  • what the product or service was
  • where you saw the offer
  • why the offer interested you
  • and explain whether you were satisfied with your decision
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Where do people most often see special offers these days?
  2. What kinds of offers are most likely to attract customers?
  3. How do people of different ages respond to special offers?
  4. Why do some people make unplanned purchases when they see a discount?
  5. How can frequent offers affect the way people judge the value of products?
  6. How might technology change the way businesses promote offers in the future?

112. Describe a place you visited where you learned something about the past.

You should say:
  • where the place was
  • when you visited it and who you went with
  • what you saw or learned there
  • and explain why the visit was memorable for you
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of displays or activities make museums interesting to visitors?
  2. How might a museum visit differ for children and adults?
  3. Why do some people visit museums more often than others?
  4. Why is it important for communities to preserve places and objects from the past?
  5. How can knowledge of local history influence people's sense of identity?
  6. How might museums and heritage sites change in the future?

113. Describe a place you visited that you would like to photograph again.

You should say:
  • where the place was
  • when you visited it
  • who you went there with
  • and explain why you would like to photograph it again
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of places do people commonly take photographs of?
  2. How has the way people take photographs changed compared with the past?
  3. Why do some photographs have a stronger effect on people than others?
  4. How can photographs influence the way visitors see a place?
  5. Why might popular places become crowded after they appear in photographs online?
  6. How might photography affect the way people travel in the future?

114. Describe a time you took part in a group activity that involved music or movement.

You should say:
  • when and where it happened
  • what the activity involved
  • who took part with you
  • and explain how you felt about the experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Why do some people enjoy taking part in group activities involving music or movement?
  2. How is taking part in an activity different from watching other people perform?
  3. What benefits can group arts activities bring to a community?
  4. What kinds of arts activities should schools offer to children?
  5. Why might some communities have fewer chances to take part in music or dance activities?
  6. How might technology change the way people take part in arts activities in the future?

115. Describe a place with many trees that you have visited.

You should say:
  • when and where you visited it
  • who you were with
  • what you did there
  • and explain what made the place memorable for you
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. How do people in towns and cities use wooded areas?
  2. What are the differences between a wooded place with facilities and one with very few facilities?
  3. Who should be responsible for providing and maintaining public wooded spaces?
  4. Why are forests important to people and communities?
  5. How can governments balance economic development with protecting forests?
  6. What changes are likely to affect forests most in the future, and why?

116. Describe a wooden object that you use or have used.

You should say:
  • what the object is
  • where you got it
  • how often you use it
  • and explain why it is useful or important to you
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of wooden objects are commonly used in homes?
  2. Why might people choose wooden furniture instead of furniture made from other materials?
  3. How have the materials used in everyday products changed over time?
  4. Why is it important for communities to protect forests?
  5. What can businesses and individuals do to reduce the effects of cutting down trees?
  6. How might society's use of forests change in the future?

117. Describe a time you noticed a special offer while shopping.

You should say:
  • where and when you saw it
  • what was being offered
  • why it caught your attention
  • and explain whether it affected what you bought
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of special offers tend to attract shoppers?
  2. Why do some people buy things they had not planned to buy when they see a promotion?
  3. How might shopping promotions change in the future?
  4. What are some common ways companies advertise their products?
  5. How can advertising influence people’s choices and values?
  6. Should there be stricter rules about what companies are allowed to advertise?

118. Describe a programme or video about ocean life that you watched.

You should say:
  • when and where you watched it
  • what kinds of sea animals or environments it showed
  • what you found interesting or surprising
  • and explain how it affected your view of ocean life
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Why do many people enjoy watching programmes about animals?
  2. What makes a programme about ocean life interesting and informative?
  3. How has online video changed the way people learn about wildlife?
  4. What are some of the main dangers facing sea animals today?
  5. How can communities and businesses help protect marine environments?
  6. How might people's relationship with ocean life change in the future?

119. Describe a time when you learned to use a feature on a camera or phone.

You should say:
  • when and where you learned to use it
  • who helped you or where you got instructions
  • what the feature did and how you practised using it
  • and explain why learning to use it was useful or enjoyable
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Why do people take photographs at family or social events?
  2. How do younger and older people use photographs differently?
  3. How can photographs affect the way people remember events?
  4. How are photographs used to influence people's choices when they shop?
  5. Why might an image affect people more strongly than written information?
  6. How might photography change as technology develops?

120. Describe a green or outdoor place you enjoy visiting.

You should say:
  • where it is
  • what it is like
  • what you usually do there
  • and explain why places like this may become more important in the future
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What features make a public park or outdoor space enjoyable for visitors?
  2. How do outdoor spaces in towns differ from those in the countryside?
  3. Why is it important for people to have access to green spaces?
  4. How can trees and parks help towns during periods of very hot weather?
  5. Why might some communities have fewer green spaces than others?
  6. How should towns plan their public spaces to deal with the effects of climate change in the future?

121. Describe an outdoor place you have visited that has changed over time.

You should say:
  • where the place is
  • when you visited it
  • what it used to be like and what has changed
  • and explain how you feel about the change
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of outdoor spaces are most important in towns and cities?
  2. How can changes to parks and other green spaces affect local communities?
  3. Do people value green spaces differently now than they did in the past?
  4. What human activities contribute most to changes in the natural environment?
  5. How much responsibility should governments and businesses have for responding to climate change?
  6. How might climate change affect where people choose to live in the future?

122. Describe a time when you had to pay for an important expense connected with a home.

You should say:
  • what the expense was
  • when and where it happened
  • how you paid for it
  • and explain how you felt about the cost
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What are some of the main expenses involved in keeping a home?
  2. How do housing expenses differ for people who rent and people who own their homes?
  3. Why do housing costs rise in some areas?
  4. How can high housing costs affect a local community?
  5. What differences might there be between life in an expensive area and life in a more affordable one?
  6. How might housing affordability change in the future, and what could local authorities do about it?

123. Describe a time when you had to pay for an important repair or improvement at home.

You should say:
  • what needed to be repaired or improved
  • why it was necessary
  • how the work was done
  • and explain how you felt about the cost
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of repairs are most commonly needed in people’s homes?
  2. How do people decide whether to repair an item or replace it?
  3. How might the responsibilities for home repairs differ between renters and homeowners?
  4. What are some reasons housing costs have increased in many places?
  5. How can high housing costs affect communities and people’s choices in life?
  6. How might homes become more affordable in the future?

124. Describe a time when you took photographs for someone else.

You should say:
  • When and where it happened
  • Who you were taking photographs for
  • What you photographed
  • and explain how you felt about taking the photographs
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of events do people commonly take photographs at?
  2. How have mobile phones changed the way people take photographs at events?
  3. Why do some people prefer to hire a photographer for important occasions?
  4. How can photographs help people remember shared experiences?
  5. Do you think people take too many photographs instead of enjoying the moment?
  6. How might photography change in the future, and what effects could this have on society?

125. Describe a change you have noticed in an outdoor area near a town or city.

You should say:
  • where the area is
  • what it was like before
  • what has changed
  • and explain how you feel about this change
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of changes do towns often make to parks and other public outdoor spaces?
  2. Why might a local area need more green spaces as its population grows?
  3. How can communities balance the need for new buildings with the value of open spaces?
  4. How do forests benefit people who live near them?
  5. Why do some societies find it difficult to protect forests while also using their resources?
  6. How might the way forests are managed change in the future?

126. Describe a place where people can watch live entertainment.

You should say:
  • where the place is
  • what kinds of shows or performances take place there
  • who usually goes there
  • and explain why people enjoy going there
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of live entertainment venues are common in towns and cities?
  2. What facilities make a venue comfortable for its audience?
  3. How can small local venues attract more visitors?
  4. Why do some people prefer live performances to watching entertainment at home?
  5. How can local arts venues help bring different groups of people together?
  6. What changes might live entertainment venues need to make in the future?

127. Describe an advertisement that you thought was misleading or unclear.

You should say:
  • where and when you saw it
  • what it was advertising
  • what made it seem misleading or unclear
  • and explain how you felt about the advertisement
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of details are sometimes unclear in advertisements?
  2. How can people check whether claims in advertisements are reliable?
  3. Should there be stricter rules about what businesses can claim in advertisements?
  4. How can advertising influence people's ideas about success or a good life?
  5. Do advertisements affect younger and older people in different ways?
  6. How might new technology change the way companies advertise in the future?

128. Describe something you learned about an animal that lives in the ocean.

You should say:
  • where and when you learned about it
  • which animal it was
  • what you learned about the animal
  • and explain why you found this information interesting
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What problems can plastic waste cause for animals in the ocean?
  2. Why do some people find it difficult to reduce waste that may reach the sea?
  3. How might ocean pollution change if cities continue to grow?
  4. How are children often taught about marine animals?
  5. Do people learn more about ocean life from schools or from the media?
  6. What role should governments and communities play in protecting ocean life in the future?

129. Describe a time when you did something to help protect the environment.

You should say:
  • what you did
  • when and where you did it
  • why you decided to do it
  • and explain how you felt about the experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What small actions do people commonly take to help the environment?
  2. Do people today make more effort to protect the environment than people did in the past?
  3. Why is it difficult for some people to change their everyday habits?
  4. How do forests support people and communities?
  5. How have people's attitudes towards forests changed in recent years?
  6. What steps will be most important for protecting forests in the future?

130. Describe a time when you had to pay for a large expense connected with your home.

You should say:
  • when this happened
  • what the expense was
  • why it was necessary and how you dealt with it
  • and explain how you felt about paying for it
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What household costs do people commonly have each month?
  2. How might household expenses differ for people living alone and families?
  3. Why can rising household bills affect people's everyday choices?
  4. What types of housing are commonly available in towns and cities?
  5. Why do housing costs vary between different areas?
  6. How might people's housing needs and costs change in the future?

131. Describe an advertisement you came across while using a website or app.

You should say:
  • When and where you saw it
  • What the advertisement was about
  • How it appeared on the screen
  • and explain how you reacted to it
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Where do people most often come across advertisements online?
  2. How are online advertisements different from advertisements on television?
  3. Why do some online advertisements attract more attention than others?
  4. How can advertising influence the way people think about products and services?
  5. Why might some people be more affected by advertising than others?
  6. How do you think online advertising will change in the future?

132. Describe an occasion when you wore a special outfit.

You should say:
  • When and where you wore it
  • What the outfit looked like
  • How you chose it
  • and explain how you felt wearing it
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of clothing do performers commonly wear on stage?
  2. How are costumes for theatre or dance different from everyday clothes?
  3. How might technology change stage costumes in the future?
  4. Why do people wear particular clothes for important events?
  5. Are expectations about formal clothing different for younger and older people?
  6. Do you think people will feel less pressure to dress formally in the future? Why?

133. Describe a time when you learned something about the history of your family or community.

You should say:
  • What you learned about
  • When and where you learned it
  • Who or what helped you find out
  • and explain how you felt about learning it
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Where do people usually learn about the history of their local communities?
  2. How do museums and older residents provide different kinds of information about the past?
  3. Why might some people be less interested in local history than others?
  4. What kinds of community traditions or records are important to preserve?
  5. Who should take responsibility for protecting local heritage, and why?
  6. How might technology change the way people preserve and learn about heritage in the future?

134. Describe a major purchase you made for your home.

You should say:
  • what you bought
  • when and why you bought it
  • how you chose it
  • and explain how you felt about the cost
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. How do people decide which household items are worth spending more money on?
  2. Why do some people prefer to buy second-hand items for their homes?
  3. How might people’s shopping habits for household goods change in the future?
  4. What factors have the greatest effect on housing costs in towns and cities?
  5. How can high housing costs affect families and local communities?
  6. What changes could help make housing more affordable in the future?

135. Describe a time you helped look after a plant or tree.

You should say:
  • when and where this happened
  • what kind of plant or tree it was
  • what you did to care for it
  • and explain how you felt about the experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What benefits can trees bring to people living in towns and cities?
  2. How are public gardens different from forests in the ways people use them?
  3. Why do many people value green spaces in their local area?
  4. Who should be mainly responsible for protecting forests: individuals, businesses, or governments?
  5. What are some common reasons that forests are cut down?
  6. How might people’s attitudes towards forest protection change in the future?

136. Describe a time when you noticed an animal living near water.

You should say:
  • where you were
  • what animal you saw
  • what the animal was doing
  • and explain why you remember this experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Where do people usually get the chance to see wild animals near water?
  2. How can visitors behave respectfully when they encounter wild animals?
  3. How has people's contact with wildlife changed over time?
  4. What kinds of human activities can harm animals that live near water?
  5. Who should take the main responsibility for protecting marine life: governments, businesses, or the public?
  6. How might people's attitudes towards protecting ocean life change in the future?

137. Describe a time when you took part in an activity to care for the environment.

You should say:
  • what the activity was
  • where and when you did it
  • who you did it with
  • and explain how you felt about taking part
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of environmental activities do people commonly take part in?
  2. Why are some people more willing than others to join these activities?
  3. How can communities encourage more people to help protect the environment?
  4. How do forests benefit the people who live near them?
  5. How might people's use of forests differ between towns and rural areas?
  6. What changes might forests face in the future, and how could society respond?

138. Describe a public awareness campaign you have seen.

You should say:
  • where you saw it
  • what issue it was about
  • who it seemed to be aimed at
  • and explain what effect you think it had
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of issues are commonly covered by public awareness campaigns?
  2. Which ways of sharing these campaigns are most effective?
  3. How have public awareness campaigns changed compared with the past?
  4. Why do companies sometimes include social messages in their advertising?
  5. How can advertising influence the way people think about social issues?
  6. What role might advertising play in society in the future?

139. Describe something you practised several times before doing it.

You should say:
  • what you practised
  • when and where you practised it
  • how you prepared
  • and explain how you felt after doing it
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of activities do people usually practise before doing them in public?
  2. How might the way children practise a skill differ from the way adults do it?
  3. Why do some people find it difficult to practise regularly?
  4. What role do rehearsals play in theatre and dance performances?
  5. Should schools give more time to drama and dance? Why or why not?
  6. How might technology change the way performers practise in the future?

140. Describe a story about the past that you heard from an older person.

You should say:
  • who told you the story
  • what the story was about
  • when and where you heard it
  • and explain why you remember this story
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of stories about the past do older people often tell younger family members?
  2. How might stories about the past be different for younger and older generations?
  3. Why can stories passed down through families or communities be important to people?
  4. How can museums and local groups help preserve stories from the past?
  5. What challenges can arise when deciding which stories or objects should be preserved?
  6. How might digital technology change the way people preserve and share heritage in the future?

141. Describe a time when you shared a home with other people.

You should say:
  • when and where this happened
  • who you shared the home with
  • how you divided chores or responsibilities
  • and explain what you learned from the experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. How do people who share a home usually divide household tasks and bills?
  2. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of sharing a home compared with living alone?
  3. Why might more people choose shared housing than they did in the past?
  4. How can high housing costs affect people at different stages of life?
  5. What can local authorities do to make housing more accessible to people on lower incomes?
  6. How might rising housing costs change the way people live in the future?

142. Describe a journey you took through a forested area.

You should say:
  • where you were going
  • who you travelled with
  • what you saw along the way
  • and explain how you felt about the journey
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of transport do people use to travel through forested areas?
  2. How might a journey through a forested area differ from one through a city?
  3. Why might people choose routes that pass through forests?
  4. How can forests benefit communities that live nearby?
  5. What are some reasons forests are being reduced in size?
  6. How should governments and businesses balance development with protecting forests in the future?

143. Describe a time when you discussed an advertisement with someone.

You should say:
  • When and where the conversation took place
  • Who you talked to
  • What the advertisement was about
  • and explain what you thought about the conversation
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What types of advertisements are most noticeable to people in everyday life?
  2. How are advertisements on social media different from those on television or in newspapers?
  3. Why do some advertising techniques attract people's attention more effectively than others?
  4. How can advertising influence the things people choose to buy?
  5. Should advertisements aimed at children be treated differently from those aimed at adults?
  6. How might advertising change in the future as technology develops?

144. Describe a time when you looked at old photographs with another person.

You should say:
  • when and where you looked at them
  • who you looked at them with
  • what the photographs showed
  • and explain how you felt while looking at them
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. How do families usually store or display old photographs?
  2. How are family photographs today different from those taken in the past?
  3. Why can looking at old photographs help people understand their family history?
  4. How has digital technology changed the way people take and keep photographs?
  5. Why do some people edit photographs before sharing them, while others prefer unedited images?
  6. How might people’s use of photography change in the future?

145. Describe a time when you saw an animal in its natural environment, such as in the sea or on land.

You should say:
  • what animal you saw
  • where and when you saw it
  • what it was doing
  • and explain how you felt about the experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of places allow people to see wild animals without disturbing them?
  2. How does seeing animals in their natural habitats differ from seeing them in parks or zoos?
  3. Why do some people feel strongly moved by seeing wild animals?
  4. What problems can human activities create for animals living in the sea?
  5. How should governments, businesses and the public share responsibility for protecting marine wildlife?
  6. How might people’s relationship with ocean wildlife change in the future?

146. Describe a second-hand shop that you have visited.

You should say:
  • where the shop was
  • what kinds of things it sold
  • what you did or bought there
  • and explain what you thought of the experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of things do people most often buy second-hand?
  2. Why might some people prefer second-hand goods to new ones?
  3. How have online marketplaces changed the way people buy and sell used goods?
  4. Who should decide which everyday objects are worth preserving for the future?
  5. Why do communities value objects that connect them with the past?
  6. How might technology change the way museums and communities preserve old objects?

147. Describe an activity you have done in or on the sea.

You should say:
  • What the activity was
  • When and where you did it
  • Who you did it with
  • and explain how you felt about the experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. Why do many people enjoy activities such as swimming or boating?
  2. What facilities should places near the sea provide for people who take part in water activities?
  3. How can water-based tourism affect local communities?
  4. How can schools help children learn about ocean life?
  5. Why can it be difficult for societies to protect marine habitats?
  6. How might public attitudes towards protecting ocean life change in the future?

148. Describe a time when you helped someone in your community.

You should say:
  • when it happened
  • who you helped
  • what you did
  • and explain how you felt about the experience
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of tasks do volunteers commonly do in their communities?
  2. What factors encourage people to volunteer their time?
  3. How does volunteering benefit society as well as the people receiving help?
  4. How can local events help people from different backgrounds connect?
  5. Why do some communities have stronger social ties than others?
  6. How might the role of community organisations change in the future?

149. Describe a time when you used a machine that carried out a task automatically.

You should say:
  • when and where you used it
  • what task it carried out
  • how the machine worked
  • and explain whether it made the task easier for you
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What kinds of tasks are robots or automated machines commonly used for in workplaces?
  2. In what ways can machines perform workplace tasks better or worse than people?
  3. How might increased automation affect workers and the skills they need?
  4. Why do some people welcome automated devices in their homes while others avoid them?
  5. How could the use of domestic robots affect people’s independence and relationships?
  6. How might robotics change everyday life in the future, and what concerns could this raise?

150. Describe a room or indoor place you have visited that you thought was well designed.

You should say:
  • where the place is
  • when you visited it
  • what it looked like
  • and explain why it made an impression on you
Part 3 questions (6)
  1. What features make public indoor spaces, such as libraries or stations, easy to use?
  2. How does the design of a hospital differ from that of a shopping centre?
  3. Why do some communities invest more in attractive public buildings than others?
  4. How can the appearance of a public building affect people's feelings about it?
  5. Do you think digital technology is changing people's expectations of physical spaces? Why?
  6. As cities grow, what principles should guide the design of public buildings in the future?

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to prepare a cue card?

One minute, with paper and a pencil for notes. Then you speak for one to two minutes, and the examiner may ask one or two short questions on the same topic.

Do I have to cover every point on the card?

It's strongly recommended. The points help you organise a two-minute talk, and covering them all shows you can develop a topic.

What if I have no experience of the topic?

You can talk about someone you know or describe something you'd like to do; the examiner is assessing your English, not the truth of the story.

Practise speaking with instant feedback

Full three-part Speaking tests, an examiner that reads the questions aloud, and marking on all four criteria.

Start free — 2 weeksTake the free mock test
IELTS cue cards with Part 3 questions (page 3) | ielts.coach