IELTS Speaking Part 2

IELTS cue cards with Part 3 questions (page 6)

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 →

251. Describe a place you have been to where you noticed renewable energy being used.

You should say:

where the place was
what type of renewable energy was being used
what you noticed about how it was used
and explain what impression the place made on you

Part 3 questions (6)

Where are renewable energy systems most practical to install: in homes, public buildings or large open areas?
How might the advantages of renewable energy differ between densely populated areas and rural communities?
Why do some people welcome renewable energy projects while others object to them?
What responsibilities should governments and private companies have in expanding renewable energy?
How can the costs and benefits of the shift to renewable energy be shared fairly across society?
How might the growing use of renewable energy change the way communities live and work in the future?

252. Describe a building you have visited that seemed well designed for its surroundings.

You should say:

where the building is
when you visited it
what features of its design you noticed
and explain why you thought its design was effective

Part 3 questions (6)

What features can make buildings comfortable in very hot climates?
How do traditional buildings in dry regions often differ from modern ones?
Why might developers prioritise cost or appearance over climate-responsive design?
What role should shaded public spaces play in cities?
Why can it be difficult for growing cities to reduce water use while maintaining green areas?
How might building and urban design in arid regions change in the future?

253. Describe a news story or article that you found difficult to understand.

You should say:

where and when you encountered it
what it was about
why you found it difficult to understand
and explain what you did after reading or watching it

Part 3 questions (6)

How can journalists make complex stories easier to understand without leaving out important details?
Do people generally understand complicated issues better through written articles, podcasts, or television reports?
Why can some social or scientific issues be particularly difficult for journalists to explain clearly?
What role can local news organisations play in helping communities understand complicated events?
Why might some people lose interest in news about complex social problems?
How might new technologies change the way journalists explain difficult issues in the future?

254. Describe a time when you watched work being carried out on a building or street.

You should say:

where and when it happened
what kind of work was being done
what you noticed while watching
and explain how you felt about the changes

Part 3 questions (6)

What features of older buildings are most likely to be preserved during renovation?
How do the priorities of local residents and property developers sometimes differ when an old building is being redeveloped?
Compared with building anew, what are the main advantages and disadvantages of adapting older buildings for modern use?
Why might construction work reveal traces of earlier human activity?
How should decision-makers balance the protection of archaeological finds with the need to complete building projects?
How might new technology change the way societies document and preserve discoveries made during construction?

255. Describe a time when you organised a walk or hike for a group of people.

You should say:

who took part
where you went
how you prepared for the outing
and explain what made organising it worthwhile

Part 3 questions (6)

What practical factors should people consider when arranging a walk for a group?
How do group walks differ from walks taken alone?
Why do organised outdoor activities appeal to some people more than others?
How can visitors to mountain areas affect the lives of local communities?
How should authorities balance public access to mountain landscapes with the need to protect them?
How might climate change and new technology alter the way people visit mountain regions in the future?

256. Describe a time when you followed news coverage of a major event over several days.

You should say:

what the event was
how you first heard about it
what developments or details you followed
and explain why you continued to follow the coverage

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of events tend to receive extensive news coverage?
How might the coverage of the same event differ between newspapers, television and online media?
Why does the amount of attention given to an event sometimes change over time?
How can sustained news coverage influence the way the public understands an event?
What factors affect whether people trust coverage of major events?
How might the role of journalists in reporting major events change in the future?

257. Describe a time when you helped clear out a room or building.

You should say:

where the space was and what it was used for
who helped you and what you were doing
what you came across while clearing the space
and explain why the experience stayed in your memory

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of everyday traces can reveal how a room or building was used in the past?
Why do some people keep records or objects from places that are being cleared out?
How can examining ordinary spaces help people understand the lives of previous generations?
When a town or city is being redeveloped, how should decision-makers balance new construction with the preservation of older sites?
Why do disagreements arise between developers and people who want to protect historical places?
In the future, how might technology change the way societies identify and preserve evidence of everyday life?

258. Describe a visit to a place where animals are cared for or protected.

You should say:

where the place was
when you went there and who you were with
what you saw or did there
and explain what the visit made you think about protecting wildlife

Part 3 questions (6)

What features make a wildlife park or sanctuary appealing to visitors?
How can places that care for animals balance public access with the animals’ well-being?
How effective are wildlife parks in changing people’s attitudes towards conservation?
Who should take the greatest responsibility for protecting wildlife: governments, businesses, or the public?
Why can conservation goals conflict with economic interests in some communities?
How might public attitudes towards wildlife conservation change over the next few decades?

259. Describe a time when you chose a relatively environmentally friendly way to travel.

You should say:

When and where you were going
Which way of travelling you chose
Why you chose it instead of another option
and explain how you felt about your choice

Part 3 questions (6)

What factors influence the way people choose to travel for short journeys?
How do public transport, cycling and private cars differ in their suitability for everyday travel?
What practical steps can local authorities take to encourage people to use lower-impact transport?
Why can it be difficult for societies to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy?
How might wider use of renewable energy affect the way people live and work?
In the future, how should societies balance the costs of cleaner energy with the need to protect the environment?

260. Describe a time when you had to explain something clearly to another person.

You should say:

What you needed to explain
Who you explained it to
How you made your explanation clear
and explain why it was important to communicate it well

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of information do people most often need to explain to colleagues?
Why can misunderstandings arise more easily in a remote workplace than in a shared office?
How do the ways people communicate at work differ across generations or professions?
How has digital technology changed the way people communicate in everyday life?
What factors make people more likely to trust information they receive online?
How might advances in communication technology affect the quality of public discussion in the future?

261. Describe a major event that you followed in the news as it was happening.

You should say:

when it happened
what the event was
how you followed the coverage
and explain what made the experience memorable for you

Part 3 questions (6)

How does live coverage of an event differ from reports produced after it has ended?
Why do some people follow developing stories closely while others avoid them?
How can continuous coverage influence the way the public responds to an unfolding event?
What difficulties do journalists face when reporting on events before all the facts are known?
How should news organisations balance the public’s demand for speed with the need to verify information?
How might technology change the way major events are reported and understood in the future?

262. Describe a place where you have seen animals being cared for.

You should say:

where the place was
when you went there
what animals you saw
and explain what you thought about the way they were cared for

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of services do places that care for animals commonly provide?
How might the role of a zoo or wildlife centre differ from that of an animal shelter?
To what extent should such facilities prioritise animal welfare over attracting visitors?
How can schools help children develop a responsible attitude towards animals?
Why do some people feel a stronger obligation to protect wildlife than others?
In the future, do you think public attitudes towards keeping animals in captivity will change?

263. Describe a time when you were interrupted while trying to do something important.

You should say:

what you were trying to do
where you were
what interrupted you and how you responded
and explain how the interruption affected what you were doing

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of interruptions are most common in people’s daily lives?
How might interruptions affect people differently at home and in a shared workplace?
Why do some people seem better than others at regaining their focus after an interruption?
How has remote work changed the way people separate their working hours from their personal time?
Do people in different kinds of jobs have equal opportunities to maintain a healthy work-life boundary?
As technology makes people increasingly reachable, how might expectations about availability change in the future?

264. Describe a sunset you remember seeing.

You should say:

where and when you saw it
who you were with
what the sky and surroundings looked like
and explain why you remember this sunset

Part 3 questions (6)

How do people usually discover scenic places to visit?
Why do some people find dramatic landscapes more appealing than familiar, everyday surroundings?
Do you think people will place greater value on natural scenery in the future? Why?
What facilities, if any, should be provided for visitors to remote natural areas?
How can tourism both support and damage fragile environments?
How might people’s access to remote landscapes change in the coming decades?

265. Describe a film, television programme or online video about wildlife conservation that you found memorable.

You should say:

when and where you watched it
what issue or situation it focused on
what made it memorable for you
and explain whether it influenced how you think about people's responsibility towards wildlife

Part 3 questions (6)

How can documentaries and online videos help people understand threats to wildlife?
What makes a conservation campaign more persuasive than simply presenting facts?
Should media companies give more attention to conservation, even if such programmes attract smaller audiences?
What practical measures can local communities take to reduce conflict between people and wildlife?
Why do economic priorities sometimes take precedence over the protection of natural habitats?
How might the relationship between human development and wildlife conservation change in the future?

266. Describe a change in transport in your local area that you have noticed.

You should say:

what the change was
when you first noticed it
how it has affected people in the area
and explain whether you think it has been a positive change

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of transport changes tend to have the greatest effect on people’s daily routines?
Why might some communities be more willing than others to adopt new forms of transport?
How have people’s expectations of public transport changed compared with those of previous generations?
What are the main obstacles to replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy on a large scale?
How should governments balance the costs of renewable energy projects against their long-term benefits?
In the future, do you think societies will rely more on individual choices or collective policies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels?

267. Describe a time when a repair or redecoration project revealed something unexpected about a place.

You should say:

where the project took place
what work was being done
what unexpected feature or evidence was uncovered
and explain how the discovery changed your view of that place

Part 3 questions (6)

Why do some people choose to renovate older buildings rather than replace them?
What practical difficulties can arise when builders uncover features from an earlier period?
How should communities balance preserving historic buildings with meeting the need for modern housing?
What can the physical features of ordinary buildings reveal about how people lived in the past?
How has public interest in archaeology changed compared with previous generations?
How might digital technology change the way people encounter archaeological discoveries in the future?

268. Describe a time when you learned something useful about how energy is produced or used.

You should say:

when and where you learned it
what the information was about
how you reacted to it
and explain why it was useful or memorable

Part 3 questions (6)

How do people commonly learn about different sources of energy?
What makes information about energy easy or difficult for the public to understand?
How does public knowledge of energy sources differ between younger and older generations?
Why might some communities adopt renewable energy more quickly than others?
How should governments balance the costs and benefits of moving towards renewable energy?
What changes might the shift to renewable energy bring to society in the future?

269. Describe an article in a newspaper, magazine or online publication that you read mainly out of personal interest.

You should say:

what the article was about
where and when you read it
why you chose to read it
and explain what made it interesting to you

Part 3 questions (6)

How can journalists make complex subjects easier for the general public to understand?
What differences are there between reading about a subject in a newspaper and reading about it online?
How might the way journalists explain specialist topics change in the future?
What kinds of articles are people most likely to read for personal interest?
Why might reading preferences differ between younger and older people?
How could changing reading habits affect the range of subjects covered by journalism in the future?

270. Describe a place where music is played regularly.

You should say:

where the place is
what kind of music is usually played there
when or why the music is played
and explain how it affects the atmosphere

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of music are commonly played in places such as shops, cafés or restaurants?
How does the music played in large commercial venues differ from that in smaller, independent businesses?
Why might businesses use background music to influence customers’ behaviour?
What kinds of public places benefit most from having music, in your view?
How can communities balance people’s enjoyment of music in public with other people’s need for quiet?
How might attitudes towards music in shared public spaces change in the future?

271. Describe a piece of equipment that you use regularly for work, study, or another important activity.

You should say:

what the equipment is and what it looks like
when and how you got it
how you typically use it
and explain why it is useful to you

Part 3 questions (6)

What types of equipment are commonly used in people’s homes for work?
How does the equipment people use at home compare with what they use in a conventional workplace?
Why might employers or educational institutions provide equipment for people working or studying remotely?
How can working from home affect businesses and communities in the surrounding area?
Why do some people have better access to remote work than others?
How do you think remote work will change the way societies organise employment in the future?

272. Describe a place in a town or city where older and newer buildings stand close together.

You should say:

Where the place is
What the older and newer buildings look like
What people usually do there
and explain why the contrast between the buildings stands out to you

Part 3 questions (6)

What features make people recognise a building as old or modern?
Why might a community choose to keep an older building rather than replace it?
How can planners balance the need for new development with the preservation of historic parts of a city?
How do people usually learn about archaeological discoveries made during building work?
Why do some societies invest more in archaeological research than others?
How might new technology change the way the public encounters evidence of the past in the future?

273. Describe a song whose lyrics you know well.

You should say:

when and where you first heard it
what the lyrics are about
what kind of music it is
and explain why you remember the lyrics so clearly

Part 3 questions (6)

Why do some songs become widely known for their lyrics as well as their melody?
How do the lyrics of popular songs today compare with those from earlier generations?
To what extent can song lyrics influence how people understand social issues?
What role can music play in preserving a community's shared history?
How has recorded music changed the way musical traditions are passed between generations?
In the future, are musical styles likely to become more uniform worldwide, or will local traditions remain distinct?

274. Describe a time you had to adapt to an unfamiliar custom or way of doing things while away from home.

You should say:

where you were and what the situation was
what custom or difference you encountered
how you responded to it
and explain what you learned from the experience

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of cultural misunderstandings can arise between visitors and local people?
How can tourism businesses help visitors understand local customs?
To what extent should visitors be expected to follow the customs of the places they visit?
How has tourism affected the way some communities practise their traditions?
Why might a community choose to adapt its customs for visitors, while another might resist doing so?
In the future, is tourism more likely to strengthen cultural traditions or turn them into performances for visitors?

275. Describe a time you helped prepare for a gathering or celebration involving people beyond your immediate family.

You should say:

where and when it took place
what needed to be done
who took part and what you did
and explain why you remember the experience

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of practical tasks are volunteers most often asked to take on at public events?
How might the contribution of volunteers differ from the work done by paid event staff?
What factors encourage some people to volunteer regularly while others remain reluctant?
How can shared celebrations help people from different age groups or backgrounds form connections?
Compared with the past, do local gatherings play a greater or lesser role in building a sense of community?
As people become more reliant on digital communication, what might happen to face-to-face community activities?

276. Describe a time when you helped someone remain calm during a difficult situation.

You should say:

When and where it happened
What had caused the situation
What you did to help
and explain why your response was helpful

Part 3 questions (6)

How do people in a community usually support one another during an emergency?
In what ways can help from neighbours differ from assistance provided by emergency services?
Why might some communities recover more quickly than others after a serious crisis?
What information should public authorities provide before a natural hazard occurs?
How might teaching preparedness in schools compare with providing guidance through workplaces or local organisations?
How could technology change the way societies prepare for and respond to earthquakes or volcanic eruptions in the future?

277. Describe a piece of furniture you assembled or modified.

You should say:

what the piece of furniture was
where you put it and why you needed it
how you assembled or modified it
and explain how you felt about the result

Part 3 questions (6)

When people choose furniture, how important are appearance and practicality compared with price?
How does the furniture people buy today differ from what previous generations tended to buy?
Why can a piece of furniture’s visual appeal influence people’s purchasing decisions so strongly?
Why do some people repair or adapt furniture themselves, while others replace it?
To what extent should manufacturers, rather than consumers, be responsible for making furniture easier to repair and reuse?
How might concerns about waste and resource use change furniture design in the future?

278. Describe a museum or exhibition you have visited.

You should say:

where it was
what you saw there
who you went with, or whether you went alone
and explain what made the visit memorable for you

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of museums or exhibitions tend to attract the widest range of visitors?
How can museums make their displays engaging for people with different levels of knowledge?
Should museums generally be free to enter, or is it reasonable for them to charge admission?
How does the role of a museum differ from that of a tourist attraction designed mainly for entertainment?
Why might societies disagree about which objects or stories deserve to be preserved and displayed?
How might digital technology change the way people experience museums in the future?

279. Describe a time when you helped someone feel included in a group.

You should say:

who the person was and how you knew them
what the group or setting was like
what you did to help them feel included
and explain how the experience affected you

Part 3 questions (6)

What simple things can groups do to help a new member feel welcome?
How might the experience of joining a small group differ from joining a large organisation?
Why do some people find it difficult to feel that they belong, even when others are welcoming?
What kinds of community activities are most likely to attract volunteers?
Why might people choose unpaid community work over other ways of spending their free time?
How could the role of volunteer-led groups change as communities become more diverse and digitally connected?

280. Describe an occasion when you had to decide whether to let a digital device or application collect personal information about you.

You should say:

what the device or application was
what information it asked to collect
what you decided to do and why
and explain how you felt about that decision

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of personal information might smart devices collect in homes or workplaces?
How can the way a system is designed affect whether people feel comfortable using it?
Should companies face stricter limits on the information collected by smart devices and robots?
Which kinds of jobs are most suitable for robots, and which still require human involvement?
Why might people react differently to a physical robot than to software performing the same task?
How could widespread robotics change society’s understanding of who is responsible when an automated system causes harm?

281. Describe a restaurant or street-food business you have noticed changing over time.

You should say:

where it is and what kind of food business it is
what changes you have noticed
what you think prompted those changes
and explain how you feel about the way it has developed

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of changes do food businesses commonly make to attract more customers?
In what ways might a small independent food business respond differently to changing tastes than a large chain?
Why do people’s expectations of restaurants and street-food businesses change over time?
What responsibilities should local authorities have towards small food businesses?
How can food businesses influence the character and social life of a neighbourhood?
How might technology and environmental concerns reshape the food-service industry in the future?

282. Describe a guided tour you took.

You should say:

where and when you took it
what the tour was about
what you found interesting or memorable
and explain whether the guide added to your experience

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of places are most likely to offer guided tours?
What qualities make a guide effective at explaining a place or its history?
How does a guided tour compare with exploring a place independently?
In what ways can tourism benefit the communities that receive visitors?
Why might the interests of local residents and tourism businesses sometimes conflict?
How might technology and changing travel habits reshape guided tours in the future?

283. Describe a regular form of exercise that you or someone you know does.

You should say:

what the exercise involves
when and where it is usually done
what makes it possible to maintain this routine
and explain how it affects the person's wellbeing

Part 3 questions (6)

What tends to help adults turn occasional exercise into a lasting routine?
How do the reasons people exercise differ across age groups?
Why do some people find it difficult to prioritise physical activity, even when they understand its benefits?
How does the availability of cycle paths and other public facilities affect people's exercise habits?
Should local authorities prioritise infrastructure for active travel over facilities used mainly for recreation?
How might urban design and public attitudes towards cycling change over the next few decades?

284. Describe a card or handwritten note that you made for someone.

You should say:

what the card or note was for
how you decided what it would look like
what materials or steps you used to make it
and explain why you remember making it

Part 3 questions (6)

Why do people still choose to send a handwritten card or note on some occasions?
What can the appearance of a card communicate beyond the words written inside it?
How has the move from handwritten messages to digital communication changed the way people express thoughtfulness?
How does visual design help people understand information in public places?
Why might organisations prioritise the appearance of a message even when its content is more important?
How could advances in digital technology change the role of visual design in everyday communication?

285. Describe a time when you reconsidered a plan after hearing a warning.

You should say:

what the plan was
who gave the warning and what they said
how you responded to the warning
and explain why you reconsidered your plan

Part 3 questions (6)

How do public authorities usually communicate warnings about natural hazards to residents?
What are the advantages and drawbacks of using several channels, such as phone alerts, broadcasts and local announcements?
Why might people dismiss a warning even when the potential consequences are serious?
What considerations should guide decisions about building homes and infrastructure in hazard-prone areas?
How might people's willingness to accept restrictions for safety differ according to their circumstances?
As climate and geological risks become better understood, how should societies balance immediate costs against long-term resilience?

286. Describe a book whose cover influenced your decision to read it.

You should say:

where and when you encountered the book
what the cover looked like
what impression the cover gave you
and explain how much the cover influenced your decision to read the book

Part 3 questions (6)

What visual features tend to make a book cover appealing to readers?
How do cover designs differ for books aimed at adults and children?
Why might publishers use familiar visual conventions to suggest a book’s genre?
How can a book’s visual presentation affect the way readers interpret its contents?
Why do some people judge books by their covers, despite knowing that this can be misleading?
How might digital publishing change the role of cover design in the future?

287. Describe a cause or organisation you have supported in some way.

You should say:

what the cause or organisation was
how you first heard about it
what kind of support you provided
and explain why you chose to support it

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of causes tend to attract the greatest public support?
How can organisations encourage people to contribute without making them feel pressured?
Compared with financial donations, what distinctive value can volunteers offer?
In what ways can community groups complement services provided by public institutions?
Why do some communities sustain strong public participation while others struggle to do so?
How might digital platforms reshape civic participation in the coming decades?

288. Describe a small food business you know about.

You should say:

what kind of food business it is and where it is
who runs it or works there
how you first learned about it
and explain why it has made an impression on you

Part 3 questions (6)

What roles do small food businesses play in their local communities?
How do small food businesses differ from large restaurant chains?
What factors can determine whether a small food business succeeds?
How can food businesses contribute to a neighbourhood’s identity?
Why have people’s eating habits changed in many urban areas?
How might small food businesses adapt to changes in technology and consumer preferences?

289. Describe something you made by hand that had a visual or decorative element.

You should say:

What the item was
Why you decided to make it
What materials or methods you used
and explain what the experience taught you about making things by hand

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of handmade objects do people commonly make for practical or personal reasons?
How does the value people attach to handmade objects compare with the value of mass-produced ones?
Why might people continue making things by hand when factory-made alternatives are often cheaper?
What role should schools play in helping children develop practical and creative skills?
How does society’s attitude towards traditional craft compare with its attitude towards technology-based creativity?
As automation becomes more widespread, do you think hands-on creative skills will become more or less important?

290. Describe a time when you used public transport in an unfamiliar place.

You should say:

when and where this happened
why you chose that form of transport
what happened during the journey
and explain how the experience affected your time there

Part 3 questions (6)

What forms of public transport are most useful to visitors in a city?
Why might visitors find a local transport system difficult to navigate?
How do the transport needs of visitors differ from those of local residents?
How can a high volume of visitors affect public transport services for residents?
Who should pay for transport improvements that are partly needed because of tourism?
How might cities design transport systems that meet visitors’ needs without increasing congestion and emissions?

291. Describe a place you know well that has changed over time.

You should say:

where the place is
what it was like before
what has changed there
and explain how you feel about those changes

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of changes do residents commonly notice in their neighbourhoods?
How might the effects of redevelopment differ for long-term residents and newcomers?
What factors should local authorities weigh when deciding whether to preserve or redevelop an area?
How do communities typically rebuild after a destructive natural event?
In what ways might recovery from an earthquake differ from recovery after a volcanic eruption?
How could growing knowledge of natural hazards reshape where and how people live in the future?

292. Describe a time when you watched food being prepared in front of customers.

You should say:

where and when this happened
what was being prepared
what you noticed about the preparation
and explain why the experience stayed with you

Part 3 questions (6)

Why are people often drawn to watching food being prepared in front of them?
How do expectations of cleanliness differ between visible food preparation and food made out of sight?
What challenges do food vendors face when trying to make preparation both efficient and appealing to watch?
How can street-food sellers contribute to the identity of a neighbourhood?
Why might city authorities regulate small food vendors differently from established restaurants?
How could technology and changing urban lifestyles reshape street food while preserving its social role?

293. Describe a conversation you had about how technology might change a type of work.

You should say:

when and where the conversation took place
who you spoke with
what different views were expressed
and explain why the discussion stayed with you

Part 3 questions (6)

Which types of jobs are most likely to be affected by robotics and automation?
What could employers do to support workers whose roles are changing?
How should the benefits of increased productivity be shared across society?
What skills will people need to work effectively alongside increasingly capable machines?
How might widespread robotics alter society’s expectations about work and leisure?
Who should be accountable for ensuring that robotic systems serve the public interest?

294. Describe a time when you made an environmentally responsible choice in your daily life.

You should say:

what the choice was
when and where you made it
what influenced your decision
and explain how you felt about the result

Part 3 questions (6)

What everyday choices can individuals make to reduce their impact on the environment?
How do sustainable habits tend to differ between people of different ages or incomes?
Why can it be difficult for people to maintain environmentally responsible habits over time?
What features make cycling a practical option for people in towns and cities?
How do communities differ in the priority they give to cycling infrastructure compared with roads and parking?
How might the balance between cycling, public transport and private cars change in the coming decades?

295. Describe a time when you noticed an unusual sound or vibration in your surroundings.

You should say:

where you were
what the sound or vibration was like
what you did at the time
and explain why the experience stayed in your memory

Part 3 questions (6)

How do people usually find out that an earthquake or volcanic eruption may be imminent?
How does preparedness for geological hazards differ between densely populated areas and remote communities?
Why do some people disregard official warnings, even when the potential consequences are severe?
What responsibilities should building designers and public authorities have in areas prone to seismic activity?
How might rapid urban growth affect a community’s ability to withstand a major geological event?
In the future, will technology make societies genuinely safer from natural hazards, or will it mainly change how people manage risk?

296. Describe a time when you had to find your way around an unfamiliar place.

You should say:

where the place was
why you were there
how you worked out where to go
and explain how you felt about finding your way around

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of signs or information are most useful to people navigating an unfamiliar public place?
How do people’s navigation habits differ when they are travelling in a city and in a rural area?
Why might some people find it difficult to follow directions, even when they are clearly presented?
How can the layout of towns and cities help people move around safely during an earthquake or volcanic eruption?
Should public authorities prioritise making places easier to navigate in everyday life, or more resilient to rare hazards?
How might technology change the way communities receive directions and warnings during natural disasters in the future?

297. Describe an occasion when you noticed food being wasted in a restaurant or at a street-food stall.

You should say:

where and when this happened
what you noticed
what happened afterwards
and explain why the experience stayed with you

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of food are most often wasted in restaurants and food stalls?
Why might diners order more food than they can reasonably finish?
How do attitudes towards food waste differ between younger and older generations?
Should restaurants be expected to donate unsold food to people who need it?
How can governments reduce food waste without compromising food safety?
How might technology change the way food businesses manage surplus food in the future?

298. Describe a logo or emblem that you have noticed.

You should say:

what organisation or business it represents
where you saw it
what visual features you remember
and explain what you think makes it effective

Part 3 questions (6)

Where do people most commonly encounter symbols and emblems in public spaces?
In what ways can a simple symbol communicate more quickly than written instructions?
Why are some symbols understood across different languages, while others are interpreted differently?
How does a distinctive visual identity affect the way people judge a business or organisation?
Why do companies invest heavily in branding, even when their products or services are similar to those of competitors?
How might digital media and artificial intelligence change the way organisations create and use visual identities in the future?

299. Describe a time you took responsibility for coordinating a task for a group of people.

You should say:

when and where it happened
who was involved and what needed to be done
what you did to keep the task on track
and explain why the experience was significant to you

Part 3 questions (6)

What kinds of tasks are commonly organised by volunteers in a community?
How does coordinating a group task differ from doing the same task alone?
Why do some people naturally take the lead in group settings while others hold back?
How have digital tools changed the way community groups organise their activities?
What factors influence whether people choose to volunteer their time?
How might people’s involvement in community organisations change in the future?

300. Describe a skill you learned from another person that you believe would be difficult for a robot to perform well.

You should say:

what the skill is
who taught you and how you learned it
when you have had an opportunity to use it
and explain what makes this skill difficult for a robot to replicate

Part 3 questions (6)

How do people generally acquire practical or interpersonal skills?
What qualities can make a skill especially difficult for a machine to reproduce?
Why does some expertise depend on tacit knowledge rather than explicit instructions?
In what kinds of workplaces are people and robots most likely to share tasks?
How might the wider use of robots change the skills employers value?
In the long term, should education place greater emphasis on technical literacy or on distinctly human capabilities?

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.

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