Think about these questions, or answer them aloud.
The examiner gives you a cue card with a topic and three or four bullet points, plus paper and a pencil. You have one minute to prepare and make notes. Then you speak for one to two minutes without interruption. The examiner will stop you when two minutes are up, and may ask one or two short follow-up questions.
Two minutes feels long. Many candidates run out of things to say after 50 or 60 seconds, often not because their English is weak but because they have not planned enough to say. The solution is good notes and a simple structure.
| Cue card bullet | Notes |
|---|---|
| Topic: a place you visited that you would like to go back to | Porto, Portugal |
| Where it is | north Portugal, hill + river, colourful houses, steps |
| When you went there | 2 yrs ago, 2 uni friends, after final exams → relaxed |
| What you did there | walking + food (sardines!); boat trip; sunset by river; bookshop queue |
| Explain why you would like to go back | only 3 days, too short; beaches, food; slow, friendly; spring + parents |
Describe a place you visited that you would like to go back to.
You should say:
and explain why you would like to go back.
Match each purpose to a phrase that does that job. There is one extra phrase.
Cue card: “Describe a useful object you own.” Put the parts of this talk in the best order.
You have one minute to make notes. Then speak for up to two minutes. Try to keep going until the timer ends.
Describe a skill that took you a long time to learn.
You should say:
60 s preparation · 2:00 speaking
Save words to review them later with flashcards.
“The examiner handed me a cue card about a memorable journey.”
“Part 2 is a two-minute long turn.”
“I ran out of ideas after a minute.”
“Could you elaborate on why you chose that city?”
“She started her talk with a funny anecdote.”
“The old town has a relaxed atmosphere.”
“We climbed a steep street to the castle.”
“I signed up for evening Spanish classes.”
“After a month, I started to make real progress.”
“My driving instructor was incredibly patient.”
“The hike was hard, but the view was well worth it.”
