If you’re preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, Part 2—also known as “The Long Turn”—is one of the most critical sections to master. It challenges you to speak fluently for up to two minutes on a specific topic with only one minute to prepare.
In this blog, we’ll break down how IELTS Speaking Part 2 works, proven strategies to boost your score, and how IStudentPlus can support your preparation with personalised coaching and expert tools.
What Is IELTS Speaking Part 2?
In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and several bullet points. You’ll have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak. Topics can range from describing a personal experience to explaining your opinion on a social issue.
Your performance is evaluated based on:
- Fluency and Coherence
- Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Pronunciation
It’s your opportunity to show the examiner how well you can speak English without interruption.
Skills You Need to Succeed
✅ Organising Your Thoughts Quickly
Learn to build a quick outline and mentally group your ideas under intro, main points, and conclusion.
✅ Expanding on Ideas
Use examples, personal stories, or opinions to add depth and hit the 2-minute mark with ease.
✅ Using Linking Words and Structure
Connect ideas smoothly with phrases like “To begin with,” “Another thing is,” and “In conclusion.”
✅ Managing Nerves
Practice staying calm under time pressure—confidence makes a huge difference in delivery.
Step-by-Step Strategy for Answering
- Understand the Cue Card
Read all bullet points carefully. They are your structure for the 2-minute talk.
- Take Notes in the 1-Minute Prep Time
Jot down keywords for each point. Keep it simple—just enough to guide your response.
- Start with a Strong Opening
Begin by paraphrasing the question. For example, “Today I’d like to talk about a book that really inspired me…”
- Cover All Bullet Points
Make sure to address each prompt. Don’t just focus on one and forget the others.
- Add Personal Touches
Personal stories and reflections help make your answer natural and engaging.
- Wrap It Up Smoothly
Signal when you’re finishing: “To sum up, it was a really special experience…”
Tip from IStudentPlus: Practice with real cue cards and record yourself to track your fluency and timing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Memorising Full Answers
The examiner will notice if your response is scripted. Practice flexibility, not perfection.
🚫 Ignoring the Bullet Points
Missing even one bullet point can lower your coherence score.
🚫 Speaking Too Briefly
Aim for the full 2 minutes. Too short = missed opportunity to show fluency.
🚫 Overusing Fillers
Phrases like “umm” and “you know” can hurt your fluency score. Use transitions instead.
How IStudentPlus Helps You Prepare
At IStudentPlus, we know IELTS Speaking can feel intimidating. That’s why we offer a supportive, results-focused approach to mastering Part 2 of the Speaking test.
📝 Practice with Real Cue Cards
Our library of topics is designed to reflect what you’ll see in the real exam—no surprises!
🎤 Mock Speaking Tests with Feedback
Simulate exam conditions and get personalised tips to improve pronunciation, grammar, and structure.
📚 Vocabulary Building Workshops
Expand your word bank with useful phrases for storytelling, opinion-sharing, and describing.
💬 1-on-1 Speaking Coaching
Work with certified IELTS instructors who know exactly how to boost your band score.
FAQs
Q: How long should I speak in IELTS Speaking Part 2?
A: Aim for 1.5 to 2 minutes. The examiner will stop you after 2 minutes, but speaking less than 1 minute may affect your score.
Q: Can I look at my notes while speaking?
A: Yes. You’re allowed to refer to the notes you took during the 1-minute prep.
Q: What happens if I forget what to say?
A: Stay calm and try to paraphrase, add examples, or move to the next bullet point. Practice helps reduce this issue.
