IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a new law you would like to introduce in your country: IELTS cue card with sample answer

An IELTS cue card for Speaking Part 2 with a Band 8 sample answer, the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and the Part 3 follow-up questions the examiner can ask next.
  • 245 words
  • Other topics
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a new law you would like to introduce in your country

You should say:

  • →What law it is
  • →What changes this law brings
  • →Whether this new law will be popular
  • →How you came up with the new law
  • →And explain how you feel about this new law

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

Other topics

How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan

  1. 1

    Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover all requirements.

  2. 2

    Think of a specific country or city context to make your answer more authentic.

  3. 3

    Use a logical sequence: define the law, its impact, and your personal emotional connection.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8245 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

If I were granted the authority to implement a new piece of legislation, I would introduce a mandatory nationwide initiative requiring all urban residential developments to incorporate rooftop gardens and vertical greenery. The current concrete jungle in cities like London is stifling, and this law would necessitate that developers dedicate at least thirty per cent of their roof space to vegetation or communal allotments. This shift would fundamentally transform our skyline, reducing the urban heat island effect while simultaneously providing citizens with much-needed green sanctuaries amidst the grey sprawl. I suspect this policy would be incredibly popular with the younger generation and environmentalists, though property developers might initially push back due to the increased construction costs. My inspiration for this came during a trip to Singapore, where I witnessed how seamlessly high-rise architecture can coexist with lush, vibrant foliage. It was a sensory revelation; the air felt crisper and the atmosphere significantly less oppressive than in my own neighbourhood. I feel truly passionate about this proposal because it addresses the mental health crisis exacerbated by our disconnected city lives. By integrating nature into our daily architecture, we could foster a more harmonious environment that encourages physical activity and social interaction among neighbours. Ultimately, I believe this law would represent a pragmatic step towards sustainable urban living, ensuring that our future cities are not just efficient hubs of commerce, but restorative spaces that actively improve the quality of life for every resident, regardless of their postcode.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • legislation

    a set of laws proposed by a government

  • concrete jungle

    an area in a city with many buildings

  • urban heat island

    city areas that are warmer than surrounding countryside

  • allotments

    small plots of land for growing vegetables

  • sprawl

    the uncontrolled expansion of a city area

  • foliage

    the leaves and branches of many plants

  • exacerbated

    made a problem or situation much worse

  • pragmatic

    dealing with problems in a sensible practical way

6 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1What rules should students follow at school?
  2. 2Do people in your country usually obey the law?
  3. 3What kinds of behavior are considered as good behavior?
  4. 4Do you think children can learn about the law outside of school?
  5. 5What are the benefits for people to obey rules?
  6. 6How can parents teach children to obey rules?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a new law you would like to introduce in your country"?+

Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover all requirements.

How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+

You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

How is the cue card scored?+

Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.

Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

Keep practising

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