IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an interesting discussion you had as part of your work or studies: 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.
  • 250 words
  • An experience
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe an interesting discussion you had as part of your work or studies.

You should say:

  • →What the subject of the discussion was?
  • →Who do you discuss the subject with?
  • →What opinions were expressed?
  • →Explain why you found the discussion interesting.

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

An experience

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

  1. 1

    Identify a specific setting and person to make the story feel authentic and grounded.

  2. 2

    Use a logical sequence by linking the discussion topic to the actual opinions voiced.

  3. 3

    Focus your final minute on why this interaction left a lasting impact on you.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8250 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

A couple of months ago, during my final year of university, I took part in a particularly stimulating seminar regarding the ethics of artificial intelligence in journalism. I was discussing this with my tutor, Dr. Aris, and three of my classmates during a post-lecture coffee break at the campus café. The conversation started quite formally, but it soon became a heated debate as we tried to navigate the implications of automated news generation. Dr. Aris held a rather pragmatic view, arguing that AI is merely a tool that improves efficiency, whereas I personally expressed concerns about the potential loss of nuance and the erosion of human accountability in reporting. One of my peers, Sarah, countered this by suggesting that AI could eliminate human bias, which sparked a long exchange about whether algorithms simply reflect the existing prejudices of their programmers. I found this discussion incredibly interesting because it forced me to move beyond theoretical textbook knowledge and grapple with the messy, real-world complexity of the subject. It wasn't just about the technology itself; it was about how different perspectives on ethics can radically alter one's professional outlook. Seeing my classmates articulate such diverse viewpoints really pushed me to refine my own arguments and listen more critically to others. It was one of those rare moments where the academic setting felt truly alive, and it significantly shaped my current perspective on how we should integrate new technology into our professional lives without losing the essential human touch that makes storytelling meaningful.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • stimulating

    encouraging new ideas or greater activity and interest

  • pragmatic

    dealing with things sensibly and in realistic ways

  • nuance

    a very slight difference in meaning or tone

  • erosion

    the gradual destruction or reduction of something valuable

  • accountability

    the fact of being responsible for your decisions

  • grapple with

    to try hard to understand a difficult problem

  • articulate

    expressing ideas clearly and in an effective way

  • prejudices

    unreasonable dislike or preference for a certain group

6 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1Is it always a good idea to tell lots of people about a problem?
  2. 2Do you think that it's better to talk to friends and not family about problems?
  3. 3Why is it good to discuss problems with other people?
  4. 4Which communication skills are most important when taking part in meetings with colleagues?
  5. 5What are the possible effects of poor written communication skills at work?
  6. 6What do you think will be the future impact of technology on communication in the workplace?

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 an interesting discussion you had as part of your work or studies."?+

Identify a specific setting and person to make the story feel authentic and grounded.

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

More cue cards: an experience

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