Techniques for IELTS Speaking Part 2
How to Master the Long Turn
The IELTS Speaking Part 2, often called the long turn, requires candidates to speak for 1–2 minutes on a given topic after one minute of preparation.
Many students find this part challenging, not because the topics are difficult, but because it requires confidence, organisation, and the ability to keep talking naturally.
With the right techniques, however, this section becomes much easier to manage. Below are the most effective strategies to help you succeed.
1. Understand the Cue Card Structure
Every Part 2 topic follows the same pattern:
A main question (e.g., Describe a person who inspires you)
3–4 bullet points to guide your answer
A reminder to speak for 1–2 minutes
You do not need to follow every bullet point perfectly, but they help you organise your ideas. Think of them as a roadmap.
Tip: Always answer the main question first. This sets a clear foundation for your response.
2. Use Your 1-Minute Preparation Time Wisely
The preparation time is short, so avoid writing full sentences. Instead:
Write keywords only
Plan a simple structure
Avoid overthinking details
A good template:
Introduction – Who/what/where
Main story – What happened
Details – Feelings, reasons, descriptions
Conclusion – Why it is memorable/important
This gives your answer a natural beginning, middle, and end.
3. Structure Your Answer Like a Mini-Story
Storytelling is one of the easiest ways to speak fluently. Even if the topic is simple, turning it into a story makes your speech smoother and more engaging.
For example, instead of listing facts:
“It is a book. I got it from my friend. It is interesting.”
Turn it into a narrative:
“Last year, a close friend gave me a book for my birthday, and it quickly became one of the most meaningful things I own…”
Stories help with flow, coherence, and vocabulary.
4. Expand Your Ideas with 'Why', 'How', and 'What Happened Next'
To avoid stopping too early, always expand your ideas. After every sentence, you can ask yourself:
Why?
How?
What happened next?
For example:
“It was special to me… because it made me rethink my goals.
I still remember how I felt when I first read it… I stayed up all night because I couldn’t put it down.”
These expansions naturally lengthen your answer.
5. Use a Range of Vocabulary and Expressions
Part 2 is the perfect opportunity to show:
Descriptive adjectives
Idiomatic phrases
Time expressions
Linking words
Examples:
To be honest…
One thing that really stands out is…
What impressed me most was…
At first… later on… eventually…
But remember: use only language you can speak confidently.
6. Don’t Worry About Finishing All Bullet Points
These bullet points are suggestions, not strict rules. The examiner does not mark you based on whether you answer all four. What matters is:
Fluency
Organisation
Coherence
Vocabulary
Grammar
It is better to fully develop three points than rush through four.
7. Keep Speaking Until the Examiner Stops You
If you reach 1 minute and run out of things to say:
Add a final reflection
Talk about how the situation affected you
Explain why you remember it
Examples:
“Looking back, this experience taught me…”
“Honestly, I still think about it today because…”
The examiner will stop you when your time is up, so don’t worry about talking too long.
8. Practice Timing and Natural Delivery
Timed practice builds confidence. Try speaking for:
60 seconds
90 seconds
2 minutes
Recording yourself is one of the most effective ways to improve fluency and identify weak areas.
Remember, Part 2 is not about perfection—it’s about staying calm, speaking clearly, and showing your ability to communicate in English. With a simple structure, natural storytelling, and good use of your preparation time, you can deliver confident and fluent responses that earn high scores.