Part 2: Questions & Strategies (British Council Academic IELTS: Speaking): Study Material

Part 2: questions & strategies

Using the topic card to prepare

• The topic card has four points on it to help you with your answer

• As soon as you are given the card, start making notes based on these prompts

• Add as much information as you can to each point, but write key words and ideas only, not full sentences

• Practise different note-taking techniques, such as mind maps, clockwise notes on the page or a spidergram to decide which is best for you

• During your long turn, use your notes to as a memory aid – do not read directly from them

•  It is easier to speak fluently when you are describing your actual experience, so talk about something real – do not invent stories

Example 

How to answer:

• Start with a general statement. "I’d like to talk about my neighbour, Mr. Lim, who is probably the most selfless person I’ve ever met."

• Add detail: "He's lived next door for five years, and we often chat over the fence."

• Use a specific example of when they helped you

• Use low-frequency adjectives like considerate, reliable, or supportive to show why they stand out to you.

• If you run out of ideas during the long turn, do not panic – try to add more details to a [point you have already made: “Another example of his kindness was when he…”

Example 

How to answer:

• Set the scene: "A city that really took my breath away was Prague, which I visited last autumn."

• Sensory details: describe what you saw, heard or smelled. Talk about the architecture, the cobblestone streets or the vibe of the riverside.

• Activities: mention one or two highlights. "I spent hours getting lost in the Old Town and taking photos of the Gothic buildings."

• Explain why: Focus on the atmosphere rather than just the looks. "It felt like stepping into a fairy tale because of how well the history has been preserved."

What makes a good answer

• a good answer continues for the full two minutes

•  shows the examiner you can talk at length

• contains minimal hesitations

• uses vocabulary accurately and precisely

• connects ideas in a logical flow

• uses linking words and phrases

• demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary

• varies grammatical structures

•  sounds natural

Useful language

Adjectives

To show your range of vocabulary, try to use low-frequency alternative words instead of the more common words such as nice or exciting

When describing people:

•  Instead of good or nice, you could use:

  • Considerate 

  • Amiable

  • Approachable

  • Dependable

When describing places:

• Instead of beautiful, you could use:

  • Atmospheric

  • Scenic

  • Breath-taking 

• Instead of big, you could use:

  • Vast

  • Huge

  • Enormous

  • Sprawling (for a city)

When describing experiences or activities:

•  Instead of difficult, you could use:

  • Tough

  • Challenging

  • Gruelling 

•  Instead of interesting, you could use:

  • Fascinating

  • Compelling 

•  Instead of exciting, you could use:

  • Thrilling

  • Remarkable

  • incredible 

Linking words and phrases

• To start your Part 2 section:

  • Actually, what comes to mind is...

  • I've decided to talk about...

• To add detail:

  • What's more...

  • On top of that...

  • Another point to consider is...

• To show contrast:

  • Having said that...

  • On the other hand...

  • Despite this...

  • Even though…

• To give examples:

  • To illustrate this...

  • Specifically...

  • In particular...

• To reflect or conclude:

  • All in all...

  • Ultimately...