Part 2 topics January 2020 – April 2020. Here is the current and up-to-date list. I am currently working on posts for each individual topic with the usual high-quality standard of suggestions. This list is in order of:
- Objects/Things.
- Person.
- Places.
- Events/Situations/Times.
Use the “search” function to find the category you’re looking for! (CNTRL+F) Also, I recommend that you use Google Dictionary for accurate definitions, just double click!
For most students, part 2 can be the most difficult part of the IELTS Speaking test.
With the right advice, it can also be the most enjoyable.
Please read all of our posts about each topic carefully and prepare well!
You can also find the updated Part 1 January 2020 topics here: click here
The full list of current Part 1 topics is here: click here
Find out How to give a good introduction in IELTS Speaking Part 2.
Post Contents
Part 2 topics: Things/Objects
- Describe a photograph.
- Describe a gift you bought for someone that took you a long time to choose.
- Describe an ideal/dream home you would like to live in.
- Describe a change that could improve the area you live in.
- Describe a useful thing that you have borrowed from someone.
- Describe an interesting or unusual animal you have seen.
- Describe a piece of advice you received when choosing your major/career.
- Describe a movie that you would like to share with a friend.
- Describe a small company or business that is successful.
- Describe an article about health that you read in a magazine or online.
Person
Remember the advice we have discussed “Person” type topics. What is your relationship with this person? What do they look like? What do they do? What kind of person are they? Personality, etc.
- Describe a person who taught you something.
- Describe a person who often travels by airplane.
- Describe a team that you were a member of or a part of.
- Describe a person who was recently in the news that you would like to meet.
- Describe a family member that you spend the most time with.
Places
Remember the advice I have given you in the course. Places type topics are a lot of fun to talk about! Always mention the location, quality, would you go back there/why you want to go there, would you recommend it to a friend.
- Describe a school you went to in your childhood.
- Describe a place you go to to read and write (not your home). (This topic was from the previous season, however, it is still a current topic)
- Describe a new public building that you would like to visit. (This topic was from the previous season, however, it is still a current topic. Though it’s a tricky topic, there are many things we could talk about.)
- Describe a place you have been to that was very crowded.
- Describe a colourful place you have been to. (This was another topic from last season that is currently being used.)
Storytelling (Events, Situations, Times)
For the sake of this list, I have compiled all the “storytelling” types as “describe a time”. Your cue card might say “an occasion, an event, a situation”. Remember the advice I have given you in the course. “Set the scene” quickly – When, where, who, what, why. Break the story down into 3x Key events (things that happened). If you’re recycling the same story between topics, change 1/3 according to the topic to make it more appropriate.
- Describe a time you travelled using public transport.
- Describe a time when you were tired but needed to stay awake.
- Describe a special day that you remember well. (This is such a lovely topic to talk about. It is definitely a transferable story.)
- Describe a time when you looked at a beautiful sky. (This topic caused many people difficulties last season, luckily following our F.O.E method makes it much easier!)
- Describe a time you watched a performance. (What kind of performance would you talk about?)
- Describe a time when you couldn’t use your smartphone. (This is a funny topic to talk about, considering how much we rely on our phones nowadays.)
- Describe a time you lost something then found it/got it back. (We can really talk in detail about our feelings at the time and contrast. It’s actually a lovely topic to be given in your exam! F.O.E!!!)
- Describe a time when you helped someone. (Remember to use the phrasal verb “Help out/Help XXX out”.)
- Describe a time you needed to work/try hard to achieve a goal.
- Describe a time when you first met someone.
- Describe a time when you felt very excited about something.
- Describe an important trip that was delayed. (This is extremely similar to a popular topic many seasons ago (a time when bad weather caused you to cancel a trip) and (a trip that didn’t go as planned).)
- Describe a time when you have a difficult challenge.
- Describe a time when you felt bored with others. (This is a topic from last season, however, it is currently being used this season. It’s such a great topic!)
- Describe a time when someone apologized to you.
- Describe a time when you didn’t tell a friend the truth. (This is quite an awkward topic to talk about… Definitely practice this topic with other IELTS 123 users, and not your friends ?)
- Describe a time when you had an interesting conversation with someone.
The previous season’s IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics
For your references:
- Describe a person who helped you achieve your goals.
- Describe an advertisement you saw that you remember well.
- Describe a piece of advice you received when choosing your work/major.
- Describe a time when you were with other people and felt bored.
- Describe a time when you borrowed something from someone.
- Describe a time when a vehicle you were using broke down.
- Describe a time when you ate a special cake with family or friends.
- Describe a time when you celebrated an achievement.
- Describe a toy from your childhood that you liked.
- Describe a city that you have visited in the past.
- Describe a piece of clothing that you enjoy wearing.
- Describe a colourful place.
- Describe your favourite singer or band.
- Describe a film you would like to see with a friend.
- Describe a time when you first met someone.
- Describe a foreign celebrity you would like to meet in person.
- Describe a person you know who speaks a foreign language very well.
- Describe a time when you enjoyed a free day off of work or school.
- Describe a piece of furniture in your home that you like.
- Describe a game show or quiz show that you have seen on TV/Online.
- Describe a time when you gave advice to someone.
- Describe a gift that took you a long time to choose to buy.
- Describe a person who is good at their work/career.
- Describe a person you know who is a good parent.
- Describe a time when you went out and had a good time with friends or family.
- Describe a day that made you very happy.
- Describe a married couple you know who are happy together.
- Describe a person who helps others in their free time.
- Describe a historical building you have visited.
- Describe a person who has interesting ideas or opinions.
- Describe an important letter that you have received in the past.
- Describe a time when you played an indoor game with others.
- Describe an interesting or exciting book you have read.
- Describe an interesting conversation you have had.
- Describe an interesting place that only a few people know about.
- Describe a time when you invited your family or friends out for dinner.
- Describe a leisure activity you do with your family or friends.
- Describe a recent change to your life that you are grateful for.
- Describe a long journey by the car that you have had.
- Describe a time when you lost something and then got it back.
- Describe a time when you moved to a new home or school.
- Describe a park or garden that you have visited.
- Describe a time when a child made you laugh.
- Describe a picture or photograph in your home that you like.
- Describe a piece of art you have seen that you like.
- Describe a popular product from your country/region.
- Describe a practical skill that you have learned.
- Describe a prize that you would like to win in the future.
- Describe a new public building that you would like to visit in the future.
- Describe a place you go to to read and write (not your home).
- Describe a rule at a school that you went to which you agree/disagree with.
- Describe a school that you went to when you were younger.
- Describe a time when you looked at a beautiful sky.
- Describe a time when you were sleepy but had to stay awake.
- Describe a time when you solved a problem using the internet.
- Describe a souvenir you bought back home from a holiday.
- Describe a special day that you remember well.
- Describe a sports game that you have watched with others.
- Describe a time when you heard a stranger talking on the phone in public.
- Describe a person who travels by airplane for work purposes.
- Describe a time when you didn’t tell a friend the truth.
- Describe an unusual or unique plant or vegetable.
- Describe an unusual or unique experience you had on holiday or travelling.
- Describe a time when you needed to wake up very early in the morning.
- Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future.
- Describe a time when you were given the wrong information.