Part 2: Long turn (cue card) - Note-taking and planning

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to use your one-minute preparation time in IELTS Speaking Part 2 to quickly identify, organise and record the critical points from a cue card. You will know how to write brief, useful notes, arrange your ideas logically, and create a clear plan for your 1–2 minute response. You will also be able to avoid the usual pitfalls in Part 2, ensuring your answers are fluent, relevant, and clearly structured.

IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus

For IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Long Turn), you are required to plan and deliver an extended response using structured preparation. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:

• Recognise the task format and the importance of the cue card’s bullet points in Part 2.
• Apply rapid, purposeful note-taking during the one-minute preparation period.
• Organise key information into a logical order covering all required aspects.
• Include connecting words and develop supporting details for each point.
• Use the preparation minute effectively to avoid hesitation and incomplete responses.
• Speak for up to two minutes, delivering coherent, complete answers.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. How long do you have to prepare after being given the cue card in IELTS Speaking Part 2, and what should you do during this time?
2. What is the function of the bullet points on the cue card, and how should they shape your notes?
3. Why is it important to arrange your notes in the same order as the cue card prompts?
4. What are two common mistakes candidates make in their preparation or delivery in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

Introduction

IELTS Speaking Part 2 requires you to speak at length about a given topic, as stated on a cue card, for 1–2 minutes. You are given one minute to prepare your answer, with paper and pencil provided for notes. Candidates who use this minute wisely produce more fluent, organised, and relevant answers, increasing their likelihood of success.

Key Term: Cue Card
A card in IELTS Speaking Part 2 which provides a topic and several bullet points that must be covered in your response.

Key Term: Bullet Point
One of the short prompts on the cue card, indicating a required aspect or detail you must address in your talk.

Key Term: Note-Taking
The practice of quickly writing down brief words or phrases to record main ideas and structure for use during planning, not as full sentences.

Understanding Part 2: The Long Turn

For the Long Turn, you will receive a cue card asking you to describe a person, place, object, event or experience. The card will always contain three or four bullet points to guide your answer. You must speak without interruption about this topic, covering all listed points.

Key Term: Long Turn
The IELTS Speaking task where you give an extended answer, speaking continuously on a specific topic for 1–2 minutes.

Using the One-Minute Preparation Period

This single minute is extremely valuable. Your goal is to turn the cue card into a simple, easy-to-follow plan you can use while you speak. This avoids losing your way, repeating ideas, or omitting details.

Effective Note-Taking: What to Write

During the minute, write:

• Short keywords or phrases for each bullet point.
• One or two examples, feelings, or opinions for each item.
• Linking words or phrases you plan to use (e.g., “Firstly”, “Another reason”, “For example”, “In conclusion”).
• Useful adjectives or topic-specific vocabulary.

Do not write full sentences—use only the minimum words needed to remind yourself of the idea.

Organise your notes according to the order of the bullet points, so you do not lose your place.

Structuring Your Response

A strong Part 2 answer follows a basic sequence:

1. Brief introduction: State the main topic.
2. Address each bullet point: Use your notes to expand, provide examples, and explain.
3. Extra detail: Add a relevant opinion or story not in the bullet points if time allows.
4. Conclusion: Finish with a summary or personal comment.

Visually, you may arrange your notes in columns, numbers, or with arrows to indicate the sequence.

Using Linking Language

Include connecting phrases in your notes (e.g., “Because”, “Another reason”, “This made me”, “After that”, “Finally”) to make your response flow naturally.

Planning for Language Variety

Plan a range of vocabulary and at least one or two precise adjectives for the key ideas (e.g., “exciting,” “difficult,” “memorable”).

Managing Your Speaking Time

Talk at a natural pace, and continue until the examiner stops you. Cover all bullet points and try to give clear, specific examples or reasons.

Worked Example 1.1

Cue Card Topic:
Describe a special place you visit regularly. You should say:

• where it is
• what you do there
• who you go with
• and explain why you like going there

Sample Notes:

• Bookshop downtown
• Read, choose new books, sometimes study
• Alone or with sibling
• Relaxing, quiet, like staff, escape busy street

Question: How would you convert these notes into a full, 2-minute talk?

Answer:
Begin: “A special place I visit regularly is a bookshop in the city centre. I often go there alone, but sometimes my sibling comes with me. Usually, I like to read, pick out new books, or even sit and study for a while. The main reason I like the shop is that it is peaceful and the staff are friendly. It’s a good way to escape the noise outside, and I always feel relaxed when I spend time there.”

Worked Example 1.2

Cue Card Topic:
Describe an important decision you have made. You should say:

• what the decision was
• when you made it
• what happened as a result
• and explain why it was important

Sample Notes:

• Studied abroad, UK, last year
• Decided after school, spoke to parents
• New friends, learnt English, missed home
• Grew more independent, changed me

Question: What is the logical order for presenting your talk, and how do the notes help you?

Answer:
Start with the decision: “An important decision I made was to study in the UK last year.” Then explain when and how you chose: “I decided just after finishing school, after discussing it with my parents.” Go on to describe the results: “I made new friends, improved my English, but I also missed my family.” End by saying why it mattered: “This was important because it helped me develop independence. I feel it changed me a lot.”

Exam Warning

Many candidates waste time by writing sentences or entire scripts in the planning minute, which results in weak delivery or missing points. Remember—keep notes brief and easy to scan during your talk.

Revision Tip

When practising, set a timer: give yourself one minute to write bullet-point notes for a sample cue card, then speak aloud for two minutes, using your notes to guide you.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Recognise the structure and aim of the IELTS Part 2 Long Turn.
• Write fast, clear bullet-point notes for each prompt in the cue card.
• Sequence ideas in your notes in the same order as the card.
• Add linking words and topic-specific vocabulary during planning.
• Avoid writing full sentences or scripts in your one-minute preparation.
• Practise regular timed note-taking and speaking to improve fluency and structure.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Cue Card
• Bullet Point
• Note-Taking
• Long Turn