IELTS Speaking Part 2 samples
Question
1: Describe a person who has influenced you.
Bullet points:
- Who the person is
- How you know them
- What qualities they have
- And explain why they influenced you
Answer (270 words):
Thank you,
Sir, for the question. It's interesting to talk about someone who has shaped my
thinking.
I would
like to talk about my high school science teacher, Mr. Sharma. I first met him
when I was in grade nine, and he taught me physics for two consecutive years.
At that time, I was not particularly good at science, but his teaching style
made even complicated theories feel simple and exciting.
The
qualities I admire most in him are his patience and genuine passion for
teaching. He never made any student feel foolish for asking questions, no
matter how basic they were. He would often stay after class to help struggling
students, including me, without showing any irritation. Moreover, he had an
incredible ability to connect textbook concepts with real-life situations,
which sparked my curiosity.
The reason
he influenced me so deeply is that he changed my entire attitude toward
learning. Before meeting him, I studied only to pass exams. But he taught me
that education is about understanding the world around us. He also encouraged
me to participate in a school science fair, where I built a simple water
filtration model. That small success gave me confidence I never knew I had.
Today, when I face difficult problems in my work or studies, I still remember
his words: "Don't fear confusion—it's the first step toward clarity."
His influence goes beyond academics; he shaped the way I think, ask questions,
and solve problems. Without him, I doubt I would have developed the same love
for learning.
Question
2: Describe a piece of advice you received that was useful.
Bullet points:
- Who gave you the advice
- What the advice was
- When you received it
- And explain why it was useful
Answer (265 words):
Thank you,
Sir, for the question. It's interesting to talk about a piece of advice that
truly helped me.
I would
like to talk about advice my older sister gave me a few years ago, when I was
preparing for my university entrance exams. I was extremely stressed at that
time, studying twelve to fourteen hours a day, sleeping poorly, and constantly
feeling like I was never doing enough.
The advice
was very simple but powerful. One evening, my sister sat me down and said,
"Consistency beats intensity. It is better to study six focused hours
every day than to burn out in two weeks." At that moment, I did not fully
appreciate her words because I thought working harder meant working longer.
However, I decided to try her suggestion. I started limiting my study sessions
to eight hours maximum, took regular breaks, and made sure to sleep seven hours
each night.
This advice
turned out to be incredibly useful for several reasons. First, my grades
actually improved because I was studying more effectively rather than just
longer. Second, I felt mentally healthier and less anxious. I stopped comparing
myself to classmates who claimed to study all night. Most importantly, I
learned a life lesson that applies far beyond exams. Whether I am working on a
project, learning a new skill, or building a habit like exercise, I now know
that steady, sustainable effort produces better long-term results than short,
frantic bursts of work. My sister's advice did not just help me pass my
exams—it reshaped my entire approach to productivity and self-care. To this
day, whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself: consistency, not intensity.
Question
3: Describe a place you would like to visit in the future.
Bullet points:
- Where it is
- What you know about it
- Who you would like to go with
- And explain why you want to go there
Answer (285 words):
Thank you,
Sir, for the question. It's interesting to talk about a destination I dream of
visiting.
I would
like to talk about Iceland. I first became curious about this country after
watching a documentary on natural wonders, and since then, I have read several
travel blogs and watched countless videos about its landscapes. Iceland is
located in the North Atlantic, near the Arctic Circle, and it is famous for its
dramatic contrasts—glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, black sand beaches, and the
Northern Lights.
If
possible, I would like to go with a close friend of mine who shares the same
sense of adventure. We have talked about taking a road trip along the Ring
Road, which circles the entire island, stopping at waterfalls like Gullfoss and
the Blue Lagoon. Neither of us enjoys crowded tourist spots, so Iceland feels
perfect because it is spacious, quiet, and raw.
There are
several reasons why I want to go there. First, I have always been fascinated by
extreme natural environments. Living in a city, I rarely see complete darkness
or hear true silence. I imagine standing under the Aurora Borealis would be a
humbling and unforgettable experience. Second, I am interested in
sustainability, and Iceland runs almost entirely on renewable geothermal and
hydroelectric energy. Visiting would allow me to see eco-friendly living in
action. Finally, I want to challenge myself a little—driving on unfamiliar
roads, hiking on a glacier, or soaking in a hot spring while snow falls around
me. For me, traveling is not just about relaxing; it is about stepping out of
comfort zones. Iceland represents exactly that: beauty, solitude, and a gentle
kind of adventure.
Question
4: Describe a time you received good news unexpectedly.
Bullet points:
- When it happened
- What the news was
- How you found out
- And explain why it was good news for you
Answer (275 words):
Thank you,
Sir, for the question. It's interesting to talk about a moment of surprise
happiness.
I would
like to talk about a completely unexpected piece of good news I received about
two years ago. It happened on a very ordinary Thursday afternoon. I was sitting
in a coffee shop, trying to finish an assignment for an online course, when my
phone buzzed with an email notification.
The news
was that I had won a partial scholarship for a professional certification in
digital marketing. I remember reading the sentence twice because it did not
seem real. The scholarship would cover seventy percent of the course fees,
which was significant for me. I had applied nearly four months earlier and had
honestly forgotten about it because I assumed I had not been selected. I found
out simply by reading that email, and for the next five minutes, I just sat
there smiling, rereading every word.
This news
was good for several reasons. At that time, I was working a job that paid
barely enough to cover rent and food. I had wanted to upskill but could not
afford the course. The scholarship changed that overnight. It gave me access to
training that eventually helped me switch to a better career path. But beyond
the practical benefit, the news meant something else: it was validation. I had
doubted whether I was good enough to compete, and that email proved me wrong.
It reminded me that sometimes, even when you stop hoping, good things can still
happen. That unexpected Thursday afternoon turned out to be a turning point in
my professional life. I learned to never underestimate the power of simply
trying, even when the odds seem low.
Question
5: Describe a hobby you enjoy doing in your free time.
Bullet points:
- What the hobby is
- When you started it
- Who you do it with
- And explain why you enjoy it
Answer (280 words):
Thank you,
Sir, for the question. It's interesting to talk about something I truly love
doing in my spare time.
I would
like to talk about journaling. I started this hobby about three years ago,
quite accidentally, during a period when I was feeling overwhelmed by work and
personal responsibilities. A friend suggested I try writing down my thoughts
before bed, just for five minutes. I was skeptical at first, but I gave it a
try.
Initially,
I journaled alone, late at night, using a simple notebook. Over time, my style
evolved. I do not just write about my day anymore; I use prompts, sketch small
doodles, paste tickets or photos, and occasionally write down quotes I find
meaningful. Now, I sometimes journal with a small group of friends during
weekend coffee meetups. We sit quietly for twenty minutes, write, and then
optionally share one insight. It is surprisingly bonding.
I enjoy
this hobby for three main reasons. First, it helps me process emotions. When I
am anxious or angry, putting words on paper untangles the mess in my head.
Second, journaling has improved my memory and self-awareness. Looking back at
old entries, I can see patterns in my behavior—what makes me happy, what
triggers stress—and I can adjust accordingly. Finally, it is a low-pressure
creative outlet. I do not need expensive materials or special skills. Just a
pen and paper, and I feel both productive and calm. In a world that constantly
demands speed and output, journaling is my quiet space to pause, reflect, and
breathe. For anyone feeling scattered, I highly recommend trying it. It costs
nothing but offers tremendous peace of mind.
Part 2 Cue Cards (7 samples)
Question 1:
Describe a gift you gave to someone.
Bullet points:
- Who
you gave it to
- What
the gift was
- Why
you chose that gift
- And
explain how the person reacted
Answer
(275 words):
Thank you, Sir, for the question. It's interesting to talk about a
gift I gave to someone special.
I would like to talk about a gift I gave to my mother on her
fiftieth birthday, which was about two years ago. The gift was a hand-knitted
woolen scarf in her favorite color—deep maroon. I chose this gift because my
mother had mentioned a few months earlier that she missed the scarves her own
mother used to knit for her when she was young. Unfortunately, my grandmother
passed away years ago, and my mother never found a similar scarf in stores.
Since I did not know how to knit at that time, I secretly took a
short online course and practiced for nearly three weeks. Many evenings, I sat
in my room making mistakes, unravelling rows, and starting over. Finally, I
managed to complete a simple but neat scarf. I wrapped it in plain brown paper
and wrote a small note inside.
On her birthday, when my mother
opened the gift, she was completely silent for a few seconds. Then her eyes
filled with tears, and she hugged me tightly without saying a word. Later, she
told me it was the most thoughtful gift she had ever received because it was
not about money but about memory and effort. Seeing her wear that scarf every
cold morning since then has been my greatest reward. That experience taught me
that the best gifts do not come from shops—they come from paying attention to
what people truly miss or love.
Part
3 Questions
Q: What kinds of gifts do people in your country usually give?
In Nepal, people commonly give
sweets, fruits, clothes, or religious items during festivals. For birthdays,
younger people often give books, gadgets, or accessories. The choice depends on
the relationship and occasion. Practical gifts like warm clothing during winter
are also very popular among family members.
Q: Is it better to give money or physical gifts?
It depends. Money is practical and
allows the receiver to buy what they truly need. However, physical gifts show
thoughtfulness and effort. For close relationships, a well-chosen physical gift
often feels more personal. For distant relatives or formal occasions, money is
perfectly acceptable and often preferred.
Question
2: Describe a movie or TV show you recently enjoyed.
Bullet points:
- What it was
- When you watched it
- What it was about
- And explain why you enjoyed it
Answer
(268 words):
Thank you, Sir, for the question.
It's interesting to talk about a show that left a strong impression on me.
I recently enjoyed a Korean drama
called "Move to Heaven," which I watched about two months ago during
a weekend when I was feeling unwell. The series has only ten episodes, so I
finished it in three days. The story follows a young man with Asperger's
syndrome who works as a trauma cleaner—he and his uncle clean the homes of
deceased people and carefully arrange their remaining belongings for family
members.
What made this show so enjoyable
was not action or romance but its deep emotional honesty. Each episode told the
story of a different person who had passed away, revealing their unspoken
struggles, regrets, or love for their family. One episode featured a lonely
elderly man, and another showed a young couple. I found myself crying in almost
every episode, not from sadness but from a strange sense of understanding.
I enjoyed it because it made me
reflect on how little we know about the inner lives of people around us. The
show also portrayed autism with respect and accuracy, without exaggeration.
After finishing it, I called my parents just to say I loved them—something I
rarely do. A good show, I believe, is one that changes how you behave
afterwards. "Move to Heaven" did exactly that for me.
Part
3 Questions
Q: Do you think watching movies is a good way to relax?
Absolutely. Movies provide an
escape from daily stress and transport you into different stories or worlds.
Laughter, suspense, or even sadness in a film can be cathartic. However,
choosing the right genre matters—action films might energize you, while
comedies or nature documentaries are better for true relaxation.
Q: Are foreign films popular in your country?
Yes, especially Hollywood and
Korean films and dramas. Many young people watch them with subtitles. Bollywood
movies from India have also been popular for decades because of cultural
similarities. Foreign films offer different storytelling styles and
cinematography, which many Nepali viewers find refreshing compared to local
productions.
Question
3: Describe a skill you want to learn in the future.
Bullet points:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how it might help you
Answer
(282 words):
Thank you, Sir, for the question.
It's interesting to talk about a skill I have been dreaming of acquiring.
The skill I want to learn in the
near future is playing the acoustic guitar. I have no musical background
whatsoever, but this desire started about six months ago when I attended a
small gathering at a friend's house. Someone picked up a guitar and played a
simple melody, and within seconds, the entire atmosphere changed. People
stopped looking at their phones and started singing along. I felt something
shift inside me.
I want to learn guitar not to perform
on stage but to have a personal outlet for emotions. When I feel stressed or
happy or sad, words often fail me. Music seems like a language that works when
words do not. My plan is to start with basic online tutorials—YouTube has
thousands of free lessons for absolute beginners. After a month of
self-learning, I intend to join a short weekend course at a local music school
near my home. I have already saved some money for ten private lessons.
Learning guitar might help me in
several ways. First, it would give me a healthy hobby away from screens.
Second, playing an instrument trains patience and discipline because progress
is slow. Finally, it could help me connect with people. Music brings strangers
together easily. I am not trying to become a professional musician. I just want
to reach a level where I can play a few songs comfortably around a campfire or
for myself on a quiet evening.
Part
3 Questions
Q: What skills are most important for young people to learn today?
Digital literacy, critical
thinking, and emotional intelligence are crucial. Young people must identify
fake news online, manage screen time, and communicate effectively. Basic
financial management is equally important—saving, budgeting, and avoiding debt.
Practical skills like cooking or first aid also build independence and
confidence in daily life.
Q: Is it better to learn a skill from a teacher or online?
Both have advantages. Teachers
provide personalized feedback, motivation, and correction of bad habits. Online
learning offers flexibility, lower cost, and a huge variety of resources. For
technical skills like coding, online works well. For physical skills like
guitar or swimming, a teacher is more effective, at least initially.
Question
4: Describe a time you helped someone.
Bullet points:
- When it happened
- Who you helped
- How you helped them
- And explain how you felt afterwards
Answer
(278 words):
Thank you, Sir, for the question.
It's interesting to talk about a small act that meant a lot to someone.
I would like to talk about a time
I helped a elderly neighbor of mine. This happened about eight months ago
during the monsoon season. One evening, heavy rain started suddenly, and I
noticed from my window that our seventy-year-old neighbor, Mrs. Gurung, was
struggling to bring her laundry inside. She walks with a cane, and the
clothesline was in an open area that had become slippery within minutes.
Without thinking much, I ran
outside with an umbrella and helped her gather everything quickly. Then I
carried the heavy basket of wet clothes to her veranda. She was shivering
slightly, so I also made her a cup of hot tea before returning home. The entire
thing took maybe twenty minutes.
Afterwards, I felt surprisingly
emotional. I had not done anything extraordinary—just a neighborly act. But
Mrs. Gurung held my hand and said, "You reminded me that I am not
alone." That sentence stayed with me. We live in a busy city where people
barely know their neighbors' names. That day, I realized how many elderly
people live in quiet loneliness, waiting for someone to notice them. Helping
her gave me a sense of purpose that no achievement ever has. Since then, I make
a point to check on her once a week—buying groceries, fixing her phone, or just
sitting for a few minutes. Small kindnesses, I have learned, are not small at
all.
Part
3 Questions
Q: Do you think people in cities help each other less than people
in villages?
Generally, yes. In villages,
people share resources and know each other personally. Cities offer anonymity,
which reduces social pressure to help. However, city residents often help
through organized volunteering rather than spontaneous acts. Neither is
better—just different social structures shaped by population density and
lifestyle.
Q: Should children be taught to help others from a young age?
Absolutely. Helping others builds
empathy, reduces selfishness, and creates responsible citizens. Simple acts
like sharing toys or helping a parent set the table teach children that their
actions affect others. Schools should also include community service projects
because kindness is a habit that needs early practice.
Question
5: Describe a book that influenced you.
Bullet points:
- What the book was
- When you read it
- What it was about
- And explain how it influenced you
Answer
(274 words):
Thank you, Sir, for the question.
It's interesting to talk about a book that changed my perspective.
The book that influenced me deeply
is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. I read it three years ago when I
was feeling lost about my career direction. At that time, I was studying
something my parents wanted me to study, not something I loved. The book is
quite thin, but I read it slowly over a week because every few pages made me
stop and think.
The story follows a young shepherd
named Santiago who travels from Spain to the Egyptian desert searching for
treasure near the pyramids. Along the way, he meets a king, a crystal merchant,
an Englishman, and finally an alchemist. The central message is that when you
truly want something, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it—but
you must learn to read the signs and not give up.
This book influenced me in two
significant ways. First, it gave me courage to change my academic path. Within
two months of finishing the book, I switched from studying accounting to
communication, despite my family's concerns. Second, it taught me that the
journey matters more than the destination. Santiago finds his treasure not at
the pyramids but back where he started—because he had the courage to leave. I
learned that pursuing what feels right, even without guarantees, is never a
waste. Today, whenever I face doubt, I remember that fear of failure is the
only real obstacle. A book that makes you take action in real life is a
powerful book.
Part
3 Questions
Q: Do people read fewer books now than in the past?
Yes, attention spans have
shortened due to social media and video content. However, audiobooks and
e-books have made reading more accessible. Many young people still read, but
they prefer shorter formats or genre fiction. Serious reading of long novels or
non-fiction has definitely declined among casual readers.
Q: Can reading fiction be as useful as reading non-fiction?
Absolutely. Fiction builds empathy
by allowing readers to experience different lives and emotions. It also
improves language skills and creativity. Non-fiction provides facts and
practical knowledge. Both are useful—fiction teaches emotional intelligence,
while non-fiction teaches technical understanding. A balanced reader benefits
from both genres.
Question
6: Describe an important decision you made.
Bullet points:
- What the decision was
- When you made it
- Why it was important
- And explain the result
Answer
(270 words):
Thank you, Sir, for the question.
It's interesting to talk about a decision that shaped my recent years.
I would like to talk about the
decision to move from my hometown to Kathmandu for higher studies. I made this
decision about four years ago, immediately after finishing high school. At that
time, I lived in a small town called Butwal with my parents. The local colleges
offered limited options, mainly focused on traditional subjects like commerce
or humanities.
The decision was important because
it meant leaving my family, my friends, and everything familiar. I was nineteen
years old and had never lived alone. My mother was very worried, and my father
remained silent for days. However, I had received admission to a media studies
program in Kathmandu that was not available anywhere near my hometown. I knew
that staying back would be comfortable but limiting.
After weeks of discussion, I
decided to go. The first six months were difficult—I felt lonely, cooked
terrible food, and missed home terribly. But slowly, I adapted. I made new
friends, discovered my passion for documentary filmmaking, and completed
internships that would have been impossible in Butwal. Now, four years later, I
have a job I genuinely enjoy and skills I never would have developed otherwise.
The result has been overwhelmingly positive. Looking back, I realize that the
hardest decisions often lead to the best outcomes. Moving away taught me
independence, resilience, and the courage to choose growth over comfort. It was
scary, but it was absolutely worth it.
Part
3 Questions
Q: Should parents make important decisions for their children?
For young children, yes, because
they lack experience and judgment. For teenagers, parents should guide rather
than dictate. As children approach adulthood, they should gradually take
responsibility for their own decisions. Overprotective parenting can delay
maturity and create dependency that harms children in the long run.
Q: Is it better to make decisions quickly or after careful
thought?
It depends on the situation. Small
daily decisions can be quick. Major life decisions—career, marriage,
education—require careful thought, research, and sometimes consultation with
trusted people. However, overthinking can also be paralyzing. A balanced
approach is best: gather necessary information, set a deadline, then decide
without endless rumination.
Question
7: Describe a memorable journey you took.
Bullet points:
- Where you went
- Who you went with
- What happened during the journey
- And explain why it was memorable
Answer
(285 words):
Thank you, Sir, for the question.
It's interesting to talk about a journey that still makes me smile.
I would like to talk about a bus
journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara that I took about two years ago with three of
my college friends. We had planned a weekend trip, but the journey itself
became more memorable than the destination. Normally, this route takes about
six to seven hours, but ours took nearly eleven hours because of heavy rain and
a landslide that blocked the road.
We started early in the morning,
excited and carrying too many snacks. Around midday, the bus stopped completely
about halfway through the trip. There was no information about when the road
would clear. Instead of getting frustrated, my friends and I got off the bus,
found a small tea shop by the river, and spent four hours talking, playing
cards, and watching the rain. The bus driver eventually found an alternate
narrow road, and we continued.
The journey became memorable
because of what happened next. Our bus could not climb a steep muddy hill, so
all passengers had to get out and push—including an elderly monk and a woman
with a baby. Everyone laughed while getting covered in mud. We reached Pokhara
at midnight, exhausted and dirty, but strangely happy. That journey taught me
that travel is not about reaching on time; it is about the unexpected
moments—the tea shop conversations, the shared pushing of a bus, the laughter
in difficulty. Whenever I feel stressed about plans going wrong, I remember
that journey and remind myself that detours often create the best memories.
Part
3 Questions
Q: Why do people enjoy traveling?
Travel breaks routine, exposes
people to new cultures, and creates lasting memories. It also reduces stress
and increases creativity. For many, traveling provides a sense of freedom and
self-discovery. Even short trips refresh the mind and offer perspective on
one's own life and problems back home.
Q: Is it better to travel alone or in a group?
Both
have benefits. Solo travel offers complete freedom, self-reliance, and deeper
reflection. Group travel provides safety, shared costs, and companionship. For
inexperienced travelers, groups are better. For those seeking personal growth
or flexibility, solo is excellent. The best choice depends entirely on
personality and the purpose of the trip.
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