IELTS lesson · Speaking

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card notesCue cards: jot it, tell it, keep going

Use the minute for keywords, then tell one story until the examiner stops you. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 10 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 10 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026
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What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: jot, timeline, the why and keep going. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 7 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 10 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSSpeaking · Part 2 cue card

    Don't stop at 40 seconds

    the habit that ends the talk early

    You answer each bullet in one line, then stop. But you have up to 2 minutes.

    What the plan was:reading the card a picnic. What went wrong: rain. Then we left. It was fun. So… that's all.stopped early

    Four bullets. A few seconds each. Silence.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 10
  2. IELTSSpeaking · Part 2 cue card

    Story Timeline: four moves

    notes first, then the story

    1. 1JotUse the minute and the paper: 2–3 keywords per bullet.
    2. 2TimelineOne story, in order: first, then, later.
    3. 3The whyAnswer the 'explain' bullet with a feeling or a reason.
    4. 4Keep goingBullets done? Add a detail until the examiner stops you.
    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 10

  3. Card 3 of 10 onwards

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10 cards

Contents

  1. 1Don't stop at 40 secondsthe habit that ends the talk earlyIn the preview
  2. 2Story Timeline: four movesnotes first, then the storyIn the preview
  3. 3The 1-minute notes gridone box per bullet, keywords onlyFree account
  4. 4Move 1: jot beside each bulleta new cue card, invented by BandLadderWith a plan
  5. 5Move 2: tell it in orderthe opening, built from the notesWith a plan
  6. 6Moves 3–4: why, then morelater in the same talkWith a plan
  7. 7Two ways to cut your talk shortwhat to say insteadWith a plan
  8. 8A strong openinganother topic: a skill you taught yourselfWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnsame method, new momentsWith a plan
  10. 10Save thisthe Part 2 checklistWith a plan

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Is the Cue cards: jot it, tell it, keep going lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

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The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

Both versions of the test: it covers what they share and says where they differ.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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