Part 2: Challenging Cue Cards
Master complex Part 2 topics with advanced storytelling and vocabulary
Who it's for
Written for B2 (upper-intermediate) students who can discuss most topics and now need precision and range.
IELTS Speaking and Writing preparation, for band 5 and up. More IELTS Test Preparation lesson plans
Skills it practises
- Speaking: discussion questionsevery lesson
- Vocabulary: a target word listevery lesson
- Reading: a text or news storyevery lesson
- Controlled practice: gap-fills, matching, sorting and moreevery lesson
- Role-play: a dialogue to act outevery lesson
Lessons
- Abstract Cue CardsGoal: speak for two full minutes on an abstract cue card - a belief, value or goal - by anchoring the concept in one concrete story.50 minFree
- Storytelling TechniquesGoal: tell a Part 2 story the examiner actually wants to hear - scene-setting, tension, show-don't-tell, direct speech and a reflective ending.50 minOutline
- Comparative Cue CardsGoal: handle 'how has it changed' cue cards - paint the past, describe the change with precise degree language, and end with a judgement.50 minOutline
- Speculative Cue CardsGoal: speak for two minutes about something that hasn't happened yet - a dream, plan or ambition - with confident speculative language instead of empty future tense.50 minOutline
- High-Stakes Cue CardsGoal: handle emotionally heavy cue cards - difficult decisions, failures, setbacks - with authentic, controlled language that shows maturity rather than melodrama.50 minOutline
- Describe a Controversial OpinionGoal: present an opinion many people disagree with - framed diplomatically, argued with reasons, conceding fairly - for two full minutes.57 minOutline
- Describe a Complex ProcessGoal: explain a multi-step process or long project for two minutes without sounding like a list - varied sequencing language plus personal reflection.57 minOutline
- Describe an Abstract ConceptGoal: talk about success, freedom or creativity for two minutes - your own definition, a person who embodies it, and how your understanding has evolved.57 minOutline
How to use it in a lesson
- Lessons run 50 to 57 minutes, with a timing on every stage, so you can see before you start what fits your slot.
- Start with "Abstract Cue Cards": its whole plan is on this site, stage by stage, with the target vocabulary, free to read and to teach from on any video call.
- For a shorter slot, skip a practice stage or cut the discussion short: the stages are a guide, not a script.
Teach Part 2: Challenging Cue Cards with your student
Lesson 1 of this course is free. A free account opens it in the interactive player, and the rest of the course is included with Starter. Teaching it live with your student in the Tuton classroom starts with a 7-day free trial.
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