Part 2 is the individual long turn. You receive a cue card, have one minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes. Fluency under light pressure is what examiners assess here.
The 1-minute preparation framework
Divide your notepad into four boxes and label them:
- What — main topic or object
- When / Where — time and place
- Who / How — people involved, how it happened
- Why — feelings, reasons, significance
Write only keywords, not full sentences. This mirrors the bullet points on most cue cards.
How to structure your 2-minute answer
- Opening (15 sec): Directly state what you will describe.
- Body (90 sec): Cover each bullet on the card with one detail each.
- Closing (15 sec): Summarise why the topic matters to you.
Fluency tip: If you run out of ideas, describe sensory details — what you saw, heard, or felt. This keeps speech flowing without long pauses.
Common mistakes
- Finishing in under 60 seconds (examiners may prompt you to continue)
- Reading notes word-for-word instead of speaking naturally
- Ignoring one bullet point on the card
- Using only simple vocabulary when you know stronger alternatives
Practice at NGA
Use our AI Speaking Examiner and Speaking mock tests to record answers and get feedback on fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.