Preparing for May or June 2025 IELTS Speaking test? In this article, you will receive the new cue cards, real Band 6, 7, and 8+ sample answers, and expert tips to score higher in band.
What is the IELTS Speaking Cue Card Round?
Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test is also known as the cue card or long turn. A topic will be read to you and you will have 1 minute to prepare. You must then speak for 1–2 minutes. Examiners assess your:
(i) Fluency and Coherence
(ii) Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
(iii) Grammatical Range and Accuracy
(iv) Pronunciation
IELTS Cue Card: “Describe a photo of yourself that you like”
You should answer:
(i) When it was seized
(ii) Who did it
(iii) What you were doing
(iv) And why do you love it
Band 6 Sample Answer:
The photo is from last year. I was with my friends in the park. My friend photographed me while we were playing. I prefer this photo because I was smiling. It was a nice day, and I remember it. The photo is good and I like to see it often.
Why Band 6?
- Simple sentence structures
- Restricted and monotonous vocabulary
- Lacks detail and development
- Some grammatical errors but readable
Band 7 Sample Answer:
This is a picture that was clicked about a year back when I had gone out for a picnic with my friends. My friend clicked the picture when we were playing cricket in the park. I like the picture more because it shows me smiling and having fun, and it brings back memories of that joyful day. The lighting of the picture is also excellent, which makes it all the more special.
Why Band 7?
(i) Good fluency and coherence
(ii) Proper vocabulary
(iii) Some lengthy sentences
(iv) Some grammatical mistakes but otherwise good communication
Band 8+ Sample Answer:
One of my most favorite photos of all time was taken during my final year at university. I was photographed by a professional photographer during my graduation ceremony, when I tossed my cap in the air. The timing is impeccable — you can see pure happiness on my face and pride after all these years of work. I love this photo not only because it is excellent, but because it symbolizes success, transformation, and the closure of a large part of my life.
Why Band 8+?
(i) Very fluent, with natural expression
(ii) Good vocabulary and diction
(iii) Well-written and thought-provoking response
(iv) Almost no grammatical and pronunciation problems
(v) Tips to Improve Your IELTS Speaking Score
(vi) Speak naturally and understandably without rehearsed answers.
(vii) Use a range of vocabulary and grammar, not simple sentences.
(viii) Practice with a timer to get comfortable with 2-minute monologues.
Track and evaluate yourself to signal fluency and coherence. Give depth by offering reasons, examples, and reflections.
By comparing Band 6, 7, and 8+ answers, you can understand better how IELTS speaking scores are achieved and where you need to improve. Practice efficiently with these May–June 2025 cue cards to achieve your target band score.
