IELTS Speaking Part 2: how to use the 1-minute preparation time
Make the most of the one-minute note time before your Part 2 long turn: what to write, what to skip, and how to turn notes into a full two-minute answer.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Use the minute to note one idea per cue-card bullet plus one personal detail—never write full sentences.
Why the minute matters
Part 2 gives you one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. Candidates who plan nothing often stop early or repeat themselves; candidates who try to write full sentences run out of time. The goal is a small set of prompts, not a script.
Related guide: See Part 2 cue card practice
What to write on the note paper
Write one short note for each bullet on the card, plus one specific detail—a name, place, or number—that makes the answer personal and easy to extend.
- One keyword per bullet point.
- One specific detail (who, where, when).
- One feeling or reason for the final bullet.
- No full sentences.
Notes for 'Describe a person who inspired you'
grandma – market stall taught me bargaining – age 8 patient, never angry → inspired: work ethic
Turn notes into two minutes
Speak through the bullets in order, adding a reason or example after each point. If you finish early, return to your specific detail and expand it.
Record a timed Part 2 answer →Put this into practice
Choose a Part 2 question, take one minute of notes, record your long turn, and check the feedback on coverage and fluency.
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Official sources and further reading
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.