IELTS Speaking Cue Cards About Experiences and Memories
Quick answer
Experiences & memories cue cards ask you to speak for one to two minutes about experiences & memories. We have 10 free experiences & memories cue cards, each with examiner audio, a one-minute preparation timer and an original Band 8–9 model answer. "Describe a time when…" cards. These reward a proper narrative: set the scene, tell what happened, then reflect on what you took away from it.
Free IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards about experiences and memories — a time you were late, got lost, changed your mind or worked in a team — with model answers.
Updated July 2026
Which experiences & memories cue cards can you practise?
- Describe a happy memory from your childhood.and explain why this memory is so special to you.easyPractise
- Describe a time when you taught something to someone.and explain how you felt about teaching this person.mediumPractise
- Describe a time when you were surprised by something.and explain how you felt about this surprise.mediumPractise
- Describe an important goal that you achieved.and explain how you felt when you achieved this goal.mediumPractise
- Describe a piece of advice you received that was helpful.and explain why this advice was so helpful to you.mediumPractise
- Describe a time when you received some good news.and explain how you felt when you received this news.mediumPractise
- Describe a time when you were very busy.and explain how you felt during this busy period.mediumPractise
- Describe a gift you gave to someone.and explain how the person reacted when they received it.mediumPractise
- Describe an important decision you made that changed your life.and explain how this decision changed your life.hardPractise
- Describe a time when you helped someone.and explain how you felt after helping this person.mediumPractise
Part 1 and Part 3 practice on this topic
How do you structure a Part 2 answer?
One minute to make notes, then one to two minutes of uninterrupted speech: name your choice, work through the bullet points, and save the last 30–45 seconds for the “and explain” line.
Full IELTS Speaking Part 2 guide