IELTS Speaking Topics: Practice Questions to Boost Your Score

IELTS Speaking: A Complete Guide 

The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial part of the overall IELTS exam. While Part 1 involves short, general questions about familiar topics, Part 2 takes the difficulty to a new level. Candidates are given a cue card and must speak continuously for 1–2 minutes on a specific topic. For many, this is the most intimidating section of the test. However, with the right strategies and understanding, candidates can learn to handle it confidently.

In this guide, we’ll explore IELTS Speaking Part 2 in depth, breaking it into several key topic types. This first part focuses on the overall structure of Part 2 and explains how to approach questions about events or experiences from the past, one of the most common cue card categories.

What to Expect in IELTS Speaking 

The second part of the speaking test follows a structured format:

• The examiner gives you a cue card with a topic and prompts. 
• You have one minute to prepare your response. 
• You are provided with paper and a pencil to make notes. 
• You must speak for 1 to 2 minutes on the topic. 
• The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions when you finish. 

The cue card usually contains a main question and three or four bullet points to guide your answer. These bullet points serve as a structure, but you are not graded on how well you follow them. Instead, your speaking is assessed based on fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

Why It Feels So Challenging

Unlike Part 1, where questions are brief and responses are short, Part 2 asks you to sustain a monologue. You cannot rely on the examiner’s questions to keep the conversation going. You must organize your ideas, think of relevant vocabulary, and speak naturally for up to two minutes.

What makes it especially difficult is the unpredictability of the topics. There are hundreds of possible cue cards, and you do not know which one you will get until you are in the test room. Additionally, many candidates struggle with time management—either running out of things to say too soon or speaking without clear organization.

How Cue Cards Work

The cue card you receive contains a topic and three to four sub-questions. For example:

Describe a journey you took that was memorable. You should say:

• Where you went 
• Who did you go with 
• What did you do there? 
• And explain why it was memorable. 

You must structure your answer so that it flows naturally. You can use the bullet points as a rough guide, but don’t treat them as a checklist. The examiner cares more about the language you use than the specific content of your answer.

Cue Card Type: Events or Experiences in the Past

One of the most frequent themes in IELTS Speaking Part 2 is past events. These questions ask you to recall and describe a specific moment or experience from your life. They are narrative, meaning your answer should resemble a short story.

Common Topics for Past Event Cue Cards

Here are examples of cue cards that focus on events or experiences in the past:

• Describe a happy memory from your childhood. 
• Describe a journey that you enjoyed. 
• Describe an event that changed your life. 
• Describe a special meal you had. 
• Describe an exciting experience you’ve had. 
• Describe a time when you were very proud. 
• Describe a festival or celebration you attended. 
• Describe a time when you helped someone. 
• Describe a goal you achieved. 
• Describe a decision you made that turned out well. 

Each of these requires you to speak about something that has already happened. You need to explain what occurred, describe the setting, and share your thoughts and feelings.

Key Grammar: Use of Narrative Tenses

When speaking about past events, grammar accuracy is critical. One of the most common mistakes is using present tenses instead of past. Since the event occurred in the past, you need to use narrative tenses such as:

• Past Simple: for main actions
  I visited my grandparents last summer. 
• Past Continuous: for setting the scene or describing ongoing actions
  While we were eating dinner, it suddenly started to rain. 
• Past Perfect: to describe actions completed before another past action
  I had never seen snow before that trip. 

Use these tenses naturally in your storytelling. Changing tenses incorrectly can confuse the listener and reduce your grammar score.

How to Organize Your Response

To speak confidently and clearly, it helps to follow a structure. Below is a suggested outline for answering a past event cue card:

1. Introduction: Rephrase the topic.
   I’d like to talk about a journey I took last winter. 
2. Context/Background: When and where did it happen? Who was involved?
   It was during the school holidays, and I traveled with two friends. 
3. Main Event: What happened? What did you do?
   We went hiking in the mountains and stayed in a small cabin. 
4. Details and Feelings: How did you feel? What made it special?
   The scenery was beautiful, and I felt very relaxed and free. 
5. Conclusion: Why do you still remember it?
   It was one of the best experiences I’ve had and made me appreciate nature. 

This structure will help you speak clearly and stay within the time limit. You don’t need to memorize a script, but having a mental map can improve fluency.

Providing Context and Personal Connection

The examiner doesn’t know anything about your life. This means your story needs context to make sense. Providing background information and explaining your connection to the event helps the examiner follow your ideas and understand why the event was important to you.

Rather than saying:

I went on a trip. It was fun.

You could say:

Two years ago, during the winter break, I decided to go on a road trip with three of my university friends. We had all finished our final exams and needed a break from studying. We chose to explore a national park that was a few hours away from our city.

Giving specific details makes your answer more engaging and shows off your vocabulary and fluency.

Time Management Tips

You are expected to speak for 1–2 minutes, but many candidates struggle with the timing. Speaking for too short a time suggests poor fluency or a lack of ideas, while talking far beyond two minutes may lead to being interrupted.

Here are strategies to help you stay on track:

• Use all your preparation time. Take the one-minute prep period seriously. Write down keywords—not full sentences—to guide your answer. 
• Speak slowly and clearly. Don’t rush through your story. A well-paced answer is easier to understand and gives you time to think. 
• Add extra details. If you think you’re finishing early, add a few more personal observations or describe how you felt. 
• Practice with a timer. Get used to speaking for two minutes during your practice sessions. 

Extending Your Answer

If you feel you are about to finish your answer too quickly, you can extend it by:

• Describing what happened before or after the main event. 
• Adding a reflection or comparison with another similar experience. 
• Mention what you learned from the event. 
• Speculating on what might have happened if things had gone differently. 

These strategies help you naturally reach the two-minute mark without sounding repetitive.

Sample Language and Phrases

Here are some useful sentence starters and phrases for past event cue cards:

• I remember this event clearly because… 
• At the time, I felt… 
• One of the most unforgettable parts was… 
• What surprised me the most was… 
• Looking back, I think it was a turning point because… 
• It started when… 
• After that, we… 

Using a range of expressions helps make your answer sound more fluent and natural.

Practice Technique

To get comfortable with this type of cue card, follow this regular practice routine:

1. Choose a sample cue card. 
2. Set a timer for 1 minute and plan your answer using keywords. 
3. Record yourself speaking for 2 minutes. 
4. Listen to the recording. Note grammar mistakes, hesitations, or unclear points. 
5. Try again with improvements. 

Over time, this will help you develop fluency, improve time control, and become more confident in expressing your ideas.

IELTS Speaking: A Complete Guide

We looked at the structure of IELTS Speaking and how to answer cue cards focused on past events. Now, in Part 2 of this guide, we will focus on a different kind of task: habits or habitual actions. Although these may seem easier at first glance, they come with their own set of challenges, especially in grammar and content development.

Let’s explore how to approach this cue card type, what language you should use, and what techniques can help you speak more fluently and confidently during the test.

Cue Card Type: Habit or Habits

Cue cards that ask about habits focus on repeated actions—things you do regularly in your daily or weekly routine. These may relate to your personal life, hobbies, health, learning, or relaxation.

These questions appear simple because they ask about familiar routines. However, many candidates struggle to speak for two full minutes about something they do often. The key challenge is to develop and expand your ideas while using appropriate tenses and expressions.

Common Habit-Related Cue Cards

Here are some typical IELTS Speaking Part 2 prompts that fall into this category:

• Describe something healthy you enjoy doing. 
• Describe a sport or game you enjoy playing. 
• Describe something you do that helps you relax. 
• Describe something you do to help you study or work. 
• Describe an activity you enjoy doing on weekends. 
• Describe your favourite way of travel. 
• Describe something you usually do at the beginning of the day. 

Each of these requires you to talk about a routine or repeated action. That means your grammar, vocabulary, and ability to describe ongoing habits will all be evaluated.

Grammar Focus: Present Simple and Beyond

The primary tense used for habits is the Present Simple. This tense is used to describe routines, repeated actions, and general truths.

For example:

• I go jogging every morning before work. 
• She listens to classical music to help her concentrate. 
• We usually meet at the same café on Sundays. 

However, that’s not the only tense you might use. Depending on the context, you may also need to include:

• Present Continuous: To describe current habits that are temporary or in progress
  I’m trying to go to the gym more regularly these days. 
• Present Perfect: To describe how long you’ve had a habit..
  I’ve been doing yoga for the past five years. 
• Past Simple: To describe how or when a habit started
  I first tried meditation during university. 

The key is to use a range of tenses appropriately. Many candidates overuse the Present Continuous when the Present Simple would be more accurate, or they forget to show how the habit has evolved.

Organizing Your Response

Just like in past event cue cards, your answer should be well-structured and logical. Here’s a suggested format for habit-based tasks:

1. Introduction: Mention the habit and rephrase the question.
   I’d like to talk about a habit that helps me stay relaxed—taking long walks in the evening. 
2. Description of the Habit: What is it? How often do you do it?
   I go for a walk almost every day after dinner. I usually walk in the park near my house. 
3. How You Got Started: What inspired you to begin this habit?
   I started doing this about a year ago, when I was feeling overwhelmed with work and needed a break from my computer screen. 
4. Benefits and Effects: Why do you continue doing it? How does it help you?
   It helps clear my mind and improves my sleep. I also enjoy the fresh air and the peaceful atmosphere. 
5. Conclusion or Variation: Has the habit changed over time? Would you recommend it to others?
   Now, I sometimes listen to podcasts while walking. I’d recommend this habit to anyone who feels stressed or tired after work. 

This structure allows you to move naturally from one idea to another while giving the examiner a complete view of your language skills.

Expanding on Your Ideas

To speak for the full 2 minutes, you need to extend your responses with supporting details. Some ways to do that include:

• Describing your routine: When, where, how long, and with whom. 
• Explaining your motivation: Why do you do it? What are the benefits? 
• Sharing a personal story: How did you start? Did someone introduce you to this habit? 
• Comparing past and present: Has your habit changed over time? 
• Speculating about the future: Will you continue this habit? Would you change anything? 

For example:

I started jogging during the pandemic. At first, it was difficult because I wasn’t used to physical activity. But over time, I got into the rhythm, and now it’s one of the most important parts of my day. I usually go early in the morning when the streets are quiet, and I listen to music while I run. It helps me feel more focused during the day, and I’ve also lost some weight, which is a nice bonus.

This response contains background information, personal motivation, a timeline, and benefits—all useful for creating a fluent and complete answer.

Useful Language and Phrases

Here are some helpful phrases you can use when talking about habits:

• I usually… / I often… / I tend to… 
• Every day/week/month, I… 
• One of my regular habits is… 
• I’ve been doing this for… 
• I started this habit when… 
• It’s something I look forward to every day. 
• It helps me to… / It allows me to… 
• It has become part of my routine. 

Try to vary your vocabulary. Instead of saying “I like” multiple times, use expressions such as:

• I enjoy… 
• I’m really into… 
• I find it refreshing/relaxing/stimulating… 
• It gives me a sense of peace/accomplishment/satisfaction. 

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Overusing the Present Continuous

A frequent error is using the Present Continuous for habitual actions:

Incorrect: I’m going to the gym every day.
Correct: I go to the gym every day.

Use the Present Continuous only for temporary habits or those that are happening around now:

Correct: These days, I’m going to the gym more often.

2. Not Providing Enough Detail

Some candidates list a habit but fail to explain it fully:

Weak: I like to read. I read every day. It’s good.

Stronger: Reading is one of my daily habits. I usually read for 30 minutes before going to bed. I started this a few years ago because I wanted to reduce screen time at night. It helps me relax and sleep better.

3. Repeating Simple Language

Avoid repeating the same verbs or expressions. Practice using synonyms and related vocabulary to express similar ideas with more variety.

Instead of:
I play football. I like playing football. Football is fun.

Try:
Football is a big part of my life. I enjoy it not just for the game but also for the teamwork. It’s exciting, and it keeps me physically fit.

Practice Tips for Habit Cue Cards

Here are some practical steps you can follow while preparing for this cue card type:

1. Write a list of your real habits—both big and small. Think of habits related to health, study, hobbies, travel, and social life. 
2. Practice speaking about each one for two minutes using a timer. 
3. Record and review your speech. Pay attention to grammar accuracy and vocabulary. 
4. Try different angles—talk about how a habit started, what it helps you achieve, and how others react to it. 
5. Expand your vocabulary by reading about lifestyle, routines, and wellness topics in English. 

This kind of preparation helps you speak more naturally and handle unexpected topics on test day.

IELTS Speaking: A Complete Guide 

In this guide, we discussed how to handle cue cards about past events and habits. Now, in Part 3, we turn to a different and more personal category: describing people.

Whether you’re asked to describe a friend, a family member, or a public figure, this type of cue card requires you to combine character description, storytelling, and emotional connection. It also tests your ability to use adjectives, examples, and personal anecdotes effectively.

Cue Card Type: Describing a Person

When you are asked to talk about a person, the examiner expects a response that does more than list adjectives. A strong answer should bring the person to life by including who they are, what they do, what kind of relationship you have with them, and why they stand out in your memory.

These topics are not only about describing physical appearance or personality but also about illustrating how this person is important to you or has influenced you in some way.

Common IELTS Cue Cards About People

Here are some examples of typical cue card prompts that fall into this category:

• Describe a friend that you enjoy spending time with. 
• Describe someone in your family you admire. 
• Describe a person who has encouraged you recently. 
• Describe a teacher who influenced you. 
• Describe a famous person you would like to meet. 
• Describe a person who started a business. 
• Describe a child that you know well. 
• Describe someone good at their job. 
• Describe a person who helped you in a difficult situation. 
• Describe an elderly person you enjoy talking to. 

These cue cards might seem easy at first because the topic is personal. But many candidates struggle to speak for two full minutes because they focus only on physical traits or vague descriptions. To succeed, you need to go deeper.

Grammar for Describing People

When you describe a person, the Present Simple is usually the most appropriate tense, especially if you’re talking about someone you know well or still have contact with. However, you may also need:

• Past Simple: To describe actions or events in the past
  She helped me a lot during my final year at school. 
• Present Perfect: To explain a relationship over time.
  I’ve known him for almost ten years. 
• Would/Used to: To describe past habits or actions
  He would always help me with my homework when I was a child. 

Using a mix of tenses appropriately can show your grammatical range and help you create a more interesting, realistic picture of the person.

Structuring Your Answer

To give a clear and complete answer when describing a person, follow a structured approach. Here’s a suggested format:

1. Introduction: Who is the person? What is your relationship with them?
   I’d like to talk about my best friend, whom I’ve known since childhood. 
2. Appearance and Personality: What do they look like? What kind of person are they?
   He’s tall and always wears casual clothes. He’s a very calm and thoughtful person. 
3. Examples and Stories: Give one or two examples that illustrate their personality.
   One time, I was stressed about my exams, and he stayed up late helping me revise. That kind of support means a lot to me. 
4. Why They Are Special: Explain why you chose to talk about this person.
   He’s not just a friend, he’s like a brother to me. I admire how loyal and generous he is. 
5. Conclusion or Reflection: Has this person influenced you? What have you learned from them?
   Knowing him has taught me the importance of patience and honesty. I feel lucky to have him in my life. 

This structure ensures your response flows logically and includes a wide range of language.

Avoid Listing Adjectives Without Support

One common mistake is simply listing adjectives without offering examples. This makes your answer sound flat and superficial.

For example:

My teacher is kind, smart, friendly, patient, and helpful.

This may be true, but it doesn’t show your fluency or depth of thought. A better approach is to choose a few key traits and support each with a real-life example.

Instead:

My teacher is very patient. I remember once I couldn’t understand a math concept, and instead of getting frustrated, she explained it three different ways until I finally understood. That showed me how dedicated she is.

This way, your answer is more personal, specific, and effective.

Vocabulary for Describing People

Here is a selection of useful vocabulary, grouped by category, that you can use to describe people:

Physical Appearance

• Tall, short, average height 
• Slim, athletic, heavy-set 
• Wears glasses, has curly hair, is bald, and well-dressed 
• In his/her 20s, middle-aged, elderly 

Personality Traits (Positive)

• Honest, generous, kind, hardworking 
• Ambitious, creative, intelligent, responsible 
• Outgoing, cheerful, reliable, supportive 

Personality Traits (Negative or Neutral)

• Shy, quiet, reserved, stubborn 
• Moody, impatient, forgetful, sensitive 

Relationship Words

• Childhood friend, colleague, neighbour, mentor 
• Parent, sibling, grandparent, cousin 
• Classmate, teammate, roommate 

Descriptive Phrases

• We’ve been friends for years. 
• He always makes people feel comfortable. 
• She’s the kind of person who listens more than she talks. 
• He has a great sense of humour. 
• What I admire most about her is her determination. 

Use these phrases in full sentences, and always illustrate your points with real-life examples.

Adding Depth: Focus on Impact and Influence

The best answers go beyond surface-level description. They show how the person has made a difference in your life.

Ask yourself:

• How has this person influenced your values or goals? 
• What have you learned from them? 
• What emotions do you associate with them? 
• Why do you remember them so clearly? 

For example:

My grandfather is one of the most influential people in my life. He grew up during a time when things were very difficult, and he worked hard to build a better future for his family. Listening to his stories taught me to be grateful for what I have and to never take anything for granted.

This kind of detail creates a strong emotional connection and gives your answer meaning.

Sample Answer Outline

Let’s take the cue card: Describe someone in your family you admire.

You might respond like this:

• I’d like to talk about my older sister. She’s six years older than I and has always been a role model for me. 
• She’s very independent and ambitious. After graduating from university, she moved to another city to start her own business. 
• What I admire most is her determination. Even when she faced problems, like losing clients or dealing with competition, she never gave up. 
• Last year, she even helped me prepare for my university entrance exams. She made a study plan for me and kept me motivated. 
• I’ve learned a lot from her about hard work and staying positive. She’s one of the people who inspires me the most. 

This outline includes background, character traits, personal stories, and emotional reflection.

Tips for Practicing People: Cue Cards

1. Make a list of people you could describe: family members, friends, teachers, coworkers, or even celebrities. 
2. Write down 3–4 personality traits for each person and examples to support them. 
3. Practice speaking aloud using a timer. Try to reach two minutes. 
4. Record and listen to check your fluency, grammar, and vocabulary. 
5. Practice comparisons: describe how the person has changed over time or how they differ from others. 

Describing people in depth takes more than just grammar and vocabulary. It requires thought, personal reflection, and the ability to organize your ideay.

IELTS Speaking: A Complete Guide

In the previous parts of this guide, we looked at how to handle cue cards related to events, habits, and people. In this final section, we turn our attention to two frequently tested and sometimes more abstract categories: objects and places.

Unlike talking about people or personal experiences, describing a thing or a location often requires a more creative approach and a wider vocabulary. Many candidates feel unsure about how to make these topics engaging or how to organize their thoughts. With clear strategy and vocabulary support, however, these cue cards can become some of the easiest to master.

Cue Card Type: Describing an Object

Describing a thing may sound simple, but it often proves more difficult than expected. This is because many candidates only mention physical features and run out of ideas quickly. To succeed, you need to personalize your description and explain the meaning of the object in your life.

Common IELTS Cue Cards About Objects

• Describe a gift that you received. 
• Describe something you own that is very important to you. 
• Describe a piece of technology you use every day. 
• Describe a souvenir you brought from a trip. 
• Describe an item you lost and later found. 
• Describe a photo that is meaningful to you. 
• Describe a present you gave to someone. 
• Describe something you always carry with you. 
• Describe something you bought but haven’t used much. 
• Describe an object that you’d like to replace. 

Grammar and Language Use

When describing an object, you usually talk about something you still have, so the Present Simple is often appropriate. However, you may need other tenses as well:

• Past Simple: for when and how you got the object
  I bought it last year during a holiday trip. 
• Present Perfect: for how long you’ve had it.
  I’ve had it for almost five years. 
• Modals: for value and meaning
  I couldn’t live without it. It might not seem special, but to me it’s priceless. 

Use a variety of structures to show your language range.

Organizing Your Response

A strong answer should go beyond a basic description. Follow this structure to help guide your speech:

1. Introduction: What is the object?
   I’d like to describe a wristwatch that my grandfather gave me. 
2. Background: When and how did you get it?
   He gave it to me on my 18th birthday, and it used to belong to him. 
3. Physical Description: What does it look like?
   It’s a classic silver watch with a leather strap and an old-style face. 
4. Function: What do you use it for?
   I don’t wear it daily, but I take it out on special occasions. 
5. Meaning: Why is it important to you?
   It reminds me of him and his values. It’s a family heirloom, and I hope to pass it on someday. 

This format helps you speak clearly, with emotional depth and detail.

Useful Vocabulary

Physical Description

• Made of (metal/wood/plastic/leather) 
• Small/medium-sized/bulky/lightweight 
• Worn out/brand new 
• Handmade/mass-produced 
• Portable/fragile/durable 

Functional Description

• I use it to… 
• It helps me with… 
• It serves as… 
• It’s designed for… 

Emotional/Personal Connection

• It has sentimental value. 
• It means a lot to me because… 
• It reminds me of someone/somewhere. 
• I couldn’t imagine my life without it. 

Expanding the Topic

If you run out of ideas, try one or more of these:

• Talk about where you keep the object. 
• Describe how others react to it. 
• Mention how it has changed over time. 
• Compare it with a similar object. 

These techniques give you more material and show your ability to communicate fully.

Cue Card Type: Describing a Place

Describing a place requires attention to setting, atmosphere, and personal experience. Whether you are asked about a place you visited, a location you love, or a future destination, you need to combine descriptive language with emotional connection.

Common IELTS Cue Cards About Places

• Describe a place you would love to visit. 
• Describe a historic place you’ve been to. 
• Describe your ideal house or apartment. 
• Describe your favourite shop or restaurant. 
• Describe a city you visited and liked. 
• Describe a quiet place you go to relax. 
• Describe a place of entertainment in your area. 
• Describe a school you attended. 

These topics test your ability to describe a setting and explain why it matters to you.

Grammar and Language Use

Your choice of tense depends on the task:

• Past Simple: if you describe a place you visited
  Last summer, I went to Kyoto, which is known for its temples. 
• Present Simple: if it’s a place you go regularly
  There’s a small café near my house where I like to study. 
• Future Forms:  If the question is about a place you hope to visit
  I’d love to go to Iceland one day because of the landscapes and quiet atmosphere. 

Use descriptive language to create vivid images and show your vocabulary.

Organizing Your Response

To structure your answer effectively, follow this outline:

1. Introduction: Name and type of place
   I’d like to talk about a peaceful beach I visited last year. 
2. Location: Where is it?
   It’s located in a small coastal town about two hours from the city. 
3. Appearance: What does it look like?
   The beach has soft white sand, clear blue water, and is surrounded by palm trees. 
4. Activities: What did you do or what do you do there?
   I spent the day swimming, reading under the shade, and watching the sunset. 
5. Atmosphere and Feelings: What makes it special?
   What I loved most was the calm and the quiet. It felt like escaping from the world. 
6. Conclusion or Reflection: Would you go again or recommend it?
   I’d visit again. It’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge. 

This structure gives the examiner a clear picture of your experience and language ability.

Useful Vocabulary

Describing Location and Setting

• In the heart of the city/in a remote area 
• Surrounded by (mountains, shops, rivers) 
• Located near/by/on the edge of… 
• A popular destination/tourist spot 

Describing Appearance

• Spacious/cozy/cramped/luxurious 
• Beautifully designed/well-maintained/run-down 
• Stunning/breathtaking/scenic/traditional 
• Clean/quiet/busy/polluted 

Describing Feelings and Atmosphere

• Peaceful/relaxing/lively/bustling 
• It had a welcoming feel. 
• It felt like home. 
• The atmosphere was magical. 

Functional and Emotional Phrases

• I go there to unwind. 
• It holds many memories. 
• I always feel at peace there. 
• I associate it with childhood. 

Expanding the Topic

To speak for a full two minutes, you can add:

• A story about your visit there 
• Why did you choose to talk about this place?? 
• How does it compares to other places 
• What makes it different or special 
• Plans to return or live there in the future 

These details bring depth and keep your speech flowing naturally.

Final Thoughts 

Cue cards about objects and places might feel less personal than those about people or habits, but that doesn’t mean your answer should be dry or superficial. The key to doing well is to personalize your response, use a wide range of descriptive vocabulary, and develop your answer fully by exploring details, background, and emotional meaning.

As with all cue card types, regular practice is essential. Record your responses, expand your vocabulary, and train yourself to think in a structured, expressive way.

In summary, here’s what to remember about IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card types:

• Past Events: Focus on narrative structure and appropriate past tenses. 
• Habits: Use present simple and discuss routines with detail and variety. 
• People: Avoid listing adjectives—support traits with personal stories. 
• Objects and Places: Use vivid description and explain their meaning to you. 

With preparation, planning, and practice, you can handle any topic the examiner gives you and speak with clarity, fluency, and confidence.