IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a memorable journey you have taken

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a memorable journey you have taken" is a Part 2 cue card in the IELTS Speaking test. You get one minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes. This guide breaks down how to structure your long turn around all four bullet points, the topic vocabulary to reach for, and the Part 3 questions likely to follow.

The cue card

Describe a memorable journey you have taken.

You should say:

where you went
who you went with
what happened on the way
and explain why it was memorable

How to structure your long turn

Spend roughly 20–30 seconds on each prompt. Take the bullets in order — they build a natural narrative — and save the most time for the final 'explain' point.

1
where you went
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
who you went with
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
3
what happened on the way
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain why it was memorable
This is the most important bullet — give reasons and a personal example, and spend the most time here.

Timing & delivery

Part 2 is the long turn: you get 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1–2 minutes.
Use the preparation minute to jot keywords against each bullet, not full sentences.
Cover all four bullet points, spending the most time on the final 'and explain…' prompt.
It's fine to invent details — you're scored on how you speak, not whether the story is true.

Useful vocabulary for this topic

Natural, Band 7+ language for talking about travel and tourism.

off the beaten track: away from popular, crowded tourist spots; “I much prefer holidays that take me off the beaten track.”
a tourist hotspot: a very popular place with visitors; “The old town has become a real tourist hotspot in recent years.”
soak up the atmosphere: fully enjoy the mood of a place; “I love to sit in a little café and soak up the atmosphere.”
a once-in-a-lifetime trip: a rare, unforgettable journey unlikely to be repeated; “Visiting the Himalayas was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me.”
travel on a shoestring: travel on a very small budget; “As a student I travelled on a shoestring right across Europe.”

Rounding-off questions

After your long turn, the examiner may ask a short question or two before moving on to Part 3.

Has the way people travel changed?
Is the journey as important as the destination?

Part 3 questions on travel and tourism

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion of the wider topic. Expect abstract, opinion-based questions such as these.

What do people usually gain from travelling to other countries?
How is the way people travel today different from in the past?
Do you think tourism does more good or more harm to local communities?
Why do some places become tourist destinations while others don't?

See all Part 3 questions on travel and tourism

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe a memorable journey you have taken" cue card?

You should speak for one to two minutes without interruption. The examiner gives you one minute beforehand to make notes, then times the long turn and stops you at two minutes.

Can I make up my answer to this cue card?

Yes. IELTS examiners score how you speak — your fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation — not whether your story is true. Inventing realistic details is completely acceptable and often easier than recalling a real event.

What Part 3 questions follow the "Describe a memorable journey you have taken" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on travel and tourism. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "What do people usually gain from travelling to other countries?"

What if I run out of things to say before two minutes?

Lean on the final 'and explain…' bullet. Adding reasons, feelings and a specific example naturally extends your answer, and it's the part that most improves your score.

Next step

Practise "Describe a memorable journey you have taken" with an AI examiner

Rehearse this cue card under real exam timing with SpeakMetry's AI examiner, then get an instant band score and feedback on your long turn.

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