IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a musical instrument you would like to play

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a musical instrument you would like to play" 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 musical instrument you would like to play.

You should say:

what it is
why you are interested in it
how you would learn it
and explain how you would feel if you could play it

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
what it is
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
why you are interested in it
This is the most important bullet — give reasons and a personal example, and spend the most time here.
3
how you would learn it
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain how you would feel if you could play it
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 music and performance.

have a good ear for music: be naturally sensitive to sounds and tunes; “I've always had a good ear for music.”
play by ear: play music from memory rather than notation; “My uncle can play almost any tune by ear.”
a catchy tune: a melody that is easy to remember; “The song has such a catchy tune that I can't stop humming it.”
take centre stage: become the main focus of attention; “The lead singer really took centre stage that night.”
stage fright: nervousness before performing in public; “I get terrible stage fright before I have to sing.”

Rounding-off questions

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

Should children learn a musical instrument?
Why is music important to people?

Part 3 questions on music and performance

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

How do people's tastes in music tend to change as they get older?
Do you think learning a musical instrument is good for children?
How has technology changed the way people listen to music?
Why do you think live performances are still so popular?

See all Part 3 questions on music and performance

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe a musical instrument you would like to play" 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 musical instrument you would like to play" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on music and performance. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "How do people's tastes in music tend to change as they get older?"

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 musical instrument you would like to play" 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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