IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a photograph you like

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a photograph you like" 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 photograph you like.

You should say:

what is in the photo
when and where it was taken
who took it
and explain why you like 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 is in the photo
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
when and where it was taken
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
3
who took it
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain why you like 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 art and creativity.

think outside the box: approach a problem in an original way; “The best designers always think outside the box.”
a creative outlet: an activity through which you express creativity; “Painting is my main creative outlet after work.”
an eye for detail: the ability to notice small, fine points; “You really need an eye for detail to be a good photographer.”
let your imagination run wild: allow yourself to be freely imaginative; “When I'm sketching, I just let my imagination run wild.”
a work of art: a genuinely beautiful, skilful creation; “The mural downtown is a real work of art.”

Rounding-off questions

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

Why do people take so many photos now?
Are printed photos better than digital ones?

Part 3 questions on art and creativity

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

What role does art play in people's everyday lives?
Is creativity something people are born with, or can it be taught?
How important do you think art is in a child's education?
Should governments spend public money supporting the arts?

See all Part 3 questions on art and creativity

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe a photograph you like" 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 photograph you like" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on art and creativity. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "What role does art play in people's everyday lives?"

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 photograph you like" 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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