IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a positive change you made in your life

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a positive change you made in your life" 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 positive change you made in your life.

You should say:

what the change was
why you made it
how difficult it was
and explain what difference it has made

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 the change was
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
why you made it
This is the most important bullet — give reasons and a personal example, and spend the most time here.
3
how difficult it was
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain what difference it has made
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 goals and the future.

set your sights on: decide firmly to aim for something; “I've set my sights on studying abroad next year.”
in the long run: over an extended future period; “I think this decision will really pay off in the long run.”
achieve your goals: successfully reach the aims you set; “I'm determined to achieve my goals this year.”
keep your options open: avoid committing so choices stay available; “For now I'd rather keep my options open.”
a bright future: very promising prospects ahead; “With all her hard work, she has a bright future ahead of her.”

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 find change difficult?
Is it ever too late to change?

Part 3 questions on goals and the future

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

Why do some people achieve their goals while others give up?
Do you think young people today are more or less ambitious than before?
Is it better to plan carefully for the future or to live for the present?
How much control do you think people really have over their futures?

See all Part 3 questions on goals and the future

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe a positive change you made in your life" 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 positive change you made in your life" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on goals and the future. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "Why do some people achieve their goals while others give up?"

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 positive change you made in your life" 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.

Start a free mock exam