IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

    Describe a problem you managed to solve

    Last updated 2 September 2026

    In short

    This Part 2 cue card asks you to describe describe a problem you managed to solve. Your long turn has to cover 4 prompts (what the problem was; how it arose; what you did about it; how you felt afterwards), and the last one carries the most marks.

    The cue card

    Describe a problem you managed to solve.

    You should say:

    • what the problem was
    • how it arose
    • what you did about it
    • and explain how you felt afterwards

    How to structure your long turn

    1. 1

      what the problem was

    2. 2

      how it arose

    3. 3

      what you did about it

    4. 4

      and explain how you felt afterwards

    Rounding-off questions

    • Are people good at solving their own problems?

    • Is it better to solve problems alone or with help?

    Where this leads: Part 3 on skills and success

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