IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a time you had to wait for something

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a time you had to wait for something" 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 time you had to wait for something.

You should say:

what you were waiting for
how long you waited
what you did while waiting
and explain how you felt

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 you were waiting for
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
how long you waited
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
3
what you did while waiting
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain how you felt
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 leisure and relaxation.

unwind after a long day: relax once the day's work is done; “I like to unwind after a long day with a good book.”
recharge your batteries: rest so you regain your energy; “A quiet weekend away helps me recharge my batteries.”
kill time: pass idle time while waiting; “I play games on my phone to kill time on the bus.”
a change of scene: a refreshing move to different surroundings; “A short trip gives me a welcome change of scene.”
take it easy: relax and avoid exerting yourself; “On Sundays I just take it easy at home.”

Rounding-off questions

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

Are people less patient than they used to be?
Is waiting ever a good thing?

Part 3 questions on leisure and relaxation

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

Why is it important for people to have time to relax?
Do you think people have more or less free time than in the past?
Is modern life making it harder for people to switch off and relax?
What are the benefits of hobbies that people do with their hands?

See all Part 3 questions on leisure and relaxation

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe a time you had to wait for something" 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 time you had to wait for something" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on leisure and relaxation. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "Why is it important for people to have time to relax?"

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 time you had to wait for something" with an AI examiner

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