IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe a TV programme you like

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe a TV programme 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 TV programme you like.

You should say:

what it is about
how often you watch it
who you watch it with
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 it is about
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
how often you watch it
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
3
who you watch it with
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 media and news.

breaking news: important news reported as it happens; “I check my phone for breaking news several times a day.”
a current affairs programme: a show discussing recent political and social events; “My parents always watch a current affairs programme after dinner.”
biased reporting: coverage that unfairly favours one side; “You have to watch out for biased reporting in the papers.”
skim the headlines: glance quickly over the main news titles; “I usually just skim the headlines while I'm having breakfast.”
stay informed: keep yourself up to date with events; “I read the paper mainly to stay informed about world events.”

Rounding-off questions

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

How have people's viewing habits changed?
Is television still important today?

Part 3 questions on media and news

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

Why do you think people are drawn to bad news more than good news?
How has the way people get their news changed in recent years?
Do you think the news influences people's opinions too much?
What are the risks of getting your news mainly from social media?

See all Part 3 questions on media and news

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

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

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on media and news. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "Why do you think people are drawn to bad news more than good news?"

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 TV programme 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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