IELTS Speaking · Part 2 · Cue card

Describe your first school

Last updated 21 July 2026

In short

"Describe your first school" 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 your first school.

You should say:

where it was
what it was like
what you did there
and explain a memory you have of 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
where it was
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
2
what it was like
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
3
what you did there
Cover this in a sentence or two with a concrete, specific detail.
4
and explain a memory you have of 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 education and schools.

rote learning: memorising facts without really understanding them; “At my school there was too much rote learning and not enough discussion.”
a well-rounded education: a broad, balanced schooling across many subjects; “I was lucky to get a well-rounded education that covered the arts and sciences.”
sit an exam: to take a formal examination; “I always get quite nervous whenever I have to sit an exam.”
play truant: to stay away from school without permission; “I never once dared to play truant when I was at school.”
fall behind: fail to keep pace with the rest of the class; “If you miss too many lessons, it's very easy to fall behind.”

Rounding-off questions

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

How have schools changed since you were young?
What makes a school a good one?

Part 3 questions on education and schools

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

Why do some students do well at school while others struggle?
How is education in your country different from how it was a generation ago?
Do you think exams are a fair way to measure ability?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of studying online rather than in a classroom?

See all Part 3 questions on education and schools

Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

Frequently asked questions

How long should I talk about the "Describe your first school" 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 your first school" topic?

This cue card leads into a Part 3 discussion on education and schools. Expect broader, opinion-based questions such as "Why do some students do well at school while others struggle?"

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 your first school" with an AI examiner

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