In the IELTS Speaking test, Part 2, you’ll get the chance to talk on a specific topic for up to two minutes. This part, often called the Cue Card section, is about how clearly and fluently you can express your thoughts.
For the topic "Describe something you taught to your friend", think of a specific instance when you shared your knowledge or skills with your friend. This could involve teaching them a hobby, explaining a concept, or helping them develop a new ability.
On this page, you’ll find some sample answers for Part 2 and sample follow-up questions to help you feel ready for Part 3.
Table of Contents
- Sample answer 1: Basics of the stock market
- Sample answer 2: New language (German)
- Sample answer 3: Intermittent fasting
- Follow-up questions
- 5 practice Cue Card questions
Cue Card topic: Describe something you taught to your friend
In the Cue Card, you'll be given a topic like “Describe something you taught to your friend”, along with four prompts to help structure your response.
Focus on the first line of the Cue Card because it is crucial. With the prompts, use the first three to describe the situation in detail, and then use the fourth to express your thoughts or feelings about the experience.
Describe something you taught to your friend.
- What did you teach him/her?
- When was it?
- How long was it for?
- How did you feel about it?
Sample answer 1: Basics of the stock market
One of my friends was really keen on getting started with investing in the stock market. Since I’ve been investing for about two years, he asked me for some guidance. I was happy to help him out, so I began teaching him the basics at the start of the new year. We learned together for three months, from January to March, to make sure he had a solid understanding.
In our meetings, I explained important concepts like how the stock market works, the different types of investments, and how to analyse stocks. I also showed him how to set up a trading account and use various tools for research. We met once a week, and I made sure to explain things clearly and answer any questions he had.
Teaching him was a rewarding experience for me. I felt a sense of satisfaction seeing him grow more confident with each lesson. It was great to witness his excitement when he made his first investment. I also realised that the more I taught him, the more I learnt. It’s true what they say: teaching is one of the best ways to learn.
Overall, this experience not only strengthened our friendship but also helped me appreciate the importance of sharing knowledge. It’s fulfilling to help someone take their first steps into a new area, and I’m glad I could be a part of his investment journey.
Watch our YouTube video for helpful tips for Part 2!
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Sample answer 2: New language (German)
During my time in college, I had a few friends who moved from India to Germany to continue their studies. They faced quite a challenge, as they didn’t have much knowledge of the German language. Since knowing German is important for daily life there, I decided to help them.
I taught them useful phrases that they could use in everyday situations, such as when they were at the grocery store or when they needed to ask someone for directions. We focused on practical phrases like "Wo ist der nächste Supermarkt?" (Where is the nearest supermarket?) and "Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen?" (Could you please help me?). This learning experience lasted for about two months. We met a couple of times each week, and I created simple lessons that included conversation practice and some basic grammar.
I felt really good about helping them adapt to their new environment. Knowing that I played a part in easing their transition made me happy. It was fulfilling to see that language didn’t have to be a barrier for them. Overall, it was a meaningful experience, and it strengthened our friendship as well.
Watch our YouTube video for expert tips to get a high score on your IELTS Speaking test Part 2!
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Sample answer 3: Intermittent fasting
I’d like to talk about a time when I taught my friend about intermittent fasting. This was about six months ago when my friend mentioned she was struggling to lose weight. She had tried various diets but found them difficult to stick to.
I thought intermittent fasting could be a good option for her, so I explained the basic principles. I told her that it’s not about restricting what you eat but rather when you eat. I shared that there are different methods, like the 16/8 method, where you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window. I also talked about how this approach can help regulate insulin levels and promote fat loss.
We spent about an hour discussing it, and I also helped her plan a schedule that would fit her lifestyle. I encouraged her to start gradually and listen to her body. I wanted her to feel comfortable and not overwhelmed, as I knew she was already feeling stressed about her weight.
I felt really positive about teaching her this. It was rewarding to share something I had learned myself, and I could see her becoming more enthusiastic as we talked. I wanted to support her journey and felt a sense of pride knowing I could help. Over the following weeks, she started to incorporate intermittent fasting into her routine, and I was happy to hear that she was feeling more energetic and seeing some progress.
In summary, teaching my friend about intermittent fasting was not only fulfilling for me but also beneficial for her. It felt great to support someone I care about and see them take steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Here are some downloadable PDFs for sample cue card topics:
- Describe an area of science that interests you
- Describe a successful businessperson you know
- Describe a party that you enjoyed
- Describe a difficult thing that you did and succeeded
- Describe a beautiful city
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Follow-up questions
In the IELTS Speaking test Part 3, you'll dive deeper into the topics you touched on in Part 2. This section is all about sharing your thoughts, explaining your answers, and exploring ideas a bit more. Here are some sample follow-up questions and answers that might be of help:
What are things that young people can teach old people to do?
Young people can teach older people about technology, such as using smartphones and social media. They can also share contemporary cultural trends and new perspectives on communication.
Why do older people have problems learning new things?
Older people may face challenges in learning new things due to cognitive decline, unfamiliarity with technology, and a tendency to stick to established routines. Additionally, they might have less exposure to new methods of learning.
Do you think showing is a better way than telling during education?
Yes, showing is often more effective than telling because it provides a visual demonstration, which can enhance understanding and retention. Hands-on experiences allow learners to grasp concepts more concretely.
Do you think constant training is important for people to study something?
Absolutely, constant training is essential for reinforcing knowledge and skills. Regular practice helps individuals stay updated and adapt to changes, ensuring continuous personal and professional growth.
What would you prefer: learning from teachers or your friends?
I would prefer learning from teachers because they provide structured guidance and expertise. However, learning from friends can also be valuable for practical insights and peer support.
Who is the best teacher for a child?
The best teacher for a child is often an understanding and patient parent who provides a supportive learning environment. Additionally, passionate and engaging teachers in school play a crucial role.
Why are teachers important in our lives?
Teachers are important because they not only impart knowledge but also shape our values and critical thinking skills. They inspire curiosity and guide us in navigating complex subjects, ultimately influencing our future paths.
Watch our YouTube video for expert tips, top strategies, and sample questions and answers to get a high score on your IELTS Speaking test, Part 3 follow-ups!
5 practice Cue Card questions
Preparing for the Cue Card topic “Describe something you taught to your friend” will also help you in getting ready for the following Cue Card topics, saving you time and effort:
- Describe a skill you learned from a friend
- Describe a memorable conversation you had with a friend
- Describe a time you helped someone.
- Describe a hobby you share with a friend
- Describe an important lesson you learned from someone
Want more practice questions? Register now to get access to a free IELTS masterclass by an IELTS expert!
Also, check out Edvoy’s comprehensive guide to IELTS cue cards to get access to 60 cue card practice questions for free.
