Speaking Part 2: The 1-Minute Preparation Strategy
What to Do With Your Preparation Time
Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test gives you 1 minute to prepare before talking for up to 2 minutes. Many test-takers waste this valuable minute. Here's how to use it effectively.
What Part 2 Looks Like
The examiner hands you a card with a topic and 3-4 bullet points. You get 1 minute to prepare and a pencil and paper for notes. Then you speak for 1-2 minutes.
A typical card looks like this:
Describe a book you recently read.
You should say:
- What book it was
- When you read it
- What it was about
- And explain why you liked or disliked it
The 1-Minute Note-Taking Method
You have 60 seconds. Don't write sentences. Write trigger words that you can expand when speaking.
First 15 Seconds: Choose Your Answer
Pick your topic quickly. The first example that comes to mind is usually the easiest to talk about. Don't waste time trying to think of the "perfect" answer.
Next 45 Seconds: Note Keywords
Write 1-3 words for each bullet point. These are memory triggers, not full answers.
For the book example above, your notes might look like:
- Educated - Tara Westover
- Last summer - vacation
- Memoir - family, education, escape
- Inspiring - showed determination
Total written: about 15 words. That's all you need.
What to Include in Your Notes
Write Down Specifics
Names, dates, places, and numbers are easy to forget when you're nervous. Write these down:
- The name of the book, place, person, or event
- When it happened (last month, three years ago)
- Where it was (my hometown, the university library)
Add One Feeling or Opinion Word
The last bullet point always asks why or how you felt. Write one word that captures this: "inspiring," "challenging," "unexpected," "relaxing."
Skip Grammar Words
Don't write "the," "and," "because," or other function words. You'll say these automatically when speaking.
What NOT to Do
Don't Write Full Sentences
You'll spend your whole minute writing and have nothing left to think. Plus, you'll be tempted to read your notes, which sounds unnatural.
Don't Memorize a Script
The examiner can tell when you're reciting memorized sentences. Your notes should guide you, not dictate every word.
Don't Leave Any Bullet Points Blank
Even if you're not sure, write something for each point. Forgetting a bullet point costs you marks.
During Your Talk
Glance at your notes occasionally, but maintain eye contact with the examiner most of the time. Your notes are there if you get stuck, not to be read word-for-word.
If you finish early and still have time, expand on the last point. The examiner wants to hear you speak for the full 2 minutes.
Practice Exercise
Find a Part 2 topic card online. Set a timer for 1 minute and practice taking notes. Then speak for 2 minutes using only those notes. Record yourself to see if your notes were effective.
After a few practice sessions, you'll develop a note-taking system that works for you.