Cue cards are stressful because you must speak for two minutes without interruption. These flexible templates keep your ideas flowing naturally.
Template 1: Experience stories
Use for ‘Describe a person/place/event’. Structure: Introduction + Background, Detailed Description, Personal Reflection, Future Connection.
During practice, record yourself speaking through each stage within 30-second chunks so you feel how long to spend on every part of the narrative arc.
Template 2: Object or idea
When describing a book, invention, or ideal workspace, move from Origin, Features, Impact, to Recommendation. Sprinkle in precise adjectives and phrasal verbs.
Include sensory language (what it looks/feels/sounds like) to boost lexical resource while keeping the response engaging.
Template 3: Problem-solution
For topics like ‘Describe a challenge you solved’, follow Situation, Obstacle, Action, Result. Use discourse markers such as ‘To begin with’, ‘Eventually’, ‘As a consequence’.
End with a lesson learned or advice for others—examiners love reflective thinking because it proves you can extend ideas beyond the cue card bullets.
Use notes strategically
During the 60-second preparation, write trigger words not full sentences. Practice with a 15-second cue to simulate pressure and accelerate thinking.
Group your notes on the paper by the four-part structure so your eyes can jump between sections without confusion while speaking.
Train spontaneity and delivery
Record yourself answering five cue cards in a row with only 30 seconds between them. This forces your brain to retrieve stories quickly and mirrors the mental fatigue of the real exam.
Focus on vocal variety—use intonation to highlight key points, pause for emphasis, and smile occasionally to keep your tone engaging. Fluency is not only about speed; it is about sounding natural and confident.
Key Takeaways
- Think in story arcs, not isolated sentences.
- Use the cue card bullet points as a checklist, not a script.
- Signal transitions clearly to earn coherence marks.
Final Thoughts
Flexibility beats memorisation. Build two or three narrative templates, rehearse them with varied topics, and you will never run out of ideas midway through the cue card.