Speaking Parts 2 and 3: The Long Turn and Discussion

Part 2 ("the long turn") gives you a cue card with a topic and 3-4 prompts to cover, one minute to prepare notes, then 1-2 minutes to speak with no interruption. Use the full minute: jot down one or two words per bullet point (not full sentences -- you don't have time to write and you shouldn't read from notes), and briefly plan a rough order so you don't backtrack mid-answer.

A common problem is running out of things to say after only 30-40 seconds. Planning to briefly address every bullet point on the card, and adding a short concrete example or personal detail to each, is usually enough material to fill the full time naturally.

Part 3 is a 4-5 minute discussion connected to Part 2's topic, but with more abstract, general questions (e.g. moving from "describe a skill you learned" to "how has technology changed the way people learn skills in general?"). Part 3 expects more developed answers than Part 1 -- give reasons, examples, and sometimes compare different perspectives, rather than a short factual answer.

Across Parts 2 and 3, Pronunciation (clarity, natural stress and intonation) and Lexical Resource (topic-appropriate vocabulary, including some less common words used accurately) become increasingly important alongside Fluency and Grammar.

Practice both a cue card and a follow-up discussion question using the Speaking self-review tool on this course's exam-practice page.