If I were granted the authority to implement a new piece of legislation, I would introduce a mandatory nationwide initiative requiring all urban residential developments to incorporate rooftop gardens and vertical greenery. The current concrete jungle in cities like London is stifling, and this law would necessitate that developers dedicate at least thirty per cent of their roof space to vegetation or communal allotments. This shift would fundamentally transform our skyline, reducing the urban heat island effect while simultaneously providing citizens with much-needed green sanctuaries amidst the grey sprawl. I suspect this policy would be incredibly popular with the younger generation and environmentalists, though property developers might initially push back due to the increased construction costs. My inspiration for this came during a trip to Singapore, where I witnessed how seamlessly high-rise architecture can coexist with lush, vibrant foliage. It was a sensory revelation; the air felt crisper and the atmosphere significantly less oppressive than in my own neighbourhood. I feel truly passionate about this proposal because it addresses the mental health crisis exacerbated by our disconnected city lives. By integrating nature into our daily architecture, we could foster a more harmonious environment that encourages physical activity and social interaction among neighbours. Ultimately, I believe this law would represent a pragmatic step towards sustainable urban living, ensuring that our future cities are not just efficient hubs of commerce, but restorative spaces that actively improve the quality of life for every resident, regardless of their postcode.
The cue card
Describe a new law you would like to introduce in your country
You should say:
- →What law it is
- →What changes this law brings
- →Whether this new law will be popular
- →How you came up with the new law
- →And explain how you feel about this new law
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
Other topics
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover all requirements.
- 2
Think of a specific country or city context to make your answer more authentic.
- 3
Use a logical sequence: define the law, its impact, and your personal emotional connection.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.
Say it and get a band free →8 words
Useful vocabulary for this cue card
legislation
a set of laws proposed by a government
concrete jungle
an area in a city with many buildings
urban heat island
city areas that are warmer than surrounding countryside
allotments
small plots of land for growing vegetables
sprawl
the uncontrolled expansion of a city area
foliage
the leaves and branches of many plants
exacerbated
made a problem or situation much worse
pragmatic
dealing with problems in a sensible practical way
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1What rules should students follow at school?
- 2Do people in your country usually obey the law?
- 3What kinds of behavior are considered as good behavior?
- 4Do you think children can learn about the law outside of school?
- 5What are the benefits for people to obey rules?
- 6How can parents teach children to obey rules?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a new law you would like to introduce in your country"?+
Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover all requirements.
How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+
You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
How is the cue card scored?+
Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.
Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.
Keep practising
More cue cards: other topics
- Describe a childhood ambition that changed
- Describe a crucial outdoor safety rule
- Describe a difficult theory you understood
- Describe a dilemma between two opportunities
- Describe a family history story you often heard
- Describe a fascinating foreign tradition
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