IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an argument between two friends: IELTS cue card with sample answer

An IELTS cue card for Speaking Part 2 with a Band 8 sample answer, the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and the Part 3 follow-up questions the examiner can ask next.
  • 260 words
  • An event
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe an argument between two friends

You should say:

  • →Who the friends were
  • →When the argument happened
  • →What the argument was about
  • →And explain how the argument was resolved

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

An event

How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan

  1. 1

    Identify the two friends early to set the scene for the listener.

  2. 2

    Use chronological order to describe the build-up and the eventual resolution.

  3. 3

    Focus on the emotional shift to make your narrative more engaging and natural.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8260 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

A couple of years ago, two of my closest friends, Liam and Sarah, had a rather heated disagreement that really caught me off guard. They had been inseparable since university, so seeing them at loggerheads was quite unsettling. The incident took place during a weekend camping trip in the Lake District. We had driven up on a Friday evening, and the tension started brewing while we were trying to pitch our tents in the pouring rain. The argument stemmed from a simple misunderstanding regarding the map-reading duties. Liam, who prides himself on his navigation skills, insisted we were on the right trail, while Sarah was convinced we had taken a wrong turn miles back. It escalated quite quickly from a polite disagreement into a full-blown shouting match, with both of them digging their heels in rather stubbornly. It was really uncomfortable for the rest of us; the air was thick with frustration as we stood there getting soaked. Eventually, the situation was resolved when we stumbled upon a local hiker who confirmed that Sarah was indeed correct about the route. Liam had to swallow his pride, and Sarah, seeing how miserable he looked, immediately softened her stance. They both apologised for losing their tempers, acknowledging that the stress of the weather and the physical exhaustion of the hike had exacerbated the situation. I think the reason they managed to move past it so easily was because their friendship was built on a foundation of mutual respect, and they both valued their bond far more than being right about a map.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • at loggerheads

    in a state of strong disagreement or conflict.

  • brewing

    developing or about to happen very soon.

  • digging their heels in

    refusing to change their mind or position.

  • exacerbated

    made a problem or bad situation much worse.

  • swallow his pride

    admit that you are wrong despite embarrassment.

  • caught me off guard

    surprised someone because they were not prepared.

  • softened her stance

    became less strict or angry in opinion.

  • inseparable

    very close friends who spend time together.

5 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1What role does society play in shaping our attitudes towards this?
  2. 2Has the way people view this changed over the years?
  3. 3How do you think it will develop in the future?
  4. 4What are the benefits and drawbacks?
  5. 5Do you think the government should be involved in regulating this area?

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 an argument between two friends"?+

Identify the two friends early to set the scene for the listener.

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: an event

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