Using your 1 minute of Part 2 preparation

In Part 2, the examiner gives you a cue card, a pencil and some paper. You have one minute to prepare. Many students waste this minute. Some write full sentences and only finish two lines. Some just stare at the card and panic. One minute is short, but used well, it's enough to plan a strong two-minute talk.

Why this matters

Good notes give you a path to follow. When you lose your way in the middle of your talk, one glance at your notes gets you back on track. That keeps your fluency strong and your talk organised.

What to do in the 60 seconds

Seconds 0 to 10: Choose your topic fast.

Read the card and pick the first real example that comes to mind. Don't waste time looking for the "perfect" story. A real, simple story is always easier to talk about.

Seconds 10 to 45: Write key words for each point.

The card usually has three or four prompts, like "who", "what", "when" and "explain why". Write two or three key words for each. No full sentences.

Seconds 45 to 60: Add a few "show-off" words.

Write down two or three good words or phrases you want to use. And decide your main tense. Is this a past story or a present situation?

What your notes should look like

Here's an original sample cue card.

Describe a time when you helped someone.

You should say:

who you helped

what the problem was

how you helped

and explain how you felt about helping this person.

Good notes might look like this:

Who: neighbour, Rahima apa, 60s, lives alone
Problem: flood 2024?, water in flat, phone dead
How: moved furniture, charged phone, called son in Sylhet
Feel: tired but proud, "made a difference", now closer
Words: "knee-deep water", "grateful", "lend a hand"
Tense: PAST

That's about 30 words. Easy to write in under a minute, and easy to read with a quick glance.

Common mistakes

Writing sentences. You'll run out of time, and you'll be tempted to read them out.
Changing your topic halfway through preparation. Stick with your first choice.
Ignoring the last prompt. The "explain why" or "explain how you felt" part is where you show the deepest language. Plan for it.
Not looking at your notes at all. It's fine to glance at them while you speak.

Try it yourself

Set a timer for 60 seconds. Make notes for this original card:

Describe a place where you like to relax.

You should say:

where it is

when you go there

what you do there

and explain why it helps you relax.

Then speak for 2 minutes using only your notes.

Honest note

Your first few tries will feel rushed. That's normal. After about 10 practice cards, you'll find your own note style. Some people like lists. Some like little mind maps. Use whatever your brain reads fastest.

Your task today

Do three cue cards with a 60-second timer for notes. Keep your notes and compare them. Which style worked best?