IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards: Describe an Object (50 Topics)

Quick Answer: The "Describe an Object" cue card is one of the most common IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics. You need to talk for 1-2 minutes about an object, describing its appearance, function, and significance. This guide covers 50 cue card topics across 5 categories (personal, technology, daily use, gifts, and cultural objects), with sample answers for bands 7, 8, and 9, plus examiner tips to boost your score.

Table of Contents

Why "Describe an Object" is Important

How to Structure Your Answer

50 Cue Card Topics for Describe an Object

Band Score Comparison Table

Why "Describe an Object" is Important

The "Describe an Object" cue card appears frequently in IELTS Speaking Part 2 because it tests your ability to:

Use descriptive vocabulary (adjectives, sensory language)

Organize ideas logically (appearance → function → significance)

Show fluency by speaking for 1-2 minutes without hesitation

Demonstrate range of grammar (past, present, future tenses; conditionals; relative clauses)

Many students struggle because they run out of things to say or use repetitive words like "nice" or "big." This guide gives you 50 specific topics and a structure to talk confidently about any object.

How to Structure Your Answer

Use the P-A-S-T framework:

P – Physical description (size, color, material, shape)

A – Acquisition (how you got it, when, where)

S – Significance (why it matters, emotions, memories)

T – Time (how long you've had it, how you use it now)

For example, if the cue card says "Describe an object you use every day," you can talk about your phone:

P: "It's a black iPhone 15 Pro Max, about 6.7 inches, with a sleek glass back..."

A: "I bought it last year from an Apple Store in Dubai..."

S: "It's significant because I use it for work, study, and staying in touch with family..."

T: "I use it for at least 5 hours daily, especially for IELTS preparation apps..."

50 Cue Card Topics for Describe an Object

Category 1: Personal Belongings

A piece of jewelry you wear often

Your favorite item of clothing

An object that reminds you of your childhood

A book that has special meaning to you

A photograph that you treasure

A toy you had as a child

A musical instrument you own

A piece of art in your home

A souvenir from a trip

A watch or clock you own

Category 2: Technology & Devices

A smartphone you use

A laptop or tablet

A kitchen appliance you rely on

A gaming console

A camera

A smart home device (e.g., Alexa, Google Home)

A fitness tracker or smartwatch

A pair of headphones

A USB drive or external hard drive

A printer or scanner

Category 3: Daily Use Objects

Your favorite mug or cup

A pen you use often

A bag or backpack

A pair of shoes

Your wallet or purse

A keychain

A water bottle

An umbrella

A mirror

A calendar or planner

Category 4: Gifts & Sentimental Objects

A gift you received that you love

A gift you gave to someone

An object passed down in your family

A handmade item you received

A trophy or award you won

A certificate or diploma

A letter or card you kept

A painting or drawing given to you

A plant or flower pot

A candle or diffuser

Category 5: Cultural & Unusual Objects

A traditional costume or clothing

A religious or spiritual object

A musical instrument from your culture

A piece of furniture with history

A coin or stamp collection

A tool or instrument used in your job

A sports equipment (e.g., football, racket)

A vehicle (bike, car, scooter)

A decorative item from another country

A rare or antique object

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Basic description with simple vocabulary. Some hesitation. Limited detail. Uses "nice," "big," "small."
7	Clear structure. Good range of adjectives. Few hesitations. Explains significance. Uses less common words like "cherished," "compact," "sentimental."
8	Fluent with natural pauses. Rich vocabulary (e.g., "intricate," "nostalgic," "ergonomic"). Uses idioms naturally. Good grammar range.
9	Effortless fluency. Sophisticated vocabulary and collocations. Uses conditionals, inversions, and complex sentences. Personal, engaging story.

Sample Answers

Cue Card: Describe an object that has special meaning to you. You should say: what it is, how you got it, why it is special, and explain how you feel about it.

Band 7 Answer

"I'd like to talk about my grandmother's ring. It's a silver ring with a small blue stone in the center. I got it when my grandmother passed away two years ago. She left it to me in her will. It's special because it reminds me of her and the time we spent together. Whenever I wear it, I feel close to her. I keep it in a small box on my desk and wear it on special occasions. It makes me feel happy and nostalgic."

Band 8 Answer

"Let me describe a cherished object – my grandmother's silver ring. It's an elegant piece with an intricate floral pattern and a small sapphire stone set in the center. I inherited it when my grandmother passed away two years ago. She specifically left it to me because we shared a close bond, and she knew I admired it as a child.

This ring holds immense sentimental value because it embodies my grandmother's warmth and wisdom. Every time I look at it, I'm transported back to my childhood – sitting in her kitchen, listening to her stories. I keep it in a velvet-lined box on my nightstand and wear it during family gatherings or when I need a boost of confidence. Honestly, it makes me feel connected to my roots and reminds me of the unconditional love she gave me."

Band 9 Answer

"I'd be delighted to talk about an object that's profoundly meaningful to me – my grandmother's silver ring. This isn't just any piece of jewelry; it's a tangible connection to my heritage and my grandmother's indomitable spirit.

Crafted in the 1950s, the ring features an intricate Celtic knot pattern encircling a deep blue sapphire. The silver has developed a beautiful patina over the decades, which I think adds to its character. I inherited it when my grandmother passed away two years ago. She left it to me with a handwritten note that said, 'For my granddaughter who always saw the beauty in small things.'

What makes this ring extraordinary is not just its aesthetic appeal but the stories it carries. My grandmother wore it every day – through joy and hardship, from her wedding day to her final years. It's almost as if the ring absorbed her resilience and kindness. Whenever I wear it, I feel an inexplicable sense of calm and strength. I keep it in a custom-made box and only wear it on momentous occasions – like job interviews or family celebrations. Honestly, it's more than an object; it's a legacy. It reminds me that I come from a line of strong women, and that gives me immense confidence."

Common Mistakes

❌Describing only appearance – Examiners want to hear why it matters, not just what it looks like. Always include significance.

❌Running out of ideas – Use the PAST framework to keep talking. If stuck, describe a memory related to the object.

❌Using weak vocabulary – Avoid "nice," "good," "big." Instead, use "elegant," "functional," "compact," "sentimental."

❌Ignoring grammar – Mix tenses: "I bought it last year" (past), "I use it daily" (present), "I will pass it to my children" (future).

❌Memorizing answers – Examiners detect rehearsed speech. Use bullet points, not scripts.

Top Tips

Tip 1: Before speaking, quickly note 4 bullet points using PAST (Physical, Acquired, Significance, Time). This keeps you on track.

Tip 2: Use sensory language – describe how it looks, feels, smells, or sounds. E.g., "The leather is smooth, and it smells like old books."

Tip 3: Add a personal story or emotion. E.g., "I cried when I received it because it reminded me of my father." This makes your answer memorable.

FAQ

Q: How long should I speak for Part 2? A: Aim for 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Under 1 minute loses marks; over 2 minutes will be cut off. Q: Can I choose any object if the cue card is general? A: Yes. Pick an object you can describe well. Avoid objects with limited vocabulary (e.g., a spoon is harder to describe than a phone). Q: What if I don't have a real object? Can I invent one? A: Yes, but make it believable. Use real details to sound natural. Examiners prefer authentic stories. Q: How many cue cards should I practice? A: Practice at least 10-15 from different categories. This builds confidence and vocabulary variety. Q: Is it okay to use idioms? A: Yes, but only natural ones. E.g., "It's a diamond in the rough" (for an old object) or "It's close to my heart." Don't force them.

Key Takeaways

✅Use the PAST framework (Physical, Acquired, Significance, Time) for every object.

✅Expand vocabulary with descriptive adjectives and sensory language.

✅Add personal stories to make your answer engaging and memorable.

✅Practice with 50 topics across categories to be ready for any cue card.

✅Avoid memorization – focus on structure and fluency.

Related Posts:

[IELTS Speaking Part 2: How to Talk for 2 Minutes Without Stopping]

[Top 100 IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Words for Band 7+]

[IELTS Speaking Part 1 vs Part 2 vs Part 3: Key Differences]

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