Starting your IELTS Speaking Part 2 talk can feel intimidating, but with the right approach, you can begin smoothly and make a strong impression right away. In this article, we’ll explore a practical and effective way to begin your Part 2 talk, using the sample cue card:
"Describe a book you recently read."
💬 Step 1: Use a Clear Opening Statement
There’s no single correct way to begin, but here are two excellent phrases you can use:
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“I’d like to talk about...”
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“I’m going to tell you about...”
Both are equally acceptable. The first sounds slightly more formal, but since the IELTS speaking test is not academic, either one works well.
Pro Tip: Use contractions like “I’d” or “I’m” instead of saying “I would” or “I am”. This sounds more natural and improves your pronunciation score.
🧠 Step 2: Paraphrase the Topic
Avoid copying the words directly from the cue card. Examiners are looking for your ability to rephrase and personalize the language.
Instead of saying:
“I’d like to talk about a book I recently read.”
Try this:
“I’d like to talk about a novel I read two weeks ago.”
What changed?
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The word “book” was paraphrased as “novel.”
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“Recently” was rephrased with a specific time (“two weeks ago”).
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A relative clause was used (“which I read…”) — this improves your grammar score.
Make sure you know the vocabulary for types of books:
fiction, non-fiction, a travel guide, a biography, a self-help book, a thriller, etc.
✨ Step 3: Add Description for a Stronger Start
Want to push your introduction even further? Add some descriptive language.
For example:
“I’d like to talk about a fascinating novel I read not so long ago.”
Why this is better:
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The adjective “fascinating” adds personality and depth.
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“Not so long ago” is a natural paraphrase of “recently.”
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You’ve left room to expand later by giving more details during your talk.
🔁 Recap: A Simple Formula to Begin
Here’s a formula you can use for most Part 2 topics:
Opening phrase + Paraphrased topic + Descriptive detail
e.g. “I’m going to tell you about a really inspiring biography I read not long ago.”
📘 Final Tip
Practice a variety of openings with different topics (e.g. person, place, experience). Build a list of synonyms and related vocabulary to make paraphrasing easier. The more flexible your language, the better your score!
Want more IELTS speaking tips? Stay tuned for our next lesson. 🎓
Good luck and keep practicing!
