1️⃣ Understand the task

• You’ll be given a cue card with a main topic and 3–4 bullet points (guidelines).

• You must speak continuously for 1–2 minutes — try not to stop too early.

• The examiner only listens and times you; they don’t ask questions during this part

2️⃣ Use your 1-minute preparation wisely

Write short notes, not full sentences.
Plan your answer structure:

• Introduction: introduce what you’ll talk about.

• Main body: cover each bullet point.

• Conclusion: add a short comment or reflection.
  Use mind maps or keywords, e.g. “who / when / where / what / why / feelings.”

3️⃣ Structure your answer clearly

Try this simple model:

1. Introduction – What / When / Who
2. Description – What happened / Details
3. Feelings – How you felt

4. Reason / Reflection – Why it was special / important

Example (Topic: A memorable trip)

I’d like to talk about a trip I took to Da Lat last summer with my friends.
We spent three days there, exploring waterfalls and local markets.
The weather was cool and refreshing, which was a nice change from my city.
I felt relaxed and happy because it was the first time we travelled together after exams.
It was memorable because it brought us closer and gave me a break from studying.

4️⃣ Use linking phrases

These make your speech smooth and natural:

• For beginning: “I’d like to talk about… / I’m going to describe…”

• For sequence: “First of all… / Then… / After that… / Finally…”

• For adding ideas: “Besides that… / What’s more… / In addition…”

• For feelings: “It made me feel… / I was really excited because…”

• For reflection: “Looking back… / It was truly an unforgettable experience.”

5️⃣ Use a range of tenses and vocabulary

• Describe past events → use past simple, past continuous, past perfect.

• Add reflections → use present perfect or modals.

• Use adjectives and idioms to show emotion (e.g. “over the moon,” “once in a lifetime”).

6️⃣ Sound natural

• Don’t memorize full answers — use your own ideas.

• Speak at a steady pace, not too fast.

• Show intonation and emotion; avoid sounding robotic.

• If you forget a word, paraphrase it or use similar expressions.

7️⃣ Practice timing

• Aim for 1 minute 45 seconds of speech.

• Record yourself — check fluency, grammar, and pronunciation.

8️⃣ Common useful phrases

• “It happened a few years ago…”

• “What impressed me most was…”

• “To be honest…”

• “If I had the chance, I’d love to do it again.”