Practise IELTS Speaking with a real cue-card timer

A free practice tool for the IELTS Speaking test. Part 2 gives you a random cue card and the exact exam timing — one minute to prepare, two minutes to talk — with a clear countdown. Parts 1 and 3 give you randomised question banks, and you can record yourself to listen back.

How the speaking timer works

Choose a part

Part 2 for the long turn, or Part 1 and 3 for question practice.

Start the timer

Prepare for one minute, then speak for two — just like the real test.

Record and review

Optionally record your answer and listen back to improve.

Time Part 2 and drill Part 1 and 3 questions

Ready

1:00

Record my answer

You get one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak. An audio cue marks each phase change.

Features

Part 2 cue-card timer — 1 min prep, 2 min talk Random cue cards on exam-style topics Part 1 and Part 3 question banks Optional self-recording with playback Audio cue at every phase change

What you can do

Practise the Part 2 long turn with the exact 1-minute / 2-minute timing
Get a fresh random cue card on a realistic exam topic
Drill Part 1 personal questions and Part 3 discussion questions
Record your answer and play it back to spot fillers and pauses
Download your recording to keep or share with a teacher

Why timing is half the Part 2 challenge

The IELTS Speaking long turn is not just about what you say — it is about doing it on the clock. You get exactly one minute to plan and must then speak for a full two minutes, unprompted. Candidates who have only practised answering questions freely are caught out: they run dry after a minute, or never learn to use the preparation time well. This tool reproduces that pressure exactly, with a real countdown and an audible cue when the talk phase begins and ends, so the timing becomes second nature. The cue cards follow the genuine "Describe a… and explain why" format, and the Part 1 and Part 3 banks let you rehearse the conversation either side of the long turn.

Frequently asked questions

Is the timing the same as the real exam?

Yes — Part 2 gives you one minute of preparation followed by up to two minutes of speaking, exactly as in the official IELTS Speaking test.

Where do the cue cards come from?

They are original cue cards written in the genuine IELTS format — a topic, three or four points to cover, and a final "explain why" prompt.

Do I have to record myself?

No, recording is optional. If you switch it on, you can play your answer back and download it; if not, the tool is just a timer and question bank.

What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 3?

Part 1 asks short, personal questions about familiar topics. Part 3 asks broader, more abstract discussion questions that need developed answers.

Can this replace a real practice partner?

It is excellent for solo timing and fluency practice, but for feedback on grammar and pronunciation a teacher or partner is still valuable. Recording yourself helps bridge the gap.

💡 Want us to improve this tool just for you?

We can — and it's free! Just send us a quick message with your idea. If you'd like to discuss it in detail, leave your email and we'll get back to you. You can stay anonymous.

Practise IELTS Speaking with a real cue-card timer

How the speaking timer works

Time Part 2 and drill Part 1 and 3 questions

Features

What you can do

Why timing is half the Part 2 challenge

Frequently asked questions

Is the timing the same as the real exam?

Where do the cue cards come from?

Do I have to record myself?

What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 3?

Can this replace a real practice partner?

How do you rate this tool?

Comments

Practise IELTS Speaking with a real cue-card timer

How the speaking timer works

Time Part 2 and drill Part 1 and 3 questions

Features

What you can do

Why timing is half the Part 2 challenge

Frequently asked questions

Is the timing the same as the real exam?

Where do the cue cards come from?

Do I have to record myself?

What is the difference between Part 1 and Part 3?

Can this replace a real practice partner?

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How do you rate this tool?

Comments