IELTS Speaking Part 2: How to Extend Your Ideas Without Rambling

Description: Use this 4‑move pattern to extend ideas naturally in Part 2: Claim → Detail → Example → Feeling. Stay coherent for the full 2 minutes.

Introduction

The biggest challenge in Part 2 is running out of things to say or, the opposite, rambling. The solution is a repeatable micro‑pattern you can apply to every point you make, so your speech grows in depth, not in noise.

The 4‑Move Pattern (Repeat per idea)

  1. Claim – State one clear point.
  2. Detail – Add time/place/people or a specific feature.
  3. Example – Tell a short illustration (10–20s).
  4. Feeling – Reflect with a takeaway.

Example (Topic: a teacher you admire):

  • Claim: “She explained complex ideas simply.”
  • Detail: “In our physics class, she used household objects.”
  • Example: “For gravity, she dropped two balls to show acceleration.”
  • Feeling: “It made me curious, not scared of science.”

How to Structure the Full 2 Minutes

  • Opening (10s): Set the scene. “I’d like to talk about…”
  • Development (90s): Deliver 2–3 cycles of the 4‑move pattern.
  • Closing (20s): Summarize feelings + future intention.

Cue Card Demo (Model)

Card: Describe a person who inspired you.
Model (excerpt):
“I’d like to talk about my high‑school physics teacher. First, she made abstract ideas simple. In class, she used things like paper cups and strings to show forces. For example, she once asked us to build a bridge with just sticks and tape—it was messy but fun. Because of that, I stopped memorizing and started experimenting…”

Avoiding Rambling

  • Limit each point to one 4‑move cycle.
  • Use sequencers: first, then, afterwards, finally.
  • If you blank out, pivot: “Another thing I remember is…”

Quick Practice Routine (8–10 mins)

  1. Choose any cue card.
  2. Write three Claims.
  3. For each, add one Detail + one Example + one Feeling.
  4. Record a 2‑minute answer; listen for coherence.

Language Bank

  • Claim: I’d say…, One key thing is…, What stood out was…
  • Detail: back in…, at that time…, in my hometown…, with my cousin…
  • Example: for instance…, one time…, we ended up…, that led to…
  • Feeling: it made me realize…, I learned that…, it kept me motivated…

Conclusion

Extend ideas with Claim → Detail → Example → Feeling. You’ll sound structured, confident, and genuinely reflective—without repeating yourself.

CTA: Want live practice for Part 2? Join Englishehe’s free group speaking class (6–8 learners). Tap Register on our website.

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