IELTS Speaking Part 2: Timing Blueprint, Openers & Closers

Description: A practical 120‑second timing map plus battle‑tested openers and closers so you start strong and finish naturally in Part 2.

Introduction

Great content collapses without timing. Many learners spend too much time on the intro and rush the ending. Here’s a simple blueprint for the full 2 minutes, plus openers/closers you can memorize without sounding robotic.

The 120‑Second Blueprint

0–10s (Hook): Topic + reason. Keep it one sentence.
10–35s (Context): When/where/who/how.
35–95s (Story): One main story with 2–3 moments. Use sequencers.
95–120s (Reflection): Feeling + takeaway + future intention.

Why this works: Examiners value coherence. This timing protects your ending—the part most learners skip.

Ready‑to‑Use Openers

“I’d like to talk about… because…”
“A memorable experience for me was… last year with…”
“One place that impressed me is… mainly because…”

Smooth Transitions (Inside the Story)

Sequencers: first, then, afterwards, finally
Add/Contrast: also, but, though, sometimes
Cause/Result: because, so, that’s why

Natural Closers

“Overall, it reminded me that…”
“That experience changed how I…”
“In the future, I’d love to…”

Model (Excerpt – Travel Card)

“I’d like to talk about a short trip I took to Da Nang because it helped me slow down. Back in April, I went with my cousin and we stayed near the beach. First, we woke up before sunrise to cycle along the coast. Afterwards, we tried mi Quang at a small family place. Overall, it reminded me that a good trip doesn’t need a tight schedule—just one or two meaningful moments.”