Master the Latest IELTS Speaking Cue Card: October 2025 Topic & Expert Tips from Leeds Academy

As October 2025 rolls in, so does a fresh set of challenges for IELTS test-takers. The Speaking section, particularly Part 2, can be daunting with its new and unpredictable topics. Are you prepared for what’s coming? Don’t worry! Here at Leeds Academy, your trusted partner in IELTS preparation, we’re always ahead of the curve. We’ve analyzed the latest trends to bring you a predicted cue card topic for October 2025, complete with a model answer and invaluable tips from our expert trainers to help you achieve a Band 8+ score.

Let’s dive into a topic that reflects current global trends: sustainability and personal responsibility.

Model Answer: Band 9 Sample

“That’s an interesting topic. I’d like to talk about a recent and very deliberate effort I made to help the environment, which was organizing a community clean-up drive in my local park here in Kitchener.

This happened just a couple of months ago, around late spring. The Victoria Park, which is a beautiful green space we all love, had started to accumulate a noticeable amount of litter after a series of public events. I organized it with a few neighbours over a weekend. We coordinated through a local social media group, setting a date and time, and outlining our plan.

The motivation behind it was twofold. Firstly, I was genuinely disheartened to see plastic bottles, wrappers, and other waste marring such a scenic and important communal area. It’s a place where children play and families gather, and its state was becoming a real concern. Secondly, I believe in the principle of ‘acting locally while thinking globally’. We often hear about massive environmental crises, which can feel overwhelming. I felt that taking concrete, manageable action in my own community was a tangible way to contribute to a larger solution, rather than just worrying about it.

As for how I felt about it, the experience was incredibly rewarding. Initially, I was a bit anxious about whether people would show up, but the turnout was fantastic. There was a profound sense of community spirit as neighbours, young and old, worked together. The most satisfying moment was at the end of the day, looking at the huge bags of collected rubbish and then at the pristine, clean park. I felt a great sense of accomplishment and pride, not just in what I had organized, but in my community. It reinforced my belief that individual actions, when combined, can create a significant positive impact. It was a tiring day, but my spirits were incredibly high.”

Expert Tips from Leeds Academy Trainers

Tackling the IELTS Speaking Part 2 requires strategy. Here’s how our experts at Leeds Academy advise you approach this cue card:

1. Use the ‘PPF’ Method (Past, Present, Future): Even if the card asks about a past event, you can enrich your answer. Start with the past (the event itself), connect it to the present (how it has changed your habits or the area), and mention the future (your plans for similar activities). This adds depth and showcases a wider range of tenses. For example: “Ever since that clean-up drive, I have become much more conscious of my plastic consumption…”
2. Incorporate Rich Vocabulary: Instead of “I felt good,” use more descriptive language like “incredibly rewarding,” “a profound sense of community spirit,” or “a great sense of accomplishment.” Words related to the topic are key: sustainability, conservation, single-use plastics, carbon footprint, environmental stewardship, biodegradable.
3. Structure Your 1-Minute Preparation: Don’t write full sentences. Use your prep time to jot down keywords for each bullet point.
   • What: Community clean-up, Victoria Park.
   • When/Where: Late spring, Kitchener.
   • Why: Disheartened by litter, act locally.
   • Feeling: Rewarding, community spirit, pride, impact.
4. Tell a Story: The best answers are personal stories. They are easier to remember, sound more natural, and allow you to express a range of emotions and vocabulary. Your personal experience is unique and will help you stand out.

Ready to Boost Your IELTS Score?

A new cue card shouldn’t be a source of stress. With the right preparation, guidance, and strategies, you can confidently handle any topic the examiner throws at you. At Leeds Academy, we specialize in providing personalized IELTS coaching that focuses on proven techniques to enhance your fluency, vocabulary, and overall performance.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Let our experts guide you to the band score you need for your academic or immigration goals.

Contact Leeds Academy today for a free consultation and let’s start your journey to IELTS success!