【IELTS-Speaking-A-03】IELTS Speaking Topics and Answers You Should Know (你應該知道的雅思口語話題和答案)

【口說 Speaking 】 結構: 3部分，11-14分鐘。 Part 1：個人問題（4-5分鐘）。 Part 2：獨白（3-4分鐘，含1分鐘準備）。 Part 3：深入討論（4-5分鐘）。 高分技巧: 流利優先，適度停頓無妨。 擴展答案，加入例子/理由。 使用多樣詞彙與句型，避免重複。 保持自信，眼神接觸。 練習常見話題（教育、工作、環境）。
Structure: 3 parts, 11-14 minutes. Part 1: Personal questions (4-5 minutes). Part 2: Monologue (2 minutes, including 1-minute prep). Part 3: In-depth discussion (4-5 minutes).
High-Score Tips: Prioritize fluency; occasional pauses are fine. Expand answers with examples/reasons. Use diverse vocabulary and sentence types, and avoid repetition. Stay confident, maintain eye contact. Practice common topics (education, work, environment).
Do you like sport? Example Answer Yes, sport is a great part of my life. I enjoy doing it to gain more strength and make myself calm if I feel too stressed. Plus, doing sports is often completely free! What's your favourite sport? Example Answer My favourite one is definitely running. I don't depend on anyone and can jog in the morning or in the evening on my own. This is such a bliss! Do you often watch sport on TV? Example Answer To be honest, no. I enjoy participating and playing myself, rather than just watching someone else play. Especially when it comes to team sports - it's so much more exciting to be on the field than on the couch. Did you often play sport as a child? Example Answer I really liked a special version of volleyball that we played in middle school. It was a little bit easier and so much more fun! It united us as classmates even more when we played together. What's the most popular sport in your country? Example Answer The Russians are very active people - since childhood kids play football, hockey, do ice skating and even racing. I think football and ice skating are two the most popular ones though. Many people enjoy watching these sports online or on the TV. How do people in your country keep fit? Example Answer As long as the majority of people work a usual job, they find time only to attend the gym in the evening. However, there are many others who also jog, do tennis, yoga or cross-fit. IELTS Speaking Course Overview Introduction Speaking Overview, Part 1 Unsuccessful Example, Common Mistakes, Reasons for Low Scores Part 1: Preparation Methods: ARE, PEEL, 7 Extensions, ORE Part 1: Types of Questions, Misunderstandings, Common Topics, Practice: Pre-test, Hometown, Accommodation, Family Part 1: Study, Work, Leisure time, Daily Routine, Hobbies, Food, Music Part 1: How to perform well, Useful Phrases, Practice: Books, Parks, Transportation, Health/ Fitness, Technology, Environment, Weather, Buildings Part 2: Speaking Overview, Part 2 Unsuccessful Example, Common Mistakes, Reasons for Low Scores, Examples Part 2: Preparation Methods (Prompt, Mind Map, Brainstorming, Senses: Template) Part 2: Tricky Questions Part 2: Common Topics, Example Breakdown Part 2: Hypothetical, Conditional, Most Difficult Topics Part 3: Breakdown, How to Prepare, Practice Part 3: Practice: Questions and Topics Full Speaking Simulation Test Part 1: Types of Questions, Misunderstandings, Common Topics, Practice: Pre-test, Hometown, Accommodation, Family Types of Questions Exercise: Linking Answers to Questions Answers Misunderstanding the Question Giving the wrong answer could also come from not concentrating properly. This could be due to nerves, so you miss exactly what the examiner has asked. So you have to listen carefully. Example: Examiner: How important do you think it is to learn English language? Candidate: Oh, I really like learning English. I think it will really help with my career. This candidate has shown that they did not listen properly, or simply misunderstood the question. These are the kinds of answers that would be expected. It's very important because... It's extremely important... It's fairly important because.. It's quite important because... I don't think it's very important because... So in this case it is an adverb of degree that would be expected as they commonly follow how questions that ask for an opinion about something. Mistakes to Avoid (reminder) Ensure you don't make these common mistakes: Don’t give very short answers. Don’t give very long answers (5+ sentences) Don’t memorise answers. Don’t overthink answers. Don’t freeze if you get ‘unusual’ questions. Misunderstandings Tricky Question in Video Question: Which actor would you like to play you in a film? Sample Answer: “Well, that’s an interesting question! If a film were made about my life, I’d probably choose Tom Hanks to play me. He has this amazing ability to portray ordinary people in a very warm and believable way. For example, in movies like Forrest Gump or Cast Away, he shows both humour and deep emotion, which matches my personality quite well. Also, he seems like a genuinely kind person, so I think he could capture my character naturally. Of course, I’m not as adventurous as some of his roles, but I believe he could make my everyday story interesting!” Tricky Type Questions Here are some commonly reported tricky questions in Part 1 (drawn from recent exams and preparation resources). I've grouped them by topic, explained why they're challenging, and provided sample Band 7+ answers with tips. Practice expanding your responses naturally—aim for 2-4 sentences per question. 1. Hometown / Accommodation / Neighbourhood (Very Common Starters) These can feel tricky if you overthink changes over time or preferences. Do you live in a house or an apartment/flat? What do you like about it? Why tricky? It seems basic, but you need to describe details without repeating the question. Sample answer: "I live in a small apartment in the city centre. What I really like about it is the convenient location—everything is within walking distance, like shops and public transport. However, it can get a bit noisy at times because of the traffic." Would you say your hometown is a good place to live? Why/Why not? Why tricky? Requires balancing positives and negatives with reasons. Sample: "Yes, overall it's a great place, especially for families, because there are plenty of parks and good schools. That said, the public transport could be improved as it's often crowded during rush hour." How has your hometown changed in recent years? Why tricky? Needs past vs. present comparison. Sample: "It has become much more modern with new shopping malls and high-rise buildings. When I was a child, it was quieter with more traditional houses, but now it's busier and offers better job opportunities." What would you like to change about the place where you live? 2. Work / Study These test your ability to explain choices and future plans. Why did you choose this job/study subject? Why tricky? Personal motivation can be hard to articulate quickly. Sample: "I chose to study computer science because I've always been fascinated by technology and how it solves real-world problems. Plus, it offers excellent career prospects in my country." Do you like your job? What are your responsibilities? (or "Would you change your job if you could?") Sample: "I enjoy it most of the time because it's challenging and I get to work with a great team. My main responsibilities include managing projects and analysing data, though the long hours can sometimes be exhausting." 3. Free Time / Hobbies / Daily Routine Hypothetical or opinion-based questions here often catch people off guard. How does your daily routine impact your productivity? (or "Do you prefer to multitask or focus on one thing at a time?") Why tricky? Abstract and requires self-reflection. Sample: "I think sticking to a structured routine helps me stay productive because it reduces decision fatigue. For example, I exercise in the morning, which gives me more energy throughout the day. Multitasking, on the other hand, often leads to mistakes for me." What do you usually do in your free time? (Follow-up: "Is this common in your country?") Sample: "In my free time, I enjoy reading novels or going for walks in the park to unwind. It's quite common among young people in my country, especially since many have stressful jobs." 4. Opinions and Preferences (Often Tricky for Quick Responses) Do you prefer living in a city or a village? Why? Sample: "I prefer the city because of the better opportunities for work and entertainment. Villages are more peaceful, but I find city life more exciting despite the pollution." Do you have a good memory? What helps you remember things? (or questions about noise, patience, punctuality) Why tricky? Unusual topics like "Do you mind noises?" or "Are you a punctual person?" force personal examples. Sample (for noise): "Actually, I don't mind most noises during the day, but loud construction work can be distracting when I'm trying to concentrate. I usually use headphones with calming music to block it out." Do you think it's important to be on time? (Punctuality topic) Sample: "Yes, definitely. Being punctual shows respect for other people's time and helps build trust. For instance, in my previous job, arriving late once affected a team meeting." “What do you think of robots?” These types of questions seem so strange that they can stop people in their tracks. They either stumble and stutter over their words or literally freeze if they can’t think of what to say. Firstly, it doesn’t matter what you say as long as you say something. Secondly, it’s fine to say that the subject is something you’ve never thought about. Say this, then just give the best answer you can come up with. Example: “They aren’t something I’ve ever thought much about, but it would be great to have one that did the housework and cooked dinner occasionally.” The main thing is not to panic if an unusual question comes up. 5. Other Occasionally Tricky or Unusual Ones Questions on robots/AI (e.g., "Would you travel in a car driven by a robot?"), memory, jeans/fashion, or "What distracts you when you try to focus?" Sample for robot car: "No way, I'd be too scared! Even though technology is advancing, I still prefer a human driver for safety reasons, at least for now." Why These Questions Feel Tricky and How to Handle Them They often start with "Do you...?", "Why...?", or "How often...?" and expect reasons + examples. Some involve comparisons (past vs. now, city vs. village) or opinions on abstract ideas. Candidates struggle when they give one-word answers (e.g., "Yes") or hesitate too much. Quick Tips to Answer Effectively: Structure: Direct answer → Reason/Explanation → Personal example (or future hope). Keep responses 20-30 seconds long. Be natural—don't memorise full scripts, but prepare vocabulary for common topics (e.g., "convenient location", "stressful but rewarding", "unwind after work"). If stuck: Use fillers like "That's an interesting question..." or "Well, it depends..." to buy thinking time. Practice with a timer and record yourself to improve fluency and pronunciation. Focus on you—all questions are personal, so there's no "wrong" answer as long as you speak clearly. To prepare better, review recent topics like accommodation, work/study, free time, weather, food, or technology, and practice varying your answers. Many candidates improve their Part 1 score by extending short replies with "because..." or "for example...". Trick Questions - Overview Trick questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1 are not really "tricks" in the sense of deliberately misleading you — the examiners don't try to trap candidates. Part 1 is designed to be straightforward and conversational, focusing on familiar topics like your home, studies/work, hobbies, hometown, daily routines, etc. However, candidates often feel some questions are "tricky" or unexpected because: They sound like they might have a hidden meaning (but they don't) They catch you off guard if you're overthinking They require a direct, honest answer rather than a long prepared speech Unusual or less common topics appear (e.g. mirrors, noise, patience, robots, sunglasses) The most famous "non-trick trick question" that IELTS teachers warn about is: "Do you work or do you study?" Many candidates think this is a trap and feel pressured to say they study even if they don't (or vice versa). But it's not a trick — just answer honestly. Examples of honest responses: "I work full-time as a marketing assistant." "I'm currently studying at university, doing a degree in computer science." "I don't work or study at the moment — I'm between jobs / I'm a stay-at-home parent." "Actually, I'm retired now." If you lie or hesitate, it can make you sound unnatural, which hurts fluency & coherence. Here are some other questions that candidates often find unexpectedly challenging or "tricky" in Part 1 (especially if they panic or overcomplicate): Do you have a good memory? → People freeze because they think there's a "correct" answer. Just give a natural opinion + example. What do you think of robots? / Do you think robots will replace many jobs? → Seems random/out of place in Part 1, but it's testing everyday opinions. Are you a patient person? → Candidates worry about sounding negative. You can say "not really" and explain naturally. Do you like rainy days? → Simple, but some overthink weather preferences. How often do you look in the mirror? → Unusual topic — just answer casually. Do you prefer mornings or evenings? → Seems easy, but extend naturally with reasons. What’s your favourite animal and why? (rare follow-up) → Can catch people unprepared if it comes suddenly. Tips to handle any "trick" feeling in Part 1: Listen carefully — answer exactly what is asked (don't mishear or go off-topic). Don't memorise full answers — examiners spot this instantly and lower your score. Keep answers natural (2–4 sentences per question). If you don't understand, politely ask to repeat ("Sorry, could you say that again?"). Be honest — especially about work/study status. Relax — Part 1 is the easiest part and meant to be a warm-up. In short: there are no real trick questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1. The "tricks" are usually self-created by overthinking or trying to give perfect textbook answers instead of natural ones. Just chat normally about yourself! Good luck with your test! Unusual or Unexpected Topic Questions These questions aim to get you to speak naturally, rather than giving a rehearsed answer about hobbies or work. What do you think of robots? (If you have no opinion, say so and explain why). Do you often look at the sky? Do you prefer to look at the sky during the day or at night? What do you think about when you look at the sky? Have you ever been to a fishpond? What is your favorite color? (It seems simple, but you must explain why it is your favorite). Time-Based/Memory Questions (Tricky Tenses) Questions These questions test your ability to accurately use past, present, and future tenses under pressure. Did you like to write with a pen or pencil when you were a child? (Tests past tense). What is your first memory of your childhood? What kind of haircuts did you get as a kid? When was the last time you bought a pen/pencil? Pre-test introduction - reminder Before the test starts, you’ll have a brief conversation with the examiner as they introduce themselves, confirm who you are and check your identity. The questions they’ll ask you in this pre-test introduction aren’t marked, but they are your first chance to make a good impression. Don’t forget to smile and don’t be put off if the examiner doesn’t seem very friendly - it's not you, they just might be a bit tired. Examiner: opening statement: ... Good morning/ afternoon, would you please tell me your full name? Student: Yes, my full name is (Chinese full name) however, please call me by my English name (English name). Student: Yes, my Chinese name is (Chinese full name) however, please call me by my English name (English name). Examiner: Thanks, can I see your identification, please? Student: Yes/ Sure, here is my ID/ identification. Examiner: Thanks. We can now get started with the first part of the exam. In the first part, I will ask you some personal questions. First, I'd like to ask about... Tell me about yourself? I live with my family in Tainan City, which is located in the south of Taiwan. I am currently studying Fine Arts and Interior Design at Tainan University. In my spare time, I like to listen to music, watch movies, and spend time in the local cafes. Topic: Home Where is your home? Do you live in a house or a flat? Who do you live with? Are there many rooms in your home? What is your favourite room? How are the walls decorated? What would you change about your home? Do you plan to live there in the future? What facilities are there near your home? What is your neighbourhood like? What type of building do most people live in in your country? Example Answers 1: Where is your home? My home is in Tainan in southern Taiwan. Where do you live? I live in Tainan City in southern Taiwan. Describe your home. My home is an apartment. There are 6 rooms, 3 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Do you live in a house or a flat? I live in an apartment. Who do you live with? I live with my family, my mother, sister and grandmother. Are there many rooms in your home? There are 6 rooms in my home, 3 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. What would you change about your home? I wish we had more storage space in the house, since there are 4 of us living there, my grandmother, mother, sister and myself. What facilities are there near your home? My home is located quite near a local supermarket and a convenience store. I can also catch a bus nearby. The nearest park is about 10 minutes walk away. What is your neighbourhood like? My neighbourhood is quite busy. My relatives live close by, so it is quite fun to see them most days. What type of building do most people live in in your country? Most people live in apartments in Taiwan, since there is little land space to build on, so you can often see tower blocks in each city. Example Answers 2: 1) What kind of property do you live in? My home is a semi-detached bungalow. 2) How long have you lived there? I moved in on my 21st birthday, and I'm nearly 25 now, so I've been there for almost four years. 3) Do you plan to live there for a long time? Buying and selling a house is very stressful, and I said that I would never do it again after the last time. Besides, I love my home, so I think I will stay there forever. 4) Is there anything about your house you would like to change? Not really. I have thought about doing a loft conversion to give me another bedroom for when friends come to stay, but that’s all. 5) What's the difference between where you live now and your last home? I used to live in an apartment by the sea. It had a wonderful view but no garden. Now I have a large lawn surrounded by a high hedge, and a patio where I like to sit in the sun. I’m very happy to have a garden again. Topic: Hometown Where is your hometown? Do you like your hometown? Do you often visit your hometown? What is your hometown like? What is the oldest place in your hometown? What is there for a foreigner to do or see in your hometown? How could your hometown be improved? Has your hometown changed much since you were a child? Is there good public transportation in your hometown? Do you think your hometown is a good place to bring up children? How important is it to live in a convenient location? Example Answers 1: Where do you live? I live in Tainan in southern Taiwan. Where is your hometown? My hometown is Tainan City in southern Taiwan. Do you like your hometown? Yes, I like my hometown. I feel it’s an interesting place because it has modern and old places. There is the old Fortress built by the Dutch, along with old market streets. In contrast, there are modern museums, shopping malls, and parks to explore. What is your hometown like? I feel my hometown is quite an interesting city because it has both modern and old buildings. There is the old Fortress built by the Dutch, along with old market streets. In contrast, there are modern museums, shopping malls, and parks to explore. How long have you lived there? I have lived there all my life. What is your hometown known for? My hometown, Tainan, is known as the ancient capital of Taiwan, which, of course, is now Taipei. You can still see the old fort built by the Dutch 400 years ago. It’s also famous in Taiwan as the food capital for its unique street food. Is there much to do in your hometown? Yes, there are plenty of places to visit, such as night markets, temples, the old fort, cultural museums and villages, and traditional narrow-street shops and cafes. What is the oldest place in your hometown? The oldest place in my hometown would be the Old Fort built by the Dutch 400 years ago. How could your hometown be improved? I think my hometown could be improved by improving public transportation, better parking places and the road network. Has your hometown changed much since you were a child? Yes, my hometown has grown larger with two Science Parks, along with more museums, and the development of public transport. Is there good public transportation in your hometown? Yes, there are good bus, taxi, and bicycle sharing services. However, there is no local railway network in the city. I believe there are plans to try to build one, which would help with traffic congestion. Do you think your hometown is a good place to bring up children? Yes, it is a safe place to live with plenty of diverse places of interest and an opportunity to work in one of the Science Parks. Example Answers 2: Where are you from? I am from Taiwan. My hometown is Tainan, which is located in southern Taiwan. It is the oldest city in Taiwan, and it used to be the capital in the 17th century. Where is your hometown? My hometown is Tainan, which is located in southern Taiwan. It is the oldest city in Taiwan, and it used to be the capital in the 17th century. What do you most like about your hometown? I most like the old and modern architecture and its food, especially the street markets. It's a picturesque city with plenty of historical sites. Tainan is known for its agriculture, especially the production of sugar cane, which has influenced its local cuisine with sweet flavours. Do you live in a home or an apartment? I'm currently living in a student dormitory (accommodation) in Bristol, in the UK. However, in Taiwan, I live in a house with my family in Tainan City. Can you describe your hometown? Student: Yes, my hometown is Tainan, which is located in southern Taiwan. It is the oldest city in Taiwan, and it used to be the capital in the 17th century. I most like the old and modern architecture and its food, especially the street markets. It's a picturesque city with plenty of historical sites. Tainan is known for its agriculture, especially the production of sugar cane, which has influenced its local cuisine with sweet flavours. Where is your hometown? My hometown is in Hanoi, which is the capital city of Vietnam. It's located in the north of the country, not really that far from the southern Chinese border. What’s the most interesting part of your city? I feel my hometown is quite an interesting city because it has both modern and old buildings. There is the old Fortress built by the Dutch about 400years ago, along with old market streets. In contrast, there are modern museums, shopping malls, and parks to explore. What do you like and dislike about your city? Student: I like the old market streets. It's an interesting place to try different types of food and spend time in cafes. However, I dislike the local transportation system, which needs further development to travel around the city more easily. I also feel there are too many cars on the roads and too few places to park them. Is there much to do in your hometown? Oh yes, there's certainly lots to do there as it's a fairly big city. If you like going out in the evening, there are a lot of good restaurants and bars. If you prefer cultural activities, there are museums and art galleries. But if you like nature, there are lots of other things outside of the city that are easy to reach. What are the people like in your hometown? They are mostly quite friendly, but as with most big cities, everyone is often busy, so it may seem as if they are not interested in speaking or having a chat. But if you live there, you know that most people are quite happy to chat with you if they have time and will help you if needed. Can you describe your hometown? Student: Yes, my hometown is Tainan, which is located in southern Taiwan. It is the oldest city in Taiwan, and it used to be the capital in the 17th century. I most like the old and modern architecture and its food, especially the street markets. It's a picturesque city with plenty of historical sites. Tainan is known for its agriculture, especially the production of sugar cane, which has influenced its local cuisine with sweet flavours. What’s the most interesting part of your city? I feel my hometown is quite an interesting city because it has both modern and old buildings. There is the old Fortress built by the Dutch about 400 years ago, along with old market streets. In contrast, there are modern museums, shopping malls, and parks to explore. What do you like and dislike about your city? Student: I like the old market streets. It's an interesting place to try different types of food and spend time in cafes. However, I dislike the local transportation system, which needs further development to travel around the city more easily. I also feel there are too many cars on the roads and too few places to park them. Describe a park near your home? There are no parks near my home; however, I like to take walks in nearby fields and observe nature. If I were to choose a favourite park in Tainan, it would be .... because. Topic: Parks Describe a park in your hometown. There are a variety of parks in Tainan. One of my favourite parks is Tainan Park, which has a lake surrounded by trees, gardens, bridges and temples. It’s a great place to relax. What do you like to do in a park? I often go to parks to relax, walk about and enjoy nature. Sometimes, I like to read a book or have a picnic there. What is your favourite park near you? My favourite park would be Taijiang National Park because it has amazing boat rides on its lake. What would you include in a park? I would include diverse gardens with explanations of each plant to help educate the public, along with fun places for families to enjoy. What benefits do parks offer? I think parks provide essential spaces for the public to enjoy and relax. Parks offer an escape from our daily lives and help us refresh ourselves. How important is it to have parks in towns and cities? I think it is very important to have parks in towns and cities. I believe we are all strongly connected to nature, and I think it is an important place for our mental health and overall well-being to be close to nature. Topic: Family It’s important to learn a good range of family vocabulary as there’s a high chance you’ll get questions about your family in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test. The topic could also come up in Parts 2 and 3, as well as being the subject of the Writing, Listening or Reading tests. Things you could be asked about: Facts about your family Details of family relationships Family activities & celebrations A family member you admire Changes in family roles The generation gap Parental responsibility The future of the family Family & Friends Do you spend much time with your family? Who are you closest to in your family? Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends? Who is your best friend? Are you still friends with people from your childhood? Is family important in your country? Childhood Did you enjoy your childhood? What is your first memory of your childhood? Did you have a lot of friends when you were a child? What did you enjoy doing as a child? Do you think it is better for children to grow up in the city or in the countryside? Example Answers: 1) How many people are there in your immediate family? Four people make up my immediate family – my dad, my sister and my two brothers. They all live close to me, except for my youngest brother, who moved away because of his work. 2) Do you get along well with your family? Most definitely. I used to argue with my brothers and sister a lot when we were. It was sibling rivalry, I guess, but we get on really well now. 3) Which member of your family are you closest to? I’d have to say my sister, but we’re a close-knit family, and we all get along just great. 4) How much time do you spend with your family? We used to go to my parents’ house for Sunday tea every few weeks, but since my mother died, my oldest brother, my sister, and I take turns to spend time supporting our father. This means that we don’t all get together so often. However, we still have family gatherings on special occasions. 5) When did you last have a family party? Just a few weeks ago. It was for my father’s birthday. We had a get-together at his house, and we all took along cakes and snacks to share. Topic: Studies Q: What are you studying at the moment? I'm studying history at university. It's a four-year course, and I started it three years ago, so I have just one year left. I'm enjoying it a lot, so it will be sad to finish. Q: What do you like most about your studies? We learn about many things from the past, such as politics and wars, but I like learning about how people lived in the past the most. It's amazing to see how our lives have changed so much from the past up until now. In some ways, our lives have gotten much easier now, but in other ways, the simplicity of life in the past made people much happier. Learning about all that is fascinating. Q: What do you hope to do in the future when you have finished? I'm not sure at the moment, but I may go into teaching. This is why I'm doing the IELTS, as I intend to carry on and do a Master's in a specific area of history. I'll probably decide for sure what to do when I have completed that. Topic: Books 1) What kind of books do you like to read? I mostly like to read biographies. I'm not sure why, but it is interesting to read about people's real lives, especially when they have had interesting lives and have had to deal with many problems. I do read fiction as well, but I often find it difficult to get hold of a book that I really like. I also like reading about books related to current affairs. 2) Do you read the same kind of books now that you read when you were a child? Not really, no. Actually, I didn't read that much when I was a child, but if I did, it was mainly fiction books, such as fairy tales. Things like The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Fantasy things. 3) When do you think is the best time to read? I think any time is ok, but when I read, I like to concentrate, so I can't read for a short time, like on a bus ride, as some people do. I like to put time aside to enjoy it. So if I have some free time at the weekend, I might read for a few hours. And I nearly always read before I go to bed - this really helps me to sleep. Examiner: Let’s talk about your hobbies and interests. How do you usually spend your weekends? Student: In my spare time, I often read books and novels because they inspire me and can help with my artistic creativity. I also like to listen to music and play the piano for relaxation. Sometimes, I go to cafes, street markets or watch a movie with my friends at weekends. Examiner: What was the last film you watched? Student: Other Topics Family & Friends Do you spend much time with your family? Who are you closest to in your family? Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends? Who is your best friend? Are you still friends with people from your childhood? Is family important in your country? Childhood Did you enjoy your childhood? What is your first memory of your childhood? Did you have a lot of friends when you were a child? What did you enjoy doing as a child? Do you think it is better for children to grow up in the city or in the countryside? Daily Routine When do you usually get up in the morning? Do you usually have the same routine every day? What is your daily routine? Do you ever change your routine? Is your routine the same today as it was when you were a child? Do you think it is important to have a daily routine? Neighbours & Neighbourhood Do you like your neighbours? Are neighbours usually close to each other in your country? What is your neighbourhood like? Do you think your neighbourhood is a good place for children? How could your neighbourhood be improved? Do you think it is important to have a good relationship with your neighbours? Leisure Time What is your favourite leisure activity? What did you enjoy doing in your free time as a child? Do you prefer to spend your free time with other people or alone? What is a common leisure activity in your country? Do most people in your country get two days off a week? Do you think leisure time is important? Hobbies Do you have a hobby? What equipment do you need for it? Do you think hobbies should be shared with other people? Did you have a hobby as a child? What hobbies are popular in your country? Why do you think people have hobbies? Going Out Do you often go out in the evenings? What do you like to do when you go out? Do you prefer going out on your own or with friends? How often do you go out in a week? Where do most young people like to go out in your country? Evenings What do you often do in the evenings? Do you do the same thing every evening? Do you prefer to spend your evenings with family or friends? Do you ever work or study in the evenings? What is a popular activity for young people in your country in the evenings? Do you do the same thing in the evenings as you did when you were a child? References Part 1: Introduction and Interview [This part of the test begins with the examiner introducing himself or herself and checking the candidate’s identification. It then continues as an interview.] Pre-test introduction - reminder Before the test starts, you’ll have a brief conversation with the examiner as they introduce themselves, confirm who you are and check your identity. The questions they’ll ask you in this pre-test introduction aren’t marked, but they are your first chance to make a good impression. Don’t forget to smile and don’t be put off if the examiner doesn’t seem very friendly - it's not you, they just might be a bit tired. Examiner: opening statement: ... Good morning/ afternoon, would you please tell me your full name? Student: Yes, my full name is (Chinese full name); however, please call me by my English name (English name). Yes, my Chinese name is (Chinese full name); however, you can call me (English name). Examiner: Thanks, can I see your identification, please? Student: Yes/ Sure, here is my ID/ identification. Examiner: Thanks. We can now get started with the first part of the exam. In the first part, I will ask you some personal questions. First, I'd like to ask about... Index 1) Format of the part 1 Speaking test 2) The main reason for low scores 3) How to avoid this big mistake 4) The 4 key skills you’ll be assessed on Format of the part 1 Speaking test Time: 4-5 minutes. You will be asked questions about yourself and your life. They could include anything connected with the following topics: Your work or study Your home Your family Your hometown Your likes or dislikes These questions will be easy to answer, as you obviously know all about yourself and your life. You cannot give a wrong answer, so try to relax and treat this as a warm-up for the rest of the test. The main reason for low scores One of the main reasons people get a low score for their IELTS Speaking test is that they don’t understand what is actually required. Most people think they know what the Speaking test is about. They know the format, but many aren’t aware of what the exam is really about and what the examiner is looking for. Here are the key points you need to know about what the Speaking test is not. It is not a test of your knowledge or your intelligence. You are not expected to be an expert on the subjects they ask you about. You won’t be assessed on the content of what you say. The examiner doesn’t care what you do or do not know. They just want to hear your opinions and how well you communicate them. The content of what you say is not important, and you won’t be assessed on it. You can even make something up if you need to. What you will be assessed on The examiners follow strict marking criteria. Click the link for a summary criteria for all nine band levels in each of the four skill areas Speaking Test Assessment Criteria. The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your ability to: Communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences Speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language Organise your ideas coherently Express and justify your opinions Analyse, discuss and speculate about issues The 4 Key Skills You’ll Be Assessed On Fluency and Coherence Vocabulary Grammar Pronunciation These are all you need to worry about. They each hold 25% of the marks. 1. Fluency & Coherence Fluency – the ability to speak easily, naturally and at a good speed without lots of stops, pauses or repetition. Coherence – The way that ideas are organised, developed and connected so that they flow from one to the other logically, and what is said makes sense. Both are important. 2. Vocabulary To do well in the test, you need to demonstrate the ability to correctly use a wide range of vocabulary. Note: Many people make the mistake of thinking that they just have to throw in lots of ‘advanced’ and ‘complex’ words to get a high score for vocabulary. The result is speech that’s full of inappropriate vocabulary, used incorrectly, and sentences that are difficult to understand. That’s the perfect recipe for a low mark. The examiner wants you to use the right or most appropriate words and phrases to answer the question. You don’t want to sound like a university professor giving a lecture, just a normal person talking in everyday language. This is so important. 3. Grammar Here are 3 important points concerning grammar: Most people try to overcomplicate grammar. Use the most appropriate language to answer each question. The questions are designed to assess your ability to use different tenses. Most people try to overcomplicate grammar. You need to understand and correctly use the different tenses in the English language. The questions you’ll be asked are designed to test your ability to use verb tenses and other grammatical structures. However, as with everything else in the IELTS Speaking test, you need to be able to use the most appropriate language for any given question. The examiner won’t be impressed if you try to use three different tenses in your answer, just to show that you can, when they really don’t belong there. Your speech will automatically lose coherence, and you’ll thus lose marks. 4. Pronunciation The most important aspect of pronunciation is to be clear and easy to understand. The clarity of your speech is determined to a large extent by these five features of pronunciation:
individual sounds word stress sentence stress connected speech intonation Major grammar errors and incorrect vocabulary will also, of course, make it more difficult to understand you, but good pronunciation enables you to show off all your other language skills. So now that you know exactly what the examiner will be looking for when you take your exam, you’re already better prepared than most people. Topic: Studies
Q: What are you studying at the moment? I'm studying history at university. It's a four-year course, and I started it three years ago, so I have just one year left. I'm enjoying it a lot, so it will be sad to finish.

Qu: What do you do? I am currently an exchange student, studying Fine Arts at Bristol UWE, in the UK, for 6 months. I also study Interior Design in Taiwan, along with Fine Arts.
Q: What do you like most about your studies? We learn about many things from the past, such as politics and wars, but I like learning about how people lived in the past the most. It's amazing to see how our lives have changed so much from the past up until now. In some ways, our lives have gotten much easier now, but in other ways, the simplicity of life in the past made people much happier. Learning about all that is fascinating.
Q: What do you hope to do in the future when you have finished? I'm not sure at the moment, but I may go into teaching. This is why I'm doing the IELTS, as I intend to carry on and do a Master's in a specific area of history. I'll probably decide for sure what to do when I have completed that.

Qu: What do you hope to do in the future? I hope to be an Interior Designer because I believe interior design, along with my Fine Art background, will enable me to create aesthetic/ comfortable interior living spaces which can help mental well-being. Leisure Time 1. Do you have a lot of free time? Ans: I don’t get a lot of free time, especially as it's my final year at senior high school. Most of my free time tends to be over weekends. 2. Do you spend your free time outside? Ans: Yes, I prefer to go outside because I often study at home. I often like to go to Taichung because it's well-known for its variety of food and restaurants, especially its night markets. I find going outside helps me relax and takes my mind off studying. It also helps me balance my life a bit. 3. What sort of things do you like doing outside? Yes, when I do get some free time, I try to meet my friends for coffee or go for short walks in the park and listen to some music. I like to see nature as it helps me relax. 4. Is there a free-time activity you would like to try in the future? Ans: An activity I would like to do in the future is to go cycling around Taiwan. I think it is important to develop an outside activity interest, and as I like nature, I think it would be fun to try. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? How much time do you have each week for doing these things? Why do you like doing these activities? How did you start doing this activity at first? Is there some other hobby or sport you would like to try? Why? How has the way people spend their free time changed over the years? Topic: Birthdays Do you usually celebrate your birthdays? How did you celebrate your last birthday? Which birthdays are the most important ones in your country? Do you think children should celebrate their birthdays with a party? Weather Vocabulary 1) What is the weather like in your country? Our weather is very unpredictable. One minute it can be lovely sunshine, the next we’re experiencing a downpour. The UK is well-known for this. 2) Do you like the weather in your country? Yes and no. I get frustrated that we have so many rainy days but we do have some glorious / fabulous weather as well. When the sun comes out and there’s not a cloud in the sky, I couldn't be happier. 3) Is the weather the same in all parts of your country? There are some quite marked regional differences. I live in the south-west where it's mild but we get high precipitation. It’s drier in the east and they actually had a drought this summer. Further north, it’s very cold in winter and they get heavy snow. 4) Are there any problems with the climate in your country? We certainly seem to have experienced more violent storms and torrential rain in recent years. This has caused serious flooding in some places. A village near where I live had a flash flood this summer which washed away cars and a few buildings. People say global warming is to blame. 5) Does the weather ever affect the way you feel? Most definitely. I feel so much more cheerful and full of energy when it’s sunny, whatever season it is. Even a break in the weather on an overcast day lifts my spirits. https://ieltstutorials.online/sample-questions/cue-card https://www.ieltsbuddy.com/ielts-speaking-samples.html
50 Recent IELTS Speaking Topics for Parts 2 and 3 for IELTS 2025
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-part-1-topics/ IELTS Speaking Sample Questions with Answers for IELTS Speaking Part 3 https://www.ieltsjacky.com/ielts-speaking.html https://ieltsmaterial.com/50-ielts-speaking-part-2-3-topics-2020-with-model-answers/ https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/ https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-english-practice-tests/speaking https://ielts-up.com/speaking/ielts-speaking-test.html https://leapscholar.com/exams/ielts/practice-test/speaking/part-1 https://ielts.org/take-a-test/preparation-resources
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors - Speaking Assessment Criteria What is the IELTS Speaking test? Four Skills 33 interview questions for students (with sample answers) Interviewers usually ask these questions for students to learn about their basic knowledge and abilities. They also ask these questions to get a better understanding of your interests, attitude, and personality. Some common general questions include: Can you tell us about yourself? How did you learn about our organization/ university? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses, and how do you overcome them? Why did you choose your school? What motivates you? How do you believe you can contribute to our growth? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Can you tell us why you think you're the best fit for this role? Do you have any questions for us?
Experience and Background The interviewer may ask questions about your background and experience to understand your responsibilities in previous roles and how you handled them. They also ask these questions to envision you in the role and determine whether you fit their company culture. Below are examples of these questions: Tell us something about your field of study. Which academic accomplishment are you most proud of? Do you have prior experience in this role? Do you have any academic goals you hope to achieve before you graduate? What are they? What skills and experience do you hope to gain in this job? Do you have plans to further your education? Do you participate in any extracurricular activities? What are they? What do you wish you knew before choosing this career path? What steps have you taken for your professional growth and development? Do you think your education helped to prepare you for this role? In what way?
In-depth Questions Interviewers ask in-depth questions to get detailed information about your behaviour or abilities. These questions usually relate directly to the role and give the interviewer an idea of how well you'd perform. Examples of in-depth questions include: Can you give an example of a time you applied your leadership skills at work? How do you work under pressure? How do you handle stress? Do you prefer working alone or with a team? Why? Tell us about a time you exceeded your expectations. Have you ever missed a deadline? Why and what was the result? Describe how you organise your schedule and prioritise your tasks. Have you ever managed multiple tasks simultaneously? How did you handle them? How do you manage two projects that are due at the same time? How do you intend to make an impact in this role?
Discussion Questions (Tests) (1) What images spring to mind when you hear the word ‘test’? (2) Do you get nervous when you take tests? (3) Are there any kinds of tests that you love? (4) Do you follow any special routines before you take a test? (5) What test has made you most nervous? (6) What do you think about while you wait for the result of a test? (7) Have you ever cheated on a test? (8) Have you ever taken an IQ test? (9) Do you think testing is useful or a waste of time? (10) Do you think your test scores reflect your true ability and intelligence? (11) Do you like taking tests? (12) Are you good at taking tests? (13) What was the last English test that you took like? (14) Have you ever had a blood test? (15) Would you be more nervous before your driving test, a blood test or an English test? (16) What’s the best way to prepare for a test? (17) What medical tests have you had? (18) What was the worst test you ever took? (19) Are there too many tests in school? (20) How do you feel when you fail a test?