Thanks to the kind IELTS tutor KA from Pakistan, today we are sharing the Speaking questions from his student’s IELTS exam:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– Where do you live?
– Do you work or study?
– Are you passionate about your job?
– What tools help you in your job?
– How many hours do you work in a week?
– Do you like watching animals? Why or why not?
– Have you ever visited the zoo? Why or why not?
– Do you like to see animals in the zoo?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a time when you received some incorrect information. You should say
– what the information was and where you got it
– why you needed it
– how you found out it was incorrect
– and explain what you did after finding out the information was incorrect.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What kind of jobs require providing information to people?
– What skills or qualities do people need to be able to provide information?
– Do some people have more correct information that others?
– What does ‘transparency’ mean to you?
– How can we find the correct information?
– Do students rely more on facts than correct information?
– What is more important for students, facts or correct information?
The line graph below describes production of different fuels in the UK from 1981 to 2000. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words
* Note: this isn’t the actual graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Band 8.5 Model Answer
The line graph gives information about the production of coal, gas and petroleum in the UK from 1981 to 2001.
It is clear from the graph that there was a decline in the production of all three types of fuel over the given time period, especially coal.
To begin, coal started out with the highest value of 127 million tonnes produced in 1981, and then plummeted to 51 million tonnes in 1984. Thereafter, the ratio recovered significantly to 106 million tonnes in 1986. From then onwards, the ratio has been consistently declining and eventually reached a low of 35 million tonnes in 2001.
The production of petroleum showed a slight increase from 96 to 100 million tonnes at the very start of the period. From 1983, there was a gradual decrease in production to a low of 79 million tonnes in 1989. Later on, from 1991 to 2001 the numbers remained relatively stable, between 80 to 87 million tonnes.
Natural gas production started at 72 bcm and increased for almost 10 years, reaching the high of 113 bcm in 1990. That point marked a start of gradual decline of around 5 bcm per year, to the low of 67 in 1999. Thereafter, there was a slight recovery to 72 bcm in 2001.
Thanks to our kind subscriber D we are sharing the questions from the IELTS exam she took two days ago in Uzbekistan:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The chart below shows the percentage of people in the UK who ate five portions of fruit and vegetables per day between 2001 and 2008.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: this isn’t the actual chart given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
If people could choose between working and not working, they would choose not to work. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your full name?
– What can I call you?
– Do you work or are you a student?
– What do you like about your studies?
– Did you buy a lot of bags when you were young?
– Do you often take a bag with you when you go out?
– What type of bags do people take when they go on holiday?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a job that you think is interesting. You should say
– what job it is
– how you learnt about it
– what skills are required for this job
– and explain why you think this job is interesting
Part 3 (Discussion)
Unfortunately D didn’t remember the questions in Speaking Part 3.
You probably remember Alan as one of the IELTS Results competition winners. We celebrated their success earlier this month, and Alan took the first place in the General Training group.
Alan lives in India and speaks Hindi as his first language. He came across IELTS-Blog.com and subscribed to our daily emails in January this year. When he took the test, he scored Band 8.0, and decided to take part in our monthly IELTS results competition. As a winner, Alan was invited to share his experience, and he wanted to give back and help everyone still studying for the test. Here is what Alan told us about his IELTS preparation, and how you can do well in the test:
“My English proficiency before starting the preparation was at a moderate level, I would say.
With the initial practice assessments I took, I was around Band 7-8 in Listening and Reading, Band 5-6 in Writing, and an estimate of Band 6 in Speaking (based on feedback I received). My weaknesses were writing and speaking, so I concentrated my 2 months of prep on those more than the other sections. I dedicated around an hour a day to preparation.
Some general tips that I found helpful:
– Practice consistently: fix a time in the day (I fixed a time after work to study).
– Book the test in advance when you feel like you are moderately ready. This gives a deadline and a reason to study. Dragging out the preparation might reduce your motivation and confidence.
– Go through the free materials provided when registering for the exam.
– Do not underestimate the difficulty of the exam. One of my friends (who has better English proficiency than me) ignored the writing letter/essay structure and got Band 6 in the test.
– Take mock tests for Reading and Listening online on websites like IELTS-Blog.com to familiarise yourself with the computer-based interface.
– Keep the IELTS assessment criteria in mind while doing tasks
– Track your Listening and Reading practice scores
I hope you found some of my tips useful.”
Thank you very much, Alan, for sharing your advice, and we wish you only the very best!
Here are some high-scoring Part 3 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from Azerbaijan. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 2.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 3 (Discussion)
We’ve been talking about shopping, and now, in the third part of the test, I would like to ask you a few more questions related to this.
1. Who do you think spends more time shopping, younger or older people, and why?
Well, I believe younger people spend more time shopping than older generations. This is likely due to their need for the latest trends and styles, as well as the appeal of new technology and gadgets. Younger generations are more likely to be swayed by targeted advertisements that promote specific products and services, rather than relying on word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members. They may also be more willing to take risks and buy items they haven’t seen before, whereas older generations may prefer tried and trusted products or items that come highly recommended by others.
2. Do you think advertisements have advantages for consumers?
I think that advertising can be a beneficial tool for customers, as it provides them with an opportunity to learn about new products and services, that they might otherwise have been unaware of. This allows them to make informed decisions when choosing what best suits their needs and budget. Advertising can also help people save money by informing them about discounts, sales or coupons available from particular retailers.
3. Do advertisements have advantages for companies?
I am convinced that companies benefit greatly from advertising campaigns because these can help with brand recognition and increase sales amongst their target audience by spreading awareness of their company’s product. Advertising can also help build loyalty among existing customers by reinforcing the positive aspects of the company’s brand identity. This is achieved by repetition of logos, slogans or catchphrases across multiple mediums such as TV ads or radio commercials.
4. What makes an advertisement effective?
It seems to me that a good advertisement should be able to capture its target audience’s attention quickly, yet remain memorable enough for them to recall later on when making purchasing decisions. Things like catchy jingles, engaging visuals or humorous dialogue, help to achieve this effect. In addition to this, effective advertising should provide clear messages regarding how the product works, or how it can help solve problems faced by its target audience.
5. How much do you think advertisements can be trusted?
The trustworthiness of an advertisement depends largely on its source. If we are talking about sponsored content created by reputable companies, then there is usually no reason why we can’t trust what is being shared within the ad. However, if we are discussing unauthorised ads placed across websites or mobile apps, then there is more uncertainty surrounding what information is being presented. These types of ads could contain misleading claims about products or services offered, which could result in consumers being taken advantage of financially.
6. Do you think advertisements should be regulated more strictly?
I would say it makes sense, in order to protect consumers against false claims which could mislead individuals into thinking certain products or services will deliver results which aren’t actually possible in reality. This is particularly important when dealing with health-related goods, where exaggerated promises made concerning weight loss diets and such, could convince vulnerable individuals to invest unnecessarily into something that won’t fulfill its intended purpose.
Here is a high-scoring Speaking Test Part 2 model answer for the cue card that was shared by a student from Azerbaijan. The answer shows a good way to respond to this question. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 3.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to the answer. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Start listening to Part 2 from time mark 02:30
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about something special that you would like to buy in the future. You should say
– what it is
– what it looks like
– when you intend to buy it
– and explain why you would like to buy it.
Answer
My dream is to buy a custom-made electric guitar in the future. It’s an expensive purchase and I have been saving up for quite a while. It would have a sleek, curved body made of mahogany wood with a sunburst finish. The hardware of the guitar would be gold-plated, and it would be equipped with two humbucker pickups that offer an incredibly versatile tone range. I plan to buy this guitar within the next year or two, as I feel that having my own customised instrument would help me to take my musical ambitions to the next level.
Music and playing an instrument is something that runs in my family. Some of my earliest memories are of my dad playing his acoustic guitar while we all sang as a family. And while I do enjoy strumming on a simple acoustic guitar, the moment I first picked up an electric guitar and heard its distinct sound, I knew I wanted to explore its unique sound further. Since then, I have been dedicated to improving my skills and expanding my knowledge of different genres and techniques.
Having my own custom-made electric guitar would provide me with an opportunity to really express myself creatively on the instrument, as well as refine my technical abilities by testing out new sounds and improvisational ideas. I know that this guitar would become a keepsake for me even long after my musical journey has ended. It would be a reminder of the drive and passion that pushed me towards achieving something special, and I would love to pass it on to my children one day.
Our kind subscriber SS took his IELTS Speaking test in Pakistan and remembered the following questions:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Can you tell me your full name please?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– Do you want to travel to the outer space?
– Would you do it, if you had the opportunity?
– Have you ever learnt about stars and the outer space?
– Is it necessary to study stars? Why?
– Do you like wearing jewellery?
– Do you buy jewellery?
– Why do people wear jewellery?
– Have you even given someone jewellery as a gift?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe your first day at school. You should say
– where it was
– who you met
– what happened
– and explain how you felt on that day.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Do you think students should be taken to school by their parents or go by themselves?
– Should children rely on their parents or try to be more independent?
– In your opinion, how important is it for schoolchildren to develop independence?
– How can schools promote independence among their students?
– Should parents be more or less involved in their children’s school life? Why?
– What can be the effects of parents interfering with their children’s choices?
– How can parents strike a balance between supporting their children and encouraging independence?
Here are some high-scoring Part 1 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from Azerbaijan. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 2, Part 3.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
1. Do you study or work?
I currently study at the University of California, in Los Angeles.
2. What is your major?
I am majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Health. I chose this degree because of my interest in politics and public policy, and also because I’d love to make a positive contribution to public health initiatives.
3. What are you planning to do after your studies?
After I finish my studies, I plan to pursue a career in international development, or global health policy implementation. I want to use my knowledge and experience to promote human rights, improve access to healthcare services, and create sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities around the world.
4. Now I would like to talk about swimming. Is swimming popular in your country?
Yes, swimming is quite a popular activity in my country. There are numerous public pools in cities and towns that offer swimming lessons for children and adults, as well as competitive swim teams in high schools and universities across the nation.
5. Do you prefer to swim in the pool or the sea?
Well, personally, I prefer to swim in a pool. While there’s something special about taking a dip in the sea in summer, I find it more enjoyable to swim laps back-and-forth in a controlled environment like a pool, where I can do it in any weather.
6. Do many people in your country know how to swim?
Oh yea. Most people know how to swim, especially those living near coastal regions, where saltwater beaches are more common than freshwater lakes or rivers. Even though not everyone has the time or money to take regular swimming lessons, most adults will have had learnt how to swim growing up, either at school or from family members.
7. Do you think swimming is a useful skill?
Oh, absolutely! Swimming is an incredibly useful skill that everyone should learn! Not only does it help keep us physically fit by providing both cardio and muscle strengthening workouts, but it also regulates our emotions and reduces stress levels.
Thanks to our kind subscribers MM and HA we are sharing the questions from their IELTS exams earlier this week. It appears that the test questions in Kenya and Bangladesh were the same.
Listening test
Part 1. Holiday plan and activities.
Questions: fill in the blanks (one word).
Part 2. A talk about the Railway Museum.
Questions: information matching, map labelling.
Part 3. Preparing for a presentation with a tutor.
Questions: multiple choice questions, information matching.
Part 4. Objects found in different time periods.
Questions: fill in the blanks (one word).
Reading test
Passage 1. A tiny plant that lives on trees.
Questions: True/False/Not Given, fill in the blanks (one word).
Passage 2. Camouflage methods used by different animals.
Questions: matching information, matching experts to opinions, fill in the blanks (two words).
Passage 3. Advanced Technology in developed and developing countries.
Questions: summary completion using words from the box, multiple choice questions, Yes/No/Not Given.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The graph below shows the percentage of river water in the UK that is of good chemical quality, in the period between 1990 and 2002.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: this isn’t the actual graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Some people think that the main goal of schools should be making children into responsible citizens and good workers, rather than benefitting them as individuals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
A couple of days ago our kind subscriber MM took his IELTS Speaking test at an IELTS test centre in Bangladesh, via video call. Here are the questions he remembered:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Can you tell me your full name please?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– Is there anything you don’t like about your work?
– What are the benefits of working there?
– Did you play a lot when you were a child?
– What sports did you play the most?
– Did playing sports help you?
– What are your future plans?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe an unusual meal that you had. You should say
– when it was
– where it was
– what type of meal it was
– and explain why this meal was unusual.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What are the main foods in your country?
– Do people consume more fast food now, compared to the past?
– You said the rising popularity of fast food was a negative development. Why do you think so?
– Does technology help with food transportation?
– Are there any negative effects brought by technology to the food industry?
– What are some positive effects of technology on the food industry?
Thanks to our lovely subscriber MY we are sharing their IELTS writing and Speaking questions today:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The two diagrams below describe changes to a museum’s floor plan between 2008 and 2012.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: these aren’t the actual diagrams given in the test, they were recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Nowadays, people all over the world are spending more and more time apart from their families. Why is this happening? How does this affect people and their families?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– What shall I call you?
– Have you ever locked yourself out of the house?
– Do you think it’s a good idea to leave your keys with a neighbour?
– Have you ever lost your keys?
– Do you always bring many keys with you?
– Do you like art?
– Do you like modern art or traditional art?
– Have you ever visited an art gallery?
– Would you be interested in becoming an artist?
– Do you have any artwork on the walls at home?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe your first day at school. You should say
– when and where it was
– what you did
– who you met
– and explain how you felt on your first day at school.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Why do you think young adults often change their jobs?
– What are some common factors that influence young adults to switch careers?
– Does the desire for career growth affect their decisions?
– How can job-hopping affect a young professional’s long-term career prospects?
– What role does job satisfaction play in the decision to change one’s job?
– Why is the orientation process important for a new job?
– What challenges or difficulties might new employees face during the orientation period?
– In your opinion, what can organizations do to make the orientation process easier for new employees?
Here are some high-scoring Part 3 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from India. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 2.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 3 (Discussion)
We’ve been talking about outdoor activities, and now, in the third part of the test, I would like to ask you a few more questions related to this.
1. What types of outdoor activities are popular in your country?
Well, as you know, the Dubai landscape is dominated by desert and so sand boarding is a popular activity. Thrill seekers also enjoy navigating the dunes in a dune buggy or quad bike. Some people like camping in the desert, while others prefer waters sports. Cruises and boat trips are also popular, as well as fishing and hunting.
2. What are some of the benefits of participating in outdoor activities?
Spending time outdoors, away from the digital world and sedentary lifestyles, has many health benefits. Outdoor activities can improve cardiovascular health, boost immunity, and reduce stress and anxiety. Also, outdoor activities can foster a sense of connection with nature, appreciation for the environment, and conservation efforts.
3. Do you think younger people engage more in outdoor activities, compared to older people?
There is no clear-cut answer to this question. However, younger people tend to engage in more high-intensity outdoor activities, like extreme sports, and tend to prioritise recreational and social goals. In contrast, older people may focus on more leisurely pursuits and may have a higher motivation for health and fitness.
4. Is it more important for older people to do outdoor activities?
As we get older, our health tends to decline, and older people also usually fall into a rut by doing the same things every day. That is why it’s essential for them to get out and spend time in nature, since it improves both our mental and physical health.
5. Do you think it is important for people to embrace change? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe it’s essential, because change is a natural and inevitable part of life. Change can bring new opportunities, challenges, perspectives, and growth. Without change, life can become stagnant, monotonous, and unhealthy. By embracing change, people can develop resilience, learn to adapt more easily, and become more creative, which are crucial skills these days.
6. Do you think people are generally resistant to change? Why or why not?
Some people may resist change due to fear, uncertainty, and a desire for comfort and familiarity. Change can disrupt one’s sense of identity, routine, and stability, and that, in turn, can cause stress and anxiety. Additionally, some people may feel that they lack the skills or resources to cope with change, or feel that they have no control over external events. However, some people out there embrace change. They welcome it as an opportunity for growth, improvement, and excitement. The ability to deal with change effectively depends on the individual.
7. Who do you think finds it easier to deal with change, younger or older people?
As a young person, I find it easier to deal with change. But I am aware that as people get older, their worldview and lifestyle becomes more established, so it’s usually harder for them to adapt to new situations. Younger people are often more open-minded, and eager to take on new challenges, which makes them better equipped to adjust quickly. Additionally, we tend to have fewer commitments in our lives at a young age, and so there isn’t a great deal of adjustments to make when changes do happen.
Thanks to the good memory of MH, our subscriber from Saudi Arabia, today we are sharing the Speaking questions from his IELTS exam:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– What shall I call you?
– Where are you from?
– Where do you live now?
– How do you usually start your day?
– What part of the day do you like the most?
– What part of the day is the busiest for you?
– How did you spend your last weekend?
– Do you usually do the same things on weekends?
– Do your friends spend their weekends doing the same things as you?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a daily routine in your life. You should say
– what you do
– when you started doing it
– why you do this routine
– and explain whether you will change it in the future, and why.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What do you usually do in your free time?
– How do people in your country spend their free time?
– What did people do in their free time in the past?
– Do you think people have more free time now than in the past?
– How did leisure time activities change now compared to the past?
– Are daily routines now different compared to 10 years ago? Why?
A few days ago our kind subscriber WL took her IELTS Speaking test in Thailand. Here are the questions she remembered:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– Where are you from?
– Where do you live now?
– What do you like about the place where you live?
– Is there something you don’t like about your house?
– If you could change something in your house, what would it be?
– Do you have many friends?
– What topics do you talk about with your friends?
– What are the advantages of having friends?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe a movie you saw that you found disappointing. You should say
– what the movie was
– why you chose to watch it
– what it was about
– and explain why you found the movie disappointing.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– What kind of movies do you find interesting?
– Do you think that famous actors deserve the high salaries they are being paid?
– Why do you think famous actors should earn more than others?
– Do you think the salary of an actor should be based on their talent or their popularity?
– How do high salaries for actors impact the film industry?
– Do you think that the primary purpose of the entertainment industry is to make a profit?
– What are some other purposes or responsibilities of the entertainment industry besides making money?
– How do you think the purpose of the entertainment industry has evolved over time?
Our kind subscribers SA and MH from Pakistan have shared their IELTS writing questions with us, and we have recreated the graph according to the information they provided. Here is what they collectively remembered:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The line graph below describes production of different fuels in the UK from 1981 to 2000.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: this isn’t the actual graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Many university students nowadays live away from home and their parents because of their university location, while others live with their families. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each situation?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Our kind friend PK took her IELTS Speaking test in India a couple of days ago. She remembered the following questions:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– Where are you from?
– Do you work or study?
– What makes you happy?
– When do you feel happy at work?
– Do you like jewellery?
– What kind of jewellery do you prefer?
– When do you wear your jewellery?
– Have you ever given someone gold as a gift?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe an occasion when someone gave you something you really wanted as a gift. You should say
– what the occasion was
– what the gift was
– who gave you the gift
– and explain how you felt about it.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Why do people give gifts to each other?
– Do you think expensive gifts are more meaningful than inexpensive ones?
– What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving cash as a gift?
– In your opinion, what makes a gift memorable and special?
– How important is the act of giving gifts in your culture?
– Should people feel obligated to reciprocate when they receive a gift?
– Has the tradition of giving gifts changed over time in your country? In what way?
Thanks to our lovely subscriber MA we are sharing her IELTS writing questions today:
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The pie chart and table below give information on tourists visiting Australia.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: these aren’t the actual chart and table given in the test, they were recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Social media helps people to keep in touch with friends and stay on top of news and events. Do you think the advantages of social media outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Here is a high-scoring Speaking Test Part 2 model answer for the cue card that was shared by a student from India. The answer shows a good way to respond to this question. You can find the answers in the other parts here: Part 1, Part 3.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to the answer. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Start listening to Part 2 from time mark 03:01
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Describe an outdoor activity that you took part in. You should say
– what activity it was
– when you did it
– where you did it
and explain whether you liked it or not, and why.
Answer
Thinking back, one of the most memorable outdoor activities that I took part in was hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. It was certainly a bucket list experience that required careful planning and preparation, but the payoff was well worth it.
I embarked on the journey in early September, during the dry season in the Andes. As I trekked through the rugged terrain, I was constantly in awe of the natural beauty surrounding me. From snow-capped mountains to lush forests, every step offered a new vista to behold.
The Inca Trail spans over 26 miles and is an intense undertaking that took us four days to complete. I hiked with a small group of travellers and we camped out each night, sharing stories and bonding over the incredible adventure we were on.
The highlight of the hike came on the fourth day, when we finally reached the Sun Gate and saw Machu Picchu for the first time. The anticipation made the moment even more exhilarating, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the amazing experience.
While the hike was undeniably challenging, the rewards were infinite. The sense of accomplishment I felt upon completing the Inca Trail was one of the most fulfilling emotions I’ve ever experienced. The jaw-dropping landscape, the physical exertion, and the cultural significance of the journey all came together to create an unforgettable experience. I would definitely do it all over again!
Our lovely friend ML took her IELTS Speaking test in Canada just a few days ago. Here are the questions she remembered:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– What is your name?
– Are you currently working or studying?
– What kind of work do you do?
– Do you like your work?
– Are there any improvements your company can make for its employees?
– Do you like listening to music while you work?
– Let’s talk about T-shirts, do you like wearing T-shirts?
– How often do you wear T-shirts?
– Have you ever bought a T-shirt as a souvenir from a place you visited?
– Do you like T-shirts with pictures on them?
Talk about a place you have been to, where the air wasn’t clean. You should say:
– where this place is
– when and why you went there
– why the air wasn’t clean
– and explain how you felt about the poor air quality there.
A test taker from Hong Kong shared this cue card earlier, and we posted a model answer on our VIP Club website – read it here
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Is air pollution an issue where you live?
– What do you think are the main causes of air pollution?
– How can big cities improve their air quality?
– Why do people choose to work in big cities, but prefer to live in the nature?
– What can we do to reduce pollution?
– What could the government do to help prevent pollution?
– Some people say that we should leave the environmental issues alone, because human intervention won’t work. What do you think?
These questions, too, have been shared by a test taker from Hong Kong, and we posted model answers on our VIP Club website – read them here
Here are some high-scoring Part 1 model answers for the Speaking Test that was shared by a student from India. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Or you can listen on YouTube (turn subtitles on):
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
1. Where do you live?
I currently live in Dubai, a bustling metropolis in the heart of United Arab Emirates. It’s a very nice place to live, with vibrant local culture, friendly people, and amazing food scene.
2. Do you like living there and why?
Yes, I do. The city has an abundance of skyscrapers, ports and beaches, and events that cater to all ages and interests. I have also found it to be a safe environment, where people from different backgrounds can live and thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
3. Did you help your mother with housework when you were a child?
Well, growing up with two brothers, it was our responsibility to help our mother with the housework. I would help my mum with sweeping, dusting, washing dishes and doing laundry, and anything else that needed to be done.
4. How often do you do house chores now?
I still do house chores regularly, as I believe in maintaining a clean and organised living space. Most of the time, I try to get everything done on the weekends, but sometimes I may have to do something during the week.
5. Have you ever studied geography?
I remember studying it for the first time in elementary school, and after that I took various courses in geography on many occasions, in high school and university. We studied a wide range of topics, from climate change to landforms, and their connection to ecosystems and population patterns.
6. Are you interested in geography now?
If anything, my interest in geography has only increased, as I have become more aware of how important it is to understand the world around us. Geography gave me the tools to not only understand many concepts about the world, but also appreciate them.
7. Are there any particular landscapes or natural features that you like?
There are quite a few landscapes and natural features that I find fascinating. One of my favourites is the Grand Canyon in the United States, which is a wonder of natural engineering and has stunning views. Another example is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which is a diverse marine ecosystem, and a testament to the amazing biodiversity found in our planet’s oceans.
8. Would you travel to any country because of its geography?
Yes, I would! I would love to travel to New Zealand, which has everything from snowy mountains, to beautiful coastlines, to active volcanoes. Or else, if I wanted to learn more about climate change, I would go to Iceland, which is one of the most innovative countries regarding sustainability, conservation, and geoscience.
Our kind subscriber BY took her IELTS exam in Thailand two days ago and remembered the following writing and speaking questions:
Reading test
Passage 1. Sleeping patterns of people who thrive.
Passage 2. Facial expression and emotions.
Passage 3. How human sense of taste works.
Writing test
Writing task 1 (a report)
The line graph below shows the numbers of overseas visitors to the UK between 1989 and 2009 (in million visitors), by purpose of visit.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
* Note: this isn’t the actual graph given in the test, it was recreated for the purpose of demonstration.
Writing task 2 (an essay)
Directors of large organizations are paid much higher salaries than other employees. Some people feel this is necessary, while others think this is not justified. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Thanks to our kind friend RA we are sharing the Speaking questions from a very recent IELTS exam in Bangladesh:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview)
– Do you work or study?
– Have you had any difficulties at work recently?
– What do you do after work?
– What do you do on your days off?
– Do you like puzzles or mazes?
– Which one do you prefer, solving word or number puzzles?
– Why do people enjoy solving puzzles?
– Who do you think enjoys solving puzzles more, children or old people?
– Is solving word puzzles beneficial? Why?
– Do you think puzzles are suitable for all age groups?
Part 2 (Cue Card)
Talk about a time when you received money as gifts from a family member. You should say
– when you received the gift
– why you receive it
– what you did with the money
– and explain how you felt after receiving the gift.
Part 3 (Discussion)
– Is giving money as a gift a common thing in your country?
– Is money appropriate as a gift? Why or why not?
– Do you support giving money to children as gifts? Why or why not?
– Do you think money should be given to the children for doing chores? Why or why not?
– Which type of weather do you like? Why?
– Do you want to live in cold or hot weather in the future?
– Do you use any weather apps? Why?
– How many times a day do you watch weather updates?
– Have there been any recent changes to the weather in your country lately?
– Do you think there will be more changes in the future?
