IELTS 13 Speaking Tests - Questions & Answers

See full Cambridge IELTS speaking questions with answers for IELTS Book 14

Cambridge IELTS Speaking Questions & Answers

The Cambridge IELTS 13 book has 4 authentic IELTS exam papers, which give IELTS test-takers the best exam practice material.

IELTS 13 (with answers) allow IELTS test-takers to become familiar with the IELTS exam and practice their English skills and IELTS examination techniques using authentic IELTS tests.

The book consists of 4 complete Academic IELTS exams. There is an introduction to each section of the IELTS exam, and a comprehensive description of how the IELTS exam is scored.

IELTS test-takers can take advantage of the full answer section and audio scripts, which makes IELTS 13 ideal for self-study or for use as part of an IELTS preparation course.

The audio for the listening sections can be downloaded, and IELTS test-takers can obtain the IELTS 13 book separately or as a pack with audio CDs.



Cambridge IELTS 13 Speaking Test 1

PART 1

Topic: Television programmes

Where do you usually watch TV programmes/shows? [Why?]

The living room is the place in my house where I usually watch television programs that I like. It is definitely the most comfortable place for me since I can lie down on the couch.

And if I’m snacking on some food I have a nice coffee table where I can put the containers.

What’s your favorite TV programme/show? [Why?]

My favorite TV show is a series from the 1980s called The Wonder Years. This series is about a boy who lives with his family in the suburbs of Burbank, California.

It is my favorite show because I watched it with my family when I was a child and every time I watch it brings back good memories.

Are there any programs/shows you don’t like watching? [Why? /Why not?]

The programs that I don't like are comedies mixed with "double meaning", which are very common in my country.

I don't like them because the "double meaning" is always vulgar and everything is said in high-sounding voices that make constant reference to sex.

Programs like that are just boring. There are lots of other shows that are more interesting or educational.

Do you think you will watch more TV or fewer TV programmes/shows in the future? [Why? /Why not?]

I think that in the future I will continue to watch television programs, as they are a good way to spend my free time.

Also, the constant offer of new series on Netflix and Prime Video on various topics is extensive and you can choose from a huge range of options for all ages and personal interests.

PART 2

Describe someone you know who has started a business


You should say:
- who he/she is
- what work he/she does
- why he/she decided to start a business
and explain whether you would like to do the same kind of work as this person.


IELTS speaking test sample answer

Two years ago I met a girl who I attended to because she wanted to enter the sports club where I worked. In a short time, we became good friends and even went on some trips together.

She told me that in addition to working giving talks to women who have suffered some kind of violence, a few years ago a friend of hers invited her to start a food and beverage business together.

They decided to search for a location for their business downtown in the city where we live. They wanted to get a space that they chose because it had several stores that offered a wide variety of food and drinks.

Many people went to this place for several years and she and her friend managed to establish their business there successfully.

They installed all the equipment and fixtures and the products that they sold to the public were different types of snacks that are widely consumed in places of entertainment.

From the beginning they did well and they managed to sell their products, building a sustainable business and making a profit.

Now she is the sole owner of the premises and has four workers who support her in running the business.

Their hours are long and sometimes they close at 3 am in the morning on weekends, but she says that she would rather have a business than work in a government office where you work many hours sitting at a desk and have little money and days off to go on vacation.

The main reason for having decided to start a business, according to her, was to be able to not have set schedules, immediate bosses, or a mandatory uniform and, most importantly, to be independent.

In my case, I thought that if I had the option of setting up a similar business, I wouldn't. I think the handling of perishable products is very complicated, and it is a significant pressure to sell everything before it spoils, being in this case, a total loss.

Food handling is not an easy thing, it is not like having a clothing or footwear store. I think I would dedicate myself more to selling through the internet.



PART 3

Discussion topics: Choosing work

In your country, what kinds of jobs do young people not want to do?

In my country, having a job is more important than the type of job you can get.

Much of the workforce operates within a hiring system where labor rights are non-existent and so-called outsourcing prevails, which does not guarantee a salary and offers fewer rights for workers.

Who is best at advising young people about choosing a job: teachers or parents?

The answer may be very similar, as both are examples for young people. The father is an example for many years as to the type of worker that he is, while the teacher promotes the type of worker that the young person could become.

Both can give good guidance based on their own experience. It’s good that young people have several different perspectives on work, so they can be better informed, and make the best choice for themselves.

Is money always the most important thing when choosing a job?

I believe that the choice of a job also depends on several other factors, such as the time to travel there or the location of the job, or even the type of job; if it has good long-term prospects.

But the economic part, the wage or salary, plays a role that could be decisive if the above factors are not a definite obstacle.

In case of being far away, the person can move and in case it means many hours a day, the person might have to say goodbye to their personal life for a while.

Topic: Work–Life balance

Do you agree that many people nowadays are under pressure to work longer hours and take fewer holidays?

Yes, of course, I agree that many of the people who work today are increasingly pressured to spend more hours working than in the past.

There are several factors, such as the workload assigned to a person that is actually for two or more people.

Likewise, they could be persuaded to work longer hours than others to acquire a higher income due to their personal needs and financial commitments.

What is the impact on society of people having a poor work-life balance?

Nowadays, it seems that it is more important to maintain a relationship with work than a personal relationship.

People no longer have time to meet other people and if they have met them, they do not have time to see them very often.

Family relationships are nurtured only at Christmas and New Year and some children grow up with ‘absent’ parents, they might live with them but they are always working and don’t spend quality time together – and then parents wonder why we have a problem with so many disoriented young people.

Could you recommend some effective strategies for governments and employers to ensure people have a good work-life balance?

In our world today, the answer to everything is money. Among the things that governments must assure is the guarantee of basic rights: education, housing, food, and health.

If people have enough money to cover their basic needs, then they will not have the urgent need to dedicate more time to their work and forget their personal life.

As for companies, a fair salary should suffice, and they should not make unrealistic demands on their employees in terms of the number of hours they work, overtime, or excessive responsibilities that can lead to stress and a poor work-life balance.



IELTS 13 Speaking Test 2

PART 1

Cambridge 13 Speaking Test 2 Examples

Are you happy to be the age you are now? [Why/Why not?]

I’m a young person who has the health and strength to do many things in my life.

So, personally, I’m happy with my age because I feel can do as I wish.

I suppose that if I were old, I would no longer have so much energy and my body wouldn’t allow what my mind would try and tell it to do.

When you were a child, did you think a lot about your future? [Why/Why not?]

When I was a child, what I did was study because my parents demanded it and because it was normal that all children did it.

But what kept my head busy was gymnastics and playing. I think that when I was a child, I only thought about the present and I enjoyed it a lot.

Do you think you have changed as you have got older? [Why/Why not?]

I think we all change with the years and life experience, but in essence, we are always the same.

For example, when I was a child I loved to jump, run and play, and now that I am grown up if someone put me on an obstacle course, I would gladly and happily have a go at it even though I’m now an adult.

What will be different about your life in the future? [Why?]

It’s very difficult to know what things will change in the future because no one knows that.

But if something has to change it may be my current sports activities; I go running or to the gym.

And I guess as I get older I may still do these physical activities because I love them, but not as often or with the same intensity as I do now.


PART 2

Describe a time when you started using a new technological device (e.g. a new computer or phone)
You should say:
  • what device you started using
  • why you started using this device
  • how easy or difficult it was to use
and explain how helpful this device was to you.

IELTS speaking test sample answer

When I was a child my dad bought a new computer. It was a basic model not like the kind we buy nowadays.

The new computer only consisted of a nice screen, mouse, and keyboard.

I didn't know how to use it, but I had to learn quickly because I had to do my homework and present it in printed format.

It wasn't that easy for me. I was used to pencil and paper, my dad didn't know how to use it either, and my older sister behaved like the classic obnoxious older sister – not wanting to help.

There was no one to teach me. I remember that it was very difficult for me to master the direction of the mouse and the pointer because when I moved the mouse the pointer would shoot to one end of the screen and disappear.

Then I would move it again and it would point to another place that was not the desired one. The other conflict I remember was the click buttons on the left side and the secondary functions of the button on the right side, as it was very confusing for me to learn which one to press and I regularly made mistakes.

Computers were a whole new thing for me and my family. My father chose to continue using his Olivetti typewriter because he never managed to control the mouse. Then he asked his daughters to transcribe his writing onto the computer, but that was after we had learned to use it well.

The folders were another mystery - regularly they got lost and I did not remember where I had saved my school work.

I did not know how to recover a deleted file or the written lines that suddenly disappeared due to some key that I pressed.

Not to mention the famous presentations that we were later requested for school exhibitions. When it was all new to me, it was quite a challenge that I had to overcome due to meet all the requirements.

Today, you wouldn't know what to do without a computer. I did all my university assignments thanks to a laptop that I bought exclusively for that purpose.

It is one of the most useful objects for almost all types of activity, and with an internet connection, the world is at your fingertips.

It is definitely a must-have item today.


PART 3

Discussion topics:

Technology and education

Example questions

What is the best age for children to start computer lessons?

Today's children seem to be born knowing how to use any type of electronic device.

Parents use their own phones to distract their children from an early age. The use of the computer is a very simple step for them due to their previous use of technological devices.

That is why I believe that there is no longer the best age to learn since from the first years of life they already begin to use them naturally – it’s a part of their natural development.

Do you think that schools should use more technology to help children learn?

Today most schools teach classes using a computer. The options for teaching are limitless with the use of the tools provided by a computer connected to the internet.

Students no longer need to imagine anything, because you can search literally everything online: videos, documentaries, photos, the world in a couple of clicks.

I believe that nowadays the use of technology is essential for teaching, however, we still do not know the real consequences of this radical change, since all of this is relatively new.

Do you agree or disagree that computers will replace teachers one day?

I have heard on the news about comments on the possible replacement of teachers by ultra-advanced computers that will be the new tutors of the children of the future.

Personally, I hoped this won’t happen, but with the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus, it is already happening today, since students are already doing their classes at home in front of a computer.

It means a step that has brought us closer to a new reality faster than expected.

Technology and society

Example questions

How much has technology changed how we communicate with each other?

The change has been radical in just a few years.

Communication in the past was much slower and could take days, then hours, and now it is a matter of seconds.

The way of communicating nowadays is instantaneous and encompasses any place on the planet to the extent of being able to know in real-time what is happening on the other side of the world.

Do you agree that there are still many more major technological innovations to be made?

I have no doubt that new technological advances will emerge in all fields of human life.

Many of them we cannot even imagine at the moment. The most important discoveries, of course, will be in the field of medicine, and for now, what the world is most looking forward to is the creation of effective vaccines.

We can all anticipate that we will suffer from a variety of new virus pandemics in the future similar to the recent outbreaks which we have suffered.

Could you suggest some reasons why some people are deciding to reduce their use of technology?

I think their reasons could be related to the misuse of technology or to the negative effects that overuse triggers, such as heavy dependency.

Nowadays, the use of a smartphone is practically indispensable and they hold the entire life of the person.

The most basic memory functions are covered by any phone. It could be said that for thousands of years we survived without digital technology and now we could not get by for one day without it.




IELTS 13 Speaking Test 3


PART 1

Examples

When you go shopping, do you prefer to pay for things in cash or by card? [Why?]

I always try to pay for things in cash, even if the store accepts cards. Here are a few reasons why:

It's easier to keep track of how much money I'm spending when I'm paying in cash.

I don't have to worry about my credit card information getting stolen if I'm using it at a store.

Cash is generally accepted at more places than cards are.

It feels better to hand over cash than to swipe a card.

Do you ever save money to buy special things? [Why/Why not?]

I definitely think it's important to save money for special things! Hey, who doesn't love a great splurge every now and then?

I think it's important to have goals to save up for so that you always have something to look forward to.

It also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you're finally able to purchase that long-awaited item.

There are all sorts of things that I've saved up for - vacations, a new car, my house, big electronics, etc.

Whether or not people save really depends on what each individual values and what they're working towards in life.

I know people who have saved up for years to take their dream trip around the world, and others who have carefully saved so that they can buy a retirement home.

Would you ever take a job which had low pay? [Why/Why not?]

Maybe. It would depend on the job.

If it was a job that I really loved and thought was important, then I would consider it.

Even if the pay wasn't great, I would still consider it because the satisfaction of doing something you love can be worth more than money.

On the other hand, if it was a job that I didn't really care about and didn't think was important, then I wouldn't take it even if the pay was high.

Would winning a lot of money make a big difference to your life? [Why/Why not?]

No doubt winning a lot of money would make a big difference in my life.

It would give me financial security, freedom, and choices that I wouldn't have otherwise. Not to mention, it would also be pretty damn exciting!

However, there are also some potential downsides to winning a large sum of money.

For one, it could change my relationships with friends and family members. People might start asking for money or favors, and I might not be able to say no.

Additionally, winning a lot of money can also lead to feelings of guilt or insecurity. Am I really worthy of all this money? What if I lose it all?



PART 2

Describe an interesting discussion you had as part of your work or studies
You should say:
  • what the subject of the discussion was
  • who you discussed the subject with
  • what opinions were expressed
and explain why you found the discussion interesting.

IELTSspeaking test questions sample answers

At work, we often have lively debates about various topics related to our field.

Recently, we were discussing the pros and cons of a specific approach to data analysis.

Some people argued that this approach was too simplistic and wouldn't be able to capture all the nuances of the data.

Others countered that the approach was actually quite clever and would be very effective in practice.

We went back and forth for a while, with each side making good points. In the end, we didn't reach a consensus, but it was an interesting discussion nonetheless.

I think it was interesting because it showed that there is no one "right" way to do things in data analysis. Sometimes, the best approach is the simplest one. Other times, a more complex approach is necessary. It all depends on the situation.

It's great to work with colleagues who are willing to engage in spirited debate - it makes for a more dynamic and fun workplace!


PART 3

Discussion topics:

Discussing problems with others

Example questions:

Why is it good to discuss problems with other people?

Many people feel apprehensive about discussing their problems with others. They may worry that they will be judged or that their problems will seem insignificant compared to others.

However, there are many good reasons to discuss your problems with others.

First, talking about your problems can help you gain a new perspective regarding them. When you explain your problem to someone else, you may find that it doesn't seem as daunting as it did before.

Additionally, discussing your problems with others can help you develop a support network of people who understand what you're going through and can offer advice and encouragement.

Finally, talking about your problems can make you feel better. There is a sense of relief when you share your burdens with someone else.

Do you think that it's better to talk to friends and not family about problems?

There are pros and cons to talking to friends OR family about problems.

Talking to friends about problems can be a great way to vent and get support.

However, there is always the risk that your friend will gossip about the problem or that they will not be able to offer helpful advice.

Talking to family about problems can be helpful because they usually have your best interests at heart and want to see you succeed.

However, there is always the risk that your family will overreact or that they will not understand what you are going through.

Is it always a good idea to tell lots of people about a problem?

No, it isn't always a good idea to tell lots of people about a problem. In some cases, it can actually make things worse.

For example, imagine you're having trouble with a project at work. You could go to your boss and tell them about the problem or go to a coworker and vent about how frustrating it is. But what if telling either of these people makes the situation worse?

Your boss could get angry or upset and may not be able to help you solve the problem. Or, your coworker could gossip about your struggle, making it harder for you to focus on finding a solution. So it might be better not to tell anyone else about the problem.

Communication skills at work

Example questions

Which communication skills are most important when taking part in meetings with colleagues?

Generally speaking, communication skills are important whenever interacting with people. However, some specific skills can be particularly helpful during meetings.

For example, active listening is a key communication skill that can help you engage with what others say during a meeting. Active listening involves not just hearing the words that someone says but also trying to understand the deeper meaning behind them. Why is this important? Because it allows you to gather information more effectively and build rapport with others.

Another key communication skill for meetings is assertiveness. This means being able to express your ideas and opinions clearly and confidently while still respecting the views of others.

Additionally, You must be able to express yourself clearly and concisely and be attentive to the body language and nonverbal cues of other people in the meeting.

Finally, effective communication also requires the ability to manage conflict constructively. You must be able to calmly and politely disagree with others and have the ability to mediate disagreements between other participants in the meeting.

What are the possible effects of poor written communication skills at work?

In today's workplace, the ability to communicate effectively is more important than ever.

With so much business being conducted electronically, employees must be able to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.

Unfortunately, poor written communication skills can have several negative consequences.

First and foremost, it can lead to misunderstanding and miscommunication among employees, which can, in turn, lead to errors and lost productivity.

Additionally, poor writing skills can reflect poorly on the company as a whole and make it difficult to attract and retain top talent.

Finally, employees who lack strong writing skills may find it difficult to advance in their careers as they may be passed over for promotions or high-profile projects in favor of others with better skills.

In short, poor written communication skills can harm your career prospects.

What do you think will be the future impact of technology on communication in the workplace?

The way we communicate in the workplace is constantly evolving, thanks to advances in technology.

In the past, face-to-face meetings were the primary form of communication. Today, we have an array of options that allow us to connect with colleagues without leaving our desks.

Email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media are all essential tools for modern businesses.

While some people may worry that technology is making us less social, it has actually improved workplace communication.

It’s now easier than ever to stay in touch with colleagues, no matter where they are.

With more people working remotely, we’ve had to find new ways to collaborate effectively. So, technology in the future will likely continue to make communication at work even easier and more efficient.




IELTS 13 Speaking Test 4

PART 1

Examples

Animals >

Are there many animals or birds where you live? [Why/Why not?]

I see various animals in my backyard, including birds, squirrels, raccoons, and deer. Many different types of birds can be seen in the area depending on the time of year. My favorite birds to watch are the Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Woodpeckers.

One reason I love living here is it's so close to nature. It's always fun to watch the animals interact and play in my backyard. I also enjoy taking walks through the woods and observing all the different wildlife there. I think everyone should get outside and experience nature firsthand because it's so therapeutic and calming.

How often do you watch programmes or read articles about wild animals? [Why?]

If you're anything like me, you can't help but be fascinated by wild animals. Every time I see a documentary or read an article about them, I learn something new and incredible.

This natural world is so vast and full of surprises; there's always something new to learn. In the past month alone, I've watched programs about lions in Africa, monkeys in South America, and wolves in North America. Each one was completely gripping and taught me something new about the behavior and habitat of these amazing creatures.

Why am I so interested in wild animals? Probably because they offer a glimpse into a world that we humans often take for granted. They remind us of the natural order of things and how we fit into this world.

Have you ever been to a zoo or a wildlife park? [Why/Why not?]

Yes, I have been to a zoo and a wildlife park. I found both experiences to be enjoyable. The zoo was interesting because it was a way to see animals from all over the world in one place.

The wildlife park was more fun because I got to see the animals up close and interact with them.

Overall, I think they are worth it if you want to see animals from all over the world in one place or if you want to get close to wild animals.

Would you like to have a job working with animals? [Why/Why not?]

There are many reasons why someone might want a job working with animals. Animals can be adorable, and it can be fulfilling to help take care of them.

Additionally, jobs working with animals often come with opportunities to work outdoors, which can be very enjoyable.

That part I like.

On the other hand, there are also some downsides to working with animals. For one, animal jobs can sometimes be physically demanding, as you may have to lift heavy bags of food or clean out dirty cages.

Additionally, you have to be prepared for the possibility of getting bitten or scratched - after all, animals can be unpredictable.

Overall, I think it wouldn't be a job I want to do!




PART 2

Describe a website you use a lot to help you in your work or studies
You should say:
  • what the website is
  • how often you use the website
  • what information the website gives you
and explain how your work or studies would change if this website didn't exist.

I use a lot of different websites for work, but one of my favorites is Upwork.

Upwork is a platform that connects businesses with freelancers. I've used Upwork to find designers for my website, and virtual assistants to help me with administrative tasks.

I've also used Upwork to outsource some of my own work, like social media marketing.

Upwork makes it easy to find quality freelancers from all over the world, and I've never had a bad experience with the platform.

I highly recommend it to anyone who needs help with their business or studies.

If Upwork didn't exist, I would have to find other ways to connect with freelancers. I might use a platform like Fiverr or Craigslist. Or, I might reach out to my network of friends and see if anyone knows someone who can help me with what I need.

Upwork makes it easy to find quality freelancers, so I would definitely miss having that resource if it didn't exist.



PART 3

Discussion topics:

The internet

Example questions:

Why do some people find the internet addictive?

It's no secret that the internet has become a staple in our daily lives. We use it for everything from keeping in touch with friends and family to finding information and entertainment.

However, for some people, the internet can be addictive. Several factors contribute to this addiction, including easy access, the anonymity of the internet, and the feeling of being connected to others.

For many people, the internet provides a sense of escape from their everyday lives. It's a place where they can be whoever they want to be, without judgment from others.

This can be especially appealing to those who feel isolated or alone in their offline lives. In addition, the constant stream of information and stimulation available on the internet can be addictive.

What would the world be like without the internet?

Can you imagine a world without the internet? It's unthinkable! Today, the internet has become such an integral part of our lives that it's hard to imagine living without it.

Think about all the ways you use the internet daily. From checking your email to staying in touch with friends and family to streaming your favorite TV show or getting directions to a new restaurant, the internet makes our lives easier in so many ways.

And it's not just individuals who rely on the internet - businesses do too. In fact, many businesses would simply not be able to function without the internet.

From online shopping to online banking, businesses rely on the internet to reach their customers and conduct their day-to-day business.

So, a world without the internet would be a very different place. Hard to imagine, right? But that's exactly what the internet has done - it's completely changed the way we live and work.

Do you think that the way that people use the internet may change in the future?

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, and it's hard to imagine living without it.

But as technology advances, the way we use the internet is likely to change. For example, we may start to use the internet more for virtual reality experiences or to interact with artificial intelligence.

We may also use the internet in new ways to connect with each other or protect our privacy.

As the internet evolves, so will our use of it. The future of the internet is exciting and full of possibilities.

Social media websites

Example questions:

What are the ways that social media can be used for positive purposes?

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and it can be used for various purposes.

We can use social meida to stay in touch with friends and family members, share news and events, and connect with like-minded individuals.

We can also use it for networking and building professional relationships.

Additionally, we can use social media to promote causes and businesses.

With so many different options available, it is easy to see how social media can be used for positive purposes.

The key is to find the platform that best suits your needs and use it in a way that is beneficial to you.

Why do some individuals post highly negative comments about other people on social media?

Social media has given individuals a platform to share their thoughts and opinions with the world.

While this can be a positive thing, it can also lead to negative consequences. One of the most common problems associated with social media is the way it is often used to spread negativity.

Some individuals seem to take pleasure in posting highly critical or hurtful comments about other people.

In some cases, this may be due to envy or jealousy. In other cases, it may be due to a lack of empathy or simply a desire to cause harm.

Whatever the reason, these negative comments can have a lasting impact on the people who receive them.

In addition to causing emotional pain, they can also damage reputations and friendships. As such, individuals need to consider the consequences of what they post on social media.

Do you think that companies' main form of advertising will be via social media in the future?

There's no doubt that social media is one of the most powerful tools in a company's marketing arsenal.

It allows businesses to reach a wider audience more quickly and easily than ever before.

Also, with the growth of highly visual platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, it's easy to see why so many companies use social media to advertise their products and services.

However, there are some drawbacks to using social media as a primary form of advertising.

First of all, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd on social media platforms where there is so much noise.

Secondly, social media ads can be quite intrusive and interruptive - and unfortunately, this can be a turn-off for potential customers.




Good luck with your IELTS test!

Cambridge IELTS speaking topics with answers - Book 12