IELTS Speaking Practice Test Sample Answers | Exam Preparation

This IELTS speaking practice sample includes test questions and sample answers about newspapers, national news, international news, future home, a healthy lifestyle magazine or website, healthy food and activities.

IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Practice Part 1

Do you read newspapers?

No, not really, I prefer to read or watch news online. I find it easier and more convenient than buying just one newspaper to find out what’s happening.

What kinds of newspapers are there in your country?

There are the usual local, regional and national newspapers, and then there are the different styles such as broadsheets and tabloids.

Is reading newspapers essential?

No, clearly it isn’t. I haven’t read a newspaper in years, nowadays you can read about everything on the internet and in fact most newspapers publish the same news online that they print in the actual paper version, but apart from where you read your news or information – it’s not essential.

What do you find more interesting, the national or international news? Why?

Definitely international news, because it’s simply more interesting to see what’s happening in various parts of the world rather than just the news in your own country.

Can you describe the place where you live now.

Okay, so at the moment I’m renting a studio apartment – so there’s a small kitchen, one bedroom and a bathroom. There’s also a small balcony, but it’s really small. It’s in an old building near the city center but it’s convenient for all the amenities and facilities and it’s comfortable enough for now, as I’m by myself.

How does it compare with the place you lived in before.

Well, before I used to share a house with some friends, it was a large family house with a large garden at the rear so there was obviously a lot more space to enjoy and the rooms were a lot bigger than what I have at the moment. There were 5 bedrooms two kitchens and several bathrooms so it was quite spacious, because it consisted of three levels. The only problem was that it wasn’t near the city, it was further out, so it wasn’t as convenient as where I live now.

Do you think you will own a home in the future?

Maybe, I don’t know. Probably at some time in the future I’ll settle down and I suppose at that time it would make sense to buy an apartment or a house, maybe if I get married and want to have a family, it would be the smart thing to do, but it’s a long way in the future – I don’t have any immediate plans to buy a house and if I go abroad to work, which is my plan at the moment, I guess I could end up buying a home in another country eventually.

What would you like in your future home?

Probably the things that most people want, enough space, maybe a nice garden or area outdoors where you can relax, maybe eat with some friends, rooms that are comfortable and large enough so that you don’t feel cramped and a good location where it’s convenient for getting to work and so on, but quiet and safe at the same time so that if I have children I won’t need to worry about them playing outside.


IELTS Speaking Part 2

IELTS Speaking Practice Part 2
Talk about a website or a magazine promoting a healthy lifestyle. You should say:
  • What it is
  • Why you read it
  • How useful is it for you
And explain what you have learned from it.

Sample Answer

Well, let me tell you about a healthy living website called “The Best You”. I discovered it a few months ago.

So I got pulled into it when I started browsing through it trying to find some ways to improve my life.

Anyway, what I liked about this website was that it dealt with topics other than just diet and exercise, which can be boring after a while. It's got articles on creating a positive living space, managing stress, and even tips for healthy relationships. Some of these things get easily neglected when we're all rushing about like 'headless chickens' every day.

As for how useful it is, I’d say very! For example, I got some helpful study techniques and productivity tips - I got more done using them without burning out. The site also has some yummy recipes that anyone can make. And I'm no chef, so it's perfect for me.

The thing I like most is - their approach to mental health. They say it’s okay to have bad days. And that's something I agree with - we can't always be on top of everything. I've gotten some excellent tips on dealing with stress and anxiety from the site.

So, I’d have to say that it's been a super resource for me. It's helped me lead a healthier life, and that's a good thing, right? It's not only helped me develop some healthy habits but also a more positive mindset; something I believe is critical for my long-term well-being. I've already recommended it to my friends!


IELTS Speaking Part 3

IELTS Speaking Practice Part 3
Restaurants, Food, Healthy Activities

Are there good restaurants near you?

Oh yes! There’s a food scene where I live. For example, one place that’s good is “Green Leaf” - it’s super popular among young people like me. All their food is plant-based. They have this amazing menu full of colorful salads, grain bowls and creative veggie dishes. But don’t worry it’s not all rabbit food! They also have these super delicious plant-based burgers that can fool even the most meat-loving person.

Is that kind of food healthy? Why?/Why not?

I’d say it’s generally healthy. They use a lot of fresh whole ingredients and balanced meals. Plus eating more plant-based foods is good for our bodies and the environment. But I think we should remember that just because something is plant-based doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Like, some of their super delicious desserts have loads of sugar. So you need to be careful you don’t overdo it!

Why are some restaurants so popular with people?

Well, I suppose some might become the go-to places for several reasons. Food quality is super important, obviously - it has to taste good and be consistent. But apart from that, the ambiance also plays a big role. And I suppose some people, especially my generation, look for ‘an experience’ when we go to a restaurant - not just meals. What I mean is - we want Instagrammable interiors and maybe even an interesting story behind the restaurant. Also, people enjoy good service. They always have. So it goes a long way to making a restaurant a popular place to visit. Oh, and a menu that includes different dietary options - that’s so important nowadays. Restaurants that cater to everyone’s needs are likely to be more inclusive. So they’re bound to be more popular because that’s what people want.

Can you compare food and health now to in the past? Is it better or worse?

That’s a good question! I think there are pros and cons to how we approach food and health now compared to in the past. Now we have more information about nutrition and more emphasis on balanced and varied diets. But I think we could possibly say that, in some cases, we’ve also become a bit too obsessed with health trends and fad diets. And some of these aren’t always healthy. In the past, I think people may have had a more instinctual relationship with food. They simply ate home-cooked meals. And didn’t overthink it. As for health activities, I think we’re better off now because we have so many types of exercise and wellness practices to choose from. Having said that, technology makes modern life more sedentary for most people. And that’s a problem. Even though we may have more tools and information for healthy living now, we also have to deal with some new problems. The key is to find a balance.



How would you answer these questions aboout newspapers, healthy lifestyles and restaurants from the IELTS speaking test?


FAQ

What is the point of an authentic IELTS speaking practice test?

An authentic IELTS speaking practice test helps you before test day. If you’re going to do the IELTS speaking test in the near future, using these IELTS speaking sample tests will be very helpful in getting you ready for the actual test.

How should I prepare for my IELTS speaking test?

Study some IELTS speaking test samples. Doing so will help improve your spoken English quickly. Consistent practice also builds confidence and gives you a better shot at a higher score in your IELTS speaking test. So practice your speaking skills in English as much as possible to get comfortable with it.

Also, try responding to different IELTS speaking topics and study some model answers. You must become familiar with IELTS test speaking questions, and the various types of questions you might get.

How is the IELTS speaking test marked and where can I get official materials?

On test day, the IELTS examiner scores your speaking performance using four marking criteria:

  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy
  • Lexical Resource
  • Fluency & Coherence
  • Pronunciation

For official IELTS preparation materials, ask at your local IELTS test center, usually run by the British Council or IDP Education Australia.