Are you preparing for the IELTS speaking test?
If so, you’re in luck! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions in IELTS speaking tests - and some tips and strategies to help you prepare for your exam and give yourself a better chance of success!
Part 1
Introduction and Interview
Can you tell me your name, please?
Can you tell me where you're from?
Do you work or are you a student?
What do you study?
How are you feeling about the test today?
Part 2
Long Turn
Topic | A person who has influenced you
You should say:
- Who it was
- How you know this person
- How this person changed you
And explain if this person is still important in your life.
Part 3
Discussion Topics
Role Models
Why do you think people have role models?
How do people choose their role models?
Can you think of any negative aspects of having a role model?
How has your perspective on this person changed over time?
Do you think it's important for children to have role models? Why or why not?
Can role models be found outside of one's family or community?
Part 1
Interview
Are you working or studying?
What do you like to do in your free time?
How do you spend most of your free time?
Part 2
Long Turn
Topic | An experience of learning something new
You should say:
- What it was you learned
- When you learned it
- How you learned kit
And explain how this new knowledge or skill impacted your life.
Follow-up question: Was it difficult or easy to learn?
Do you think it is important to continue learning new things throughout life? Why or why not?
Part 3
Discussion Topics
Learning Methods
Do you think that adults learn differently from children? How?
In your opinion, what are some effective ways of learning?
Are there any learning methods that you find particularly ineffective?
How has technology changed the way we learn?
Do you think education system in your country is effective? Why or why not?
In what ways do you think the education system could be improved?
Part 1
Introduction and Interview
What do you do for a living?
Can you describe your daily routine?
How do you like your job?
Part 2
Long Turn
Topic | A memorable event from your childhood
You should say:
- where it took place
- who was with you
- how old you were at the time
And explain what you remember most about the event.
Follow-up questions: How has this event impacted your life?
Part 3
Discussion Topics
Do you think childhood experiences shape the person we become? Why or why not?
Can you think of any specific examples of how your childhood experiences have influenced you as an adult?
Do you think it's important for parents to create a positive and memorable childhood for their children?
How has childhood changed over time?
In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges facing children today?
Do you think parents today are doing a good job of raising their children?
5 Tips for Part 1 IELTS Speaking
- Pay attention to the question: Make sure you fully understand the question before starting your answer.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Show off what you know and use appropriate words that demonstrate your English proficiency.
- Speak with confidence and don’t be afraid to make mistakes: Remember, this is just a test, and it's okay to make mistakes.
- Show interest in the topic: Demonstrate your enthusiasm, as this will help you feel more comfortable and increase your chances of giving a confident response.
- Don’t rush: Take your time, pause and think before speaking so you can give a better answer.
5 Tips for Part 2 IELTS Speaking (Long Turn / Cue Card)
- Prepare in advance: The key to success with any IELTS Speaking part is to be prepared. Research the most common topics and possible questions, create sample answers, and practice speaking them out loud. Doing this will ensure that you are well-prepared for whatever comes up during your test.
- Use a variety of vocabulary: Be sure to use a wide range of vocabulary and language structures in your answers. Demonstrating variety will show the examiner that you have a good command of the English language, which is a critical component for success in IELTS Speaking.
- Speak clearly and fluently: Make sure you speak clearly and fluently during the test. The examiner must be able to understand what you are saying, so practice speaking out loud until you feel confident that your pronunciation and intonation are clear.
- Use linking words and phrases: Using linking words and phrases will make your answer sound more coherent.
- Stay enthusiastic: Make sure you stay energetic and maintain your enthusiasm, as this will help you feel more comfortable and increase your chances of giving a confident response.
5 Tips for Part 3 IELTS Speaking (Discussion Topics)
- Make sure to think of examples in advance. Before the exam, take some time to come up with ideas and examples that you could use for questions related to Part 2 of IELTS Speaking. This will help you provide relevant information in a clear and organized manner during the test.
- Use a variety of sentence structures when answering. Make sure to practice using different types of sentences such as simple, compound, complex and conditional. This will help you express yourself more clearly and make your answers sound more natural.
- Stay focused on the topic. Try not to get off track when answering Part 3 questions - make sure to stay on top of the conversation and keep your answers relevant.
- Show confidence in your English. Although nervousness is normal during an IELTS exam, try to speak confidently and with clear pronunciation. This will help you make a good impression on the examiner and increase your chances of achieving a higher score.
- Be prepared to give examples and opinions and make suppositions. Part 3 questions require that you go beyond simply providing factual answers - the examiner will be looking for your creativity and ability to think critically and discuss a topic at length. Spend enough time answering each question. Take your time when responding, as rushing your answers may cause you to forget to include key points relevant to the question.