Based on the search results, the top three IELTS speaking topics that have been searched this month are:
- A House or Apartment You Would Like to Live In
- An Interesting Animal You Have Seen
- A Successful Small Business
These topics seem to be of high interest among IELTS test-takers currently. They cover a range of areas such as personal preferences (type of accommodation), observations (interesting animals), and business insights (successful small businesses).
Please note that the actual IELTS speaking topics in the exam can vary, and it's recommended to prepare for a broad range of topics.
Below are examples of these cue card questions and Band 9 sample answers provided by IELTS experts.
1. A House or Apartment You Would Like to Live In
You should say: - What it looks like
- Where it is located
- What features it would have
And explain why you would like to live in it
Expert Tips
- Tip 1: Be specific with your descriptions. Rather than giving generic descriptions, personalize your answer. For example, if you prefer a house with a garden, talk about your love for gardening or the tranquility it provides.
- Tip 2: Use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures. This not only demonstrates your language proficiency but also makes your description more engaging. For instance, instead of repeatedly using 'big' or 'beautiful', you could use 'spacious', 'stunning', 'breathtaking', etc.
- Tip 3: Always link your descriptions back to the question prompt. Explain why the features you've described make the house or apartment an ideal place for you to live. This gives a clear structure to your response and shows that you've fully understood and addressed the question.
Sample Answer
The place that truly inspired me is a small yet charming loft apartment nestled in the heart of London. It was the perfect fusion of classical architecture and modern elements, evoking a sense of unique elegance. The exterior of the building retained its Victorian brick facades, offering a stark contrast to the bustling cityscape.
Once you stepped inside, the charm of the wooden beams combined with modern appliances and sleek furniture created an enchanting ambiance. There was an open-plan living space that included a kitchen, dining area, and a living room. The living room was adorned with oversized, comfortable sofas and a rustic fireplace, creating a warm and inviting space.
One of the most eye-catching features was the panoramic glass ceiling, which allowed natural light to flood into the apartment. This feature alone made the apartment feel larger and brighter. Anything you need was within reach, from grocery stores to cultural attractions.
It's the kind of place that has stayed with me, and I dream of living in a similar apartment. The balance of old and new, the coexistence of convenience and culture, is what I long for in my ideal home. This loft apartment in London is the epitome of my dream home. And what's more, it would be an honor to live in a place that symbolizes the soul of London.
2. An Interesting Animal You Have Seen
You should say:
- What kind of animal it is
- What it looks like
- Where you saw it
And explain why you found it interesting
Expert Tips
- Tip 1: Be clear about the animal you're talking about. You should back up your description with specific details. These could be about its appearance, its behavior, or even unique features that set it apart from other animals. Try to paint a clear picture with your words.
- Tip 2: Use your personal experiences to make your answer more interesting. If you have any memorable experiences related to the animal, share them. This will help make your answer more unique and engaging.
- Tip 3: Remember to explain why the animal is interesting to you. This is your chance to show that you can support your opinions with clear reasoning. Your explanation could be based on the animal's characteristics, your encounters with it, or even the symbolism it holds in your culture or personal life.
Sample Answer
Last week, I went on a nature hike in my local park and saw something that truly fascinated me. It was a squirrel with an unusual color pattern – half of its body was orange while the other half had black stripes. I'd never seen anything like it before, so I stopped to take a closer look.
The squirrel was around a foot long from its nose to the tip of its tail. It was the size and shape of a typical squirrel, but its coloration was anything but typical. The right half of its body was the usual orange-brown color you'd expect, while the left side was adorned with jet-black stripes. The stripes were sharp and distinct, running all the way from its head to its tail, and even extended onto its limbs. The contrast between the two halves was striking, making the squirrel look like two different animals stitched together.
I spotted it when it was scampering around some underbrush, looking for food. Its unique coloring made it stand out against the green foliage, and I was instantly captivated. I managed to snap a few pictures with my phone before it scampered up a tree. But even then, I could still see it, its unique colors making it visible even high up in the canopy.
This encounter made the squirrel incredibly interesting to me. Not only was it visually stunning, but it also raised many questions in my mind. Was this a mutation, or maybe some sort of rare subspecies? Or perhaps it was a result of some environmental factors? In any case, it was a fascinating encounter that I'll remember for a long time.
The encounter with the uniquely colored squirrel stirred a deep sense of fascination within me. It was like stumbling upon a hidden treasure in a world that sometimes feels too predictable. It served as a humbling reminder of nature's infinite ability to surprise and enchant us.
This experience not only sparked my curiosity but also prompted me to learn more about wildlife and their adaptations. The sense of wonder it instilled in me reaffirmed my respect for the intricate complexities of nature, and left me feeling profoundly grateful for such encounters that add unexpected splashes of color to everyday life.
3. A Successful Small Business
You should say:
- What the business is
- Where it is located
- How long it has been running
And explain why it is successful
Expert Tips
- Tip 1: Be specific about the business you're describing. You should mention what the business does, where it's located, and how long it has been operating. This gives the impression that you have a good understanding of the topic.
- Tip 2: Use your personal experience or knowledge to explain why the business is successful. This could involve discussing their unique selling points, their effective business practices, or their positive impact on the community. This will allow you to give a well-rounded description of the business.
- Tip 3: Try to incorporate relevant vocabulary and complex sentence structures in your response. This is a great opportunity to showcase your language skills, especially your ability to discuss topics related to business and entrepreneurship.
Sample Answer
I recently came across a bakery in my town that has become a huge success over the last few years. It’s a small business located near the seafront, and it mainly sells freshly baked goods like cakes and pastries. I visited the store recently to get an idea of what made it so successful.
The first thing that caught my eye was its bright and inviting interior design — there were colorful furnishings, comfortable seating areas, and intricate displays of the pastries and cakes. Everything seemed fresh and inviting, which gave it a modern yet cozy atmosphere.
The second thing that made me take notice was how well-stocked their shelves were — there was an endless array of cakes, pastries, cookies, cupcakes, and other goodies. Not only was the selection impressive, but all of the items appeared to be freshly made and carefully arranged.
The last thing that convinced me of its success was the quality of their products — everything I tried was incredibly delicious and rich in flavor. The bakery has been around for about five years now, and it seems like they have perfected the art of baking.
Visiting the bakery was an absolutely delightful experience. The warm and inviting ambiance immediately made me feel comfortable and at ease. The delicious aroma of freshly baked goods was an olfactory treat that evoked a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The sight of an array of pastries, all seemingly crafted to perfection, was a feast for the eyes. Each bite I took was an explosion of rich flavors that far exceeded my expectations.
The overwhelming sense of care and dedication that went into every detail of the bakery made me feel valued as a customer. This bakery is not only a testament to culinary excellence but also an embodiment of the passion and commitment of its owners. It was an experience that left a lasting impression, and I've found myself yearning to return ever since.