Are you getting ready to take the IELTS test in February? Preparing for the speaking section can be a daunting task. To help you get ready, here are some examples of IELTS Speaking Topics in February from various IELTS tests worldwide.
February topics include: housework, musical instruments, disagreement, decisions, free time, watches, riots
IELTS Speaking Topics February You Need to Know
Part 1 topics for February
What is your full name?
My name is [first name] [second/middle name] [surname/family name]
Can I see your identification, please?
Yes, of course, here’s my ID card.
Which part of the country do you come from?
I come from [name of city] in the south of the country.
Is where you live an interesting place?
Yes, it’s a beautiful place and it’s very popular for tourists and locals, especially on holidays. It has many interesting places and things to see, especially some of the old historic buildings which are there.
Topic | Housework
Do you normally help with housework around the house?
I have to admit I hardly do any housework, although I usually try and help out after meals by washing the dishes and tidying up the kitchen. My mother usually takes care of most of the household tasks and she has a helper for the heavy cleaning and things like that.
Are there any specific tasks you dislike doing around the house? Why?
Yes, I hate having to clean my room, but I have to do it every now and then. I don’t mind organizing my things but I prefer if someone else does the actual cleaning.
When you were a child, did you help with work around the house?
I used to help my mother in the kitchen quite often but that was about it really. As long as I can remember our family has always had a helper to do most of the cleaning and laundry and other jobs like that. So there wasn’t much that I was asked to do around the house, but I used to enjoy helping my mother cooking and baking in the kitchen.
Do you think that parents should ask their children to help with household chores?
It can be a good thing to teach children some responsibility but if it’s not necessary then there are other more interesting and important things to be doing. I was always encouraged to study and concentrate on my school work rather than doing work in the house.
How can they best achieve this?
I guess that parents should teach their children the importance of housework and show them how it is done so that they at least understand what is involved. They could also pay them to do it I suppose or reward them in some other way.
Topic | Musical Instruments
Do you know how to play any musical instruments?
Nowadays, I don’t but I did in the past – I spent several years learning to play the piano. I became quite good at it, but I was never really talented, just quite good. Now I don’t really have much time to practice but I do play sometimes when we have family get-togethers and special family occasions.
Do you think it’s important for parents to encourage their children to learn how to play a musical instrument?
It’s important that parents can offer their children the opportunity to at least try and learn how to play a musical instrument, or more than one. But if the child isn’t interested then there’s not much point in forcing them to do it.
They might be more interested in sports or other activities, or they might have other talents which they would like to develop such as artistic or creative talents.
What do you think is the best way for them to do this?
I suppose parents should try and find out if their children are interested in music first, and then if possible which instruments they find most interesting, and then find a good teacher who can make the learning a fun experience for them.
If the child isn’t inspired to learn, then they will probably not be very successful. It’s important that they are well motivated to learn how to play an instrument because it takes quite a long time to become good at it, so they need a lot of patience, and a lot of practice.
Part 2 Cue Card
Talk about a time when someone disagreed with you about something
You should say:- what the disagreement was about
- why they disagreed
- what you said to them
and say if you resolved the disagreement, and how.
Sample Answer
There was a time about a year ago when I had a major disagreement with one of my colleagues at work. He was pushing very hard for the company to take on a particular contract, which on the face of it seemed extremely lucrative. But the problem was, in my opinion, that we didn’t have the right resources to deliver the project in the way we would have liked to.
I thought it would be better to be honest about this and explained that if we took this contract on, we could experience serious problems because it would stretch our available resources beyond their limits, and if anything unexpected happened, we wouldn’t be able to deliver the quality of service the company was renowned for.
Anyway, in the end it wasn’t my decision and my colleague didn’t agree with my evaluation and managed to persuade the client that we would be able to deliver what they wanted. I still had my reservations about taking in the project, but there was nothing I could really do at the time.
We hadn’t ever had a disagreement like this before and it left a rather bad taste and some ill feeling between us because he felt that I hadn’t been supportive enough of his efforts to bring this new client onboard, which was a big achievement for the company.
Well, unfortunately, things didn’t turn out so well, as I had feared. It wasn’t long into this new contract that we had the first problem, which we managed to resolve, but it was just an indication of what was to come.
Before long there was another issue which had to be resolved, and then something else came up. Just as I had thought previously, we had bitten of more than we could chew for the available staff we had.
In the end, it was all a bit of a disaster, as one of the less experienced employees we had used as a temporary stopgap made a really stupid and serious mistake which ended up costing the company a lot of money.
The whole project ended badly, and I know that my colleague knows that I was right about what I said about taking on too much – but he’s never agreed that he was in fact wrong. We’re okay, but it’s just a topic we avoid speaking about so as not to relive the argument all over again.
Follow up question: Would you say that you disagree with other people often?
No, not really, in fact it’s rare that I disagree with others. It only happened in this case because my colleague was just too ambitious with his plans, but normally I get along with most people and only occasionally have any disagreements or arguments.
Part 3
Topic | Decisions
Why do you think some people find it difficult to make decisions?
Probably because some people are indecisive by nature; they find it hard to choose between different options or think about the consequences of an action. Alternatively, they probably haven’t had to make many decisions, so it’s not something they’re comfortable with.
You know, it’s like a skill that you have to practice. Someone who is used to making lots of decisions every day won’t think twice about making another decision. But if you don’t normally make decisions – then even making a small decision can seem like a big deal, and so making bigger and more serious decisions seems so much more difficult.
In your opinion, what are some qualities that good decision-makers typically have?
They typically have an ability to weigh the pros and cons of a situation or a range of options or choices. They tend to be analytical and less emotional. They also have an ability see beyond just the obvious choice and consider possible longer term consequences of taking a particular decision.
Do you think it’s better to take decisions with others or by yourself?
I suppose it would depend on the decision. I mean, if other people will be affected then it would make sense to include them in the decision-making process. So let’s say you need to make a decision about something which will affect your family; it makes sense to include the other family members in the discussion about what the options are and see what they think would be the best decision – if necessary they could vote on it.
But if it’s just a personal decision then there’s probably no need to involve others in the process. In fact, it might even complicate things unless they are aware of all the facts and understand you really well and what’s important for you. Even though it might be a good idea to listen to some advice or ask a friend what they think – at the end of the day - it’s your decision.
What are some things that parents could do to help their children to become good at making decisions?
For one, they can encourage them to make decisions, even small unimportant decisions such as what clothes they want to wear or what they’d like to eat for lunch.
Giving them choices and letting them learn from their decisions teaches them responsibility for their actions and the decisions they take, so allowing them to experience this and learn from it can help them to develop the skills necessary to make good decisions and this will definitely help them later in life.
They can also discuss how to make decisions with their children, and even ask their opinion as part of their own decision-making process when it’s appropriate. This allows the child to see the importance of asking for help or advice when you’re not sure about something.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1
What is your full name?
My full name is ___________.
Where do you live?
I live in ____________.
Can I see your ID, please?
Sure, here's my ID.
Are you a student or do you work?
I'm currently a ___________. I've been in this position for ___ years.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy ___________. I find it to be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. And I also like to read, travel, and spend time with my friends.
What do you plan to do in the future?
In the future, I plan to focus on my professional development by furthering my education and gaining experience in the workforce. I also plan to travel the world, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. I want to start my own business, which I am currently working on. I feel that this will be a great opportunity for me to further my career and create something that will benefit others.
Topic | Watches
Do you (or did you used to) usually wear a watch?
Yes, I used to wear a watch as part of my daily outfit. Wearing watches was something that I picked up from my parents and grandparents who wore them often. Wearing a watch was a sign of etiquette, responsibility, and punctuality for me. It also helped me keep track of time and manage my day better.
What do you think of watches as a fashion accessory?
I think that watches can be a great fashion accessory. They can be a great way to accessorize an outfit and add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Watches are also practical in that they can track time and provide a great way to show off one's sense of style. Many fashion-forward people have embraced watches as an essential part of their wardrobe, using them to make a statement and add another level of style to their outfits.
Why do celebrities often wear very expensive watches?
Celebrities often wear very expensive watches to show off their wealth and status. Wearing pricey watches is a sign of success, sophistication, and prestige that is difficult to ignore. Also, wearing an expensive watch can be a nod to the designer's reputation and craftsmanship.
That said, many celebrities don't just wear any watch - they often choose to wear a designer watch from a well-known brand such as Rolex, Omega, or Cartier. These watches not only signal that the wearer is financially successful, but they also make a statement and add another level of style to their outfit.
Also, expensive watches can be an investment as they hold their value over time.
Part 2
Describe a time when you heard about riots in another country.
You should say:- what you heard
- when you heard it
- how you heard about it
and explain how you felt after hearing about the riots.
Sample Answer
I heard about a major riot that broke out in the United Kingdom a few years ago. I learned of this incident through the news. I was shocked to see the level of destruction that was caused by the mob, and it further stressed to me how powerful the collective anger of the people can be.
It was an unfortunate event, as it seemed like a nationwide reaction to some political decisions taken by the government. The rioters destroyed public and private property, looted shops, and caused a lot of disruption to people's lives. It was absolutely heartbreaking to learn of the number of casualties and injuries that resulted from this violence.
At a personal level, I felt lost and hopeless as to how I could help the victims of this incident. I wanted to do something that would make a difference, so I decided to donate money through an NGO that was providing medical assistance to the injured.
I also spread awareness about the incident through my social media channels and did whatever I could to ensure that the victims of this violence were provided with the help they needed.
I also got in touch with friends who lived near the affected areas and asked them to help in whatever way they could. Although we were not able to do much, I am glad that our small effort did manage to bring some relief to the victims of this tragedy.
In the future, I plan to volunteer with NGOs that are working towards helping such people and make a more significant difference. I believe that we all have a responsibility to help those in need, and it is important to do whatever we can to ensure that people affected by violence and other tragedies get the help they are entitled to.
I was lucky enough to spend six months in the UK when I was younger. During that time, I volunteered with a local charity supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It was an incredibly rewarding experience and it opened my eyes to the world of volunteering and the difference it can make in people’s lives.
I learned a lot about how even small acts of kindness can bring a lot of joy to those who are struggling.
Follow up question: Can you give me some possible suggestions for reducing such riots in society?
One suggestion for reducing riots and other tragic events in society is to increase access to mental health services.
This can include providing counseling and support for those who are struggling with mental health issues, and offering educational resources to help people learn strategies for coping with stress.
And increased efforts to promote understanding and respect among different cultures can help to reduce tensions.
Also, encouraging people to express their needs and concerns in a positive way can also be beneficial.
All of these steps can help to reduce the likelihood of riots and other tragic events occurring in society.
Part 3
Topic | Riots
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of riots?
The advantages of riots are that they can draw attention to a particular issue and bring about change. They may also spur governments into action and force them to address the root causes of a problem.
However, riots may also have negative consequences. They often lead to violence and destruction of property and can cause a great deal of distress to those living in the area.
And, riots may result in further social unrest and political instability. In some cases, riots can even destabilize entire regions if they are not quickly contained.
The actions of a few may lead to repercussions for the whole population. And, riots can hurt businesses and the local economy by damaging property, scaring away customers, and causing people to lose their jobs.
How do such riots affect the social context?
Riots can have a devastating effect on the social context, not only in terms of physical destruction and damage to property but also emotionally.
When riots occur, people feel unsafe and uncertain about their future, which can lead to a heightened sense of anxiety or depression.
For instance, there may be fear of violence, discrimination, or persecution based on the group that's causing the riot. This can result in further division within society and a lack of trust or understanding between different groups.
There can also be economic consequences, as people may be financially impacted if they lose their jobs or businesses due to the riots.
In what ways can people get over the effects of such riots?
One way to combat the effects of riots is to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust between different groups.
This can be done through dialogue between different groups, fostering a sense of shared identity, and promoting positive attitudes.
Education can also play an important role in helping people understand the causes and consequences of riots, as well as strategies to prevent them in the future.
Also, providing economic aid and support to those impacted by the riots can help to restore stability, both for businesses and individuals. Governments can also take steps to protect people’s rights during periods of unrest, such as enforcing laws against violence and discrimination.
And, authorities can work with NGOs to develop conflict mediation strategies that are tailored to the specific context of each situation.
Are there any ways in which such riots can be avoided?
Yes, absolutely. One way to prevent riots is to address the underlying grievances that can lead to unrest in the first place.
Proactive measures such as promoting economic equality, increasing social mobility, and providing access to basic services like healthcare and education can go a long way towards improving people’s lives, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict.
And, another way is to ensure that law enforcement practices are not discriminatory, so people of all backgrounds can feel they are being treated fairly.
Oh and, encouraging dialogue between opposing parties can also help to prevent riots. By engaging in active discussion, it is possible to identify the source of tension and come up with a peaceful solution.
FAQ
What kind of topics are typically covered in the IELTS speaking test?
Speaking topics for IELTS include personal experiences, family, leisure activities, work, academic studies, and current or future plans, and many other general topics.
How many parts does the speaking test have?
The IELTS speaking test has three parts. In the first part, you will be asked questions related to a topic (or maybe two topics) given by the examiner. In the second part, you will be asked to speak about a particular topic for 1-2 minutes. In the third part, you will have an extended discussion with the examiner.
How many questions will I be asked in the speaking test?
You can expect to be asked between 12 and 15 questions in total during the 14 minute speaking test. The examiner will ask you a variety of different questions related to the topics covered in each part. Pay attention to the type of questions being asked and think carefully about your answers to ensure you make the best impression.
Good luck!