How to Answer IELTS Speaking Questions | What you need to know


IELTS Speaking Test Part 1

Do you work or Study?

I work as a software engineer at a tech company here in town. Our product is an online platform that helps people manage their finances. It's quite interesting because I get to learn a lot about finance and new technologies while at work.

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems and developing creative solutions as part of my job. I also appreciate being able to work with intelligent and motivated people who are passionate about making a difference with our product.

Was there any special training required for this job?

Yes, I had to get a few certifications and complete some specialized training before I was able to start at the company.

But once I got started, the team provided me with lots of support and guidance during my onboarding process.

They also gave me resources and materials that were incredibly helpful in getting up to speed quickly.

Will you have to do any further training for this job in the future?

Yes, absolutely! The team is constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and be more innovative in our industry.

That means I'm expected to do ongoing training so that I can stay on top of new developments and trends.

On top of that, my manager also encourages me to attend conferences and workshops regularly so that I can learn even more.

They have been supportive of my professional development and I'm so thankful for that.

This team has put a lot of effort into making sure everyone is equipped to do their best work! It makes me feel supported and motivated to continue growing in my role.

How do you usually plan your time? Why?

I plan my time on a day-to-day basis, but I also like to take a look at the bigger picture.

I try to identify any upcoming projects or deadlines that I need to focus on and incorporate that into my daily workflow.

This helps me stay organized and ensures that I'm always making progress toward meeting my goals.

How did you learn these time management techniques?

I learned my time management skills through trial and error. I had to experiment with different techniques and strategies to see which ones worked best for me, and it took some time to refine my process.

Additionally, I've had the opportunity to work with mentors who have shared their tips and tricks for being productive and managing time effectively.

Through this experience, I've gained a better understanding of how to prioritize tasks and balance competing deadlines.

What do you think are the biggest benefits of mastering time management?

I believe mastering time management is essential for success in today's world.

It enables us to get more done in less time, allowing us to be more productive and efficient while also freeing up time to focus on long-term goals and strategies.

When we become more aware of how our time is spent, it forces us to make conscious decisions about where we allocate our resources - whether that's energy, money, or even relationships.

Do you like the rain? Why? Why not?

I love the rain! There's something so peaceful and calming about the sound of the rainfall.

It gives us an excuse to stay inside, curl up with a good book, or just relax and take in nature's display.

Plus, it helps nourish the environment by providing essential water for trees, flowers, and other plants.

Do people in your country generally like or dislike the rain? Why?

Most people in my country generally like the rain, especially after a long period of dry weather.

Rain brings much-needed relief from the heat and humidity and provides water for our agricultural needs.

It also helps to reduce air pollution levels by washing away dust particles and other contaminants in the atmosphere.

Additionally, seeing rain can be very calming and peaceful, making it a great way to unwind after a long day.

Rain brings with it a sense of renewal, refreshing our surroundings and helping us appreciate the beauty of nature.

All these reasons make rain something that is generally enjoyed in my country.

How do you deal with rainy days?

After the initial excitement of the rain subsides, it can be difficult to find things to do on days when it’s raining.

One popular activity is watching movies at home or with friends. Finding a good movie that everyone can agree on could be a challenge but once you have decided, it’s time to settle down and enjoy!

What do you dislike most about rainy days?

One of the things I dislike about rainy days is that it can be hard to go outside and engage in outdoor activities.

You may want to take a walk or ride your bike, but due to the wet weather, this isn’t always possible.

For some people, however, these activities become even more delightful on a rainy day as they enjoy the sound of raindrops and the smell of wet earth.

If you’re stuck indoors, there are still plenty of activities to get up to.

One great idea is to bake something delicious. Whether it’s a cake or cookies, baking can be a very rewarding activity that results in a tasty treat at the end.

What do you usually do when you have to wait for something/someone?

When I have to wait for something or someone, I like to use the time productively.

I'll often read a book, listen to music, write down notes or ideas that come to my mind, or practice yoga and meditation.

Taking the opportunity to break away from busy schedules and slow down helps me stay focused and energized.

Do you think people had more patience in the past compared to nowadays? Why?

It's hard to say whether people had more patience in the past compared to nowadays.

It may be true that, due to the pace of modern life and technology, people seem less patient than before.

On the other hand, people have always faced waiting times throughout history, so maybe they just had different ways to cope with them.

Perhaps having different expectations and goals has meant that people have had to learn different ways of dealing with waiting times.

Whatever the case may be, it's clear that patience is a valuable life skill. Learning how to make use of our waiting time can help us stay positive, engaged, and energized no matter what situation we find ourselves in.

Part 1 | IELTS speaking topics with answers

IELTS Speaking Test Part 2

Describe an achievement you are proud of

You should say:
- what it is
- when you did it
- why you did it
and explain why you are proud of this achievement.

One of my greatest achievements is completing a 10-kilometer charity run.

I did it on a Sunday morning in the springtime last year, and it was an incredible experience. I decided to do the run to help raise money for a local environmental organization that works to protect our planet’s resources.

I'm proud of this achievement because running 10 kilometers was something I had never done before, and I pushed myself hard during training and on the day of the race.

It also gave me a chance to give back to my community and contribute towards protecting our environment. Seeing all the people who turned out to participate and show their support was truly inspiring.

The feeling of accomplishment at crossing the finish line was amazing! This experience has only made me more passionate about running and taking care of the planet.

I'm now a dedicated runner and look forward to training for longer races in the future. I want to keep pushing my limits and doing what I can to help the environment along the way!

One thing's for sure - this was a 10-kilometer race that will stay with me forever. It was truly an incredible experience! And I met so many amazing people along the way.

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to take part in this event and make a difference in my community. I can't wait to see what other events are out there that I can be a part of.

Part 2 | IELTS speaking topics with answers

IELTS Speaking Test Part 3

How important is it for people to have goals to achieve in life?

People need to have goals in life. Having a goal gives us something to work towards, provides motivation and direction, and allows us to measure our progress in achieving it.

Goals also help us stay focused on what’s important, develop positive habits, and increase self-discipline.

Furthermore, reaching our goals can give us a sense of accomplishment and pride that encourages us to set even higher goals in the future.

Finally, having well-defined goals can help build our confidence and keep us motivated throughout the journey of achieving them.

Hence, setting achievable goals is an essential part of any successful person's life.

Is it better to have one big goal or various smaller goals which are easier to achieve?

It depends on the person and their preferences. Some people may prefer having one big goal which is more challenging and requires a longer-term commitment, while others may find it easier to focus on smaller goals that are achievable in the short term.

In either case, it is important to set realistic goals that are attainable with proper planning and effort.

Additionally, keep in mind that setting both long-term and short-term goals is often beneficial since it allows you to break down your larger goals into more manageable chunks, which can help you better track progress along the way.

Ultimately, you must take time to assess your individual needs and determine what works best for you.

With a combination of self-discipline, dedication, and well-defined goals, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success.

High achievers are often very successful in life. Why do think some people achieve more than others?

There could be a variety of factors that contribute to why some people achieve more than others.

For example, hard work and dedication, having an innate talent or skill set, access to resources and support systems, taking risks, setting well-defined goals, being goal-oriented and organized, and having the right attitude and mindset for success.

Ultimately, it comes down to an individual's ability to recognize their strengths and weaknesses to determine what works best for them.

A combination of self-discipline, dedication, and well-defined goals can go a long way when striving for success.

With a proper plan in place and the willingness to put in the effort needed, anyone can become a high achiever!

What are some of the ways in which people can make sure they achieve their goals in life?

One of the most important steps in achieving goals is to create a plan and timeline.

Writing down your objectives, breaking them down into smaller tasks, and setting deadlines can help keep you focused on completing each step until the final goal is achieved.

Additionally, it's important to be flexible when making adjustments along the way as life often throws unexpected curveballs our way.

It’s also beneficial to develop habits like creating daily routines and scheduling time for yourself if needed.

Keep in mind that developing healthy habits can help you stay motivated and make progress more quickly toward your goals.

Finally, you mustn't forget to celebrate successes along the way - even small ones - as it will help keep you encouraged throughout the journey.

How do most people measure personal success in your country?

Every culture has different ideas about what constitutes personal success, but for many in my country, it is often measured by financial stability and achievements.

Education, career success, and the accumulation of wealth are all important markers of success for many.

Additionally, a strong family life with happy relationships is also seen as a sign of accomplishment.

But, each individual must define their version of personal success based on their unique values and goals.

No matter what your definition of success may be, it’s important to have clear objectives and break them down into smaller steps so that progress can be tracked more easily.

When setting goals, try to make sure they're realistic yet challenging -nothing better than feeling proud when a goal you set out to achieve is accomplished/.

It’s also important to recognize that success isn't only measured by achieving goals, but through the journey of learning and growing along the way.

Every accomplishment is an opportunity to develop confidence in yourself, creating a more positive outlook on life.

Part 3 | IELTS speaking topics with answers