Free IELTS Speaking Practice Test: Sample Questions with Answers

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your spoken English based on your fluency, pronunciation, and accuracy of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. You will be discussing various topics with the examiner in a quiet room. The Speaking test consists of three parts.

The Greeting

When you enter the IELTS speaking exam room, the examiner starts with simple greetings rather than asking challenging questions. Your greeting will be also be assessed. Here’s an example of a basic greeting and response.

Examiner: Good morning/afternoon! My name is [Examiner's Name]. What is your name?

Candidate: Good morning/afternoon!. My name is [Your Name].

Examiner: Can I see your identification, please?

Candidate: Sure, here it is.

Examiner: Thank you. How are you doing today?

Candidate: I’m doing great, thank you. How are you?

Examiner: I’m good, thank you. Let’s begin.

Part 1

• The examiner will ask you questions about yourself and multiple familiar topics, such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. 
• This part lasts for about 4-5 minutes.

Part 2

• You will receive a cue card with a topic to talk about.
•  You will have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for up to 2 minutes. 

Part 3

• The examiner will ask more questions about the same topic in Part 2.
• This section lasts for approximately 4-5 minutes.

• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 1

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Topic: Hometown & Family 

• Tell me about your hometown.
• What do you love the most about your hometown?
• How long have you lived there?

Let’s move on to talk about your family

• How many people are there in your family?
• Is there anyone in your family you look upto?
• What do you enjoy doing together as a family?

Part 2: Long Turn

Candidates Task Card Example

You have to talk about the above topic for 1 to 2 minutes.

You will have 1 minute of preparation about what you will say.

You can make some notes as well.

Part 3 – Two-way discussion 

Follow-up Questions

1. Where would you like to go for your next vacation?
2. What do you usually look for when choosing a holiday destination?
3. How do you think the tourism industry will change in the next 5 years?
4. Do you prefer travelling solo or with others? Why?
5. How do you think holidays contribute to the economy of a country?
   
   

• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Topic: Games

• Do you play any games? 
• What types of games do you like to play?
• Which games did you play in your childhood?
• What is your favourite game, and why do you like it?
• Do you prefer playing games indoors or outdoors?

Part 2: Long Turn

Candidates Task Card Example

You will have to talk about the above topic for 1 to 2 minutes.

You will have 1 minute to prepare. You can make some notes as well.

Part 3 – Two-way Discussion 

Follow-up Questions

Discussion Topics: Shopping 

1. Why do you think some people enjoy shopping more than others?
2. How have shopping habits changed in your country over the past decade?
3. Do you think online shopping will replace in-store shopping completely? Why or why not?
4. What are the pros and cons of online shopping?
5. Are there any traditional markets or shopping areas in your country that are particularly famous?
   
   

• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 3

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Topic: Lifestyle & Work

• How do you spend your leisure time?
• Do you maintain an active lifestyle?
• Has your life undergone significant changes in the past year?
• What aspects of your lifestyle would you like to change?
• Are you currently employed?
• Do you have a good relationship with your colleagues?
• What are your main duties at work?

Part 2: Long Turn

Candidates Task Card Example

You will have to talk about the above topic for 1 to 2 minutes.

You will have 1 minute of preparation about what you're going to say.

You can make some notes as well.

Part 3 – Two-way Discussion 

Follow-up Questions

1. Are people reading more these days?
2. Do you read before sleeping?
3. How do you think e-books will impact printed books?
4. Now, let's discuss traditional literature in your country. Can you give an example of traditional literature from your country?
5. Do you enjoy reading your country's traditional literature?
   
   

• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 4

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

The examiner asks the candidate about themselves, their home, work or studies, and other familiar topics.

Topic: Music & Newspaper

1. What type of music do you enjoy the most?
2. Do you enjoy attending live music events?
3. Have you ever attended a concert or musical performance?
4. Do you frequently read newspapers?
5. Do you prefer reading local news or news from around the world?

Part 2: Long Turn

Candidates Task Card Example

You will have to talk about the above topic for 1 to 2 minutes.

You have 1 minute to think about what you're going to say.

You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Part 3 – Two-way Discussion

Follow-up Questions

1. Do you believe change is beneficial?
2. What are some significant changes people experience during their lives?
3. Is your country undergoing rapid changes?
4. How has technological advancement altered people's lives?
5. Why do older individuals often resist change?
   
   

• IELTS Speaking Practice Test 5

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

The examiner asks the candidate about themselves, their home, work or studies, and other familiar topics.

Topic: Food & Weather

1. Do you follow a healthy diet?
2. Do you prefer dining at home or eating out?
3. Do you enjoy having food delivered?
4. What type of weather do you enjoy the most?
5. Would you like to relocate to a place with a different climate?

Part 2: Long Turn

Candidates Task Card Example

You will have to talk about the above topic for 1 to 2 minutes.

You have 1 minute to think about what you're going to say.

You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Part 3 – Two-way Discussion

Follow-up Questions

1. What do you think makes a city a great place to live?
2. What are the benefits of city living?
3. Now, let's shift from the positives to the negatives of urban areas. What do you believe are the downsides of densely populated cities?
4. How can governments enhance the quality of life in crowded cities?

The IELTS Speaking section consists of three parts: the introduction, long turn (speaking on a topic given in cue card) and the discussion. Check out one such solved IELTS Speaking question below. 

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Topic: Travelling  

Examiner: Do you like travelling?

Candidate: Yes, definitely! I love travelling. I enjoy exploring places, meet new people, try new cuisines. Traveling also helps me relax and recharge after a hectic work schedule. 

Examiner: What was your recent trip ?

Candidate: Last month, I went to Udaipur. That city is gorgeous. I adored its history and vibrant culture. I particularly enjoyed visiting the famous fort and exploring the City Palace. The lively markets and delicious food were the highlights of my visit.

Examiner: Do you prefer travelling solo or with others?

Candidate: I prefer travelling with my family, especially with my mother. She is the best companion when it comes to travelling. She and I enjoy each other company. She is enthuastic in trying different cuisine just like I am. 

Examiner: How do you plan your trips?

Candidate: I usually start by looking at the destination online. I look for main attractions, about local cuisine, hotel prices. Then, I create a rough itinerary through my travel agent. He takes care of ticket confirmation and hotel booking

 Part 2: Long Turn

Topic: Describe a special event you attended last year.

 You should say:

• What the event was?
• Where it was held?
• Who you went with
• And explain why it was special

Answer:

“Last year, I attended my best friend’s wedding, which was a memorable event. The wedding was in my hometown, Nagpur.

I went to her wedding with my entire family - my parents, siblings. Over there i met some school friends as well who travelled fom far-off places to be there in the wedding. Seeing everyone in one place was conformting, especially since some of us hadn’t met in several years.

The wedding was a typical ceremony with cultural values and rituals. There was music, people danced their heart out - creating a heartwarming atmosphere. One of the event’s highlight was the traditional dance performed by groom’s grandparents. The couple looked radiant in their traditioanl attire. The food was amazing with different types of delicious dishes.

We spent the entire day reminiscing about old times, catching up on each other's lives, and creating new memories by dancing. The atmosphere was filled with love, joy, and a sense of belonging. Overall, my best friend’s wedding was a special event that stands out in my memory.”

Part 3: Discussion

Topic: Celebrations

Question 1: How do people in your country celebrate major events?

“In my country India, we celebrate major events like weddings, festivals, and national holidays with love and care. Usually, people gather with their families and friends, prepare special meals, and participate in traditional rituals. For instance, during Holi, people put colors on ecah other faces, eat different types of sweets, creating a vibrant atmosphere with love and care.

Question 2: How important are these celebrations in the community?

“These celebrations are very special in the community. They support unity and care. They play an important role in saving old cultural traditions. It allows many people to relax and enjoy themselves away from their hectic daily routines.”

Question 3: Do you think celebrations are becoming too commercialised?

“Yes, to some extent, celebrations have become commercialised. Now a days, many people are becoming materialistic. They spend a lot of money on gifts and parties to show off their social status rather than focusing on cultural significance of the event.”

• Know the Test Format: You should be able to understand the test structure. Start by practicing each part of speaking test separately to gain confidence.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Engage in multimedia content - watch English speaking videos; start reading books, newspapers, and articles. Note new words and use them in sentences. 
• Practice with a Partner: Replicate test conditions by speaking with a partner, where you practice spekaing English by answering questions.
• Record Yourself: While practicing, you could record you responses and then listen to them to identify areas for improvement. Focus on reducing filler words.

Check: Top 10 IELTS Coaching Centres in India