IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions

 

IELTS Speaking Test Format: Highlights

IELTS Speaking Sub-Sections	Duration	Sample IELTS Speaking Topics
Part 1: Introduction and Interview	4 – 5 minutes	Personal information | Hobbies and interests | Education and work | Travel and tourism | Technology and media
Part 2: Individual long turn	3 – 4 minutes	Describe a memorable holiday you have had | Talk about a person who has inspired you | Describe something you own which is very important to you.
Part 3: Two-way discussion	4 – 5 minutes	How important is it to travel and experience different cultures? | What are the benefits of learning a foreign language? | In Switzerland, what kind of possessions do you think give status to people?

IELTS Exam Speaking Topics: Part 1

IELTS Speaking Questions Topics: In this section, the IELTS examiner will ask the candidates general questions about themselves and a range of related and familiar topics. The IELTS speaking test topics for Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Section are all about home, family, work, studies and interests. IELTS Introduction Questions and Answers or Part 1 lasts between 4 to 5 minutes. 

IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions for Part 1

In this section, we are going to be talking about IELTS speaking topics and questions. 

1. Personal information:

• Introduce yourself (name, occupation, where you're from)
• Talk about your family
• Describe your hometown

2. Hobbies and interests:

• Discuss your favourite leisure activities
• Talk about sports you enjoy or follow
• Share your hobbies and why you like them

3. Education and work:

• Describe your current or past studies
• Talk about your job or future career plans
• Discuss your favourite subjects and why you like them

4. Travel and tourism:

• Describe a memorable trip you've taken
• Talk about a place you would like to visit and why
• Discuss the importance of travel and its benefits

5. Technology and media:

• Talk about your favourite websites or apps
• Discuss the influence of social media
• Share your opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of technology

6. Environment and conservation:

• Discuss environmental issues and their impact
• Talk about steps to protect the environment
• Share your opinion on sustainable living

7. Health and fitness:

• Discuss the importance of a healthy lifestyle
• Talk about your exercise routine or favourite sport
• Share your opinion on junk food and its effects

8. Culture and traditions:

• Talk about a traditional festival in your country
• Discuss the importance of preserving cultural heritage
• Share your opinion on globalisation and its impact on culture

9. Social issues:

• Discuss poverty and its causes.
• Talk about the impact of immigration on society.
• Share your opinion on gender equality.

10. Future plans and aspirations:

• Talk about your goals and ambitions
• Discuss your plans for further education
• Share your opinion on the importance of setting goals

11. Home town or village:

•  What kind of place is it?
• What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?
• What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?
• Would you say it’s a good place to live? (Why?) 

12. Accommodation:

• Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in?
• How long have you lived there?
• What do you like about living there?
• What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in? 

Must Read:- Common Mistakes in IELTS Speaking and How to Fix Them!

IELTS Speaking Topics with Answers: Part 1

Example - 1

Part 1: Introduction and General Questions

Candidate: My full name is John Smith.

Examiner: Can I see your ID?

Candidate: Sure, here's my passport.

Examiner: Where are you from?

Candidate: I'm from London, England.

Examiner: Do you work or study?

Candidate: I work as a software engineer in a tech company.

Examiner: What do you like to do in your free time?

Candidate: In my free time, I enjoy reading books and playing the guitar.

Example - 2

Examiner: Now, in this first part, I’d like to ask you some more questions about yourself, OK? Let’s talk about your home town or village. What kind of place is it?

Candidate: It’s quite a small village, about 20km from Zurich. And it’s very quiet. And we have only little ... two little shops because most of the people work in Zurich or are orientated to the city.

Examiner: What’s the most interesting part of this place ... village?

Candidate: On the top of a hill we have a little castle which is very old and quite well known in Switzerland.

Examiner: What kind of jobs do people in the village do?

Candidate: We have some farmers in the village as well as people who work in Zurich as bankers or journalists or there are also teachers and some doctors, some medicines.

Examiner: Would you say it’s a good place to live?

Candidate: Yes. Although it is very quiet, it is … people are friendly and I would say it is a good place to live there, yes.

Examiner: Let’s move on to talk about accommodation. Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in ... 

Read: 

IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions for Part 2

IELTS Speaking Questions Topics: For Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking section test takers will be provided with a task card containing an IELTS speaking topic. The candidate will have 1 minute to prepare for the IELTS speaking topic and will be required to speak for 2 minutes. The examiner will then ask one to two questions on the same IELTS speaking topic to conclude the second sub-section of the IELTS speaking section. IELTS Cue Card or Part 2 is for 3 to 4 minutes in duration. 

Also Read

Free IELTS Online Classes on Shiksha.com	IELTS Exam Syllabus 2024
IELTS Exam Pattern 2024	IELTS Registration 2024

IELTS Speaking Test Topics with Answers for Part 2

Example - 1

Examiner: Describe a memorable holiday you have had.

Candidate: One of my most memorable holidays was in Manali, India. Situated in Himachal Pradesh, it is known for its stunning landscapes, tranquil valleys, and thrilling adventure activities. The snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and the flowing Beas River created a picturesque setting. Exploring attractions like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley, I enjoyed breathtaking views, snow activities, and paragliding. Discovering the local culture, visiting the Hadimba Temple, and strolling through the vibrant Mall Road were highlights. Manali also served as a gateway to nearby destinations like Kullu and Manikaran, where I enjoyed river rafting and hot springs. It was an unforgettable holiday filled with natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and cultural experiences.

Examiner: Talk about a person who has inspired you.

Candidate: One person who has been a great source of inspiration for me is my grandmother. She has overcome numerous challenges in her life and has always maintained a positive attitude. Her resilience and determination have taught me the value of perseverance. She has also instilled in me the importance of kindness and empathy towards others. Whenever I face difficulties, I think of her strength, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Example - 2

Examiner: Describe something you own which is very important to you.

Candidate: Yes. One of the most important things I have is my piano because I like playing the piano. I got it from my parents to my twelve birthday, so I have it for about nine years, and the reason why it is so important for me is that I can go into another world when I’m playing piano. I can forget what’s around me and what ... I can forget my problems and this is sometimes quite good for a few minutes. Or I can play to relax or just, yes to … to relax and to think of something completely different.

Examiner: Thank you. Would it be easy to replace this, this piano?

Candidate: Yes, I think it wouldn’t be that big problem but I like my piano as it is because I have it from my parents, it’s some kind unique for me. 

Also Read

• IELTS Speaking Test Questions & Answers
• How to Improve IELTS Speaking Test Score

IELTS Speaking Topic: Part 3

IELTS Speaking Questions Topics: Part 3 of the IELTS section is an extension of the IELTS speaking topic that you spoke about in Part 2 of the exam. Here the test takers are required to discuss the IELTS speaking topic in a more general and abstract way showing the examiner that they can express and justify their opinions, analyse, discuss and speculate on the IELTS speaking topic in more depth. The IELTS Sub Section Part 3 lasts for a total duration of 4 to 5 minutes. 

IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions for Part 3

1. Let’s consider first of all how people’s values have changed.

• What kind of things give status to people in your country?
• Have things changed since your parents’ time?

2. Finally, let’s talk about the role of advertising.

• Do you think advertising influences what people buy?

IELTS Speaking Test Topics with Answers for Part 3

Example 1

Examiner: How important is it to travel and experience different cultures?

Candidate: Traveling and experiencing different cultures is highly important as it broadens our perspectives and deepens our understanding of the world. It allows us to appreciate diversity, learn from different traditions, and break down stereotypes. Moreover, it fosters cultural exchange and promotes mutual respect among people from different backgrounds. Overall, traveling enriches our lives and contributes to personal growth.

Examiner: What are the benefits of learning a foreign language?

Candidate: Learning a foreign language has numerous benefits. Firstly, it improves communication skills and enables effective interaction with people from different cultures. Secondly, it enhances cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving. Additionally, it opens up job opportunities in an increasingly globalised world. Lastly, learning a foreign language promotes cultural appreciation and fosters a deeper understanding of other societies. It's a valuable skill that broadens horizons and enriches personal development.

Example 2

We’ve been talking about things we own. I’d like to discuss with you one or two more general questions relating to this topic. First, let’s consider values and the way they can change. In Switzerland, what kind of possessions do you think give status to people?

Candidate: The first thing which comes in my mind is the car. Yes, because lots of people like to have posh cars or expensive cars to show their status, their place in the society.

Examiner: Is that a new development?

Candidate: No, I think it isn’t.

Examiner: People have thought like that for quite a long time?

Candidate: Yes. Another thing is probably the clothing. It starts already when you are young. When the children go to school they want to have posh labels on their jumpers or good shoes.

Examiner: What do you think of this way of thinking, that I need to have a car or certain clothes to show my status?

Candidate: Probably it’s sometimes a replacement for something you don’t have, so if your wife has left you or your girlfriend, you just buy some new, I don’t know, new watches or new clothes to make you satisfied again.

Examiner: You don’t think of it as a healthy way of thinking?

Candidate: It’s probably not honest to yourself. You can understand what I mean?

Examiner: Yes. And do you think this will change? In the future, will cars and designer clothes be status symbols in the same way?

Candidate: I’m sure that clothes will be ... that the thing with the clothes will be the same. I’m not so sure about the cars because cars cause lots of environmental problems and probably in some years, a few years, this will change because it’s not reasonable to drive a car anymore.

Examiner: Can you tell me a little bit more about that? ... 

IELTS Speech Topics

In this section, we have provided examples of IELTS talking topics for Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test for candidates who are looking to practice IELTS speech topics. 

Advertisements	Birthdays	Clothes, Fashion & Photos
Daily Routine	Email	Food
Gift & Noise	High School	Indoor Activities & Transportation
Mobile Phones	Museums	Music
Neighbours	Newspaper And Magazine	Patience & Politeness
Public Transport	Seasons	Travel
Television	Volunteer Work	Weather
Timing	Internet	Exercise
Lifestyle	Friends	Flowers
Dictionaries	Computer	Colours

IELTS Speaking Topics - Helpful Tips

In this section, we are going to be discussing IELTS preparation tips on handling your IELTS speaking topics in the speaking section of the exam. 

1. Candidates who are looking to go ahead with their IELTS registration should start talking to their friends, family and peers in English. Recording your day-to-day conversations is a good approach to build confidence or work on pronunciation. 
2. Test takers should realise that there are no right or wrong answers in the IELTS speaking section. Examiners are only looking to understand how fluent you are in expressing yourself in the English language. The examiner is not marking you on the content but on the communication/ delivery of your speaking test. 
3. Form well-rounded responses instead of answering in a yes or no. It is always advisable to be detailed when answering and avoid the examiner’s question as a part of your answer
4. The IELTS exam tests your English in an everyday setting. Hence, the student should avoid using tough words in their conversation. Be natural and keep it simple and casual. 
5. Above all, candidates should use the correct verb tenses when answering IELTS Speaking Topics. For instance, if you are asked ‘What kind of music do you like?’ (present tense), do not answer in the past tense.

Related Reads

Speaking Tips for IELTS	Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1
Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 2	Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 3

IELTS Exam Speaking Topics - Mock Test Papers

IELTS Speech Topics: Candidates who are looking for more IELTS talking topics can check out the IELTS Speaking Section Question Papers on our website. These IELTS Mock Test Papers have not only been created by our in-house experts but we have also provided sample guidelines on how to answer select IELTS talking topics for the benefit of our readers and IELTS test goers. Candidates can get in touch with us in the comments below. Or get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website for assistance with university admissions abroad.