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IELTS

Speaking

The Full Story

In IELTS Speaking part 1, the test will begin with the examiner first introducing himself/herself and then asking you about your identity. He/she will then ask you general/ simple questions relating to your background, home, work, studies, family, interests, hobbies and so on. You’ll then have to speak on a given topic for about 4-5 minutes continuously, after which you’ll be asked a few personal questions. You’ll have to then answer these questions very casually and honestly.​

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In the IELTS Speaking Part 2 test,  you will be given a topic card. You will have 1 minute to prepare your talk and then you will need to speak for 1-2 minutes. Start preparing as soon as you are given the card, paper, and pen. The examiner will let you know when to start talking. Keep talking as long as you can. Most topics are stories about yourself or something that happened in your life. 


In Part Two, the examiner gives the candidate a topic card and the candidate has one minute to prepare and make notes. After the one-minute preparation time, the candidate is required to talk about the topic for between one and two minutes (as a rule you are expected to speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds—anything less than this and your “Fluency” score may be reduced).

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Candidates do not need to worry about ‘timing’ in Part Two because the examiner will stop the candidate when the clock hits two minutes. The best strategy in Part Two is to keep talking until the examiner says stop. Candidates are naturally nervous in this part of the test so it is not good to try to guess the time. I hope that you are going to get the best out of it. 
 

“In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the examiner will ask a broader range of questions from the given topic of Speaking Part 2. The test taker, therefore, has to elaborate and go in-depth on the topic to answer these questions. Remember to speak fluently and not memorize the content according to the topics.“

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In the IELTS Speaking Part 3, which is also called counter questions or follow-up questions on part 2, the examiner will ask a broader range of questions from the topic given in Part 2.  It will be for 4 -5 minutes. The test taker, therefore, has to elaborate and go in-depth on the topic to answer these questions. Remember to speak fluently and not memorize the content according to the topics.

 

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Assessment Criteria of IELTS Speaking

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There are 4 criteria based on which your

IELTS Speaking Part 2 is assessed:

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Fluency and Coherence

While speaking the examiner will check how fluently you can

speak by using proper grammar and vocabulary.

Hesitating and being in a loss of words is acceptable if it’s once

in a while but not if it happens too much.

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Lexical Resource

While speaking you have to make sure to use a variety of

idioms with proper vocabulary and grammar. This will show

that you have a flexible usage of the language.

 

Grammar

You must use correct grammar and structured sentences. It’s very important to avoid making grammatical mistakes while speaking.

 

Pronunciation

While speaking, it is important to make sure you’re pronouncing the words in the correct manner and in a way that is clearly understandable for the examiner. A helpful tip would be, to try to speak slowly and calmly. Avoid speaking too fast as you could have the risk of not being understandable, which may result in your score being reduced.
 

 

Steps in IELTS speaking part 2 exam


The examiner will give you a cue card in which the topic will be mentioned along with the points that you should mainly focus on. The topic given will be related to personal experiences. 


The examiner will then give you one minute to prepare. You’ll have to plan and create a story/idea to speak about relating to the topic. A paper and pencil will be provided so that you can pen down your ideas on the paper if you wish.


Soon after your one-minute preparation, the examiner will ask you to speak about the given topic.


While speaking, you should try to speak without hesitating or pausing for too long. While speaking the examiner will not interrupt you, he/she will only nod to encourage you.


Soon after the 2 minutes get over, the examiner will stop you and ask you a few questions relating to what you spoke about, and you’ll have to give short answers for the same.

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Tips to follow while attending the Speaking Part 1 Test

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Practise IELTS Speaking Part 1

There are various ways through which you can practice for the IELTS speaking test to score a high band. Explore the innumerous topics in Speaking part 1. First impressions count. Don’t miss out on creating your best impression. Do practice these questions.

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Understand the test format

You have to understand the format of the speaking test in order to practice for the test in the same manner. If you practice the test in the same format you will be able to manage time as well.

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Know the marking criteria

You must know how different speaking tests are evaluated and on what basis they are evaluated. The examiner would have to take up the speaking test in a particular way.

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Practice speaking daily

You must practice speaking in English daily while focusing more on grammar. You should also focus on the fluency of English so that you’ll be able to speak during the test without hesitation. 

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Be Prepared but Don’t Memorize

Make sure you prepare yourself for the topics you may find it difficult to speak about. Remember, more than your knowledge on the topic, the examiner will be looking for confidence when you speak. So even if you’re asked about something you haven’t specifically prepared for, don’t hesitate, but just speak from your heart, without worrying, and automatically you’ll be radiating with confidence. 

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Record yourself while practicing

While practicing for the speaking test you can check your language fluency by recording your own speech using a phone or any other recording device and listening to it. By this, you will be able to assess how you speak.

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Evaluate your Performance

Once you’ve recorded yourself, listen to it again and try to evaluate it, and write down the areas where you can improve. It is important to focus on your weaknesses and improve on them.

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Be Confident

The key to scoring a high band in the Speaking Test is by speaking with confidence. As soon as you begin the test, relax, and try to not treat it as a test but as a conversation with a good friend. 

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Know the questions that you can expect

You must have an idea about what questions to expect from the examiner. Try to practice answering these questions mentally so that you’ll be able to speak fluently and without panicking during the test.

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Show interest in the questions

Even if you’re unsure about the question posed to you by the questioner, show interest towards it, and try to answer it by talking about your experiences related to the subject. At any point during the test, don’t pause for too long or hesitate in answering, that’ll only make you more nervous and will display a lack of confidence.

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Try to expand on your answers

As in speaking part 1, you’ll only be questioned on personal topics, so try to avoid giving one line, or short answers. For every question posed to you, try to expand on it, by elaborating on the subject. Replying with long and elaborate answers will show that you have confidence and that you’re comfortable in having conversations in English.

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Avoid giving Yes or No answers

You should definitely avoid giving one-word answers as it’ll display a lack of confidence. Since confidence is one of the key factors considered during the test, avoid giving one word or short answers, it is essential to remain calm so that you’ll be able to give elaborate replies.

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Try to answer all the questions asked by the examiner

Since, Speaking Part 1 will contain all personal questions, and/ or questions related to you, you should try your best to answer each and every question with honesty and confidence. In any case, if you don’t understand the question posed to you, you can always ask the examiner to explain it, as they’ll only check for your language skills and not your knowledge on the topic.

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Skills Assessed

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Part 1: Ability to convey ideas and views on daily topics, circumstances, or common experiences by answering a range of questions.

Part 2: Ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language.

Part 3: Ability to analyze the topic, express views, justify an opinion, organize and evaluate ideas.

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​Frequently Asked Questions
 

Part 1

Can I choose my questions in part 1?

No, unfortunately, you cannot. You would have to answer the questions asked to you.

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Is Speaking Part 1 important?

Speaking Part 1 is conducted to ease you into a conversation with the examiner.

It is not as important as Part 2 or Part 3.

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Are the questions personal or general?

The questions are usually personal.

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Should I use American or British English?

Both are accepted.

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What kind of topics will be asked in Speaking Part 1?

Speaking Part 1 consists of questions related to work, study, life, hobbies, etc.

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Part 2

Do I need to talk for two minutes?
Yes, you have to talk for two minutes.


What happens if I cross my time limit?
The examiner will politely stop you if you cross your time limit.


Do I need to follow the prompts on the cue cards?
You will be assessed according to the question in the cue card so make sure you answer the prompts on the cue card.


Can I change the topic in part 2?
No, you cannot change or choose the topic in Part 2.


How many questions will be asked in part 2?
You will be asked one question, and a number of prompts should be followed.

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Part 3

What kind of questions will be asked?

Your Part 3 questions will be related to your cue card. It is usually on a broader perspective of your cue card.

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How many questions will be asked?

There will be about 5-6 questions that will be asked in part 3.

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Do I have to provide examples with the answers?

Yes, examples should be provided with the answers.

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Is speaking part 3 related to speaking part 2?

Yes, it is.

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Is speaking part 3 more important than 2?

No, they are equally important.

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Recent IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions 2021

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Consider supporting my efforts to write these essays by signing up for my online courses here.

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Speaking Part 1: Personal Questions
 

  • In part 1 of IELTS speaking, you will first be asked 3 questions about work/study/living area.

  • These are the basic questions that begin every test.

  • Then, the examiner will move on to a personal topic with 4 questions related to it.

  • The examiner can only ask the exact question on the card. 

  • He will not explain any questions if you ask – he will simply repeat the question once and if you don’t understand, then he will move on.

  • You can ask about the meaning of particular words – for example:

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Examiner: ‘What’s your favorite season?’

Candidate: ‘What do you mean by ‘season’?’

 

That is ok! The examiner will ask about any of the below two topics and then move on to part 2 (combined with the basic intro questions that equal around 11 questions in part 1).
 
Work 

  • Are you a student or are you working now?

  • What do you like about your job/school at the moment?

  • What job would you like to do in the future?

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Driving

  • Do you like driving?

  • Where was the last place you drove?

  • Where do you like to sit in a car?

  • Is driving common in your country?

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School

  • Did you like your school when you were a child?

  • What did you learn about?

  • Did you have a favorite teacher?

  • Are there many rules in schools in your country?


Cities

  • Have you ever lived in a city?

  • What do you enjoy most about living in the city?

  • Which city would you like to live in in the future?

  • Do most people in your country live in cities?

 

Architecture

  • Are there a lot of buildings where you live?

  • What kind of architecture do you like the most?

  • Where would you live, if you could live in any home in the world?

  • Is architecture an important part of a city’s identity?


Animals

  • What was your favorite animal as a child?

  • Do people in your country keep pets?

  • What kind of pet would you not like to have?

  • Is environmental protection important?

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Where you Live

  • Where is your hometown?

  • Would you like to live there in the future?

  • What don’t you like about your home?


Outdoors

  • Did you like to go outdoors when you were younger?

  • Do you still go outdoors a lot now?

  • Do you like reading outside?

  • Where do people in your country like to go outside?

 

Sports and Games

  • What is your favorite sport?

  • What sport did you play when you were younger?

  • Which sports do you enjoy watching on TV?

  • What is the most popular sport in your country?


Notes

  • Do you often write down notes?

  • Do you make a lot of lists on your phone?

  • When do you usually make notes?

  • Is it common in your country for people to write notes?


Celebrities

  • Do you know any celebrities?

  • Which celebrity do you know the most about?

  • Are there are any celebrities you would like to meet?

  • Who is the most famous person in your country?

 

Online News

  • Do you often read the news online?

  • Is it convenient to read online news?

  • What was the last article that you read about?

  • Do you still read newspapers?

 

Swimming

  • How often do you go swimming?

  • When did you learn how to swim?

  • Will you swim a lot in the future?

  • Can most people in your country swim?

 

Laughing

  • Do you laugh at jokes a low?

  • Can you tell jokes well?

  • Do you think laughing is important?

  • What kinds of funny shows are popular in your country?

 

Conversation

  • Do you enjoy talking with your friends?

  • What do you usually talk about?

  • Have the kind of conversations you have changed much?

  • Do you like listening to your friends tell stories?

 

Favorite Foods

  • What are your favorite foods?

  • What were your favorite foods as a child?

  • What foods are becoming more popular in your country now?

  • What foods do you not like?

 

Interacting with Others

  • Do you like talking to strangers?

  • What was the last conversation you had?

  • Do you discuss politics with your friends?

  • Are families in your country very talkative?

 

Old Age

  • Do you know a lot of older people?

  • How often do you talk with your grandparents?

  • Do you think people get happier as they get older?

  • Are people living longer in your country?

 


Speaking Part 2 – Describe a…

  • The topics vary between personal and more general.

  • Be sure to keep talking the whole time – the examiner will stop you.

  • In part 2 of the test, you will be given 1 minute to plan and 2 minutes to talk.

  • If the examiner does not do this, then you can make an official complaint. 

  • At the end of part 2 the examiner will ask a rounding-off question – don’t give another long answer for this.

  • A short answer to this question is best.

  • The next part of the test will continue with the same topic.

  • Do some practice with the questions below – here are some ideas for how you can practice alone without a speaking partner.

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Talk about a person who taught you how to do something. Include:

Who it was

What they taught you

If you can still do it

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Talk about an animal you want to learn more about. Include:

What it is

What you konw about it now

Why you want to know more

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​Talk about an event you went to that had good food. Include:

What the event was for

What the food was

Why you liked it

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Talk about a goal that you want to achieve in the future. Include:

What the goal is

When you thought of it

How you will accomplish it

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Talk about an early morning where you did a lot. Include:

When it was

What you did

How you felt after

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Talk about a move that you enjoyed watching in the cinema. Include:

What it was

Why you like it

If you will see it again

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Talk about a food that you tried and didn’t like. Include:

What it was

Why you didn’t like it

If you will try it again

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Talk about a fashion item that you want to buy. Include:

What it is

Where you can get it

How expensive it is

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Talk about a memory you have from school. Include:

What happened

Why you remember

Who you told about it

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Talk about a person in your life with a good sense of humor. Include:

Who it is

Why they are funny

How often you see them

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Talk about a group project that you worked on. Include:

What the project was about

Who you worked with

The result of the project

 

 

Speaking Part 3 - Discussion
 

  • Speaking part 3 will begin with the topic from part 2 but expand on it to make it more general and complex.

  • Most questions will be general so try not to give personal examples or talk about yourself (it is fine if you do this sometimes).

  • Typically, the examiner will ask between 6 and 10 questions in this part of the test.

  • The examiner must paraphrase what is in his book (unlike part 1, where he just reads from the booklet).

  • That’s the reason why students will report slightly different wording for the questions –  no two examiners will use exactly the same words but the meaning of the questions will be the same.

  • The examiner is also supposed to ask one follow-up question for each question in the booklet.

  • These follow-up questions will be different depending on the examiner and if you are a strong candidate, the examiner will ask more difficult questions to challenge you.

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Moving​

  • Is it common in your country for people to move a lot?

  • Do most people in your country live in cities?

  • Why do some people live to live in the same place their whole lives?

  • Is it important to travel a lot?

  • How can less privileged groups be encouraged to move more often?

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Crime

  • Why do people commit crimes?

  • How can criminals be rehabilitated?

  • What is the purpose of punishment?

  • Are punishment and revenge the same?

  • Will crime become less common in the future?


Copying

  • Do people in your country often copy each other?

  • How has technology changed how people copy each other?

  • Is it important for people to copy each other?

  • What laws about plagiarism are there in your country?

  • Do you think intellectual property theft will become more common in the future?


Retirement

  • When do people in your country usually retire?

  • Should everyone retire?

  • What are the reasons that people do not retire?

  • Will retirement ages keep getting later?

  • What do retired people do in your country?


Computer Games

  • Is it healthy for kids to play computer games?

  • What are the differences between the games played now and those from the past?

  • Are there big differences in terms of gender when it comes to gaming?

  • Are games educational?

  • How do you think games will evolve in the future?


Eating and Food

  • Are family meals common in your country?

  • Is fast food always unhealthy?

  • Do you think fast food will be popular in the future?

  • Is food an important part of your culture?

  • Is there too much attention paid to food?


Mobile Phones and Smartphones

  • What are the advantages of smartphones?

  • Should children be allowed to own smartphones?

  • Do you thinks have a major or minor impact on mental health?

  • Where in your country is it not appropriate to use a phone?

  • Do you think smartphone usage may decline in the future?


Charity

  • Why do people do charity for others?

  • Is charity always altruistic or can it be selfish?

  • What kinds of charities are there in your country?

  • Do corporations in your country contribute to charity?

  • Should charities be allowed to make a profit?


Life Goals

  • How important is it for people to set goals?

  • Do people set different goals at different stages of life?

  • Are personal goals more important than professional goals?

  • What sort of goals do young people today set?

  • Are people becoming more pessimistic about their life goals?

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IELTS Speaking Band 9 Model Answer

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One way to prepare yourself for the Speaking Part 2 Test is by practicing while referring to sample cue cards. During the test, you’ll be given a cue card, also known as a task card. This card will consist of a personal question and supporting questions on the given topic. You can prepare yourself for this by referring to cue card samples and practice speaking about respective topics for 2 minutes each. While practicing you should try to focus on language fluency, grammar and vocabulary. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be during the test!

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Read on a full transcript of an IELTS speaking test by a Band 9 speaker.

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Examiner: Mike Wattie

Candidate: Jessie Wang

Score: 9

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Full IELTS Speaking test: model answer

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PRE-TEST: IDENTIFICATION CHECK

[This first section is to check identification. The test has not officially started. You should NOT try to give extended answers. Just answer the questions briefly and directly].

 

Good morning my name’s Mike Smith. Can you tell me your full name, please?

My name is Wan Jie Shi.

 

Can you tell me where you’re from?

I am from Taiwan.

 

Can I see your identification, please?

[Hand over your passport; you do not need to say anything]

 

Thank you that’s fine. Now, I am going to ask you a few questions about yourself.

 

PART ONE: SPEAKING TEST

Let’s talk about where you live:
Where are you from?

I am from Taipei city, which is the capital city of Taiwan.
 

Do you live in a house or in an apartment?
I live in a modern high-rise apartment complex. It’s a wonderful place to live because it has lots of amenities such as a gym, sauna, and swimming pool.

 

Which room of your apartment do you like most?

Oh, it’s definitely the living room. I live on the 25th floor and it has lots of windows that give me a bird’s eye view of the city. I love to sit on the sofa and drink my coffee in the morning and enjoy the fantastic view.

 

 If you could change one thing about your home, what would it be?

There are a couple of things. I guess the main thing is that it has become a bit run down. My dad really needs to renovate our apartment…you know…paint the walls…that sort of thing.

 

 

Now let’s talk about Shopping:

When was the last time you went shopping?
Oh, actually I went shopping yesterday. I needed a couple of grocery items, so I popped into the local supermarket. Fortunately, it is just down the road from my home, and so I wandered over there after dinner.

 

When do you usually go shopping?
Well, the weekend. During the week I am on the go, as I have a really hectic work schedule. I particularly like to shop early on Saturday morning to avoid the crowds of people that shop in the afternoon.

 

Do you prefer to go shopping in big shops or small shops?

I prefer large department stores. I think this is because they stock high-quality products and always offer a money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with your purchase.

 

Do you ever buy anything on the internet?

No, not really…well I suppose I might once in a blue moon. You know, if I spot a bargain I might buy it. On the whole, I prefer to be able to see things with my own eyes before buying them, so I usually just stick to the brick-and-mortar stores.

 

Let’s discuss clothes and clothing.

What sort of clothes do you usually wear?

I prefer to wear smart casual clothes. It’s really important to me to be comfortable, so I often wear clothes like jeans and a T-shirt. When the weather gets cooler I’m a big fan of big woolly jumpers.

 

Do you wear the same sort of clothes as you did when you were a child?

Not at all. When I was younger, I preferred to wear bright-colored clothes. My favorite color was pink and I had lots of pretty pink dresses. I don’t wear them anymore!

 

How often do you shop for clothes?

Well, I don’t shop for clothes too often. But when I do, I liked by lots of things all at once. I think it’s better that way because you can make sure that you buy clothes that fit well and match each other. For instance, I like to buy a whole outfit at the same time.

 

When did you last shop for clothes?

That’s a good question…umm… Oh yes, it was about a month ago. I had a birthday party to go to and I wanted to wear something special. So, I splurged and brought a new dress and a pair of black leather shoes to go with it.

 

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PART TWO: SPEAKING TEST

Now I am going to give you a topic and I would like you to talk about it for 1 to 2 minutes. I will give you a pencil and paper to make notes. Do you understand?

Yes.

 

Here is your pencil and paper for making notes….and here is your topic, I would like you to describe some good news that you received recently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[The examiner stays silent giving the candidate 1 minute to prepare the answer.]

 

Remember you have 1 to 2 minutes for this, so don’t worry if I stop you. Can you start speaking now, please? 

Well, last week I heard some fantastic news from my best friend. She told me that she had won two tickets to the cinema from a competition held on the radio. The reason why this is great news for me is because she has promised to take me with her!

 

Not only do we get to see a movie we also get to have a free meal at the mall that the cinema is in. It’s an Italian restaurant, and I simply adore Italian cuisine.

 

We plan to go there this weekend. I’m really looking forward to it because recently my weekends have been kind of dull and monotonous….. You know I’ve really just stayed around the house and been a bit of a couch potato… Just watching TV and surfing the Internet.

 

So I’m really lucky to be able to hang out with my dearest friend, and at the same time enjoy a night out on the town eating great food, catching a movie, and not having to pay a cent!

 

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PART TWO: FOLLOW-UP QUESTION [Not always asked. Answer in a single sentence]

So do you often receive good news?

Oh, only once in a blue moon! I seldom get good news…unlucky I guess!

 

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PART THREE: SPEAKING TEST

We’ve been talking about some good news you received recently, now I’d like to ask you a few general questions about that.

 

Let’s talk about the good news.

What sort of good news do young people often receive?

Well off the top of my head I would say it is often news about their grades. You know study is such an important part of young people’s lives and after working flat-out it is always great to get good grades. As well as this, getting a job is another important piece of news. The market is so competitive these days and landing a good job is critical to one’s career.

 

Does good news make us feel happy for a long time?

No, not really. We feel excited at first, but I think the feeling wears off quickly! It’s a pity really. Unless of course, it is something that affects us for a long time…like …I don’t know…winning the lottery or something. I’ve never been that lucky!

 

Do you think young people will be happier in the future?

Well, I think it’s difficult to say. Technology seems to be providing lots of exciting opportunities in terms of entertainment. However, at the same time, lots of global problems seem to be brewing such as climate change and decreasing standards of living. I guess it’s always hard to predict the future.

 

Now let’s talk about the news in the media.

How do most people find out about the news in your country?

Well, I think depends on the person’s age. Older people still prefer the traditional ways such as reading newspapers and watching the television to see what’s going on, while younger people prefer to go online and surf around to find out what’s happening.

 

Why do you think the internet is becoming a more popular source of news?

The main reason is that the Internet provides up-to-the-minute information. We can find out about the latest developments on breaking stories. As well is this, there is just so much more information there and people have more choice about what stories they want to follow, and whether they want to read it or watch it as a video on a website like Youtube.

 

Do you think the internet influences the types of news stories people hear about?

Oh definitely! There’s so much gossip about celebrities on the Internet. It seems to be even worse than what is shown on TV. Also due to bloggers, we can get a lot of news and commentary about issues that don’t make the mainstream media… you know… people can surf around and find out the news about whatever interests them the most. That’s the greatest thing about the Internet people can choose what they’re interested in.

 

Thank you this is the end of the speaking test.

Thank you, I appreciate your time. I hope you enjoy the rest of the day.

[Candidates leaves]

Describe some good news that you received recently you should say: 

* When you heard the news

* Who told you the news

* What the news was and explain why this was good news.

Tips to Prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test
 

  • Immerse yourself in English.

  • Spend a lot of time just improving your overall level of English.

  • Don’t cram, so don’t try to learn 100 new words in 2 days.

  • Plan your study well, so you have time to improve your overall level of English.

  • Familiarise yourself with the test.

  • Know what examiners are looking for.

  • Spend some time doing test practice.

  • When speaking in the test be natural and a little strategic.

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IELTS Speaking Full Test Band 9 Sample Answers
 

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Questions: Hobbies, free time activities and interests

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  • What hobbies and interests are popular in your country?

  • Which hobbies and Interests do you enjoy?

  • What hobbies and interests did you have as a child?

  • Do you think parents should encourage their children to have hobbies or interests?

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Tapescript: IELTS Speaking Part 1

Band 9 Sample Answer: Hobbies, free time activities and interests

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Here in Brazil I really think that outdoor activities are really popular. So, some common hobbies are playing football, playing beach volleyball, surfing and even cycling

 

Well, I really enjoy playing basketball cycling and doing trails, I don’t do trails, hikes, very often but when I go on holiday I like to do a hike up a mountain, or to go to a waterfall umm and get in the water, I really enjoy that, but when I’m here in the city I like to play basketball. So, every weekend I play basketball in a place called Aterro with some friends umm usually on a Friday night or a Saturday evening - something like that.

 

Well, as a child I really liked professional wrestling so I followed WWF I would watch it every week. I think it was on a Friday night I would record the pay-per-views because they would show it too late so I would watch it the next morning actually I’d watch it after school so I’d come home - sometimes actually I would watch it before going to school while having breakfast I would watch the main event something like that err and I also liked just you know playing with my friends playing football that kind of thing.

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I definitely think parents should encourage their children to have hobbies and interests. Firstly, because the hobby could lead to a career a future career for that child. And secondly, I think it’s just great to have hobbies and interests something you like to do, something you like to read about or you like to follow - I think this makes life more interesting.
 


Breakdown

Here in Brazil I really think that outdoor activities (good vocabulary) are really popular. So (linker), some common hobbies are playing football, playing beach volleyball, surfing, and even (technically the wrong word, “also” would have been better) cycling.

 

Well, I really enjoy playing (ing after enjoy correct verb forms) basketball, cycling, and doing trails. (Giving more details) I don’t do trails, hikes (good vocabulary), very often (frequency adverbs) but when I go on holiday I like to do a hike up a mountain, or to go to a waterfall umm and get in the water, I really enjoy that. But when I’m here in the city I like to play basketball. (Giving an example) So, every weekend (frequency expression) I play basketball in a place called Aterro with some friends umm usually on a Friday night (correct preposition) or a Saturday evening - something like that.

 

(Anecdote full of details) Well, as a child I really liked professional wrestling so I followed WWF I would (would for past habits) watch it like every week. I think it was on a Friday night I would record the pay-per-views (good vocabulary) because they would show it too late (correct use of too) so I would watch it the next morning actually I’d watch it after school so I’d come home - sometimes actually I would watch it before going to school while having (good structure) breakfast, I would watch the main event something like that err and I also liked just you know playing with my friends playing football that kind of thing.

​

(Paraphrasing the question) I definitely think parents should encourage their children to have hobbies and interests. Firstly, (ordering ideas)  because the hobby could lead to a career a future career for that child. And secondly (ordering ideas), I think it’s just great to have hobbies and interests something you like to do, something you like to read about or you like to follow - I think this makes life more interesting (comparative structure).

​

​

Keywords: interests and hobbies

​

Activities

play - basketball, football, volleyball, rugby, tennis, chess, cards 
do - yoga, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Tai Chi, Judo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu

go - skateboarding, rollerblading, cycling, swimming, hiking 

​

Frequency adverbs and phrases

Once - a week, month year           
Twice - a week, month, year
Three times - a week, month, year
Sometimes                         Every now and again                   Once in a while                           Whenever I have the time 
Hardly ever                      Always                                              More often than not                  Usually 

​​

To say you like something

I like                 I enjoy                I love                I'm really fond of 

​​

To say you dislike something
I hate                      I don't like                     I can't stand                      I can't bear 

​​

Verb tenses to use with habits

Present habits:           Present Simple                   will 
Present Continuous (for habits you don't like)

Past habits:             Past Simple                Used to                   Would 

​

​

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Band 9 Sample Answer

​

Questions:

 

1. Food

  • ​What kind of food do you enjoy?

  • What are some kinds of food you never eat and why?

  • Do you generally prefer to eat at home or at a restaurant? 

  • What are some reasons that people eat at restaurants?

 

Tapescript: IELTS Speaking Part 1

Band 9 Sample Answer: Food

 

​I really like a lot of different things. I like vegetables I like meat I like vegan food with no meat no dairy (good vocabulary), I’m not a vegan or a vegetarian but I can happily (good adverb) eat a plate that doesn’t contain animal produce. And I think that maybe one of my favorite things to eat is seafood, I love prawns, mussels (good vocabulary), that kind of thing (I couldn't think of anything else to say and this is quite a good way to finish a list when you can't think of anything else to say).

​

Food I never eat (paraphrasing the question), that’s kind of hard but I don’t really like broccoli, I actually eat it but I try to avoid it, like, if it’s there I might just get one or two (giving more details), and something else I don’t eat umm I don’t eat a lot of oranges, not because I don’t like it just because I don’t have this habit (giving more details).

​

Well, that depends you know, it depends, it depends on (correct preposition) the situation. Day to day I think I prefer to eat at home because it’s more comfortable it’s easier, just overall I think it’s more practical (comparative adjectives). But to celebrate I like to go to a restaurant I like to go to a nice restaurant, eat some nice food have a nice drink if there’s a view that’s even better. (good sentence)

​

Well, I think one reason is umm so people don’t have to wash up (good vocabulary) at the end of the meal. I think some people feel a bit lazy, it’s natural, to do the washing up after. And also (linking word), like I said before, to celebrate you know like a special event, a birthday, some kind of anniversary, I think it’s nice to go to a nice place and have some nice food.

​​

Keywords: Food

​

Vegetables

carrots,               tomatoes,               potatoes,               courgettes,               aubergine,               pumpkin,               spinach,               onion,               garlic, green pepper,               beetroot 

 

Fruits

Bananas,               apples,               grapes,               pineapple,               strawberries,               oranges,               tangerines,               watermelon,               melon

​

Taste

sweet              salty               spicy               tasty               bitter 

​​

Activities

cook              chop               clean the vegetables              wash up / wash the dishes              set the table               have - breakfast, lunch, dinner 

​

Equipment

Fridge              Freezer              Oven              Cooker               Cutlery               Knife              Fork               Spoon               Napkin               A frying pan 
A saucepan               a plate 

​​

Verbs

fry               roast              boil              steam              cook              microwave

​

​

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Band 9 Sample Answer

 

Work

​

  • What job do you do?

  • Why did you choose this job? ​

  • Is there a lot of responsibility in your job?  

 

Tapescript: IELTS Speaking Part 1

Band 9 Sample Answer: Work

 

​What job do you do?

​

I’m an English tutor.

​

Why did you choose this job?

​​

Well, I chose this job because, well A, I thought that I would be good at it. I think I have the right skills for the job, I think I’m patient and I think, well, I know that I enjoy helping people so I thought it would be a good fit for me. (good adjectives and giving an explanation) Also, I can speak two languages, I can speak Portuguese and I can speak English, which I think really helps when you’re trying to teach someone a foreign language. (giving an explanation with a relative clause)

​

Is there a lot of responsibility in your job?

​

A lot of responsibility? (repeating the question to give yourself time to think) Umm, yeah I think there is a lot of responsibility in my job because speaking English for some people is like their dream so you feel a pressure to umm make that dream come true for them.

​

Keywords: Work 

​

Adjectives              rewarding              enjoyable              busy               demanding              tiring               mundane               different  

​

​

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Band 9 Sample Answer

 

Questions: Time

​​

  • When was the last time you were rather late?

  • How do you feel when other people are late?

  • Do you think these days people have enough time?

  • How do you think children perceive time?

​

​

Tapescript: IELTS Speaking Part 1

Band 9 Sample Answer: Time

​

When was the last time you were rather late?

​

Umm that’s a good one let me have a think. Yeah, I think I remember. I think the last time I was rather late was last Christmas. Me and my wife we went to her Family’s house, and we were supposed to get there at 9 o’clock but we ended up getting there about 10, maybe just before 10. But it wasn’t, it was Christmas you know, I think everyone was fine with it, it wasn’t really an issue.

​

How do you feel when other people are late?

​

Well, it depends. If it’s for work I think it’s rude I think it’s inconsiderate and I think it shows that the person who’s late doesn’t really care about what they had scheduled.  But if it was for something that was scheduled between friends or family, like a casual thing, then I think it’s OK if someone’s a little bit late you know like no biggie, if my brother is twenty minutes late or something like that I’m not gonna get annoyed at him because of that you know that would be ridiculous. But let’s imagine you organise a dinner for your friends and you’re cooking and you say get there at 7 and they get there at 9, come one you’ve just ruined dinner, you know then it’s, but I think that’s a very extreme situation that kind of thing won’t happen every day.

​

Do you think these days people have enough time?

​

No, definitely not. I think these days people who work Monday to Friday all they’re really doing is just thinking about work you know, they have deadlines to meet they have things to do and they don’t have time to think about their personal life, to think about what they want to do not what they need to do what they want to do you know, they don’t have time to do a hobby or an activity because they cus they’re just thinking about what they have to do at work then they have to prepare dinner ,eat and then go to sleep. So, definitely not I don’t think people these days have enough time.

​

How do you think children perceive time?

​

That’s an interesting question, I’ve never really thought about that before, but let me have a look. Yeah, I think that in general time lasts much longer for children. If you compare like a year of a child’s life I think in their mind it’s basically like for us it’s the equivalent of 3 years as an adult. I think time feels much longer for children.

 

 

​

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Band 9 Sample

​

Questions:

Talk about an embarrassing experience you've had with food. 

​

  • Where did the incident happen?​

  • What was the problem and what happened?​

  • How did you feel about the incident?

 

​

Tapescript. IELTS Speaking Part 2. A Band 9 Sample Answer:

Food - Talk about an embarassing experience you've had with food.

​

Ok, so I’m going to talk about an embarrassing experience I’ve had with food. I’m gonna talk about the time when I forgot to take my school lunch to school. I was 13 years old so I was in secondary school and normally I would take some sandwiches and a piece of fruit to eat, and a drink, of course, to eat and drink at lunchtime. But this day, I must have been in a rush to get out of the house or something and I just left without getting anything, not even a drink, no sandwiches no fruit no drink, nothing. I didn’t realise until lunchtime and I opened my bag and I was like “where’s my food?”. I panicked, I checked my pockets to see if I had any money and I didn’t have anything, I didn’t have a penny on me. So, no food, no money, and I was like oh god what am I gonna do? I almost cried, but I held back the tears. So, what I did, I asked my friend if he could lend me some money so I could buy something at the tuckshop. And that’s what he did, he gave me a few pounds and that was enough for me to buy, what did I have, no I didn’t go to the tuckshop I went to the canteen, yeah I went to the canteen and I bought err I think I had a burger and chips that day. Yeah, I had a burger and chips. How I felt, well obviously I felt embarrassed because I had to ask my friend for money, but I also felt happy that my friend could help me out in this situation. So, embarrassing but at the same time happy. 


Did you pay your friend back? 
Yes, I did. I think I paid him back the next day. So yeah, we were even in the end.

​

​

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Band 9 Sample Answer

​

Questions: Talk about a restaurant you like to go to 

​

You should say:

 

  • Where it is?

  • What the restaurant looks like, in and out?

  • What kind of food do they sell and what kind of food do you order?

  • Why do you like the restaurant?

  • When is a good time to go?

​

​

Tapescript. IELTS Speaking Part 2. A Band 9 Sample Answer:

 

​Ok, So I’m gonna talk about a restaurant that I like to go to the name of the restaurant is, it’s in Portuguese, it’s Panela de Barro.

 

Where is it?

It is about, well it’s just down my road and it’s about a three-minute walk, it used to be about 10 minutes from my old apartment but I’ve recently moved and now it’s just a three-minute walk. We didn’t move to get closer to the restaurant that was just a coincidence but yeah now we’re close to it about 3 minutes from our new apt.

 

What it looks like? 

Well it’s kind of small, to be honest, it’s a little cramped when you get into the restaurant on the right have like a cashier and directly in front of you have the food station the first station is where you choose your protein so chicken or they also have vegan proteins like soy or something like that. Then behind the protein station, you have the salad station that’s where you select your salad, cus this is a self-service restaurant, Ok so you select your protein then you make your own plate with the salads. You can eat in the restaurant or you can take the food out as a takeaway.

 

What kind of food do they sell? 

Well, like I said they try to make natural food, like healthy food. It’s like regular food but I think they just take more care about cooking it, you know. They also have some vegan options which I really like, I like to eat vegan food sometimes and they have a variety of vegan options so I think that’s great. I like it because it’s tasty and it’s close to my house.

 

When is a good time to go?

You can go any time you want but I go on Fridays for lunch and on Saturdays for lunch.

 

Do you go to this restaurant to celebrate?
No, I don’t. This is just a day-to-day kind of restaurant you know. Nothing special but it’s good food, I wouldn’t go there to celebrate a birthday or anything like that.

​

 

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Band 9 Sample Answer

​

Questions: ​Let's talk about past events in general.

 

Do you think photographs are the best way to record and remember special events in our lives?

 

Why do you think that is?

 

What about written records, can they also encourage us to remember things?

 

Which do you think is better, recording important moments by taking photographs or writing them down?

 

Some people think it's more important to be concerned about events in the future than the events in the past. Would you agree with that?

 

 

Tapescript. IELTS Speaking Part 3. A Band 9 Sample Answer:

​​

Do you think photographs are the best way to record and remember special events in our lives?


Well, I don’t know about the best way, I think it depends on the kind of person you are because there are other ways to record events, for example, video, OK. But I really like taking photographs, I think it’s a very easy and efficient way of recording the moment, I always take a lot of pictures when I go on holiday, I take them on my phone or on my GoPro and then I pass them to my computer, so I have them backed up. I organize them into the different holidays, I enjoy going back and looking at my photos and remembering what I did and how I was feeling at those specific moments I think it’s a really nice way… umm, and it’s nice because when you look at the photo you are transported back immediately to that moment. We are very visual creatures, so just seeing that has an immediate effect on our minds, we remember, oh  my god yeah that’s how it was, you know, oh my god I miss it so much, that’s the kind of thing we think right. And also the picture is so quick, a video for example, a video takes a long time to go through, you know, you can spend two minutes per video you have an album of 100 videos, you’re gonna take forever to go through all those videos, but pictures no you can just quickly click through pictures and in no time at all you’ve seen all the pictures from a holiday. You know, so it’s very quick and it transports you so well to that moment.

 
What about written records, can they also encourage us to remember things?


Yeah, written records can encourage us, can help us to remember things. I don’t make written records I’ve never written a diary in my life, I’ve never written a poem about an event in my life. I think these are the two best ways to record a memory either to write a poem about it or to write down how you were feeling in a diary. But I think one of the interesting things about a written record is that you can use a lot of descriptive words you know, really describe, especially feelings you know, cus in a picture you get to see how it was but you don’t, I imagine you can remember better by reading a written record a written account and reading about how you were feeling I think perhaps that’s what’s missing in pictures, is that you don’t get a sense of how you were feeling, I think the written record describes the feeling better than the picture. 


Which do you think is better, recording important moments by taking photographs or writing them down?
 

Well, as I said, I don’t make written records but I think taking pictures is better, it’s just so easy you click it takes one second and you have that snapshot forever, you don’t have to worry about the paper… about losing the paper or something like that I know you can make a written record on your phone, but if you’re gonna make a written record it’s probably nicer to write it down, more personal perhaps, I don’t know. So, yeah, the picture it’s just so quick, one second, and when you look through it’s also quick to look through umm takes you back immediately. The written record has got some advantages that you get to describe the feelings, and it would be interesting I think to do a balance, you know, having pictures and having a couple of written records I think a written record like every day is too much, who has time to through and read all that information. But maybe writing one written record about the whole holiday could be interesting. But I still prefer the pictures. 


Some people think it's more important to be concerned about events in the future than the events in the past. Would you agree with that?


No, definitely not. I think we need to look at past events, we need to look at our history so we can learn from our mistakes, you know, learn about the consequences of actions. How can we prevent war, how can we prevent disease, famine, unemployment how can we stimulate a country, how can we improve the quality of life of people. We can do that I believe best by looking at the past and seeing what led to certain outcomes, you know, and we can get that and apply that to the future so we can try and have the best future possible. 
 

​

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Band 9 Sample Answer

​

Questions: ​Farms

​​

  • How important is farming in your country? 

  • Does your country still use many traditional farming methods?

  • Does your country need to import a lot of its food?

  • What animals are important in your country for farming?

 

Tapescript. IELTS Speaking Part 1. A Band 9 Sample Answer: Farms.

​

​How important is Farming in your country?

​

Well, agriculture is very important here in Brazil, even though it makes up, I believe, less than 10 percent of the GNP here, it is still very important. If we have a good harvest of certain products, it can impact the economy and it definitely impacts the price of food in the supermarkets. It’s very common that when there is a bad harvest of a certain crop, rice, corn, whatever it is, it reflects immediately almost in the supermarket prices. So, yeah, I think farming is very important here. And also to say that Brazil is a major exporter of many different crops, so it’s not only important for Brazil but it’s actually very important in the world as well.

​

Does your country still use many traditional farming methods?

​

I think you will find here a mix of small farms where people may still use traditional farming methods, for example, animals to help with planting and people to collect to harvest and collect the plants. But you will also find big mega-farms with a lot of machinery which automates this process.

​

Does your country need to import a lot of its food?

​

I don’t think we need to import a lot of our food. I would say the majority of the food is grown here, I could be wrong, but for example, the staples like rice, beans, salad, vegetables, and meat are grown here. We grow a lot of that I’m sure some of that is still imported but I would say for the most part it’s mostly grown here. Yeah, I would think so.

​

What animals are important in your country for farming?

​

I really have no idea because I don’t live in an area with many farms. But I would say that insects are very important for farming to kill pests, you know, because I know pests are a big problem for farmers, they destroy crops. So, I’m sure things like spiders and other insects like that that eat these pests and keep them away from the plants, I’m sure they are very important.

​

 

Breakdown

​​

How important is Farming in your country?

​

Well, agriculture (synonym for farming) is very important here in Brazil, even though (linking work to show contrast) it makes up, I believe, less than 10 percent of the GNP (good vocabulary, you can also say GDP) here, it is still very important. If we have a good harvest of certain products, it can impact the economy and it definitely impacts the price of food in the supermarkets (giving an explanation with details).  It’s very common that when there is a bad harvest of a certain crop, rice, corn, whatever it is, it reflects immediately almost in the supermarket prices. So, yeah, I think farming is very important here. And also to say that Brazil is a major exporter of many different crops (I could have listed names of crops here), so it’s not only important for Brazil but it’s actually very important in the world as well.

​

Does your country still use many traditional farming methods?

​

I think you will find here a mix of small farms where people may still use traditional farming methods, for example, animals to help with planting and people to collect to harvest and collect the plants (I started to stumble over my words, not great, but it was the only time I did it in the answer, so it shouldn't be penalized). But you will also find big mega-farms with a lot of machinery (good vocabulary) which automates (good vocabulary) this process.

​

Does your country need to import a lot of its food?

​

I don’t think we need to import a lot of our food. I would say the majority (good vocabulary) of the food is grown (correct use of passive voice) here, I could be wrong (natural phrase to show uncertainty), but for example, the staples (good vocabulary) like rice, beans, salad, vegetables, and meat is grown here. We grow a lot of that I’m sure some of that is still imported but I would say for the most part it’s mostly grown here. Yeah, I would think so.

​

What animals are important in your country for farming?

​

I really have no idea because I don’t live in an area with many farms. But I would say (good natural phrase) that insects are very important for farming to kill pests (good vocabulary), you know, because I know pests are a big problem for farmers, they destroy crops. So, I’m sure things like spiders and other insects like that that eat these pests and keep them away (phrasal verb) from the plants, I’m sure they are very important.

​

Keywords

crops              plants              products              vegetables

​

Animals
cows              sheep              pigs              goats              chickens              roosters              cattle              a herd of sheep / a flock of sheep
horses              pests

​​

Verbs
grow              cultivate              produce              collect              harvest              gather              sell              buy              ship              milk

​​

Passive voice (present simple)
is grown / are grown                            is produced / are produced                            is harvested / are harvested
is sold / are sold                            is bought / are bought                            is shipped / they are shipped

Crops
corn              rice              potatoes              mandioca              soy              wheat              beans              nuts              coffee              cocoa
seeds              a staple 

​​

Machines

machinery              tractors              combine harvesters              sprayers              cultivators               tillers

​

​

IELTS Speaking Part 2. A Band 9: 

​

Question:

I'd like you to tell me about someone whom you think is important. 

​

You should say: 

 

  • Who it is?

  • Why do you think he/she is important?

  • Describe him/her?

​​

​

Tapescript. IELTS Speaking Part 2. A Band 9 Sample Answer: 

 

I'd like you to tell me about someone you think is important  

​

Well, someone whom I think is important is Joe Biden. Umm, Joe Biden is an old man, I think he is umm in his 70s I think he’s definitely over 70 years old. I don’t know his exact age. He’s got short blonde hair. I don’t know how tall he is, but he seems like dunno (I don’t know) 5 foot 11, something like that. He’s got wrinkles around his eyes, he’s always smiling, he’s always dressed well. He often wears a suit, blazer, shirt, tie, smart trousers, shoes. He’s always very well presented.

 

Now, why do I think he’s important? Well, I think he’s importantly firstly because he is the president of the United States and I think any president of the United States is very important because the US is a very influential country, you know, they have an enormous impact on other nations. But besides that, I think that he’s, he’s important, perhaps even more so than the other US presidents because he’s the first president after Donald Trump. Donald Trump, I think was a crazy guy who said crazy things. I think he was a bad example for people, he was offensive, rude very confrontational, didn’t work well with other countries and I’m very happy he lost the election. So, I think Joe Biden is very important because if he can do his job well, if he can govern well perhaps it will show the world that you can be president of a country without being this right-wing, populist, crazy persona, internet persona, you know. So hopefully if he does a good job, we can say goodbye to Donal Trump and those like Donald trump forever.
 

​

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Question:

Describe something difficult you learned to do. 

​

You should say: 

 

  • What do you learn to do?

  • How you learned to do it?

  • Why was it difficult?​

  • And explain whether you're glad you learned to do this or not.

​​

​

​

Tapescript. IELTS Speaking Part 2. Band 9 Sample Answer:

​

Describe something difficult you learned to do.   

​

Well, something difficult that I learned to do was learning to play the guitar, umm, I think I started to learn when I was 12 or 13 and I’ve been playing ever since. How I started? Well, the first thing I guess was that my parents they bought me an electric guitar and an amplifier and I started having classes once a week, at the weekend, Saturday mornings. I really enjoyed my classes they were really fun. Sometimes I’d get a teacher who was more interested in telling funny stories than actually teaching us how to play the guitar but that was fine, I really enjoyed it anyway. And sometimes I’d get a teacher who was really into actually teaching us how to play, showing us new songs, showing us different techniques, so that was also great because I learned a lot. I guess learning to play the guitar is difficult because, well, nobody is good the first day they pick up a guitar, it’s impossible, you need to practice. So, I think that’s the most difficult thing having the patience to practice, having the patience to play a scale exercise over and over and over again, having the patience to play a song over and over again until you master it or until the song is like half decent and someone else can hear it and enjoy it, you know. So, the most difficult thing I think is having patience. I’m really happy that I learned to play the guitar because I really enjoy it, it’s a great way for me to spend my free time it’s a great distraction from work or from problems I might be having, to play the guitar by myself, sing a song, it’s fun. It’s also great when you find someone who can also play the guitar or plays the drums and you start playing together, having jam sessions, that is a great way to spend an afternoon. So yeah, I’m really happy that I learned to play the guitar.


IELTS Speaking Part 3

 

Questions: Your neighbourhood

​

Do you like the neighbourhood you live in now?

 

How could you improve your neighbourhood? 

 

Do you prefer to live in a mostly residential area or an area with homes and commerce? 

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How do you think your neighbourhood will change in the future? 

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Is it common for people to live in the same neighbourhood their whole lives in your country?

 

 

Tapescript. IELTS Speaking Part 3. Band 9 Sample Answer: Your Neighbourhood

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Do you like the neighbourhood you live in now?

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Yes, I do. I think I live in a fantastic neighbourhood. Firstly, because it has great transport links, there are plenty of buses going through the area and there’s also an underground station here. Second reason, is that there are loads and loads of shops, there are a lot of supermarkets, pharmacies , stationary shops. There are lots of things here, so I think it’s great because you can just walk down the road and you can run your errands very very easily.

 

How could you improve your neighbourhood?

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Well, that’s a difficult one because, like I said, there are already lots of things here, there’s even a cinema where I live, but I think one way to improve would be perhaps to knock down some of the old apartment blocks and construct new ones in their place. Because I think there are quite a few old apartments and old buildings where I live and these apartments and these buildings can become a little impractical day to day for the modern family for the modern person. You know, umm, the elevators aren’t very big so it’s hard to move furniture up and down when you want to move apartments, sometimes the internet cables are old and it makes the internet slow, so it would be good if there was umm, if we had some newer buildings, and newer apartments.

 

Do you prefer to live in a mostly residential area or an area with homes and commerce?

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Oh, I definitely prefer to live in a place with homes and shops, no question about it, you know, I think it’s great that I can just walk like I said to run my errands. If I need to go to the bakery or to the supermarket, to the pharmacy I just walk two sometimes less minutes and I’m there. You know, I’d hate to have to drive 20 or 30 minutes just to get to somewhere to do something to be able to buy something, I really wouldn’t like that.

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How do you think your neighbourhood will change in the future?

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That’s a difficult one. Well, there are already a lot of pharmacies where I live, but I think because of the ageing population, I think in the future there will be even more pharmacies. And hopefully like I said earlier maybe there will be some newer buildings as well.

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Is it common for people to live in the same neighbourhood their whole life in your country?

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Well, I think this was much more common in the past, like 50, 60 years ago. Nowadays, people move to a different city for work, people move to a different country for work. Of course, there are still people, there are still some people who will stay in the same neighbourhood all their life, but I think this is becoming far less common.

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Breakdown IELTS Speaking Part 3. Band 9 Sample Answer: Your Neighbourhood

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Do you like the neighbourhood you live in now?

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Yes, I do. I think I live in a fantastic (strong adjective) neighbourhood. Firstly (ordering your ideas) because it has great transport links (good vocabulary), there are plenty of (good quantifier) buses going through the area and there’s also an underground station here. Second reason (ordering your ideas), is that there are loads and loads of (good quantifier) shops, there are a lot of supermarkets, pharmacies, stationary shops. There are lots of things here, so I think it’s great because you can just walk down the road and you can run your errands (good vocabulary) very very easily.

 

How could you improve your neighbourhood?

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Well, that’s a difficult one because, like I said, there are already lots of things here, there’s even a cinema where I live, but I think one way to improve would be perhaps to knock down (good phrasal verb) some of the old apartment blocks and construct new ones in their place. Because I think there are quite a few old apartments and old buildings where I live and these apartments and these buildings can become a little impractical day to day for the modern family for the modern person. You know, umm, the elevators aren’t very big so it’s hard to move furniture up and down when you want to move apartments, sometimes the internet cables are old and it makes the internet slow (explaining my point with examples), so it would be good if there was umm, if we had some newer buildings, and newer apartments.

 

Do you prefer to live in a mostly residential area or an area with homes and commerce?

​

Oh, I definitely prefer to live in a place with homes and shops, no question about it, you know, I think it’s great that I can just walk like I said to run my errands. If I need to go to the bakery or to the supermarket, to the pharmacy I just walk two sometimes fewer minutes and I’m there. You know, I’d hate to have to (good phrase) drive 20 or 30 minutes just to get to somewhere to do something to be able to buy something, I really wouldn’t like that.

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How do you think your neighbourhood will change in the future?

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That’s a difficult one. Well, there are already a lot of pharmacies where I live, but I think because of the ageing population (good vocabulary), I think in the future there will be even more pharmacies. And hopefully like I said earlier maybe there will be some newer buildings as well.

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Is it common for people to live in the same neighbourhood their whole life in your country?

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Well, I think this was much more common in the past, like 50, 60 years ago. Nowadays, people move to a different city for work, people move to a different country for work. Of course, there are still people, there are still some people who will stay in the same neighbourhood all their life, but I think this is becoming far less (good comparative structure) common.

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Sample:

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Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future: You should say:

What is it?
Where would you like to try it?
Whether it is easy or difficult?
Explain why you would like to try it.
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If I were to choose a water sport to try in the future, it would be boat racing in the scenic rivers of Himachal Pradesh. Boat racing is a thrilling water sport where teams compete against each other in speed and skill. I would specifically like to experience it in the beautiful rivers of Himachal Pradesh, known for their mesmerizing landscapes and pristine waters.

 

Boat racing is considered a challenging sport that requires strength, coordination, and teamwork. It involves navigating through the water at high speeds, maneuvering the boat, and maintaining balance. The coordination and synchronization among team members are crucial to achieving success in boat racing. While it may be physically demanding and require practice to master the techniques, the adrenaline rush and excitement it offers make it all the more enticing.

 

I would like to try boat racing because of the sheer thrill and adventure it promises. The feeling of speed and the rush of adrenaline as the boat glides through the water would be an exhilarating experience. It would also be a great opportunity to bond with teammates and learn the importance of teamwork and communication. Boat racing would provide a unique and immersive way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of Himachal Pradesh’s rivers.

 

Additionally, participating in boat racing would challenge me physically and mentally. It would push me out of my comfort zone and help me develop focus, agility, and perseverance skills. The sport would offer an exciting and memorable experience and contribute to personal growth and development.

 

In conclusion, boat racing in the rivers of Himachal Pradesh is a water sport I would love to try in the future. Its thrill, teamwork, and connection with nature make it an appealing choice. The challenge it presents and the potential for personal growth further adds to its appeal.

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Another way of response:


One water sport that I would love to try in the future is flyboarding. Flyboarding is an exhilarating activity that combines elements of water sports and acrobatics. It involves wearing a specially designed board attached to a hose connected to a watercraft. The watercraft propels water through the hose, creating high-pressure jets that lift the flyboarder into the air.

 

I would like to try flyboarding in a picturesque beach destination such as the Maldives. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning scenery would provide the perfect backdrop for this thrilling adventure. Imagining myself soaring above the water, feeling weightless and free, is a truly exciting prospect.

 

Flyboarding is known to be challenging, especially for beginners. It requires a good sense of balance, core strength, and coordination. Controlling the jets of water and maintaining stability while in the air can be initially difficult. However, with proper instruction and practice, it is possible to gradually master the technique and enjoy a thrilling flight.

 

I am eager to try flyboarding because of the unique sensation of flying and defying gravity. It offers a sense of freedom and a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. It’s like being a superhero soaring through the air. The adrenaline rush and excitement of experiencing such an extraordinary activity are what draws me towards it. Additionally, flyboarding provides an opportunity to challenge myself physically and mentally, pushing my limits and expanding my horizons.


Moreover, flyboarding allows for a deep connection with nature and the water element. It combines the thrill of water sports with the awe-inspiring experience of flying. It offers a chance to embrace the beauty of the ocean and explore a different perspective. The sheer joy and sense of achievement that come with flyboarding make it an adventure worth pursuing.

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In summary, flyboarding is a water sport that I would love to try in the future. Its flying, water, and adrenaline combination appeals to my sense of adventure. Although it may be challenging, the unique experience, connection with nature, and personal growth make it an enticing choice.
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Follow-ups: Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future
Question 1: Why do so many people like going to places near water, such as lakes, rivers, or oceans?
 

Answer:- People are drawn to places near water because of their calming effect and recreational opportunities. Water provides a sense of tranquility and relaxation, while activities like swimming and boating add to the enjoyment. Additionally, the scenic beauty and diverse marine life make water environments captivating. Water symbolizes vitality and renewal, and its presence is refreshing, especially in hot weather. Overall, the allure of places near water lies in their ability to provide a peaceful escape, recreational activities, and a connection to nature.

 

Question 2: What kind of leisure activities do people like to do, in places like the ocean, at the beach, river, lake, etc.?
Answer:- In places like the ocean, beach, river, or lake, people engage in various leisure activities. Swimming and sunbathing are popular choices, allowing individuals to cool off and soak up the sun. Water sports like surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding offer excitement and adventure. Fishing and boating attract those seeking a more tranquil experience. Beach volleyball, frisbee, and picnicking are common recreational activities. People also enjoy walking or jogging along the shore, building sandcastles, and collecting seashells. These water-side locations often provide opportunities for relaxation, socializing, and enjoying the natural surroundings.

 

Question 3: Do you think children and old people do the same type of things when they go to a beach?
Answer:- Children and old people may engage in different activities when they go to the beach. Children often enjoy building sandcastles, playing in the water, and chasing waves. They might participate in beach games or fly kites. On the other hand, older people might prefer more relaxed activities such as sunbathing, reading a book, or taking leisurely walks along the shore. They may appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the beach environment, spending time enjoying the scenery and gentle sea breeze. While there can be some overlap in activities, the preferences and physical abilities of children and old people may influence the type of things they choose to do at the beach.


Question 4: What kind of activities would you do, if you were spending leisure time at a beach or near the ocean?
Answer:- If I were spending leisure time at a beach or near the ocean, there are several activities I would enjoy. Firstly, I would love to take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, feeling the gentle waves against my skin. I would also relish the opportunity to lounge on the soft sandy shore, basking in the warmth of the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. Additionally, I might engage in beach volleyball with friends, building friendly competition and camaraderie. Exploring marine life through snorkeling or scuba diving would be an exhilarating experience, immersing myself in the vibrant underwater world. Lastly, I would take leisurely walks along the shoreline, savoring the breathtaking views and collecting seashells as mementos. These activities would allow me to unwind, connect with nature, and create cherished memories in the tranquil, picturesque beach or ocean setting.

 

Question 5: Why do some people like water sports? (Describe a water sport you would like to try in the future)
Answer:- Some people are drawn to water sports due to the exhilarating and adventurous nature of these activities. Water sports provide a unique opportunity to engage with the natural elements and challenge oneself physically and mentally. The thrill of riding waves, navigating rapids, or gliding through the water can create a sense of excitement and adrenaline. Water sports also offer a refreshing escape from routine, allowing individuals to connect with nature’s beauty and vastness. Furthermore, engaging in water sports can promote physical fitness, improve coordination and balance, and enhance overall well-being. For many, water sports provide a sense of freedom, tranquility, and a chance to escape the stresses of daily life. Whether it’s the rush of surfing, the tranquility of paddleboarding, or the thrill of water skiing, these activities offer a unique and invigorating experience that resonates with those who appreciate the power and beauty of the water.

 

Question 6: Do you think the government should invest money in developing facilities for water sports?
Answer:- Yes, I believe the government should consider investing money in developing facilities for water sports. Such investments can have multiple benefits. Firstly, it would promote tourism and attract visitors, contributing to the local economy. Secondly, it would encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles, fostering a culture of fitness and well-being. Moreover, developing water sports facilities would create employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Lastly, it would showcase the natural beauty of water bodies and promote environmental conservation by raising awareness about the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems. By investing in water sports facilities, the government can enhance recreational options for its citizens, stimulate economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability.

 

Question 7: Which is the most popular water sport in your country?
Answer:- In my country, swimming is the most popular water sport. It is widely enjoyed by people of all ages and is considered an essential life skill. Swimming facilities, such as public pools and private clubs, can be found in various cities and towns across the country. Swimming offers numerous benefits, including physical fitness, relaxation, and a refreshing escape from the summer heat. It is also a competitive sport, with organized swimming competitions and events taking place at regional, national, and international levels. Given its popularity and accessibility, swimming continues to be the go-to water sport for many individuals in my country.

 

 

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Recent Speaking Cue Card Topics from July to September 2023!

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1. Talk about a time when you successfully organised a happy event. Please tell me:

What the event was

How you prepared for it

Who helped you to organise it

Explain why you think it worked

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2. Describe a sports program you like to watch. You should say:

what it is
where you watch it
who you watch it with
explain why you like to watch this sport.


3. Talk about a piece of furniture that you own. Please tell me
What it is
Where you bought it
How you use it
Explain why you like it.


4. Describe a daily routine that you enjoy. You should say:
what you do
when it became your daily routine
whether you will change it in the future
and explain why you enjoy it.


5. Describe an occasion when someone gave you something you really wanted as a gift. You should say:
What the occasion was
What the gift was
Who gave you the gift
And explain why how you felt about it.


6. Talk about a place far away that you would like to visit in the future. You should say
What place it is
Where it is located
How you will travel there
And explain why you decided to go there.


7. Describe a traditional celebration in your country. You should say:
what it is
when it is held
how it is celebrated
and explain how you feel about this celebration.


8. Talk about someone who you think is very open. Please tell me
Who is this person
How you know this person
Why do you think this person is too open
Explain how you feel about this person.


9. Talk about an interesting conversation you had with your companion. Please tell me
Who you spoke with
Where you were
What the conversation was about
Explain why you think it was interesting.


10. Describe an unusual meal you had. You should say:
When it was
Where it was
What type of meal it was
And explain why this meal was unusual.


11. Describe a historical period you would like to know more about. You should say:
when it was
what you are interested in
what you have known
and why you would like to know more


12. Describe a restaurant you like. You should say:
where it is
how often you go there
what food it has
and explain why you like it


13. Describe a time when you forgot/missed an appointment. You should say:
when it was
who you made it with
why did you miss it
and how you felt about it


14. Describe a (very) intelligent person you know. You should say:
who this person is
when and where you (first) met them (him or her)
what this person does in life (e.g., work/ study)
explain why you think this person is intelligent.


15. Describe a time when you taught a friend or relative something. You should say:
who you taught
what you taught
how the result was
and explain how you felt about the experience


16. Describe an antique or some other old object that your family has kept for a long time. You should say:
what it is
how your family first got this thing
how long your family has kept it
and explain why this thing is important to your family


17. Describe an interesting old person you met. You should say:
who this person is
when/where you met this person
what you did
and explain why you think this old person is interesting


18. Describe an advertisement you don’t like. You should say:
where and when you first saw it
what type of advertisement it is
what product or service it advertises
and explain why you do not like it

 
19. Describe an advertisement you don’t like. You should say:
where and when you first saw it
what type of advertisement it is
what product or service it advertises
and explain why you do not like it

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20. Describe a person you know who loves to grow plants (vegetables, fruits, flowers). Please tell me:
who this person is
what they grow
where they grow them
explain why they enjoy growing plants


21. Describe a special day out that cost you little money/did not cost you much. You should say:
when the day was
where you went
how much you spend
and explain how you feel about the day.


22. Talk about something healthy you enjoy doing. Please tell me:
what you do
where you do it
who you do it with


23. Describe an outdoor activity you did in a new place. You can say:
where it is
what the activity was
what the place is like
and if you enjoyed it 


24. Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or college). You should say:
what it was
when you learn it
how you learned it
and explain why it was important.


25. Describe an interesting place in your country that you would recommend to tourists. You can say:
where it is
what it is like
what you can do there
and why you would recommend it to tourists  
 

26. Talk about a friend who played an important role in your life. You should say:
How you met this person
How long have you know him/her
What do you do or did together


27. Describe an interesting neighbor. You should say:
who this person is
how you know this person
what he or she does
and explain why you think this person is intelligent.


28. Describe a time when you saw a lot of plastic waste. You can say:
where it was
what it was like
how much and what kind of plastic / pollution there
and say how you felt about it 


29. Describe a time when you received money as a gift. You should say:
When it happened
Who gave you money
Why he/she gave you money
And explain how you used the money


30. Talk about food you tried but didn’t like. Please tell me:
What it was
Why you didn’t like it
Whether you will try it again

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31. Describe a change that could improve your local area.
You should say:

what the change would be
how this change could be made
what problems are causing the need for this change
and explain how this change would improve your local area.

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32. Describe a performance you enjoyed watching.
You should say:

what the performance was
when and where you watched the performance
who was performing (or, who performed)
and explain why you enjoyed the performance.

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33. Describe an important text message you received.
You should say:

who sent the message
what was in the message
why the person sent the message
and explain why the message was important to you.

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34. Describe a uniform you have worn, (such as a school or company uniform). You should say:
what it looked like
when and where you needed to wear this uniform
who paid for this uniform
and explain how you felt about that uniform.

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35. Describe a person who is often in the news, and who you would like to meet.

You should say:

who this person is

how you know him/her

why he/she is often in the news

and explain why you would like to meet him/her.

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36. Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with

You should say:

who this person is

what you usually do together

what kind of person he/she is

and explain why you spend the most time with him/her.

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37. Describe a crowded place you’ve been to

You should say:

when you went there

where the place is (or, was)

who you went therewith and 
explain how you felt about the place.

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