Speaking part of IELTS
can be quite stressful as you have to interact with a certified examiner and answer questions, which are close to real-life situations.
There are three parts to the IELTS test and each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and test taker output.
In Part 1, you answer questions about yourself and your family. In Part 2, you speak about a topic. In Part 3, you have a longer discussion on the topic.
The Speaking test is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS IN IELTS SPEAKING PARTS
IELTS is the test that uses 0-9 band score, so the elements of the test are the same for users of English who represent different levels, read more about IELTS scoring in detail
Below you’ll find sample questions divided by the parts (1, 2, 3) and answers to them by level of competency (B1, B2, C3).
IELTS – SPEAKING PART 1
Let’s talk about your home town or village:
1. What kind of place is it? 2. What’s the most interesting part of your town/village? 3. What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do? 4. Would you say it’s a good place to live?
Let’s talk about accommodation.
5. Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in? 6. How long have you lived there? 7. What do you like about living there? 8. What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in?
B1 Level
Home Town or Village:
- What kind of place is it?
My hometown is a small town with lots of parks and friendly people. It’s peaceful and quiet. - What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?
The most interesting part is the old castle. It has a lot of history and beautiful views. - What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?
Many people work in farming and some work in small shops or factories. - Would you say it’s a good place to live?
Yes, it’s a good place to live because it’s safe and everyone knows each other.
Accommodation:
- Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in?
I live in a small apartment. It has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. - How long have you lived there?
I have lived there for five years. - What do you like about living there?
I like that it is close to my school and my friends live nearby. - What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in?
I would like to live in a house with a garden because I love plants and flowers.
B2 Level
Home Town or Village:
- What kind of place is it?
My hometown is a mid-sized town with a mix of modern and historic buildings. It has a relaxed atmosphere. - What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?
The most interesting part is the old market square. It’s always busy with people shopping and socializing. - What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?
People here work in various sectors like education, healthcare, retail, and some in local businesses. - Would you say it’s a good place to live?
Yes, it’s a good place to live because it offers a good quality of life with plenty of amenities and a strong sense of community.
Accommodation:
- Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in?
I live in a three-bedroom apartment in a residential area. It’s spacious and well-lit. - How long have you lived there?
I have lived there for about eight years. - What do you like about living there?
I like the convenience of being close to shops and public transport, as well as the friendly neighbors. - What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in?
I would love to live in a house by the lake, with large windows and a big garden.
C1 Level
Home Town or Village:
- What kind of place is it?
My hometown is a blend of urban and rural elements, with a charming town center and sprawling countryside. It has a rich cultural heritage and a welcoming community. - What’s the most interesting part of your town/village?
The most intriguing part of my town is the historic district, where you can find beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the 18th century, alongside quaint cafes and artisanal shops. - What kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?
The local economy is quite diverse, with people employed in sectors like education, healthcare, technology, agriculture, and tourism. There are also many small business owners. - Would you say it’s a good place to live?
Absolutely, it’s an excellent place to live. The town offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a strong sense of community. The balance between urban amenities and natural beauty makes it ideal.
Accommodation:
- Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in?
I reside in a contemporary, three-bedroom apartment located in a quiet neighborhood. The apartment features modern amenities and a balcony with a lovely view of the park. - How long have you lived there?
I have been living in this apartment for nearly ten years. - What do you like about living there?
I appreciate the tranquility of the neighborhood, the proximity to essential services, and the aesthetic appeal of the apartment. The community is also very friendly and supportive. - What sort of accommodation would you most like to live in?
Ideally, I would love to live in a sustainable, eco-friendly house surrounded by nature. A place with large windows, solar panels, and a garden where I can grow my own vegetables would be perfect.
IELTS – SPEAKING PART 2
Describe something you own which is very important to you.
You should say: 1. where you got it from 2. how long you have had it 3. what you use it for 4. Why it is important to you
B1 Level
Describe something you own which is very important to you.
- Where you got it from:
I got my bicycle from my parents as a birthday gift. - How long you have had it:
I have had it for about three years. - What you use it for:
I use it to go to school and to visit my friends. - Why it is important to you:
It is important to me because it gives me freedom to move around easily, and it reminds me of my parents’ love.
B2 Level
Describe something you own which is very important to you.
- Where you got it from:
I received my laptop from my uncle. He bought it for me when I started high school. - How long you have had it:
I have had it for about four years now. - What you use it for:
I use it for my schoolwork, watching movies, and keeping in touch with friends and family online. - Why it is important to you:
It is important because it helps me with my studies and allows me to stay connected with important people in my life. It also stores many of my personal memories, like photos and videos.
C1 Level
Describe something you own which is very important to you.
- Where you got it from:
I acquired my wristwatch from my grandfather. He gave it to me as a family heirloom before he passed away. - How long you have had it:
I have cherished this wristwatch for about ten years. - What you use it for:
While I do use it to keep track of time, its primary purpose is more sentimental. I wear it during significant events and milestones in my life. - Why it is important to you:
This wristwatch holds immense sentimental value as it symbolizes my connection with my grandfather and our shared family history. It reminds me of his wisdom and the lessons he taught me. Additionally, it’s a beautifully crafted piece that represents tradition and continuity within our family.
IELTS – SPEAKING PART 3
1. What kind of things give status to people in your country? 2. Have things changed since your parents’ time? 3. Do you think advertising influences what people buy?
B1 Level
- What kind of things give status to people in your country?
In my country, having a good job, a nice car, and a big house gives people status. Education and wearing fashionable clothes are also important. - Have things changed since your parents’ time?
Yes, things have changed. In my parents’ time, having land and a stable job was more important. Now, technology and modern lifestyles are more valued. - Do you think advertising influences what people buy?
Yes, I think advertising influences what people buy. Ads make products look very attractive, and they make people want to buy them.
B2 Level
- What kind of things give status to people in your country?
In my country, status is often associated with having a high-paying job, owning luxury items like cars and houses, and having a good education. Being successful in business or having a popular social media presence also gives status. - Have things changed since your parents’ time?
Yes, there have been significant changes. In my parents’ time, status was more about job stability and owning property. Nowadays, digital presence, lifestyle choices, and having the latest technology play a bigger role in giving status. - Do you think advertising influences what people buy?
Definitely, advertising has a strong influence on consumer behavior. It creates a desire for new products and trends by appealing to emotions and showing how products can improve one’s lifestyle.
C1 Level
- What kind of things give status to people in your country?
In my country, social status is often derived from a combination of professional success, educational background, and material possessions such as luxury cars and homes. Additionally, having a strong social media presence and being involved in prestigious social circles also contribute to one’s status. - Have things changed since your parents’ time?
Absolutely, the determinants of status have evolved significantly. During my parents’ generation, factors like job security, owning land or property, and having a stable family life were the main indicators of status. Today, however, the emphasis has shifted towards digital presence, innovation, and the ability to adapt to and adopt new technologies. - Do you think advertising influences what people buy?
Yes, advertising plays a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences and behaviors. Through targeted campaigns and sophisticated marketing techniques, advertisements can create perceived needs and desires, significantly impacting purchasing decisions. They often highlight the benefits and social advantages of products, persuading people to buy items they might not have considered otherwise.
Glossary
Modern lifestyles
- Definition: Ways of living that incorporate contemporary trends, technologies, and conveniences.
Residential area
- Definition: A part of a town or city where people live, characterized by homes rather than businesses or industrial facilities.
Quiet neighborhood
- Definition: A residential area that is peaceful with little noise and traffic.
Modern amenities
- Definition: Contemporary features and facilities that provide convenience and comfort, such as central heating, air conditioning, and high-speed internet.
Family heirloom
- Definition: A valuable object that has been passed down through generations within a family.
Sentimental value
- Definition: The emotional significance attached to an object due to personal or family memories.
Digital presence
- Definition: The existence and activity of an individual or entity on digital platforms, particularly on the internet and social media.
Personal memories
- Definition: Recollections of past experiences that are significant to an individual.
High-paying job
- Definition: Employment that offers a large salary or wage.
Luxury items
- Definition: High-end goods that are typically expensive and considered to indicate wealth or status.
Social media presence
- Definition: The visibility and influence of an individual or organization on social media platforms.
Job stability
- Definition: The likelihood that an individual will keep their job for a long period without risk of unemployment.
Targeted campaigns
- Definition: Marketing efforts directed towards a specific group of people to achieve higher effectiveness.
Purchasing decisions
- Definition: The choices made by consumers regarding which products or services to buy.
Useful materials – links to IELTS sample papers
You can check the following links for: IELTS General Training – paper sample tests and IELTS Speaking Sample Tasks (with recordings)
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