IELTS Speaking — Question Sets 1–3

Home & Technology · Travel & Education · Work & Society

Question Set 1
Part 1 Interview — Home & Daily Life 4–5 min ▼

The examiner will ask you questions about yourself and familiar topics.

Topic: Where you live
  • 1. Can you describe the area where you currently live?
  • 2. Do you prefer living in a house or an apartment? Why?
  • 3. How long have you lived in your current home?
  • 4. What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
Topic: Technology
  • 5. How often do you use a smartphone on a typical day?
  • 6. Do you think young people rely too much on technology?
  • 7. What was the last piece of technology you bought?
Part 2 Long Turn — Cue Card 3–4 min ▼

You have 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes.

Describe a piece of technology that has changed your life.
  • What the technology is
  • When you first started using it
  • How you use it in your daily life
  • Why it has been so important to you
▸ 1 min preparation · 1–2 min speaking · examiner may ask 1–2 rounding-off questions
Part 3 Discussion — Technology & Society 4–5 min ▼

The examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic.

  • 1. How has technology changed the way people communicate over the past few decades?
  • 2. Do you think technology makes people's lives simpler or more complicated? Why?
  • 3. Some people argue that technology is widening the gap between rich and poor. To what extent do you agree?
  • 4. How might technology change the nature of work in the future?
  • 5. Should governments regulate how companies collect and use personal data? What would be the benefits and drawbacks?
Question Set 2
Part 1 Interview — Travel & Free Time 4–5 min ▼

The examiner will ask you questions about yourself and familiar topics.

Topic: Travel
  • 1. Do you enjoy travelling? What kind of trips do you prefer?
  • 2. How do you usually plan a trip — do you research in advance or prefer to be spontaneous?
  • 3. What is the most memorable place you have visited?
  • 4. Is there a place you have always wanted to visit but haven't been to yet?
Topic: Reading & learning
  • 5. Do you enjoy reading? What kinds of books or articles do you like?
  • 6. Do you prefer studying alone or with others?
  • 7. How important was education in your family while you were growing up?
Part 2 Long Turn — Cue Card 3–4 min ▼

You have 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes.

Describe a journey or trip that was particularly memorable for you.
  • Where you went and who you went with
  • What you did during the trip
  • Any challenges or unexpected events that happened
  • Why the trip was so memorable
▸ 1 min preparation · 1–2 min speaking · examiner may ask 1–2 rounding-off questions
Part 3 Discussion — Tourism & Education 4–5 min ▼

The examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic.

  • 1. What are the economic benefits and drawbacks of tourism for a country?
  • 2. How has international travel changed people's attitudes towards other cultures?
  • 3. Some say that mass tourism does more harm than good to local communities. Do you agree?
  • 4. How important is it for young people to study or work abroad? What can they gain?
  • 5. In what ways might the education system need to change to prepare students for a globalised world?
Question Set 3
Part 1 Interview — Work & Hobbies 4–5 min ▼

The examiner will ask you questions about yourself and familiar topics.

Topic: Work or study
  • 1. Are you currently working or studying? Can you tell me about it?
  • 2. What do you enjoy most about your job or studies?
  • 3. Would you like to change your career or field of study in the future?
  • 4. How do you usually manage your time when you are busy with work or studying?
Topic: Hobbies & leisure
  • 5. What do you like to do in your free time?
  • 6. Is there a hobby you have always wanted to try? Why?
  • 7. Do you think it is important to have hobbies outside of work? Why?
Part 2 Long Turn — Cue Card 3–4 min ▼

You have 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes.

Describe a person who has had a significant influence on your life.
  • Who this person is and how you know them
  • What qualities or characteristics this person has
  • How they have influenced you
  • Why their influence has been so important to you
▸ 1 min preparation · 1–2 min speaking · examiner may ask 1–2 rounding-off questions
Part 3 Discussion — Work, Success & Society 4–5 min ▼

The examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic.

  • 1. What qualities do you think make a good leader in the workplace?
  • 2. How has the concept of a successful career changed over the past generation?
  • 3. Some people believe that the most important factor in success is hard work, while others say it is talent. What is your view?
  • 4. How does social background or family influence affect a person's opportunities in life? Is this changing?
  • 5. To what extent should society support individuals who are unable to find employment? What responsibilities do governments have?