Common IELTS Speaking Questions and Model Answers

The IELTS Speaking Test evaluates a candidate's ability to communicate proficiently in English.. It is divided into three parts and assesses various skills, including fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. The test also evaluates a candidate's ability to express their opinions and ideas. Having an understanding of the frequently asked IELTS speaking questions is advantageous to the candidates because learning these IELTS speaking test questions will give them an added advantage over the other candidates. Therefore, it can be undoubtedly said that going through model IELTS Speaking questions is mandatory for IELTS speaking success.

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This Story also Contains

1. Common IELTS speaking questions and model answers 2024
2. What is the IELTS Speaking test format?
3. IELTS Speaking Topics Part 1 Questions and Answers
4. IELTS Speaking Topics Part 2 Questions and Answers
5. IELTS Speaking Topics Part 3 Questions and Answers
6. IELTS preparation material: Speaking section
7. IELTS preparation books
8. IELTS practice tests

Common IELTS speaking questions and model answers 2024

In this article, we will provide some commonly asked IELTS speaking questions and answers. The given below speaking topics for beginners with answers can help the candidates to gain an idea on what to expect during the actual test day. Likewise, continuous practice of the IELTS questions and answers of speaking, listening and reading sections can be very much beneficial to the candidates. These general-speaking questions with answers will provide the candidates with an idea of how to approach the questions and answer them. Candidates can go through the below IELTS speaking questions and answers to gain an idea on what to expect on the exam day. The IELTS speaking section involves exchange of a lot of questions between the examiners and the candidate. Within a time limit of 10-14 minutes, the candidates are asked questions on the most common IELTS speaking topics. Therefore, it is necessary that the candidates have a good idea on the common IELTS speaking questions so that they wouldn't neither be surprised nor overwhelmed during the examination. In this article, we discuss common IELTS speaking questions and answers which are essential for IELTS speaking success.

What is the IELTS Speaking test format?

The IELTS speaking section comprises three parts. Now let us go in depth about each section of the IELTS speaking section.

Part 1: Part 1 of the IELTS speaking section is an introductory section. This section begins with a formal introduction of the examiner in which the examiner introduces their name and ID. Following this, the examiner may ask for a form of identification from the candidates. The examiner asks a few personal questions to the candidate and the most common types of IELTS speaking questions in part 1 of the speaking test are discussed in detail in this article.

Part 2: Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test is the cue card round. The examiner asks the candidate to speak about a topic. The candidate is supposed to speak for 2 minutes with a minimum of 1 minute 30 seconds. Natural pauses and a little bit of stuttering are okay. But the candidates are advised to keep it to a minimum.

Part 3: In part 3 of the IELTS speaking test, the candidates and the examiner engage in an elaborate conversation based on what the candidate spoke in the second round. This part lasts for about 4 minutes and the candidates can be asked most questions from this section.

IELTS Speaking Topics Part 1 Questions and Answers

At the beginning of the IELTS Speaking Test, there is a brief introduction where the examiner greets the candidate and verifies their identity. After that, the examiner conducts a short interview, asking general questions about familiar topics like hobbies, studies, hometown, or daily routines. Although these questions may seem simple, this part of the test evaluates the candidate's ability to express information about themselves clearly and coherently. The whole test will last for 4 to 5 mins.

IELTS part 1 common speaking questions and answers

The part 1 of the IELTS examination consists of an introductory section with the examiner. The candidate is asked questions based on personal experiences, hobbies, interests and current affairs. Understanding the common IELTS speaking topics and the common IELTS speaking questions can be extremely beneficial to the candidates. Some of the common IELTS speaking questions of part 1 are discussed below:

IELTS speaking model answers for part 1

Let's discuss some IELTS speaking model answers and the format for answering common questions. Proper planning within a very short frame of time is the key to dealing with IELTS speaking test questions.

The given below are a few IELTS speaking questions with answers. It includes common IELTS speaking questions which the candidates must know in order to be aware of what they can expect in the actual examination.

Speaking sample task – Part 1 transcript

Part 1 Introduction and Interview

[This part of the test begins with the examiner introducing himself or herself and checking the candidate’s identification. It then continues as an interview.]

Transcript

1. Examiner: “Now, in this first part, I’d like to ask you some more questions about yourself, OK? Let’s talk about you. Tell me something about yourself.”

Candidate: “"Hello, my name is [Your Name]. Currently, I'm working as a [your job title or mention your student status]. I have [X years] of experience in [industry], and I specialize in [mention key skills]. I have completed my graduation from [Your University] with a degree in [Your Major]. I'm passionate about [a relevant interest or aspect of your field], and I'm excited to improve my language skills through this IELTS experience.

Points to be taken care of-

• It's important to keep your responses brief, relevant to the job and focused on the positive aspects of your professional and educational background.

• Start with your name, then add your educational or professional experience, and talk more about your skills to drop positive clues or hints by the beginning. That makes the journey interesting too.

2. Examiner: “What is your favourite room in your apartment/house?”

Candidate: “My favourite room in my house is the living room. It's a warm and inviting space where my family gathers to spend quality time together. The cosy atmosphere, comfortable furniture, and soft lighting create a relaxing environment. Whether we're watching a movie, playing games, or simply chatting, the living room is the heart of our home, making it my preferred place to unwind and connect with loved ones.".

Points to be taken care of-

• Introduction of the room.

• Reason

• Additional details added

• Conclusion

3. Examiner:” "Do you believe that music plays an important role in life?"

Candidate: “I strongly believe that music plays a crucial role in our lives. …Firstly, it serves as a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, connecting people on a profound emotional level. Moreover, music has therapeutic effects, offering solace during challenging times and uplifting spirits. Additionally, it enhances various aspects of life, from setting the mood in social gatherings to motivating daily activities. In essence, the significance of music goes beyond entertainment; it contributes significantly to our overall well-being and enriches the human experience."

Points to be taken care of-

• The following text has already been written with a clear and organized structure, presenting a logical flow of ideas. The vocabulary used in the text is diverse and appropriate, including words such as "crucial," "universal language," "therapeutic effects," and "enriches." Additionally, the text shows a good command of grammar, with well-constructed sentences facilitating fluency. The response addresses the question directly by expressing a strong belief in the importance of music in life, and each point made is relevant to supporting this stance. The author also includes specific examples and details to illustrate their points, which adds depth to the response and makes it more convincing. Finally, the response adheres to the time constraints of the speaking test while still providing a comprehensive answer without being too lengthy.
• It is important to keep in mind that in the IELTS Speaking test, your ability to express your thoughts clearly, use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and demonstrate effective communication skills in English are crucial. To improve your fluency and coherence, it is recommended to practice speaking on a variety of topics.

IELTS Speaking Topics Part 2 Questions and Answers

After completing Part 1 of the test, the examiner will provide you with a topic and ask you to speak about it for one to two minutes. You will receive a card with the topic and some points you can cover in your talk. Additionally, you'll be given a piece of paper and a pencil to take notes. You will have exactly one minute to prepare and write down your notes before you start talking. The examiner will use a timer and let you know when your time is up. Then, they will tell you when to begin your talk and remind you that they will interrupt you after 2 minutes. You should try to speak for the full 2 minutes and use the points on the card to help you logically organise your ideas, using appropriate language. You can also use your own experience on the topic to complete the long turn. The examiner may ask you a question about what you've said before moving on to the next section. The purpose of this part of the test is to evaluate your ability to speak at length on a particular topic, organise your thoughts logically and use appropriate language.

IELTS speaking common questions for part 2

1. Describe your favourite shop.

2. Describe your visit to a zoo.

3. Describe your first day in college

4. Describe a photograph

5. Describe your idol

6. Describe the last gift you have given someone.

7. Describe one happy day of your life.

8. Describe till the date your favourite dream

9. Describe the song which keeps you humming every time

10. Describe an experience that you regret a lot

Proper planning within a very short frame of time is the key to dealing with IELTS speaking test questions.

IELTS speaking model answers for part 2

Now let us discuss model answers for the part 2 of the IELTS speaking section. Under this section, an IELTS speaking example question is given followed by a set of points that must be followed to efficiently draft the essay. Finally an IELTS speaking example answer is also provided for the candidate's reference.

Speaking sample task – Part 2 transcript

1. Examiner: Describe a memorable event in your life.

Points to be taken care of:

• When and where it happened?

• Who was involved?

• What happened?

• why it was memorable for you?

Candidate: " The event I would like to share is my graduation day, which took place two years ago at a location that I will not mention. It was an essential milestone in my life and was attended by my family, close friends, and classmates. The day was filled with speeches, awards, and a joyous atmosphere. I still remember the feeling of pride and accomplishment as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. This event was significant not only because of my academic achievement but also because it marked the end of a challenging yet satisfying chapter of my life. It was a symbol of years of hard work and dedication, and it remains a cherished memory for me."

2. Examiner: Describe a friend whom you miss a lot.

Points are taken care of:

• Introduce Your Friend: Introduce your friend by name and provide some context about your friendship.

• Positive Aspects of Their Personality: Highlight positive aspects of your friend's personality and the special bond you share.

• Shared Experiences: Mention shared experiences and activities to illustrate the depth of your friendship.

• Explain Why You Miss Your Friend: Explain why you miss your friend, including details about their relocation for a job opportunity.

• Express Emotional Impact: Express the emotional impact of your friend's absence, conveying a sense of longing and emptiness.

• End on a Positive Note: End on a positive note by expressing excitement for future reunions and creating more memories together.

Candidate: I miss my friend [Friend's Name] a lot. We first met in college and became very close. [Friend's Name] has a vibrant personality and always brings positivity. We shared many experiences, from studying late at night to taking spontaneous road trips. Unfortunately, [Friend's Name] had to move away for work, and I deeply feel their absence. We used to regularly meet for coffee and support each other through life's ups and downs. [Friend's Name] has a unique ability to make any situation enjoyable, and we all feel their absence in our group gatherings.

Although we stay in touch through messages and calls, it's not the same as having [Friend's Name] physically present. I miss our long conversations and the comfort of having someone who understands me completely. I hope we can meet again soon and create more memories together.

IELTS Speaking Topics Part 3 Questions and Answers

In this part, we will be discussing the topic that we talked about in part 2, but in more detail. The questions in part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test are more complex and are designed to evaluate your ability to talk about abstract ideas and express your opinions.

Speaking sample task – Part 3 transcript

Sample Topic: Your Country

Examiner: What do you think is the most unique aspect of your country's culture?

Candidate:" I believe that [the] most unique aspect of my country's culture is [its] [traditions and celebrations]. [They] reflect our rich heritage and set us apart from other cultures.”

Examiner: How has globalization affected traditional customs in your country?

Candidate:" Globalization has had a significant impact on traditional customs, including cultural practices, clothing, and food habits in our country."

Examiner: In your opinion, what are the key strengths of your country's education system?

Candidate:" I believe that our education system has several strengths, including a well-rounded curriculum, a focus on critical thinking, and an emphasis on inclusivity."

Examiner: How has technology changed the way people communicate in your country?

Candidate:" Technology has drastically transformed communication in my country, particularly with the rise of social media and increased connectivity.."

Examiner: What challenges do you think your country is currently facing?

Candidate:" Currently, our country is facing various challenges, including economic issues, environmental concerns, and social problems. We must work together to overcome these issues."

Points are taken care of:

• During the exam, respond to each question clearly and concisely while adding elaboration when appropriate. It is vital to engage with the questions and expand on your answers to demonstrate your language proficiency.
• These IELTS speaking topics and answers are essential for securing good band scores in the IELTS speaking section.

Common IELTS Speaking Questions and Model Answers key takeaways

For IELTS speaking question and answers make sure to speak in a confident and natural tone, manage your time effectively, practice as much as possible, and seek feedback regularly.

IELTS preparation material: Speaking section

IELTS preparation books

The role played by various reliable IELTS preparation books and IELTS practice materials are immense in determining the success of the candidate in the IELTS examination. To help candidates make their IELTS success a reality, we at Careers360 have designed a set of 6 IELTS preparation books.