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IELTS Speaking Questions With Answers...

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IELTS Speaking Questions With Answers

What is IELTS Speaking Test?

The International English Language Testing System or IELTS takes a comprehensive assessment of one’s English language skills. You will have your reading, writing, listening, as well as your speaking abilities tested within certain specific parameters. The test is conducted face-to-face &  can be considered an informal discussion session with an IELTS examiner on several current, popular topics. The speaking test is more or less the same for both the academic & general training variants of IELTS.

• The IELTS speaking test is divided into three related sections. Each part is designed to test crucial aspects of your English-speaking abilities such as pronunciation, fluency, intonation, grammar, vocabulary, etc.
• The total amount of time allotted for this test segment lies within the range of 10 to 15 minutes.
• The speaking segment is the fourth & last section.  You will have to sit face-to-face with the examiner delegated to you & answer all questions correctly & using your spoken English skills to the max.
• Throughout the three sections, you might encounter a few tough questions or a few easy ones.
• You will be asked personal questions as well as questions about your academic and professional career. You might also tricky questions about your country and/or about the people in your country. Be ready for any kind of questions & intelligence, language skills, knowledge, intelligence, and even perspectives tested.
• With its one-on-one format, the speaking segment may seem a bit intimidating at first. The key is to be prepared & absolutely confident. Keep in mind that the examiner is there to challenge your abilities not embarrass you.

It may also seem a bit difficult to find the right topics at a moment’s notice to speak on. Stay confident when brainstorming.

• There will be a short greeting section where you introduce yourself to the examiner delegated to you. Talk about yourself, your education background, and why you are taking the test.
• Examiner will ask you about what you prefer to be called.

KEEP IN MIND that you WILL BE GRADED on HOW YOU GREET the examiner. Be courteous, polite, and formal. Pay particular attention to the different aspects of speech and body language.

A typical greeting session in an IELTS speaking segment goes something like this à 

1. The IELTS representative or examiner will introduce themselves to you and then ask your name as you enter the room.  The process remains the same for the online version.

Reply by saying “My name’s/name is ____”

2. You will then be asked, “What can I call you?”  You can reply me with “You can call me ____.” Say your first name or the name that you want them to call you with. Pronounce it clearly and confidently.

Poor pronunciation, stuttering, stammering, or any hesitation will make for a bad impression and poor scores.

3. Following that, you will be asked where you are from. Name your city and country of residence. No need to give extra information or talk too much. Always remember that it is important toexude a calm and confident aura.
4. Lastly, you will be asked for identification. The test begins once all your identification has been identified.

Let us now take a deep dive into the IELTS speaking part. We will take a close look at the overall system, myriad IELTS speaking questions with a careful study of several contemporary IELTS speaking topics.

What is the format of IELTS Speaking Test?

As mentioned, the IELTS speaking part assess your English-speaking abilities holistically. The duration of the test is short so there’s very little scope of making any kind of mistake. Within the 10 to 15 minutes allotted, you will have to showcase the best of your speech skills, your vocabulary range, knowledge, and intellectual level, as you discuss a variety of topic with the IELTS examiner.

You will interact face-to-face with an examiner in a quiet environment/room. The interviewer/examiner will encourage you to speak and, after the initial meet-and-greet session, will commence the speaking test. Not to worry as, in all probability, they will not come across as intimidating but instead make you feel relaxed and confident. Yet it all depends on how YOU intend to keep yourself calm and composes as you interact & answers questions.

Speak freely and confidently without becoming too informal. Also, for all the three sub-segments of the test, ensure to speak clearly to help your examiner understand your accent as well as what you are saying.

The three parts of the IELTS speaking test are as follows à 

PART 1

The IELTS speaking part 1 is the introductory section where the examiner will start with asking generic questions about you. They will then ask you to show your identification documents, so remember to have your passport and other essential ID documents with you. They will then ask questions on generic topics in order to become more acquainted with you.

Expect questions like:

• “Tell me a bit about yourself.”
• “What do you preferto be called?”
• “Tell me something about your hometown.”
• “What kind ofcourse program or university are you looking to enrol into?”
• “What kind ofcareer are you trying to get into in the future?”
• “What do you liketo study most?”
• “What is yourfavourite subject?”
• “What do you want tobe in the long run?”
• “How do youthink your career choice will help you secure your future?”
• “What do people in your countrythink of students going abroad for study?”
• “Do you think IELTS will help you achieve your goals?”

Expect some personal questions on subjects such as your family, career, home, education, hobbies, and interest. The first part of the IELTS Speaking Test lasts for about four to five minutes.

PART 2

Next up, you will be given a task card containing a topic. You will get ONE MINUTE TO PREPARE and then ONE MINUTE TO SPEAK on the topic. You can speak for two minutes but not more than that. Then, your examiner will ask one or two questions on the topic. Answering them wraps up the second part of the speaking test.

Section or part 2 is referred to as the ‘THE LONG RUN’. It lasts for about 3 to 4 minutes. This is where your knowledge and ideas about different contemporary topics.

PART 3

The final part of the IELTS speaking test involves asking further questions on the topic in part 2. Part 3 questions will be a bit more complicated and trickier. They generally dwell into abstract ideas and issues based on the topic. The last section lasts between 4 to 5 minutes.

Part 3 is often referred to as the ‘DISCUSSIONS’ section. This is because you will get into a deeper discussion on the topic with your examiner.

One of the best ways to score in the top band in IELTS Speaking is to acquaint oneself with different contemporary and familiar topics. A good way to prepare you =Follow world news, read books, magazines, newspaper, articles, etc., solve previous year IELTS questions. Take note of the topics and subjects under discussion in each of the four sections.
It is time we took a deeper look at each of the three sections individually. The next section offers a detailed overview of the topics and questions, most encountered in each of the three sub-segments of the IELTS speaking segment.

Read about - Mastering IELTS Vocabulary: Expert Strategies for Success

Common IELTS Speaking Topics for Students

It will be folly to suggest specific topics as IELTS does not follow any generic pattern in their choice of topics for the speaking segment. Nevertheless, there is a list of approximately 100 topics for the speaking segment later on. Know that the focus is primarily on current topics across different domains such as education, politics, science & technology, sports, childhood, hometown, etc.

Below are some common topics and questions you may encounter in each of the three sections.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions with Answers

As stated already, this is where introduce yourself. This stage lasts for around four to five minutes.  Some of the common topics you might be asked about are:

• Work
• Study
• Hometown
• Family & Friends
• Art
• Childhood
• Ambition
• Fashion
• Daily Routine
• Leisure Time
• Music & Reading Preferences
• Sports

Besides the questions mentioned in the preceding section, here are a few more à 

• “How do youthink your parents will react if you settle abroad?”
• “What you prefer tobe called?”
• “What kinds ofmovies do you like to watch?”
• “What’s food do you like?”
• “What responsibilities do you have at home andor at work?”
• “If given a chance, would you change your job?”
• “Why did you choose this job in the first place?”
• “Does your current job have good future prospects?”
• “Why did you choose to pursue this subject?” “Is this a popular choice among students in your country?”
• “Which religion is most popular in your country?”
• “Do you usuallytake part in excursions and outings?”
• “What are the interesting things in your hometown?”
• “When youtalked about giving the IELTS exam, what did your parents and friends say?”
• “What you likemost about your career/job/hometown?”

A lot of times applicants make the mistake of becoming too formal or too informal in their responses. You should always maintain a fine balance between formality and casualness. IELTS speaking part 1 is mainly about making you comfortable and preparing you for the speech & discussion in part 2 and 3.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions with Answers

You will be handed over a card containing the topic. You get maximum one minute to prepare and make notes about a speech. Examiner will tell you when to start speaking and will also remind you of the 2-minute time limit. You can join the IELTS coaching online at AbroAdvice.com.

Based on the topic, the type of questions will obviously vary. For example, if your topic is religion, a substantially controversial and complicated topic, then prepare well and expect questions such as à

• “What would you like tosay about religious extremism?”
• “Do you preferany other religion over your own?”
• “What are thethings you don’t really appreciate about your religion?”
• “Do you think it isimportant to be religious?”
• “How do you usuallytake part in religious customs?” “How often do you do so?”
• “Do you think childrenneed to become religious from an early age?”
• “What were your ideas on religion when you were a child?”
• “Do you have anything to say about religion in society?”

If your topic is ultra-nationalism, then get ready for questions such as à

• “Has ultranationalism got to doanything with religion?”
• “Is there a lot ofsimilarity between ultranationalism and religious extremism?”
• “How do you usuallydeal with this topic during discussions with friends?”
• “Was there any kind of aggressive nationalism in your country in the past?”
• “What is youroverall opinion on this topic?”

Always answer in the first person. Keep in mind that they are looking to test your language skills and your ability to respond articulately to questions asked. For example,

• If questioned on the religion in your hometown or country, then your answer can be “In my country, the focus is more on personal and societal development than engaging religious customs.”
• If you are asked about your religious affiliations whenyou were a child, you can reply by saying, “In my opinion, children do not need any kind of religious affiliation. The very notion is irrelevant.”
• If asked about your reason to give the IELTS exam, tell them how you intend to use the exam as a platform for further success & achievement. You can say, “I amlooking to do some research in this field. IELTS gives me an opportunity to do so.”  Or you can say, “I have long harboured an ambition to study in a prestigious university.”

REMEMBER that the questions come AFTER you are done giving a short lecture on the topic. Be prepared to have your ideas and viewpoints challenged. You should always focus on delivering shrewd, unbiased, and intelligent answers. Having said that, do not shy away from expressing your own perspectives and ideas. Do so by showcasing the range of your vocabulary.

One important thing to keep in mind is that EXAMINERS ARE NOT LOOKING FOR YOUR OPINION or how you feel about a subject/topic; they are only concerned about your verbal & language skills. Even you feel like not answering a question, overcome those inhibitions and craft a great answer with perfect diction & perfect accent. They would like to know how confident and articulate you are when answering tough questions.

You will be graded on your ability to speak on the topic at length, usage of appropriate diction & language, your ability to organized ideas logically, and present a cohesive piece.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions with Answers

The third section involves dwelling deeper into the topic/subject of part 2. Your examiner will ask you tougher and, to some extent, controversial questions. You will have to think critically and in an abstract manner. A good way to prepare for this section is to engage in deep discussions with your friends/peers/partner.

Questions in part 3 may seem quite challenging, especially given the short time limit.  Be confident and coherent. Express emotions but don’t go overboard. And don’t worry about hurting the examiner’s feelings; they only care about your language skills and your ability to conjure a piece on a moment’s notice.

Expect ‘do you think...’, ‘do you like to...’, type of questions. Questions can also be impersonal and dwell into the implications, impact, & consequences of a subject in the future. You will get four to five minutes to take part in these two-way discussions. Again, they do not want know what is your opinion. There are different topics that might urge you to become heavily opinionated; do so but remember to present them as eloquently as possible.

Expect questions on the topic that will compel you to à 

• Dwell in the past
• Challenge your notions and ideas
• Think abstractly
• Think in a way similar to when you were a child

Now, it is time we took a look at some common topics you might encounter in section 2 of the IELTS speaking part.

Read about - How to Prepare for IELTS

ding sections.

Top 100 IELTS Speaking Topics for Students 2023-24

1. Tell something about a foreign country you would like to visit
2. Describe and discuss a gift you recently gave to others
3. Describe an interesting song you came across recently.
4. A creative investor or musician.
5. Your favourite animal
6. A memorable get-together with family and friends.
7. A small business that you would like to open, own, or run if you had the chance
8. Showcase your creativity/ imagination
9. The perfect job for you
10. A newspaper article you read and liked recently
11. An important landmark in your hometown or city
12. An important festival celebrated in your country
13. A difficult decision you had to make
14. A place you visited recently
15. A product you bought recently and why you bought it
16. A person you know or don’t know but admire
17. A movie/series/television program you like to watch
18. Talk about a good friend
19. Describe your personality or character
20. Reminisce a happy family event from when you were a child
21. A time when someone apologized or repented to you
22. A story you read recently and found exceptionally interesting
23. A local event of particular interest
24. The very first time you used a foreign language
25. An occasion where you aided someone
26. An app you found very useful
27. A visit to a museum/national park
28. Your area of interest or favourite subject
29. Favourite sport
30. Favourite animal
31. Describe a time when your character or abilities were put to the test
32. Describe a new skill you learned
33. A special holiday or vacation you won’t forget
34. A favourite physical activity or workout routine
35. A family antique or heirloom
36. The time when you made a costly mistake
37. The most violent weather you have witnessed
38. The time when your advice proved to be beneficial
39. A life-changing discussion
40. A place you visit time and again
41. What you normally do on your day-off or on a leave and why you do it
42. A person you had to be nice to despite not liking them
43. An academic or professional experience you will never forget
44. An outdoor activity you partake in frequently
45. An advertisement you watched recently and liked immensely
46. Your favourite websites
47. Your dram company to work in
48. Describe something sensitive that you shared with others
49. Your favourite photograph/video
50. A place/event that left an indelible mark on you
51. Your favourite café or restaurant
52. A place where you go to relax
53. An occasion or festival you actively take part in
54. A long drive or journey you enjoyed or disliked
55. Your favourite indoor game/pastime when you were young
56. A change you want in your local area
57. Your opinion on the environment
58. A historic building or landmark that you visited or you like to visit
59. A trek/camping or something similar that you went on
60. Your choice of favourite foreign language
61. Your favourite trip abroad or within your country
62. Talk about your family and relatives
63. A wedding/festival/event you attended, took part in and enjoyed
64. The first time you tasted a new food
65. A time when you accidentally did something bad/costly
66. Describe the time you met someone influential or famous
67. Talk about when you were very disappointed
68. An interesting endeavour that you took part in
69. Your favourite film genres
70. The time you learned a new skill
71. The time you were happiest or saddest
72. Your opinion on pollution
73. The most recent piece of good news you received
74. The most expensive thing you bought
75. The situation where you became the angriest
76. Most favourite season or time of the year
77. Talk about your neighbourhood
78. Describe the first time you used a foreign language
79. The best documentary you saw
80. Favourite educational TV program
81. A new skill you would like to learn
82. An art or craft activity you liked
83. A famous person from your country
84. What you think of healthy living
85. The time you missed a big opportunity
86. A team project you took part in
87. Cities or countries you would like to work
88. The most interesting things about your city or hometown
89. A gift that made you really happy
90. The things you would like to own
91. A time when you forgot something
92. The time when you lost something costly
93. Your next trip
94. Describe a family you like
95. Your ideas of society
96. Someone famous you came to know about in the news
97. A special belonging from your childhood
98. A valuable skill you learnt as a child
99. The things you like about the country where you want to study
100. What do you want tochange about yourself?

The above are just some of the most common topics & questions you will come across in part 2/3. If you are looking for more IELTS speaking questions with answers, then connect with AbroAdvice.com today.

Always keep in mind, that examiners are more concerned with your language skills & vocabulary, not what you think about the topic. But, having said that, weak and confused opinions will also bring down your grades.

We wrap this write-up with some tips to score in the top band in the IELTS speaking questions section.

Read about- Best IELTS Coaching in Delhi: AbroAdvice.com Shines

Tips to Improve IELTS Speaking Skills

• If you think it isokay to express your personal opinion, do so. If not, then keep your answer neutral.
• Always answer in the first person. Use “I am...”, “I have…”, “I think...”
• Never say “I haveno idea …” ever. That will lead to some seriously low scores.
• Try to find what kinds oftopics were asked in the preceding years.
• You will be asked questions that will seek your opinion on what do people Be careful when answering them to avoid inaccuracies.
• Do not try to get into any confrontation with the examiner or try to outwit them. They areprofessionals and will quickly bring down your scores.
• Practice speaking and discussing so that you know what you have to doduring the moment of truth.
• Have a go at the different free IELTS speaking partmock tests available online as well.
• It isimpossible to predict what topics you might come across. You should practice as much as possible to increase your chances of success.
• There aren-number of topics out there. Pick carefully.

Keep the above points in mind as they can help you big time in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions on IELTS Speaking Topics

What type of questions are asked in IELTS speaking Test?

IELTS topics are personal, professional, and contemporary in nature. Expect questions that will have you think why do people think, act, or react in a way, why YOU did something, what do you like or dislike, what you have to say about some topic, etc. If you are struggling to prepare, you should get in touch with an expert right away.

How can I practice for IELTS?

There are many foreign education consultancies that offer coaching for IELTS aspirants. You should get in touch with them to boost your chances of scoring in the top bands.

How best to you introduce yourself in IELTS?

It is imperative that you be polite and confident. The first impression plays a huge role in your scores. If you need help, you should get in touch with an expert coaching service.

How to start introductory questions in IELTS?

Start introductory questions confidently. The introductory part is a very crucial aspect of the speaking segment.

Can you give IELTS Introduction Questions With Answers?

Enrol with AbroAdvice.com’s IELTS tutoring classes today. There are loads of IELTS questions and answers as part of our study materials. AbroAdvice is a leading foreign education consultant in India and have a large team of experts working with them. Get complete assistance for IELTS speaking part 1, 2 & 3 as well as for writing, listening, & rea

• Deepanshu
• December 1,2023