In the IELTS speaking test, the questions can vary, but there are certain themes and types of questions that are commonly asked. Here are ten of the most frequently asked questions along with tips on how to answer them effectively:
Introduction/Personal Information:
- Example: “Can you tell me about yourself?”
- Tip: Start with your name, where you’re from, what you do/study, and perhaps a hobby or interest. Keep it concise and relevant.
- Sample: “ My name is Emily. I’m originally from Manchester, which is a vibrant city in the northwest of England. Currently, I’m studying economics at the University of Manchester.”
Hometown:
- Example: “What is your hometown like?”
- Tip: Describe the location, size, typical activities, landmarks, and anything that makes it unique.
- Sample: “I come from Kathmandu, the lively capital city of Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. It’s a city that blends old traditions with modern life. You’ll find vibrant streets with colorful markets, ancient temples, and friendly locals. One famous spot is the Swayambhunath Stupa, also called the Monkey Temple, which is historically and culturally significant and also offers a great view of the city.”
Family:
- Example: “Tell me about your family.”
- Tip: Briefly introduce your family members (parents, siblings) and their occupations or studies.
- Sample: “I have a small family. My parents are both teachers, and I have one younger brother who is studying engineering at university. We’re quite close-knit and enjoy spending time together, especially during holidays.”
Work/Study:
- Example: “What do you do? / What are you studying?”
- Tip: Describe your job or field of study, what you enjoy about it, and perhaps future aspirations or plans related to it.
- Sample: “ “I work as a software developer for a tech company. My job involves designing and coding software applications for clients. I’ve always been passionate about technology, so this career path was a natural fit for me.”
Free time:
- Example: “What do you like to do in your free time?”
- Tip: Mention hobbies, interests, or activities you enjoy and explain why.
- Sample: “In my free time, I enjoy playing guitar and writing songs. Music has always been a big part of my life, and I find it rejuvenating to express myself through songwriting. I also love hiking and spending time outdoors whenever I get the chance.”
Daily Routine:
- Example: “Can you describe your typical day?”
- Tip: Outline your daily activities from morning to night. Include work/study, leisure time, meals, and any routines or habits you have.
- Sample: “My typical day usually starts with a morning jog to clear my mind and get energized for the day ahead. After breakfast, I head to university for classes. In the afternoon, I usually study or work on assignments. Evenings are reserved for relaxation, whether it’s hanging out with friends or watching a movie.”
Future Plans:
- Example: “What are your future plans?”
- Tip: Discuss short-term and long-term goals, whether related to career, education, travel, or personal development. Be realistic and show enthusiasm for your plans.
- Sample: “In the future, I aspire to pursue a career as an environmental scientist. I’m passionate about preserving our planet and finding sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. I’m dedicated to researching ways to protect ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”
Travel:
- Example: “Do you enjoy traveling? Where have you traveled to?”
- Tip: Talk about past travel experiences, destinations you’ve visited, what you enjoyed about them, and any memorable experiences.
- Sample: “I absolutely love traveling! One of my favorite trips was backpacking through the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal last summer. I trekked through majestic Himalayan peaks, experienced the unique culture of the Gurung and Thakali people and also indulged in delicious local cuisines.It was a memorable experience”
Friends:
- Example: “Tell me about your best friend.”
- Tip: Describe a close friend, how you met, what you have in common, and why the friendship is important to you. Mention activities you enjoy doing together.
- Sample: “My best friend’s name is David. We met in high school and instantly clicked. What I admire most about him is his kindness and sense of humor. We’ve shared so many memorable experiences together, from traveling to attending concerts. He’s like a brother to me.”
Opinions:
- Example: “What do you think about…?”
- Tip: Express your opinion clearly, supporting it with reasons or examples. Remember to be respectful and considerate, especially if discussing controversial topics.
- Sample: “In my opinion, technology has greatly improved our lives in many ways. It has revolutionized communication, making it easier to connect with people around the world. However, it’s important to strike a balance and not become overly dependent on technology, as it can also have negative effects on social interactions and mental well-being.”
Remember, the key to a successful speaking test is fluency, coherence, vocabulary range, and grammatical accuracy. Practice speaking on various topics to improve your confidence and proficiency.
Author
This post is also available in:
English
