IELTS Academic Speaking

Sample 2

Read this sample speaking and conduct this with your teachers.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Examiner: Good morning. My name is ____________________________. Can you tell me your full name, please?

Candidate: Good morning. My name is ________________________________.

Examiner: Can I see your identification, please?

Candidate: Sure, here you go.

Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself. Let’s talk about your hometown. Where is your hometown?

Candidate: My hometown is Brisbane, a vibrant city located on the east coast of Australia. It’s known for its warm climate, friendly people, and beautiful landscapes.

Examiner: What do you like most about your hometown?

Candidate: I love the outdoor lifestyle that Brisbane offers. There are many parks and the Brisbane River, where you can go for a walk, have a picnic, or even go kayaking. The weather is usually sunny, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities.

Examiner: Are there any changes you would like to see in your hometown?

Candidate: Yes, I think the public transportation system could be improved. While it’s fairly good, there are some areas where the buses and trains are not as frequent as they should be. Better connectivity would make it easier for people to get around the city.

Examiner: Let’s talk about your free time. What do you like to do in your free time?

Candidate: In my free time, I enjoy reading, especially fiction. I also like to go hiking with friends on the weekends. It’s a great way to stay fit and enjoy nature.

Examiner: Do you prefer spending your free time alone or with others? Why?

Candidate: It depends on my mood. Sometimes I enjoy spending time alone, especially when I’m reading or working on a personal project. Other times, I like being with friends and family, as it’s fun to share experiences and create memories together.

Part 2: Long Turn

Examiner: Now, I’m going to give you a topic and I’d like you to talk about it for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to say. You can make some notes if you wish. Here is your topic.

Describe a time when you helped someone.

You should say:

• Who you helped
• Why you helped them
• How you helped them
• And explain how this person benefited from your help.

[Candidate has one minute to prepare]

Examiner: All right, remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don’t worry if I stop you. Can you start speaking now, please?

Candidate: Sure. About six months ago, I helped my friend John, who was going through a tough time. John had recently lost his job and was feeling very down and unsure about his future. I decided to help him because he’s a close friend and I could see he was struggling.

I offered to help him with his job search. First, we updated his resume and LinkedIn profile to make sure they highlighted his skills and experience effectively. I also helped him prepare for job interviews by conducting mock interviews and giving him feedback on his answers.

In addition to the practical help, I also made sure to be there for him emotionally. We would meet up regularly to talk, and I tried to keep his spirits up by reminding him of his strengths and past achievements.

John benefited from my help in several ways. With the improved resume and LinkedIn profile, he was able to get more interviews. The mock interviews boosted his confidence, and within a couple of months, he secured a new job that he was really excited about. He also mentioned that having someone to talk to during that difficult period made a big difference to his mental well-being.

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Part 3: Discussion

Examiner: Thank you. We’ve been talking about a time when you helped someone, and I’d like to discuss this topic with you a bit further.

Why do you think it is important to help others?

Candidate: I think helping others is important because it fosters a sense of community and connection among people. When we help each other, we build stronger relationships and support networks, which can be very valuable in times of need. Additionally, helping others can be very fulfilling and can boost our own sense of purpose and happiness.

Examiner: In your opinion, should people be rewarded for helping others? Why or why not?

Candidate: While it’s nice to be recognized for helping others, I don’t think rewards should be the main motivation. Helping others should come from a genuine desire to make a positive impact. However, recognition can encourage more people to contribute and acknowledge the efforts of those who go out of their way to help, which can create a more supportive and compassionate society.

Examiner: How do you think communities can encourage people to help each other more?

Candidate: Communities can encourage people to help each other by creating opportunities for volunteer work and promoting the benefits of community involvement. Educational programs that emphasize the importance of empathy and social responsibility can also make a difference. Moreover, recognizing and celebrating acts of kindness publicly can inspire others to follow suit.

Examiner: Do you think that people are less willing to help others nowadays compared to the past? Why or why not?

Candidate: It’s hard to say definitively, but I think the willingness to help others varies depending on the context and culture. While some may argue that people are more self-centered nowadays, the rise of social media has also made it easier to organize and participate in charitable activities. People can still be very generous and willing to help, especially when they see the direct impact of their actions.

Examiner: Thank you. That is the end of the speaking test. Have a nice day.

Candidate: Thank you. You too.