IELTS Speaking – Academic & General

The IELTS Speaking test is the same for both Academic and General Training versions. There is no difference in the format, question types, or scoring criteria.

Key Similarities:

• Same Test Structure – Three parts (Introduction, Cue Card, Discussion)
• Same Duration – 11 to 14 minutes
• Same Scoring Criteria – Fluency, Pronunciation, Grammar, and Vocabulary
• Same Examiner Assessment – A face-to-face interview

Key Differences (Indirect Impact):

• In the Academic test, topics may be slightly more formal (e.g., education, technology, global issues).
• In the General test, topics are more everyday-based (e.g., shopping, hobbies, personal experiences).
• Academic candidates may be expected to give more analytical or structured answers.
• General Training candidates may focus on practical and personal responses.

Example Differences in Part 3 Questions:

IELTS Academic

• How has technology changed education?
• What is the role of research in society?
• Should governments invest more in space exploration?

IELTS General Training

• How do people learn new skills in daily life?
• Do people in your country prefer practical learning or theoretical learning?
• Would you like to travel to space if given a chance?

However, both tests require clear, fluent, and structured answers.

Speaking Part 1 Questions and Sample Answers

1. Can you tell me about yourself?

Sure! My name is ………………., and I am from ……………….. [Your City/Country]. I recently completed my studies in ………………….. [Your Field] and currently work as a …………………… [Your Job]. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and learning new skills. I also have a keen interest in technology and how it shapes our daily lives.

2. Where do you live?

I live in ……………………. [Your City], which is a vibrant place known for its rich history and modern lifestyle. It has beautiful parks, shopping centers, and excellent restaurants. One thing I love about my city is that it offers a perfect mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. The public transport system is quite efficient, making it easy to get around.

3. Do you work or study?

I am currently working. I work as a ………………………. [Job Title] at …………………….. [Company], where I handle …………………………… [Job Responsibilities]. It’s a challenging but rewarding job because I get to solve problems and interact with different people.

I am pursuing a degree in ……………………….. [Your Major] at ……………………… [University]. I enjoy learning about ………………….. [Your Subject] because it helps me understand real-world issues better.

4. What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy reading books, especially fiction and self-improvement genres. I also love listening to music, watching documentaries, and going for walks in the park. Whenever I have time, I try to explore new places and meet new people. It keeps me refreshed and inspired.

5. Do you prefer mornings or evenings?

I am definitely a morning person. I feel most energetic and productive in the early hours of the day. I usually start my morning with a cup of coffee and some light exercise, which helps me stay focused throughout the day. However, I also enjoy peaceful evenings, especially when I can relax with a good book or a movie.

6. What kind of food do you like?

I love a variety of foods, but I particularly enjoy spicy and flavorful dishes. I am a big fan of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Indian food. I also like trying different street foods whenever I travel. At home, I prefer eating healthy meals with lots of vegetables and lean protein.

7. How do you usually spend your weekends?

On weekends, I like to unwind and do activities that I don’t get time for during the week. Sometimes, I go out with friends or family, watch movies, or explore new cafes. If I have extra time, I engage in hobbies like painting or learning a new skill. Sundays are usually my ‘lazy days’ where I just relax and recharge for the week ahead.

8. Do you enjoy traveling? Why or why not?

Yes, I absolutely love traveling! It allows me to experience different cultures, meet new people, and try unique foods. Traveling also helps me step out of my comfort zone and gain new perspectives. My dream is to visit countries like Japan and Switzerland because of their beautiful landscapes and rich traditions.

9. What do you usually do on your birthday?

I like to keep my birthday celebrations simple. Usually, I spend time with my family and close friends, either going out for dinner or having a small party at home. Sometimes, I also take the day off to relax and reflect on the past year. For me, birthdays are more about gratitude and making good memories.

10. Do you like shopping? Why or why not?

Yes, I do enjoy shopping, but I am not an impulsive buyer. I prefer buying things that I actually need or have planned for. I like online shopping because it saves time, but I also enjoy visiting stores when I want to try out clothes or gadgets. Shopping can be fun, but I try to be mindful of my budget.

Speaking Part 2

In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you will be given a cue card with a topic. You will have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak.

1. Describe a person who inspired you.

💡 You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know him/her
• What qualities you admire in him/her
• And explain how he/she has influenced you.

💬 Sample Answer:

One person who has truly inspired me is my high school teacher, Mr. Sharma. He taught me English and had a profound impact on my learning and personality. I first met him in my ninth-grade class, and from the very first day, I could see how passionate he was about teaching.

What I admire most about him is his patience and ability to explain complex ideas in a simple way. He encouraged me to read more books and improve my writing skills. His words of encouragement helped me gain confidence and express myself better.

The most important lesson I learned from him is that success is not just about intelligence but also about hard work and perseverance. Because of him, I developed a love for learning and decided to pursue higher studies in literature. His influence has shaped me into the person I am today.

2. Describe a place you have recently visited.

💡 You should say:

• Where the place is
• Why you went there
• What you did there
• And explain how you felt about it

💬 Sample Answer:

Recently, I visited the city of Jaipur in India, also known as the “Pink City.” It is famous for its rich history, grand palaces, and vibrant markets. I went there with my family during the holiday season to explore the culture and heritage of Rajasthan.

During my visit, I explored the Amer Fort, which is a magnificent palace with stunning architecture. I also visited Hawa Mahal, a beautiful structure with hundreds of small windows designed for royal women to observe street life. In the evening, we enjoyed authentic Rajasthani cuisine, including Dal Baati Churma, which was delicious.

I felt truly amazed by the beauty of the city and the warmth of the people. The visit gave me a deeper appreciation for India’s historical and architectural wonders. It was an unforgettable experience, and I hope to visit again soon.

3. Describe a goal you have achieved.

💡 You should say:

• What the goal was
• Why you wanted to achieve it
• How you worked towards it
• And explain how you felt after achieving it

💬 Sample Answer:

One of the most significant goals I have achieved was passing the IELTS exam with a high band score. I needed to take this test because I wanted to study abroad and improve my career prospects.

Preparing for IELTS was not easy. I dedicated several hours every day to practicing my reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. I also watched English news channels and read English newspapers to improve my vocabulary. Speaking practice with friends and mock tests helped me gain confidence.

When I finally received my results, I was thrilled to see that I had scored above my target. It was a moment of pride and relief because my hard work had paid off. Achieving this goal gave me a sense of confidence and motivation to aim higher in life.

4. Describe a time when you helped someone.

💡 You should say:

• Who the person was
• Why he/she needed help
• How you helped him/her
• And explain how you felt about helping the person

💬 Sample Answer:

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to help a friend who was struggling with his English exam. He was finding it difficult to understand grammar rules and express his thoughts clearly.

Since I had already prepared for IELTS, I decided to tutor him for a few weeks. I explained grammar concepts in a simple way, gave him practice exercises, and encouraged him to read English articles. We also practiced speaking daily to improve his fluency.

After a few weeks, his confidence improved, and he passed his exam with good marks. It made me feel incredibly happy to see that my efforts had made a difference. This experience taught me the value of kindness and the joy of helping others succeed.

5. Describe a piece of technology you find useful.

💡 You should say:

• What the technology is
• How you use it
• How it has changed your life
• And explain why you find it useful

💬 Sample Answer:

One piece of technology that I find extremely useful is my smartphone. It has become an essential part of my daily life, helping me stay connected, organized, and entertained.

I use my phone for multiple purposes. It helps me communicate with family and friends through calls and messages. I also use it for educational purposes, such as watching online lectures, reading articles, and learning new skills through apps. Additionally, it serves as my alarm clock, planner, and even my fitness tracker.

The biggest way my smartphone has changed my life is by making everything more convenient. I can access information instantly, manage my tasks efficiently, and even order food or book a ride with just a few taps. It is an incredibly useful device that has made life much easier and more efficient.

Speaking Part 3

In Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask follow-up questions related to your Part 2 topic. These questions require deeper analysis, opinions, and explanations.

• Give detailed answers – Avoid one-sentence responses.
• Use examples and comparisons – Support your ideas.
• Use advanced vocabulary – Show a range of expressions.
• Speak confidently and naturally – Don’t memorize answers.
• Express balanced opinions – Discuss both sides if possible.

1. Question: How important is it to have role models in life?

💬 Sample Answer:

Having role models is extremely important as they inspire us to improve and achieve our goals. A role model can be anyone—teachers, parents, celebrities, or historical figures—who influences our thinking and behavior in a positive way. They set examples of hard work, determination, and ethical values. For example, many young people look up to athletes or entrepreneurs who have overcome struggles to succeed. Role models help us stay motivated, especially during difficult times. However, it is also important to choose role models wisely because blindly following someone without critical thinking can lead to negative consequences.

2. Question: How has tourism changed over the past few decades?

💬 Sample Answer:

Tourism has changed significantly in the last few decades due to advancements in technology, globalization, and changing travel preferences. In the past, travel was expensive and limited to wealthy individuals. Today, budget airlines, online booking platforms, and travel apps have made it more affordable and accessible. Additionally, social media plays a big role in influencing people’s travel choices. Many travelers now prefer unique experiences, such as eco-tourism or adventure travel, rather than just visiting famous landmarks. However, mass tourism has also led to environmental damage and overcrowding in certain destinations, which is a growing concern.

3. Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of setting goals?

💬 Sample Answer:

Setting goals has many advantages. It helps people stay focused, organized, and motivated. Clear goals provide direction and a sense of purpose, making it easier to measure progress. For example, students who set study goals are more likely to perform well in exams compared to those who do not. However, there are also disadvantages. If goals are too ambitious or unrealistic, they can cause stress and disappointment. Some people become so obsessed with their goals that they forget to enjoy the process. The key is to set achievable goals and remain flexible in case circumstances change.

4. Question: Do people in your country help strangers? Why or why not?

💬 Sample Answer:

Yes, in my country, many people are willing to help strangers, especially in emergency situations. Kindness and hospitality are deeply embedded in our culture. For instance, if someone’s car breaks down on the road, it is common for passersby to stop and offer assistance. However, in urban areas, people have become more cautious due to safety concerns. Some hesitate to help because they fear scams or misunderstandings. Despite this, during natural disasters or crises, people in my country always come together to support those in need, which shows that the spirit of generosity is still strong.

5. Question: How has technology changed the way people communicate?

💬 Sample Answer:

Technology has completely transformed communication in recent years. Earlier, people relied on letters and landline phones, which were slow and expensive. Today, smartphones, emails, and social media platforms allow instant communication across the globe. One major advantage is that people can stay connected regardless of distance. Video calls make it possible to see family and friends even if they live in different countries. However, there are also drawbacks. Many people now prefer texting over face-to-face conversations, which has reduced the quality of personal interactions. Additionally, excessive screen time can lead to social isolation.

February 26, 2025