Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published August 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at the most common IELTS Speaking Topics.
It is hard to predict or plan for the type of topics that will come up in the speaking test. You should not try and rehearse memorised answers, as you never know what you might be asked.
According to research on past papers and from my past students, here is a list of common topics:
IELTS Speaking Part 1
In part 1 of the speaking test, you will be asked about familiar topics, such as your hobbies, family life and hometown. The list below shows the topics that may come up in the test.
Your country/Hometown
Family life
Friendship
Work
Education
Hobbies
Your Interests
Cinema/Movies
Reading/Books
Travel/Holidays
Shopping
Free time/Weekends
TV shows
Eating out/Restaurants
To practice with past question please take a look at Speaking Part 1 in more detail.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
In part two of the speaking test, you will get a cue card with a question that requires you to talk at length for 1-2 minutes. You are able to make notes for 1 minute to prepare. The list below shows the topics that may come up;
Health
Work
Education
Travel
The environment
A friend
A teacher
Something you own
Hobbies
Sports
Restaurants
Childhood
Technology
Party/Occasion
To practice with past question please take a look at Speaking Part 2 in more detail.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
In part 3 of the speaking test, you will go further into the topic relating to part 2. This will allow you to talk in-depth and offer your opinions and thoughts on the chosen subject. The list below shows the topics that may come up;
Travel
Education
Work
Health
Technology
The internet
Social Media
The environment
Healthy Eating/Lifestyle
Music
Crime/Justice
Sports
Hobbies
To practice with past questions please take a look at Speaking Part 3 in more detail.
Review And Strategy
It would be really hard to predict the topics that might come up on the speaking test, so you should continue to practice talking about everyday topics in English, as often as you can.
Remember that it is highly likely that the examiner will expect you to do the following if you wish to achieve a high band score:
To give your opinion
Talk about the past, present or future
Explain your views
Support your views with examples
Tell a story in your examples (logically)
Compare and contrast
I hope that you have found this post helpful if you have any questions please write them in the comments below.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published August 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics (TV) and sample answers.
Please remember that in the actual test you should give honest answers and talk about your own experiences, thoughts, feelings and opinions. Do not try to memorise answers, as the examiners will probably be able to guess and you will lose marks.
However, you are able to make up information to extend your answers, but be sure that you are confident when speaking about the chosen topic and that it is believable.
TIP >> Each answer should be at least 2-3 sentences long.
TIP >> Listen carefully to the question so that you answer in the correct tense.
TIP >> When answering a yes/no question – answer then give your reasons for your answer. You must extend your answer to gain more marks.
TIP >> Just relax and think of it as a regular conversation you are having, make eye contact and be positive.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘TV‘ >>
Q: Do you often watch TV?
A: Yes, perhaps for an hour or two most nights, depending on my schedule. I like to catch up on TV shows I am watching or I might watch a movie before going to sleep.
Q: What types of TV programme are popular in your country?
A: I think that soap operas are very popular, with a central love story. There is often betrayals and deceit as the main obstacles in the way of the main characters coming together.
Q: What (types of) programmes did you watch when you were a child?
A: I used to watch teen dramas, like Beverly Hills 90210, Baywatch and Heartbreak High. I also like watching some Australian soap operas also that were popular, for example, Neighbours and Home and Away.
Q: What’s your favourite TV program?
A: I have so many! One of my favourites though is British drama Peaky Blinders, about a family in Birmingham in the 1920’s. It has excellent actors, good writing and lots of action. I also like the TV shows Vikings, Game of Thrones and Reign. Period dramas are the best!
Q: When do you usually watch TV?
A: Late at night in the summer months maybe for an hour, but in the winter months I watch a few hours because I am in the house more often.
Q: Do you think TV has changed in the past few decades?
A: Yes, I think that it has become more accessible due to smart TV’s being connected to Netflix, Amazone Prime and other providers. Netflix can be connected to any device, so watching your favourite shows is easy. There are so many TV shows now that have good actors and are well written.
Q: Has television changed your life in any way?
A: It is something that I enjoy, but I couldn’t say it has changed my life. It is something that is there to pass the time, like reading. I like to watch TV to relax and sometimes as background noise if I am cooking.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published August 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics (work) and sample answers.
Please remember that in the actual test you should give honest answers and talk about your own experiences, thoughts, feelings and opinions. Do not try to memorise answers, as the examiners will probably be able to guess and you will lose marks.
However, you are able to make up information to extend your answers, but be sure that you are confident when speaking about the chosen topic and that it is believable.
TIP >> Each answer should be at least 2-3 sentences long.
TIP >> Listen carefully to the question so that you answer in the correct tense.
TIP >> When answering a yes/no question – answer then give your reasons for your answer. You must extend your answer to gain more marks.
TIP >> Just relax and think of it as a regular conversation you are having, make eye contact and be positive.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘work‘ >>
Q: Do you work or study?
A: I work at the moment but I continue my studies at the same time. I continue to learn through courses and gain new qualifications every year, this means my knowledge is always up to date.
Q: What do you do?
A: I am a teacher and a freelance writer. I write for various people around the world, blogging and creating copy for websites and social media accounts.
Q: Why did you choose this kind of work?
A: It is interesting and allows me to be creative daily. Teaching is a fantastic way to help people to achieve their goals and writing allows me to pursue other avenues that lead to my work being seen by a wider audience.
Q: Do you enjoy your work?
A: Yes I do, it is always exciting to meet new students and to help them on their learning journey. Writing is also a fun way to let my imagination free and to research topics that interest me, like interior design, architecture and fine art.
Q: What are your responsibilities?
A: I am responsible for seeing that students meet their desired targets and that they improve under my tuition. I am also responsible for many websites, blog ideas, SEO, social media and other copy related tasks.
Q: What will you do in the future?
A: In the future, I would like to be able to expand my teaching responsibilities and to have more student groups. I also want to write a book, a fiction novel or two!
Q: What do you do after work?
A: I normally cook dinner, relax and walk my dog. Depending on my schedule, I might have plans with friends to meet for a coffee or shopping. In summer I go to the beach for a couple of hours then return home to cook dinner.
Q: What are the advantages of having your own business rather than working for someone else?
A: The benefits of having your own business are that you are able to make the decisions, do whatever you want to do and take responsibility for everything. This also means that you can ultimately be responsible for all of the major agreements.
Q: What do you like/dislike about your job?
A: The thing I like most about my job is being able to help people achieve their goals. I also like the flexibility, as I am responsible for my own schedule. I don’t like the number of hours I sometimes work, but it can be necessary.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published August 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics (weather) and sample answers.
Please remember that in the actual test you should give honest answers and talk about your own experiences, thoughts, feelings and opinions. Do not try to memorise answers, as the examiners will probably be able to guess and you will lose marks.
However, you are able to make up information to extend your answers, but be sure that you are confident when speaking about the chosen topic and that it is believable.
TIP >> Each answer should be at least 2-3 sentences long.
TIP >> Listen carefully to the question so that you answer in the correct tense.
TIP >> When answering a yes/no question – answer then give your reasons for your answer. You must extend your answer to gain more marks.
TIP >> Just relax and think of it as a regular conversation you are having, make eye contact and be positive.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘weather‘ >>
Q: Is there any part of your country where it doesn’t rain much?
A: It rains in my current country quite often during the winter months. It is a small place so the rain normally hits all parts of the island.
Q: Does it rain a lot in your hometown?
A: In Newcastle, it rains a lot, throughout the year, even in the summer months. the weather in the north of England usually includes lots of rain, cloud and not much sun.
Q: Can you remember any time when it rained particularly heavily in your hometown?
A: Yes, a few years ago the rain was so bad that many areas were completely flooded, with the banks of the river breaking. Many cars were lost and people had to be rescued from their homes.
Q: Does rain ever affect transportation in your hometown?
A: yes sometimes, depending on the severity of the rain and if it leads to flooding. Some roads may have to be closed due to floods, so diversions will be put into effect.
Q: Do you like the sunshine? Why?
A: Yes I do! The sunshine can make you feel happy, when you wake up and the day is bright it can give you positive energy.
Q: What do you like to do in the sunshine/ or on a sunny day?
A: Depending on how hot it is, I like to walk my dog in the park, but if it is hot, then I like to visit the beach and go swimming to cool down.
Q: Do you like going outside at the weekends on sunny days?
A: Absolutely! if the temperature is warm and the sun is out, I like to be outside, to go for a walk with my dog or to sit outside for a coffee in town. However, if the temperature is really high, then I prefer to stay indoors, to protect myself from the sun.
Q: What’s the weather like today?
A: At the moment we are having a heatwave, so the temperature is really high. I have been avoiding the sun and going out to run errands in the late afternoons.
Q: What’s the weather (usually) like in your hometown?
A: In the city where I grew up, the temperatures are normally low, as it is in the north of England. Even in the summer months, the temperatures reach between 16-24 degrees. It rains a lot and there are many cloudy days.
Q: What’s your favourite weather? (Why?)
A: I prefer warm days at around 24/25 degrees with clear blue skies and the sun. This is good for walking my dog and to enjoy the outdoors without being too uncomfortable.
Q: Do you like snow? (Why?)
A: I love the snow! There is something fascinating about being in the heavy snow when the sky is full and you have to wear many layers of clothing. I enjoy it because it is so beautiful and makes walking and playing in it lots of fun.
Q: Do you watch the weather forecasts?
A: I don’t follow forecasts on the TV but I do check a weather app I have on my phone to see the temperatures every day and to check the humidity.
Q: Does the weather ever affect what you do?
A: Yes, plans change according to the weather, for instance, if there is a heavy downpour I will not be able to walk my dog or to go shopping in town.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published August 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics (shopping) and sample answers.
Please remember that in the actual test you should give honest answers and talk about your own experiences, thoughts, feelings and opinions. Do not try to memorise answers, as the examiners will probably be able to guess and you will lose marks.
However, you are able to make up information to extend your answers, but be sure that you are confident when speaking about the chosen topic and that it is believable.
TIP >> Each answer should be at least 2-3 sentences long.
TIP >> Listen carefully to the question so that you answer in the correct tense.
TIP >> When answering a yes/no question – answer then give your reasons for your answer. You must extend your answer to gain more marks.
TIP >> Just relax and think of it as a regular conversation you are having, make eye contact and be positive.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘shopping‘ >>
Q: Are there many shops near your home? (What kind?)
A: There are many shops in the town close to where I live, including supermarkets, clothes shops, shoe shops, accessories and many others.
Q: Do you like shopping? (Why? Why not?)
A: Yes, I love to go shopping with my mom or friends to look at the clothes, shoes and makeup. I like to have a look around, buy something new, get a coffee and relax.
Q: Who usually does the shopping in your home?
A: When shopping for groceries, I go shopping with my husband, so we can make sure we select items we both want. When shopping for clothes I normally go and enjoy selecting items.
Q: How often do you buy something in a shop?
A: That depends on what it is, for example, I will go the shop every day to buy freshly baked bread. For other groceries, it may be once a week and for other items, such as clothes it will be less often.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published August 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics (hometown) and sample answers.
Please remember that in the actual test you should give honest answers and talk about your own experiences, thoughts, feelings and opinions. Do not try to memorise answers, as the examiners will probably be able to guess and you will lose marks.
However, you are able to make up information to extend your answers, but be sure that you are confident when speaking about the chosen topic and that it is believable.
TIP >> Each answer should be at least 2-3 sentences long.
TIP >> Listen carefully to the question so that you answer in the correct tense.
TIP >> When answering a yes/no question – answer then give your reasons for your answer. You must extend your answer to gain more marks.
TIP >> Just relax and think of it as a regular conversation you are having, make eye contact and be positive.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘hometown‘ >>
Q: Describe your hometown.
A: It is a big city in the North of England, with galleries, theatres and nightlife. It is a popular place for students, as there are two universities. Shopping and eating out are part of the lifestyle, with many places to go. In the surrounding areas, there are many historical places to visit.
Q: Is that a big city or a small place?
A: It is a big city, with a twenty-four-hour culture. It has a reputation as a party place, with many people travelling to visit the restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the city.
Q: What do you like (most) about your hometown?
A: I like that the city is close to historical sites in Northumberland. You can easily travel by car to places that the Vikings invaded and explore quaint seaside villages on the north coast.
Q: Is there anything you dislike about it?
A: I don’t like the drinking culture and the violence that follows. On a night out in the city, there is often a heavy police presence, as many people make trouble. People frequently drink alcohol from early in the morning until late at night, which in my opinion is not a good way to spend time or money.
Q: Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?
A: I don’t currently live there, I moved away for work and now live in Greece. I do however visit quite often to see friends and family. I have no plans to move back there anytime soon.
Q: Can you tell me something exciting about your town?
A: There have been quite a few celebrities from there, who have become well known in the media, including TV presenters Ant and Dec, Cheryl Cole, Sting and actor Charlie Hunnam.
Q: Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
A: Yes it has evolved from a relatively quiet city to a hub of shopping and entertainment. There have been major developments, with shopping mall renovations and the addition of shop lined streets leading all around the city. There are also more restaurants and bars catering for all tastes.
Q: Are there any changes you would like to make in your hometown?
A: Perhaps the introduction of strict opening times for pubs, selling alcohol from a later time in the day. Also, the coffee shops could stay open much later, to promote a healthier culture of socialisation.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
