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.
