A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answer and feedback.
MODEL ANSWER
I’d like to talk about the litter problem that we have where I live. When you walk around your village, go into the town, visit monuments or any places really, there is always litter lying on the ground. Even though there are many rubbish bins in places that you pass, people still leave litter on the streets or anywhere they want. This is a huge problem for the environment, as animals can hurt themselves and obviously it looks terrible.
The main reason that this is such an issue, is that there are hundreds, maybe thousands of tourists that come here every year, leaving litter. The bins provided in many areas are quite small, often overflowing so much that there is a huge pile of growing litter right next to the bin. They are not emptied often enough in busy areas, causing a problem. this leads to stray animals inspecting the contents of the trash and makes the area look bad. The litter left behind in some areas, like next to ancient ruins or monuments is just carelessness from tourists. I have seen broken glass, bottles, papers and coffee cups all next to a very well known monument here on the island. I have collected litter to put into the bin, especially if it is broken glass and my dog is with me.
The people on the island are always complaining about the litter problem here, with demonstrations in town. The litter is not collected, sometimes for over a week and rubbish bins start to overflow. Sometimes the garbage collectors go on strike, leaving mountains of rubbish growing every day. This is a real issue, especially with so many tourists visiting the island each year.
To solve this problem, the authorities should provide more bins in built up areas and empty the trash daily. They could also put more signs up saying not to litter and perhaps introduce strict fines for those who do, for example, in the UK there are hefty fines for littering. They need to make people aware that it is not allowed and wrong to leave litter anywhere, making the place look untidy and harming the environment. If the local authorities can make some changes in the short term, then the whole of the island environment and famous well known areas will benefit in the long term.
FEEDBACK
This is a high-level answer, as there are concrete words being used to describe the problem. Words and phrases are used to describe thoughts and feelings about this problem. The bullet points have been covered with the extra information given (examples), which extends the answer. A solution is offered to combat this problem, with good use of vocabulary and collocations.
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 September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics for part 3 (Education) 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 >> Listen to the questions the examiner asks you and think about the structure of the question. Are they asking your for your opinion? or to say how something has changed from the past to the present?
TIP >> Learn about the most commonly asked question types used in the part 3 questions. This will help you to identify how you should respond and what to look out for when you are practising.
TIP >> It is common for many people to say ‘I don’t know’ or to lose focus when they get a question they know little about. Always answer the questions and if you feel as though you don’t know about the topic, then buy yourself some time by saying; ‘I haven’t really thought about that before…. but in my opinion……’ then give your opinion, etc.
TIP >> Don’t try to answer the questions as quickly as possible, take your time and answer them to the best of your ability. Give your opinion, the reasoning behind it and support with specific examples.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘Education‘ >>
Q: Is higher education too expensive in your country?
A: I think that it is very costly to go into higher education in my country. They recently hiked the prices up, making it extremely difficult for most people to afford it. On the one hand, spending thousands on an education is worth every penny, but on the other hand, it can bring years of debt to a student and their family. In today’s society, no one is guaranteed to get a good job straight after university, so these course fee debts often continue to follow people around for life.
Q: Should all students pay for their university education?
A: In my view, many students should be entitled to have a free higher education, especially if they can’t afford the fees but have consistent high grades. For those who are high achievers getting a paid tuition to the university of their choice could be life-changing. For example in many countries in Europe, they offer free higher education to those who obtain high grades in high school, which encourages them to develop their learning and progress into a good profession.
Q: What advantages do universities bring to society?
A: I think that there are many positive things that universities can offer the communities around them. They bring students into the area for one, which means housing will be in demand. They will spend money on food, go out and books for their course, making the town or city a buzzing hub of student life. For the students they benefit from having a high level of education, which can then be translated into skills in the workplace, keeping society going with their knowledge.
Q: Which is more important, research or teaching?
A: I think that for those who prefer to research, they enter programmes for further education, like completing a Master’s degree or a PhD. This can develop a further understanding of a subject and allow the person to develop their research skills. Many people who complete these higher levels of education, also teach as a way of sharing their knowledge and gaining respect from their peers. You can’t really teach at that level without undertaking some sort of extensive research, therefore I see them of equal importance.
Q: How should students spend their summer vacations?
A: In my opinion, I think that students should spend some time relaxing during the summer break but should also continue to study and read. A better way to make use of all of that time off is to get an internship or other work experience that will be useful for their CV. They could also have a paid part-time job so that they can save money for the forthcoming school year. When completing a degree, it is really useful to gain experience from internships, save money and continue to study. Making the most of all of that free time is important. Being idle during that time period is not really going to help them to go anywhere in the future.
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 September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics for part 3 (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 >> Listen to the questions the examiner asks you and think about the structure of the question. Are they asking your for your opinion? or to say how something has changed from the past to the present?
TIP >> Learn about the most commonly asked question types used in the part 3 questions. This will help you to identify how you should respond and what to look out for when you are practising.
TIP >> It is common for many people to say ‘I don’t know’ or to lose focus when they get a question they know little about. Always answer the questions and if you feel as though you don’t know about the topic, then buy yourself some time by saying; ‘I haven’t really thought about that before…. but in my opinion……’ then give your opinion, etc.
TIP >> Don’t try to answer the questions as quickly as possible, take your time and answer them to the best of your ability. Give your opinion, the reasoning behind it and support with specific examples.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘Work‘ >>
Q: Is it better to make important life decisions on your own or is it better to consult other people?
A: I think that for anything important you should discuss it with your nearest and dearest. For instance, if you were thinking about leaving your job you may want to talk that through with your partner or parents. The people who are close to you will be able to support you and offer you both positive and negative views. Getting a second or third opinion before making a huge decision is better than going through that on your own.
Q: Do you think good decision-making can be taught?
A: In my view, I think that many people who are successful have good instincts to make decisions on their own. However, I do think that with the right experience good decision-making can be taught. Depending on the situation and the type of decisions you have to make.
Q: Is watching TV a good way of forgetting about work or study?
A: On the one hand, watching a TV show or movie can be a good way to relax or have background noise while you are cooking or doing other things. This can help you to unwind and forget about any work stress or study projects you are doing. You can switch your mind off and focus on something else for a while, to take a break from it. On the other hand, you should do everything in moderation and not let your Netflix binge distract you for many hours, affecting your work or study negatively.
Q: Should coworkers also spend their leisure time together?
A: In my opinion, I think that it depends on the type of job you have and how well you get on with your colleagues. In some professions, it is common for workers to go out together for drinks or dinner after work at least once per week. Often people who work together for many hours develop long-lasting friendship that last years and years. I think that if you enjoy your time with your teammates then you should see them as often as you want.
Q: Do you agree that English should be the main language of international exchange?
A: From the places, I have been to I agree that it already is, as many people who can’t communicate in their native language can talk to each other in English. My niece, for example, has many friends from Spain, Poland and Greece who all communicate with each other in English. It is already a very commonly taught language and it does make it easier for people to communicate when travelling.
Q: What are the difficulties in creating a universal language?
A: I think that having a language for everyone to use all over the world, will cause some people to be excluded. For instance, many old people may find it difficult to learn or those from poor socio-economic backgrounds will feel left out of this, as they will not have the ways and means to learn. Others may rebel against this and cause trouble because they do not want to conform to having one language to be used by all.
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 September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics for part 3 (Role Models) 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 >> Listen to the questions the examiner asks you and think about the structure of the question. Are they asking your for your opinion? or to say how something has changed from the past to the present?
TIP >> Learn about the most commonly asked question types used in the part 3 questions. This will help you to identify how you should respond and what to look out for when you are practising.
TIP >> It is common for many people to say ‘I don’t know’ or to lose focus when they get a question they know little about. Always answer the questions and if you feel as though you don’t know about the topic, then buy yourself some time by saying; ‘I haven’t really thought about that before…. but in my opinion……’ then give your opinion, etc.
TIP >> Don’t try to answer the questions as quickly as possible, take your time and answer them to the best of your ability. Give your opinion, the reasoning behind it and support with specific examples.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘Role Models‘ >>
Q: Which type of people are respected most in our society?
A: I think that generally, the type of people that others look up to are mainly those with money and very expensive possessions. Like those who have homes that are lavish, luxury cars and designer clothes. Others may have more respect for those who do jobs that are difficult and rewarding, for example, doctors, nurses and teachers. Speaking for myself, I would say that I hold those in high regard who work for non-profit organisations, helping those who have nothing, like the homeless, refugees and animal shelters.
Q: Do you agree with this situation?
A: I certainly do not agree that people should follow and respect those who flaunt their wealth. Obviously, most people who are rich have worked hard to get where they are. Wealth does not always equal happiness and respect should go, in my opinion to those who do jobs that perhaps are very difficult and keep society running smoothly. For instance, the road sweepers, the litter collectors, the people who run the animal shelters for free, they are the people who should have more respect from society.
Q: What happens when young people lack good role models?
A: In my view, they can become difficult and have no direction in life. Without someone to look up to, they have no one to follow, to show them right from wrong and how to have a good life. Impressionable young people will then follow someone with a strong personality, even though they might not be the best example.
Q: What standards of behaviour should teachers set?
A: When students are in school, the teacher should be an exemplary role model for them to follow. They spend so much time with their teachers during this time, that the lessons they learn and the behaviour they see, will shape their own behaviours. For example, the teacher will create classroom rules, that all students have to follow. In my view, this is a good example of the teacher being a strong person that the students should look up to.
Q: Do you agree that you should never meet your heroes?
I do agree with this, as meeting your heroes can ruin the image of them you have. You build them up in your imagination, into being who you want them to be. When you meet them and see how they really are, it shatters your view, thus ending your dreamlike state of how amazing this person is. The public persona that many ‘heroes’ have does not match what they may be like in real life, so thinking about them, how you have them in your imagination, is much better!
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 September 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics for part 3 (The Internet) 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 >> Listen to the questions the examiner asks you and think about the structure of the question. Are they asking your for your opinion? or to say how something has changed from the past to the present?
TIP >> Learn about the most commonly asked question types used in the part 3 questions. This will help you to identify how you should respond and what to look out for when you are practising.
TIP >> It is common for many people to say ‘I don’t know’ or to lose focus when they get a question they know little about. Always answer the questions and if you feel as though you don’t know about the topic, then buy yourself some time by saying; ‘I haven’t really thought about that before…. but in my opinion……’ then give your opinion, etc.
TIP >> Don’t try to answer the questions as quickly as possible, take your time and answer them to the best of your ability. Give your opinion, the reasoning behind it and support with specific examples.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘The Internet‘ >>
Q: Which websites are popular among your generation?
A: I think that websites with information about how to do things are really trendy, for example, recipes and how to make certain dishes or how to make clothes with tutorials to follow. People are finding new hobbies through looking at websites and learning how to develop new skills.
Q: Is using the internet a social or solitary activity?
A: In my opinion, I think that it depends on what you are doing, for instance, if you are at university and working on a group project, then you may have to work with your peers to find information. However, for most people it is a solitary experience, working with your desktop, tablet or phone to find out whatever information you are looking for.
Q: How has the internet changed social behaviour?
A: Before the internet people interacted much more when meeting up and going out together, now you see people glued to their phone screens. Their focus is on their social media apps looking at what their friends and family are doing through photos and status updates, rather than actually talking to them. Communication is mostly through social media, with instant chat cutting the need for face to face meetings.
Q: Should companies check job applicants’ online profiles?
A: It’s not unreasonable for employers to do this, however, I think that what people share online may not be the whole picture of how they behave at work. For example, seeing photographs of a person on a night out with friends acting silly, does not mean that they will act like that in the workplace. It can give the employer a wider sense of the persons personality and interests so that they can see if they really are who they say they are.
Q: What will be the next big development online?
A: In my view, I think that more and more people will be able to work online from home in the future. Companies will make it easier for employees to take work home with them, giving them a hard drive or a company modified super tablet, with everything they need to work productively from anywhere. It has already happened with many companies, including Apple and Amazon. It makes sense that this trend will continue and we will see more of it.
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.
