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 (Family) 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 'Family' >>
Q: Could you tell me something about your family?
A: My family is quite small and most people live far away from each other. Some are at the top of the country and some at the bottom. More distant relatives live in France and Australia, so we don't see them very often.
Q: Do you think it is good to live with grandparents?
A: In my opinion, living with your grandparents may be a way to save money and also to help to care for them. Perhaps they can't do things they used to, like housework or cooking, so being able to help them would be a positive.
Q: What’s the women’s status in families?
A: Women are seen as the people in charge in most families, they have many roles within the family unit, often having qualifications and a career also. They are the carers, providers, mothers and managers.
Q: Do you think it good to be the only child in the family?
A: On the one hand, it could be a lonely existence when you are a small child but as you become older would start to enjoy having that space. On the other hand, they are missing out on the connection that you see between siblings.
Q: Is there any generation gap in your family?
A: There is a divide between the older members of the family and the young, with varying views on politics and religion which leads to misunderstandings.
Q: Do you like your family?
A: Yes of course! My immediate family - my parents are amazing people, kind, funny and caring. The other members of my family and my husbands family are all very lovely people, who have good times together.
Q: Who is your closest family member?
A: My mother is very close to me and we talk every day, often about trivial things like what our dogs have been doing. She likes to ask questions about my dog, to make sure he is being taken care of like a king!
Q: What are your parents like?
A: Very good, kind and funny people. They like to laugh, read, travel and like all of the same TV shows as me. They are very caring people too, helping in the community - for a children's charity and to protect the environment.
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 (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.
