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 (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 (food) 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 ‘food‘ >>
Q: Is food important to you? (Why?)
A: Yes, I like to cook and to use fresh vegetables and try to get everything as organic as possible. I also like to eat no gluten whenever possible, no soy or dairy. eating clean is important for my health and overall well-being.
Q: What kinds of food do you particularly like?
A: I really enjoy eating fresh fish, homegrown vegetables and fruits and on special occasions meat that comes from local farmers. I also enjoy fresh eggs from neighbours and family members.
Q: Is there any food you don’t like? (Why?)
A: I don’t like processed food because it is really bad for my body. After having a particular diet, eating processed food does not agree with my body and can make me feel unwell. I also avoid dairy because I have an intolerance.
Q: What kinds of food are most popular in your country?
A: Fresh home grown vegetables, fruits and meat are part of the staple diet here in Greece. Particular dishes, such as kokinisto – beef cooked in a red wine sauce is popular, along with other signature dishes. Of course, a Greek salad is mandatory as well as a lot of olive oil in everything!
Q: Do you like cooking? (Why?/Why not?)
A: Yes, I really like to cook and since moving to Greece I have become a much better cook. I regularly cook Greek food, from various pies, meat dishes and fish to sweets and desserts. I was taught some traditional recipes and methods from my mother in law.
Q: Who usually does the cooking in your home?
A: I normally cook and look for recipe ideas online and in books. I like to experiment and make a variety of dishes, even though my husband has a preference for mostly Greek food.
Q: Do you like chocolate?
A: yes, but I can only eat very dark chocolate or chocolate that is free from dairy and gluten.
Q: Did you like chocolate as a child?
A: Of course! Until I discovered I had a lactose intolerance, then I cut it out of my diet as it was making me ill. The ‘free from’ options are great, as I can enjoy chocolate without dairy or gluten.
Q: Do you think most people like chocolate? Why?
A: Yes, as it is a lovely sweet treat. Chocolate can give you a sugar high and of course, it tastes delicious. There is nothing better than selecting chocolates and treating yourself after a long day or as a celebration. People enjoy it as a way of treating themselves.
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.
