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 (technology) 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 ‘technology‘ >>
Q: Do you use emails?
A: Yes of course! I use email every day to communicate with friends, family and work. I rely on it for work, talking to students, clients and booking appointments. Without it, I would not be able to do very much!
Q: Are they popular in your country?
A: They are popular all over the world, as the digital revolution has taken over. People rely on emails to communicate, to send and receive information.
Q: Do you think they are going to replace letters in the future? Why?
A: I think so because it is an instant way of getting information. People do not have the time now to wait 3-5 days for a letter to be delivered (or longer) so use emails frequently.
Q: Are you interested in robots? Why?
A: Yes, I know they are being developed right now to be intelligent and read about them in the news so that they can communicate and perform tasks. I read an article recently about how two robots developed their own language of code, which was interesting.
Q: Do you like robots to work at your home?
A: Not really, after reading the article about the google robots communicating in a language they had developed. If they can do that without human programming it makes you think about what else they could do!
Q: Do you want to take a car which robot is the driver?
A: No, I think that it would be difficult for a robot to navigate roads when they do not know what to expect. driving situations are always different, things happen that you cannot predict.
Q: Will robots replace human beings in the workplace completely?
A: No, in my opinion, I think that robots may be able to complete some jobs but obviously not all. How can they be programmed to think like a human? They are not human and do not have the compassion and humanity that we need for most jobs in society.
Q: Do you enjoy using technology?
A: Yes, it makes my working life really easy, I use my computer every day. I love that it is convenient and that everything can be accessed online.
Q: Do you use the Internet for your studies?
A: Yes, I do research online, reading articles from trusted resources. However, there is a lot of information out there, so you need to be able to separate the good from the bad.
Q: Do you have your own computer?
A: Yes, I have and I use it for hours every day, it is very high speed which I love and it makes my working day feel easy and uncomplicated. I rely on my computer a lot, so it was a really good investment.
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.
