Many IELTS candidates have a tough time in the IELTS Speaking Test. As the test is face-to-face, candidates usually lose their fluency and tend to get nervous. This article will cover the top sample answers for the IELTS Speaking Band 8 to get a band score of 8 and above.
Speaking tests can often be challenging for students because they do not have time to plan their answers. The examiners do not focus on the content of the answers. Instead, they judge you on your:
- Fluency
- Spontaneity
- Confidence
- Pronunciation
- Grammatical error
- Range of vocabulary
The speaking test is divided into three parts:
- Introduction: Includes basic questions about the test-taker, their interests, likes, and dislikes.
- Cue card: Involves a descriptive question on a given topic. The test-taker is given a minute to plan their answer for the same.
- Follow up: The examiner then follows up on the test taker’s answer. A discussion takes place linked to the answer given by the candidate in the cue card section.
Read on for a few sample questions and answers for the IELTS Speaking test to score better.
Introduction Samples
1) What do you do on the weekends?
My idea of weekends is to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city. I explore vintage cafes and unwind with a strong cup of coffee. It relaxes my mind and prepares me for the upcoming week.
2) Do you like to travel?
Yes! I do have a passion for travelling. As they say, “It is the journey that matters, not the destination.” I also believe that travel must be about experiences, journeys, and memories. Unfortunately, the fast life has taken a toll on me, and I have not visited as many places as I want to.
3) What kind of movies do you like?
I have a jolly time watching funny movies. I like the idea of laughing my heart out once in a while. It is like a break from a monotonous life. It is always my go-to choice whenever we visit the cinema.
Cue Card Samples
1) Describe your idea of a perfect day
I still remember the summer of May 2019. I had just come home from my semester break, and I was more than elated to be back home. My mother made rice and dal for lunch. I sat at the table and took a spoonful in my mouth. It was heaven in a spoon. I realised how simple rice and dal just took me to cloud nine. Later, I watched a movie that my sister had picked with care, and we passed out on the sofa. I ended my day with chocolate ice cream, which I enjoyed with my parents with a side of love and a pinch of tears. This was my perfect day. I shall call it “the homecoming.”
2) Describe something you have learned from a place or a person
I am so fortunate to have learned many values from people and places. If I make a list, it would be never-ending. If I were to choose the most significant learning, it would be my experience with my grandmother. She has embodied the values of compassion and determination. Throughout the summers that I spent with her, I saw how dedicated she was to every chore she performed. Her perseverance and hard work with every small task have inspired me to practice the art of perfection.
My grandmother has always been a pillar to those in need. Her compassion toward others has helped and inspired many to inculcate more kindness in this world. She had a heart of gold. Her values have been passed on to me, and it is an honour to take her legacy forward.
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Follow Up Samples
1) How would you bring more kindness into the world?
I believe that words have the magic to make someone’s day. Kindness does not always mean grand gestures. It is often the little things that create a massive impact on people’s lives. I will ensure that I do whatever is in my capability and never demean or humiliate someone. You never know what battle the other person is fighting. A smile and a cheerful greeting go a long way.
2) Do you like to spend your day outdoors or indoors?
I prefer to spend my days indoors. My idea of fun is usually sipping a cup of chai and flipping pages of my favourite books. I like to spend my time with my family. I feel that it is essential that we all change our preferences to spend our days inside our humble abode and stay safe during these critical times.
Golden Rules to Keep in Mind while taking the IELTS Speaking Test
1. Be fluent & free
A typical IELTS test examiner would mainly evaluate your fluency. Make sure you are fluent in your oration, and you will gain more points. A healthy balance of good vocabulary and language fluency will help you score better. The examiner will not focus much on the content if your fluency is excellent. Speaking too fast might be a bad idea as it will reduce the clarity of your words.
2. Practice answering sample questions
The IELTS Speaking test comprises straightforward questions based on daily life. Start practising sample questions to score Band 8. The questions are usually about your family, daily routine, hobbies, and interests. All you need is appropriate vocabulary from a lexical resource, and you will be amazed to see how simple the questions can be tackled.
3. Be clear & grammatically correct
It is not a compulsion to use complex words in your speech. Use the words you are comfortable and confident with. It is important to be grammatically accurate, as it is one of the significant judging criteria in the test. Incorporate easy-to-understand sentences, and keep a check on your diction.
4. Be spontaneous & relevant
Be aware of your answers and speaking. Your replies should be relevant to the question asked by the examiner. Do not take too long to answer a question. Spontaneity is always welcome.
5. Keep calm and do not panic
It does not make a huge difference in your choice of words is not as refined as long as you remain calm. If you fumble or stutter, do not panic. Take a deep breath, collect your thoughts and start again.
6. Do not learn answers
It is very easy for an examiner to determine whether the test-taker is speaking freely or giving memorised answers. Cramming information is a bad idea. Learning words, catchy phrases, and appealing idioms adopted in speech are always recommended.
Conclusion
So, follow these tips and keep practising these sample questions with your peers to score band 8 in the IELTS Speaking test. Take the help of the internet and keep searching for sample questions and answers. There are tons of samples available for test-takers to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the IELTS speaking test?
The test usually takes 11-14 minutes. The introduction lasts for 4-5 minutes, and descriptive questions also take about 3-4 minutes. The follow-up section takes another 4-5 minutes, where the examiner follows up on the descriptive answer given by the test-taker.
What are the evaluation criteria for IELTS Speaking?
The evaluation criteria for IELTS Speaking are as follows:
Fluency and cohesion – 25
Vocabulary – 25%
Grammar – 25%
Pronunciation – 25%
Can I choose my topic in part two?
No, you cannot choose a topic. The examiner will give you a topic card that will have a number of prompts.
Are there different topics for each part of the IELTS Speaking test?
No, parts one and two will have different topics. Part three will be a follow-up on part two’s descriptive answer.
