IELTS Speaking Practice Test with Sample Answers

The IELTS speaking test is a face-to-face interview between you and the examiner, which lasts from 10 to 15 minutes.

The IELTS Speaking test has three parts:
 

Part 1: Interview and Introduction: The examiner will introduce themselves and ask you some common questions about your personal life, hobbies, and experiences. (4 to 5 minutes) 

Part 2: Cue Card: You will be given a task card with a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare and then talk on the given topic for 1-2 minutes without stopping. (3 to 4 minutes)
 

Part 3: Two-way Discussion: The examiner and the candidate talk about things from Part 2 more in-depth. The candidates give their opinions, talk about vague ideas, and give reasons or examples to back up their points of view. (4 to 5 minutes)
 

The IELTS Speaking test is absolutely the same for the Academic and General modules.

Part 1 (Interview and Introduction)

Here are a few samples from the IELTS Speaking Practice Test to help you familiarise yourself with the Speaking section.
 

IELTS SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST: SAMPLE TOPIC 1

Let’s talk about your hometown.
 

Sample Question #1

Is your hometown a good place to live? Why or why not?

Sample answer to question 1:
 

Well, it's a fantastic place to live. I live in the southern part of India, in Tamil Nadu. To be specific, I stay in the capital city, Chennai. I was raised here and didn't know another place to compare it to because I've always been here.

Sample Question #2
 

What sort of jobs do people do in your hometown?

Sample answer to question 2:

Well, in my hometown, people do all kinds of jobs. We have a mix of professions like teachers, doctors, engineers, farmers, fishermen, and even artisans. It's cool to see so many different occupations at work.
 

Sample Question #3

In which part of your town do most people live?
 

Sample answer to question 3:
 

As for where most people live, it depends on the town layout. In some areas, you'll find that most people prefer living closer to the city centre where all the hustle and bustle happens. But in others, specific neighbourhoods or residential areas might be more popular. It varies from place to place.
 

Sample Question #4

Where did you play in your hometown during your childhood? 
 

Sample answer to question 4:
 

As a person living in Chennai, I played in various places in my hometown during my childhood. Some common locations included parks, playgrounds, and open spaces in residential areas. We often gathered with friends and played outdoor games such as cricket, football, and tag.

 

IELTS SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST SAMPLE TOPIC 2

This is what sample questions and answers will look like

Let’s talk about movies:

Sample Question #1
 

Do you prefer to watch a film in a cinema hall or at home? Why?

Sample answer to question 1:
 

I prefer the cinema hall because of the environment; the atmosphere it creates is entirely different from anything you try to create at home.

You might even have a home theatre. However, I feel it will need to match up with the sound and picture quality in general.
 

Sample Question #2
 

How often do you go to the cinema hall?

Sample answer to question 2:

I try to make it a regular thing, maybe once or twice a month. It depends on the movie lineup and my schedule. But I'll be there whenever I'm excited about a new movie.
 

Sample Question #3
 

Which film from your childhood do you remember the most? Why?

Sample answer to question 3:
 

I remember quite a few films from my childhood fondly. But if I had to pick one, it would probably be "The Lion King." 

The story, the music, and the animation were just so captivating. It was a movie that made me laugh, cry, and feel all sorts of emotions. Plus, who doesn't love Simba and his journey to becoming the king?
 

Sample Question #4
 

So, what's your favourite film now? Why?

Sample answer to question 4:

My favourite film has to be "Inception." It's a mind-bending masterpiece directed by Christopher Nolan. 

The concept of entering dreams and manipulating them is just mind-blowing. The visuals are stunning, the storytelling is complex yet gripping, and the performances are outstanding. 



Part 2 (Long Turn/ Cue Card)

IELTS SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST: SAMPLE QUESTIONS
 

You should say, “Okay, I'll start my preparation now.”

Answer:

The memorable event I would like to talk about is my graduation ceremony. It happened last year in June at the University of Manchester, where I completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. The ceremony took place in the university auditorium, and it was a significant moment for me because it marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Seeing my family proud and being surrounded by friends and professors made it a truly unforgettable experience.

PART 3 (Discussion)

IELTS SPEAKING PRACTICE TEST SAMPLE TOPIC 

You can say, “I believe attending university provides not only academic knowledge but also helps in personal development. It exposes individuals to diverse perspectives, teaches critical thinking, and enhances communication skills.”

You can say, “Technology has significantly transformed education by providing access to a vast amount of information. Online courses, e-books, and educational apps have made learning more flexible and accessible, breaking down geographical barriers.”

You should say, “While online learning is growing, I don't think traditional classrooms will become obsolete. There's value in face-to-face interaction, group discussions, and hands-on activities that online platforms may not fully replicate.”

You should say, “Thank you. Goodbye!”

The following IELTS Speaking tips are straight from our expert's desk! Use these IELTS Speaking test tips to ace your exam. 

Timing and Scoring

• Make sure you speak for 2-3 minutes
• Make good notes to speak longer
• Use cue cards for planning
• Clarify unclear questions by asking
   

Focus on Fluency and Vocabulary
 

• Fear of mistakes affects fluency, leading to pausing, hesitating, and slow speech
• Balance correctness and fluency because it carries 25% weightage
• Improve through practice

Don't Memorise Answers
 

• Memorisation won't help because there are random topics
• Spontaneity is crucial in the speaking test
• Avoid rehearsed responses to maintain authenticity
• Rehearsed answers can negatively impact your score