The IELTS Speaking test is an in-person discussion that checks your speaking speed, correct grammar, and ability to make your points clear. A lot of people who take tests are nervous, but practicing with common questions and sample answers can really help your confidence and success.
This complete guide talks about:
Type of test
Questions that are often asked in all three parts
Model answers for Band 8 and above
Ways to make your writing flow better, make sense, and use more words
Let’s get you ready to talk like a pro.
How the IELTS Speaking Test Is Set Up
There are three parts to the test, which lasts 11 to 14 minutes:
IELTS Speaking Test Is Set Up" srcset="https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22-4-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22-4-200x300.jpg 200w, https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22-4-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22-4-600x900.jpg 600w, https://techielts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/22-4.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" />| Part | Description of Duration |
| Part 1 | 4 to 5 minutes – Questions about everyday things you know, like hobbies or hometown |
| Part 2 | 3 to 4 minutes – Cue card: one minute to prepare and one to two minutes to speak |
| Part 3 | 4 to 5 minutes – Questions about the topic of Part 2 that are both abstract and opinion-based |
Part 1: The Beginning and Interview Tip
Please answer briefly, but not too briefly (2 to 3 lines).
Be yourself and speak clearly.
Smile, it makes you look better and lifts your mood.
Typical Questions and Possible Answers
What do you do? Are you in school or do you have a job?
Answer: I’m a college student who is studying in computer science right now. I am in my last year of college, and I want to work in artificial intelligence after I graduate.
Where do you live?
Answer: I live in Sylhet, a lovely place in the northeast of Bangladesh. Some people like it because of the hills, tea plants, and quiet atmosphere.
What do you like to do on the weekends?
When the weekend comes around, I like to read or hang out with friends. I like to stay home sometimes and watch movies or listen to podcasts.
Do you like to cook?
That’s right, I do like cooking, especially Indian foods like biryani and curry. It makes me feel good and gives me ideas at the same time.
Do you like to read books or watch films?
It’s hard to say, but I’d say watching films because they are more fun to look at and easier to enjoy after a long day.
Part 2: The Cue Card
The inspector will give you a card with a topic on it in this part. Before you speak, you have one minute to get ready.
Show a picture of a person you admire and say something about them
Say this:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What traits they have
- And tell them why you admire them
Answer:
My dad is someone I really look up to. He has been a mechanical engineer for more than 30 years and has worked in the energy field. He is responsible, hard-working, and honest, and those are all things I admire about him. He was always busy, but he never missed important family events and made time for my brothers and me. The thing I admire most about him is how he can calmly and sensibly solve problems. His honesty and ability to lead have given me the courage to go after my own goals.
Sample Question 2: Talk about a book you read not long ago
Say this:
- What the book is
- When you read it
- What the book is about
- Tell them what you learnt from it
Answer:
I read a book by James Clear called Atomic Habits not long ago. I finished it last month while I was off from school. There are big changes that can happen over time when we make small changes to the things we do every day. It uses simple psychology ideas to show you how to form good habits and get rid of bad ones. It taught me that being consistent is more important than being perfect. Over the course of a few months, even a small improvement of one percent per day can make a huge difference.
Part 3: Discussion of the Follow-Up and the Abstract
In this part, the inspector asks more general and opinion-based questions about the topic of the cue card.
Question Sets Based on “A Person You Admire”
Do you think well-known people are good examples?
What does it depend on? Some famous people use their fame to do good things, like spreading information about climate change. Others, on the other hand, may push unhealthy habits or unrealistic beauty standards. To sum up, not every popular person is a good example to follow.
What traits does a good boss need to have?
Answer: An honest, strong, and caring boss is what you need. They need to motivate others, be accountable for their choices, and talk to their team clearly.
Question Sets Based on “A Book You Read”
Do electronics make people read less these days?
Yes, a lot of people would rather watch movies or use social media than read because it’s faster and more fun. Reading is still useful, though, especially for learning more deeply and having fun.
Do you think kids should be pushed to read more books?
Answer: Without a doubt. Reading helps kids learn new words, think critically, and be creative. It also helps them focus and speak better, which are important for doing well in school.
Word List for IELTS Speaking (Band 8 and above)
To sound fluent, use normal, topic-related words. Here are some examples:
Band 8 Words for the Week
Job title, amount of work, business goals, and due dates
Family life, being close, mutual respect, and the gap between generations
Fiction, non-fiction, books that make you think, and well-written books
Sustainability for the environment, being eco-friendly, and carbon footprint
New technologies, AI, and too much time for screens
Carefully use common phrases as well:
- It has two sides
- To write some papers
- Once in a blue moon
- Keep something away
Help with Pronunciation and Fluency
Every day, speak out loud for at least 15 minutes.
You can find your weaknesses by recording and playing back your answers.
Turn your words into text to make sure it’s clear.
Instead of using words like “umm,” “you know,” and “like,” pause for a moment.
Take your time when you talk; don’t talk too fast or too slow.
How Do I Get Points for Speaking
Criteria Band 8: A Summary
- Coherence and Fluency: Talks easily and doesn’t need to be corrected or repeated often
- Lexical Resource: Easily uses a lot of different words
- Range of Grammar: Correctly uses a number of patterns
- Pronunciation: Is easy to understand, but sometimes it can go wrong
Work on all four to get steady scores in the Band 7.5 to 9 range.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving replies you’ve learnt by heart
- Using the same voice over and over
- Answers that are too simple, like just “Yes” or “No”
- Using words that are too stiff or not natural
- Part 2: Getting off track
Helpful Links for IELTS Speaking Practice
| Platform | Features |
| IELTS Speaking Assistant App | Speaking cue cards with example answers |
| Prepare or Cambly | Work out with local speakers |
| YouTube: IELTS Keith, Liz | Band 8 and above model answers |
| IELTS Speaking Partner Groups | Real-time practice with students from all over the world |
| ELSA Speak App | Practising pronunciation with help |
Activity for Practice
Pick a cue card from the list below and talk for two minutes. Record yourself and use the Band Descriptors to rate yourself.
Answer the question: Name a place you’d like to visit someday
Say this:
- Where it is
- Why do you want to go there
- What you’d do there
- Also, tell why you like it
Thoughts for Now
You might feel nervous about the IELTS Speaking test, but if you practise speaking every day and see how common questions are, you’ll improve your confidence, fluency, and knowledge. These examples of answers and strategies are based on answers given by students in Bands 8 to 9. They will help you stand out.
Be yourself, speak freely, and don’t be afraid to say what you think. It’s okay to make mistakes as long as you get your point across.
Call to Action
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About the AuthorWelcome to TechIELTS. I’m Md. Jahangir Alam, an experienced engineer with over 15 years in electrical and automation systems. Alongside my engineering career, I’ve developed a strong interest in English language learning and IELTS preparation.
I hold a Duolingo English Test score of 135 (IELTS 7.5 equivalent) and am currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Cyber Security from Royal Holloway, University of London. I use my technical background to create clear, structured IELTS learning materials for students and professionals.
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