IELTS Speaking Test Guidelines for Students

1. The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face test conducted by a trained examiner.

2. The duration of the test is around 11 to 14 minutes.
3. You are required to report at the test centre approximately 60 minutes prior to
the test.
4. The candidate must be polite and courteous in greeting the examiner with
appropriate greetings like Good Morning / Good Afternoon / Good Evening / or
Hello Sir / Madam.
5. The test is divided into 3 parts
a. Part 1 (Dialogue)
i. Introduction by candidate and examiner.
ii. The examiner will check the candidate's ID proof
iii. The examiner will inform the candidate about the formal recording
of the test.
iv. The examiner will begin the test by asking some familiar questions
about the candidate like family, hobbies, interests, job/education, or
any other familiar topic.
b. Part 2
i. The candidate is given a Task Card or Cue Card, this card contains
a topic with relevant questions.
ii. The candidate is required to read the card carefully and given 1
minute to prepare if the candidate wants they can make notes
about the topic.
iii. The candidate is required to speak for one to two minutes on the
given topic.
iv. The candidate must include answers to all the aspects of the
questions asked in the cue card.
v. The examiner will then ask one or two questions based on the topic
of the cue card.
c. Part 3 (Discussion)
i. The discussion in part 3 lasts for about 4 to 5 minutes.
ii. Part 3 and Part 3 are thematically connected through more abstract
ideas.
iii. The discussion is based on the ideas given to the candidate in the
cue card in Part 2 of the test.
6. The candidate must take permission from the examiner before leaving the room
and collect his/her id proof before leaving the room.
7. The candidate must not ask any irrelevant questions to the examiner about the
result of the test.
Speaking band descriptors

What do the band descriptors mean?

Let’s take a closer look at what each category means and how your IELTS
examiner will use the descriptors to evaluate your speaking skills.

1. Fluency and coherence

A few things to consider about this descriptor:

Fluency - Your examiner will look at how fluent you are – your ability to keep
speaking and if you need to hesitate, self-correct and repeat yourself to keep
going.

Coherence – Your examiner will look at how coherent you sound - how your
words, ideas, and thoughts flow together, using a range of words and phrases to
connect and organize your ideas, help you move on to another point, etc.

Some examples of connecting words include:

First, Second…
Next…
Then…
Another thing…
Well, I believe…

This is a very small sample, and we suggest taking time to research and review
how using these words can help you sound more fluent.

2. Lexical resource
With this descriptor, your examiner will be listening for your ability to choose the
right words and phrases to express yourself clearly:

Your words – Your examiner will consider the kinds of words you use, whether
they help make your ideas clear, and whether the words are understandable,
appropriate, and relevant to the topic. They will also see if you can choose the
right word forms (e.g. bored/boring) and if you can use the right words together –
collocation (e.g. environmental pollution).

Paraphrasing, idiomatic language, and less common language – The use of

idiomatic language and less common words are important at higher levels (band
7 and up). This doesn’t mean that you need to use very uncommon words, or
 phrases and clichés that you have memorised. It takes time and practice to use
idiomatic language naturally when discussing a variety of topics. The examiner
also assesses your ability to paraphrase, saying what you mean using different
words when you can’t think of the right word or phrase.

3. Grammatical range and accuracy

This descriptor focuses on your ability to produce speech that is grammatically
correct using both simple and complex structures:

Sentence structure and variation – When speaking, think about the proper use of
sentences - using a mix of simple and complex structures. You need to show
your examiner that you can use a range of complex structures accurately if you
want to score a higher band score.

A number of errors – It is also important to try and limit the number of

grammatical errors you make. Become aware of the errors you usually make
(e.g. articles, prepositions, subject/verb agreement) so you can make sure that
your sentences are accurate.

4. Pronunciation
This descriptor assesses how easy it is to understand what you say, and you are
assessed on the range of pronunciation features you can use, including stress,
intonation, and rhythm.

How well you are understood - Your examiner will be listening for how easy it is
to understand you, and how clearly (and correctly) you pronounce words. They
will also listen to how you use stress and intonation to emphasise important
words and ideas and the use of stress to contrast ideas. They will also listen out
for pronunciation errors made when you say your words.

When preparing for your IELTS test keep in mind that, as outlined above, there
are many things your IELTS examiner will be listening for. So, it is important to
understand what the examiner is looking out for, to be better prepared for test
day.

For more information please visit the official website: https://ielts.idp.com/

Speaking Test 1:
Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Animals

Do you like pets? [Why?/Why not?]

What types of animals do you think make the best pets? [Why?/Why not?]
Why do people have pets? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you think domesticating animals, is harmful to animals? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a wild animal that lives in your country.

You should say:

• what animal it is
• where it lives
• how people feel about this animal
and explain if you think there will be more or fewer of
this animal in the wild in the future and why.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What is the purpose of having zoos?
- What is your opinion about animals being kept in zoos?
- How do you think zoos could be improved?
- Do you think is it important to conserve wildlife?
- What is your opinion on poaching?
- Do you think governments should allocate budgets to protecting wild
animals?
Speaking Test 2:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Clothing & Fashion

Do you like fashion accessories? [Why?/Why not?]

How often do you buy these accessories? [Why?/Why not?]
While choosing do you consider comfort or cost before buying accessories? [Why?/Why
not?]
Have you ever bought fashion accessories online? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a dress/shirt you wore for a special occasion.
You should say:
• what it is like
• when and where you bought it
• what special occasion you wore it for
and explain how it made you feel wearing it.

Part 3
Discussion topics:

- What do you think the clothes we wear say about us?

- Do you think that brand name is very important for clothes sales?
- Why do some people like to go clothes shopping with friends?
- How have clothes fashions changed in your country over the past few decades?
- What kind of things determine what is in fashion?
- How do you think fashion will change in the future?

Speaking Test 3:
Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Food & Cooking

Which type of food do you like to eat? [Why?/Why not?]

What is a common meal in your country? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you like cooking? [Why?/Why not?]
When do you eat your main meal of the day? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to.
You should say:
• where the restaurant was
• why you chose this restaurant
• what type of food you ate
and explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant.

Part 3
Discussion topics:

- Do many people eat in restaurants in your country?

- Which are more popular in your country, fast food restaurants or traditional
restaurants?
- Why do people enjoy eating out?
- What do you think a healthy diet consists of?
- Do you think children should be taught about healthy diets and cooking at school or at
home?
- At what age do you think children should be taught to cook?

Speaking Test 4:
Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Daily Routine
What is your typical morning routine? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you think it's important to have a morning routine? [Why?/Why not?]
One thing you would like to change about it? [Why?/Why not?]
How important is eating breakfast? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you follow the same routine on weekends or holidays? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a typical day at work/college/university.
You should say:
• what you do
• when you do it
• what is your favourite part of the day is
and explain what you would like to change about this
routine.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What is the attitude towards arriving late in your country?
- When is it very important to be on time?
- How can people ensure sure that they are never late?
- What factors influence most people's daily routines?
- Do you think people get enough choice in their daily routines?
- How do you think people's routines will change in the future?
Speaking Test 5:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Art

Do you like art? [Why?/Why not?]

Do you think that it's important to introduce it in schools? [Why?/Why not?]
How does learning art help children to develop cognition? [Why?/Why not?]
If you were a famous artist, what sort of art would it be? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a work of art that you really like.
You should say:
• what it is
• who created it
• where you saw it
and explain why you like it.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- In your opinion, is art an important part of the culture?
- What would life be like without art?
- Why do you think people like to have paintings in their homes?
- Do you agree with this statement? “Graffiti is a form of art and should be respected.”
- Why do you think people create graffiti?
- Who do you think should pay for public works of art?
- How can government promote art?
- Are the governments doing enough to protect the rights of artists in your country?
Speaking Test 6:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Books

Do you prefer to read paperback books or online versions? [Why?/Why not?]

What is more entertaining to read books or magazines? [Why?/Why not?]
What is your favourite subject to read about? [Why?/Why not?]
Did your parents read to you when you were a child? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you thinks books are good gifts? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a book that you enjoyed reading.
You should say:
• what the book was
• what was it about
• why you read it
and explain what effect the book had on you.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- Do people in your country like to read books?
- What are the most popular types of books/magazines?
- Do you think it is important for people to read books?
- In your opinion, do people read as much nowadays as they did in the past?
- How do most people read books today, in hard copy or on a softcopy?
- Do you think that traditional books will be replaced by tablet/online reading in the
future?
Speaking Test 7:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Health

Do you follow a health routine? [Why?/Why not?]

Do you think its important to lead a healthy lifestyle? [Why?/Why not?]
What do you do to keep fit?[Why?/Why not?]
Have you ever had any habits which you consider to be Unhealthy? [Why?/Why not?]
What is more important to you healthy diet or a fitness routine? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe something healthy you enjoy doing.
You should say:
• what it is
• where you do it
• who you do it with
and explain why you think doing this is healthy.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- How can people improve their health?
- What are some popular ways to keep fit in your country?
- How important is it for people to do some regular physical exercise?
- Do you think people will be more healthy in future?
- What impacts the immunity system the most?
- Life expectancy of future generations will be more or less?
- Why do so many people at a very young age suffer from various diseases?
- What makes a good doctor?
- Do you think you have good health facilities in your country?
Speaking Test 8:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Work

What is your job? [Why?/Why not?]

Why did you choose this job? [Why?/Why not?]
What do you enjoy most about your job? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you think something needs to change in your field of work? [Why?/Why not?]
How can you contribute to bringing this change? [Why?/Why not?]
How did you feel on your first day at work? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe an organisation or company near where you live that employs a large number
of people.
You should say:
• what organisation or company it is
• what industry they are in
• what the work involves
and explain why you think they are or are not a good employer.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- Which kinds of jobs have the highest salaries in your country? Why?
- Are there any jobs that you think should have higher salaries?
- Are all jobs of equal importance?
- What is the most common way to get a job these days?
- Is money always the most important thing when choosing a job?
- Why do some people become workaholics?
Speaking Test 9:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Technology

Do you use gadgets? [Why?/Why not?]

Wich gadgets are produced in your country? [Why?/Why not?]
Does your country import gadgets from other places ? [Why?/Why not?]
Are these gadgets compatible and available in your local language? [Why?/Why not?]
Do these gadgets meet the power requirements of your country? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a piece of equipment in your home that is important to you.
You should say:
• what it is
• how long you have had it
• why you chose this particular model or brand and explain why it is important to
you.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What are the most popular electronic devices in your country at the moment?
- Which sort of devices do you think will become popular in the future?
- Do you think electronic devices make life easier or more difficult?
- Do you think all information on the internet is true?
- How can people find reliable information on the internet?
- Do you think the internet is safe for children to use unsupervised?

Speaking Test 10:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Weather & Seasons

What seasons do you have in your country? [Why?/Why not?]

Which season you like the most? [Why?/Why not?]
What do you like to do in that season? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you think seasons impact the mood of people? [Why?/Why not?]
Is your country popular with tourists in every season? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a type of weather that you really dislike.
You should say:
• what type of weather it is
• how often it happens
• why you dislike it and explain what you do when the weather is like this.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- Do you think the weather affects how people feel?
- What are some examples of bad weather in the world?
- In your opinion, is anything we can do to prevent bad weather?
- What is the best way to get accurate information about the weather?
- How easy or difficult is it to predict the weather in your country?
- How important do you think it is to check what the weather will be?

Speaking Test 11:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Media

Do you regularly read? [Why?/Why not?]

Are you interested in the news? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you prefer to read or watch the news? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you read a newspaper regularly? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you believe everything you read in newspapers? [Why?/Why not?]
Can reading a magazine or a newspaper help you learn a language? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading.
You should say:
• which newspaper or magazine it is
• how often do you read it
• which are your favourite parts and explain why you enjoy reading it.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- How do most people get their news in your country?
- Is the Internet a trustworthy source of news?
- How do you think people will get their news in the future?
- Should we trust journalists?
- What do you think the important qualities of a good journalist are?
- Do you think the media should be allowed to publish stories about the private lives of
public figures?
Speaking Test 12:
Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Music

Do you like music? [Why?/Why not?]

Which type of music is famous in your country? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you choose music based on lyrics or pure music? [Why?/Why not?]
Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument? [Why?/Why not?]
What instrument do you think is best for children to learn? [Why?/Why not?]
Do think music should be taught in schools? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a type of music that you like a lot.
You should say:
• what type of music it is
• when you first started listening to it
• how often you listen to it and explain why you like it so much.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What traditional music do you have in your culture?
- How important is it for a culture to have musical traditions?
- Why do you think countries have national anthems or songs?
- How do most people listen to music these days?
- Is live music as popular now as it was 10 years ago?
- Why do you think that so many young people dream of being famous musicians?

Speaking Test 13:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Education

Did you enjoy school? [Why?/Why not?]

How do you use to travel to school? [Why?/Why not?]
How did you get on with your peers in school? [Why?/Why not?]
What was your favourite subject in school? [Why?/Why not?]
Did you study the same subject in college / University? [Why?/Why not?]
What subject would you like to learn in the future? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a school you attended.
You should say:
• what school it was
• what the buildings were like
• how good the teachers were and explain what you liked and disliked about
them.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What makes a good student?
- What role should the teacher have in the classroom?
- Do you think computers will one day replace teachers in classrooms?
- How well do schools prepare young people for working life?
- Do you think schools should teach subjects like art, music, and dancing?
- In your opinion, is a university education important?

Speaking Test 14:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Architecture & Buildings

Are you interested in architecture? [Why?/Why not?]

Do you think architecture and culture are related? [Why?/Why not?]
In your area do you have many highrise buildings? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you live in an old building or a modern one? [Why?/Why not?]
What sort of building would your dream home be? [Why?/Why not?]
If you were an architect, what sort of buildings would you design? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a building you have seen that impressed you.
You should say:
• where it was
• what it looked like
• when you saw it and explain why it impressed you.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- Do many people in your country visit historic buildings?
- What types of historic buildings are most popular to visit?
- Why do people visit these historic buildings?
- What do people learn from visiting such buildings?
- Do you think people should have to pay to visit them?
- Do you think it’s important that historic buildings are preserved?

Speaking Test 15:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.
Example
Theme - Money and Spending

How important is money to you? [Why?/Why not?]

Do you manage your finances by yourself? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you spend more on food or fashion? [Why?/Why not?]
What sorts of things do you like to spend your spare money on? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you like to give gifts? [Why?/Why not?]
What was the last thing you bought yourself as a treat? [Why?/Why not?]
It is difficult to control your spending? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe something you bought that you had to save money for.
You should say:
• what it was
• how long you saved money for it
• how you saved the money and explain how you felt after you bought it.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- Do you think children should be taught to save money?
- Why do some parents give their children money to spend each week?
- Should children be allowed to buy anything they want with the money they’ve saved?
- Do you think it is a good idea for students to earn money while studying?
- What kind of possessions show status in your country?
- Modern society is often called ‘materialistic’. Why do you think this is?

Speaking Test 16:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Film & TV

How much television do you watch per day? [Why?/Why not?]

Do you prefer to watch movies on television or in cinema halls? [Why?/Why not?]
Who do you normally watch TV with? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you prefer to watch TV alone or with family? [Why?/Why not?]
What kinds of TV programs do you enjoy the most? [Why?/Why not?]
What is your favourite TV program at the moment? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a TV drama series you like.
You should say:
• what TV series it is
• what it is about
• who acts in it and explain why you like it.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- Is the quality of TV programmes in your country good?
- What type of foreign TV programmes are popular in your country?
- Do you think television influences the way we think?
- Should children be allowed to watch a lot of TV?
- What do you think are the qualities of a good children’s TV programme?
- What are the educational benefits of children watching TV?

Speaking Test 17:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.
Example
Theme - Sport

Do you like sport? [Why?/Why not?]

Whom do you admire as a sportsperson? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you think everyone must play a sport? [Why?/Why not?]
Are there other ways one can be fit.? [Why?/Why not?]
Is there a lot of sport on television in your country? [Why?/Why not?]
What sports do children normally play at school? [Why?/Why not?]
Are there many sporting facilities near where you live? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a sporting event you have attended.
You should say:
• what kind of sport it was
• where and when the event took place
• why you decided to go to this event and explain how it compared to other
sporting events you have been to.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What types of sports are most popular in your country?
- What are the benefits of playing a sport?
- Do you think that new sports will be created in the future?
- Why do some people enjoy doing dangerous sports?
- Which extreme sports are popular in your country?
- Should some dangerous sports be banned?

Speaking Test 18:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.
Example
Theme - Homes & Accommodation

Do you live in a house or a flat? [Why?/Why not?]

Is your house in city or in countryside? [Why?/Why not?]
How long have you lived there? [Why?/Why not?]
How far do you travel to work from your home? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you like your home? [Why?/Why not?]
Which is your favourite room? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a time when you moved to a new house.
You should say:
• when it happened
• why you moved
• what kind of new home you moved into and explain how you felt about moving home.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- How easy is it to find a place to live in your country?
- Do you think it is better to rent or to buy your home?
- At what age do you think young adults should stop living with their parents?
- How do people like to decorate their homes in your country?
- Can the colour of a room affect the way people feel?
- Is it more important for a room to look nice or to be comfortable?

Speaking Test 19:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Environment

Do you like nature? [Why?/Why not?]

What is your favourite type of natural environment? [Why?/Why not?]
What is the air quality like where you live? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you think air quality impacts the health of people? [Why?/Why not?]
Does seasons have an impact on air quality? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you recycle? [Why?/Why not?]
What other ways can individuals help to protect the environment? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe an environmental problem in your country.
You should say:
• what the problem is
• what has caused the problem
• what effect it has had on your country and explain what is being done to solve
it.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- How is your country affected by water pollution?
- What are some of the causes of water pollution?
- Do you think that everyone in the world will have access to clean water in the future?
- Do you think large companies and business organisations should be more
environmentally friendly?
- What measures can individuals take to protect the environment?
- How can we teach children about the importance of protecting the environment?

Speaking Test 20:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Hobbies & Leisure
 Do you prefer relaxing at home or going out in the evening? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you have many options for young people to go out? [Why?/Why not?]
When you do go out for an evening, what do you like to do? [Why?/Why not?]
Is this place far or near to your home? [Why?/Why not?]
Who do you like to spend leisure time with? [Why?/Why not?]
If you had more free time, what would you do with it? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe an interest or hobby that you enjoy.
You should say:
• how you became interested in it
• how long you have been doing it
• why you enjoy it
and explain what benefits you get from this interest or hobby.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- In your country, do people have a good balance between work and leisure time?
- Has the amount of free time people have changed in the last 50 years?
- Do you think people need to have an interest or hobby?
- What are the most popular free-time activities with children today?
- How has this changed from 20 years ago?
- What are the advantages and disadvantage of this change for children?

Speaking Test 21:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Transportation
 How popular is cycling in your hometown? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you think it's healthy to ride a bicycle? [Why?/Why not?]
Do people ride bicycles more for pleasure or to commute? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you have bicycle rentals in your hometown? [Why?/Why not?]
What are the advantages of a bicycle compared to a car? [Why?/Why not?]
How often do you ride a bicycle? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a train journey you have taken.
You should say:
• where you were going
• why you were going there
• who you were traveling with and explain what you liked and disliked about the
journey.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- How safe is travel in your country?
- Which method of transport do you consider the safest?
- What do you think should be done to improve the safety of travel?
- How do people choose which car to buy?
- What environmental problems are there related to the car industry?
- Who do you think is responsible for finding solutions, governments or the car industry?

Speaking Test 22:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Friends
 Which is more important to you, friends or family? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you have a small or large circle of friends? [Why?/Why not?]
Who was your best friend at school? [Why?/Why not?]
Are you still connected with your school friends? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you feel school friendships are more stronger and bonding? [Why?/Why not?]
What sorts of things did you like to do together? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe one of your friends.
You should say:
• how you met
• how long you have known each other
• how you spend time together and explain why you like this friend.
Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What makes a good friend?
- What do you think causes friendships to break up?
- In what different ways can people keep in touch with each other?
- Do you think it’s important to keep in contact with friends you knew as a child?
- How valuable are long-term friendships compared with new relationships?
- Can you be close friends with someone you only have a relationship with on the
internet?

Speaking Test 23:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Hometown, Towns & Cities
 Where did you grow up? [Why?/Why not?]
Was it a good place for children to grow up? [Why?/Why not?]
What did you like the most about this place? [Why?/Why not?]
Where did you usually play? [Why?/Why not?]
Who did you usually play with? [Why?/Why not?]
Were there good play areas for children? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a city that you have visited.
You should say:
• what city it is
• when you went there
• why you went there and explain what you liked or disliked about the city.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What are the advantages of living in a city or a big town?
- Do people enjoy a better quality of life in the city or in the countryside?
- What are some of the challenges facing towns and cities?
- What can be done to reduce traffic congestion in cities?
- How important is it to have trees and parks in our cities?
- In your experience, are city centers usually attractive places?

Speaking Test 24:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - Family
 Do you have a large or a small family? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you all have your meals together every day? [Why?/Why not?]
Who are you most similar to in your family? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you prefer to go out with family or friends? [Why?/Why not?]
Where do you go along with your family for short outings? [Why?/Why not?]
When did you last celebrate a special event with your family? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe someone in your family who you really admire.
You should say:
• who they are
• what relation they are to you
• how often do you see them and explain why you admire this person?

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- In what ways have families in your country changed in the past 20 years?
- Should husbands and wives have different roles within the family?
- What conflicts can arise within a family?
- What role do grandparents play in the family in your country?
- In what ways might the lives of elderly people be different in the future?
- Who do you think should be responsible for the care of the elderly, the family or the
government?

Speaking Test 25:

Part 1
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies, and other
familiar topics.

Example
Theme - People & Relationships
 How well do you know the people who live next door to you? [Why?/Why not?]
How often do you see each other? [Why?/Why not?]
What kind of relationship do you have? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you go on outings together? [Why?/Why not?]
Do you think you will invite them to your house? [Why?/Why not?]
Have you ever had a problem with a neighbour? [Why?/Why not?]
How did you solved the problem? [Why?/Why not?]

Part 2
Describe a person you know who is kind.
You should say:
• who it is
• how you know this person
• what sort of person they are and explain why you think they are kind.

Part 3
Discussion topics:
- What types of relationships, other than with friends or family, are important in people’s
lives?
- Do you think it is important for people to spend time alone?
- What is the attitude towards marriage in your country?
- How have attitudes towards marriage changed in the past 50 years?
- Do most young people in your country plan on getting married?
- In your opinion, should couples be allowed to get divorced?