The Latest IELTS Speaking Questions

These are the latest IELTS speaking questions as given to us by recent test takers. We try to keep this list as up to date as possible so that you can have a good idea of what may be asked in the IELTS speaking test.

This list of IELTS speaking questions is constantly being updated and we endeavour to make it as accurate as possible. However, please do not assume that the same IELTS speaking questions will be asked when you sit the test. Please be sure to look at the topics of the most common questions for part 1 to make sure you are ready for the test.

You can find the most common questions that come up on the IELTS speaking test here.

Part 1

  • Where are you living now?
  • Do people of different age groups live in your area?
  • What do you like most about where you live?
  • What is the neighborhood like where you live?
  • Do you have any friends there?
  • What can be improved in the area where you live?
  • Do you know any famous people in the area where you live?
  • Do you intend to stay in this area in the future?

Part 1

  • Did you usually go to the cinema when you were a child?
  • Do you often go to the cinema with your friends?
  • Do you still like the same kind of movie you liked as a child?
  • What genres of films do you like?
  • Do you think going to the cinema is a good way to spend time with friends?

Part 1

  • What type of clothes do you like to wear?
  • Do you prefer casual clothes or smart clothes?
  • How much time do you spend choosing clothes every day?
  • Did you choose your clothes when you were young?

Part 1

  • Do you usually spend your day off with your parents or friends?
  • What do you often do on your day off?
  • When was your last day off?

Part 1

  • What is your favorite day of the week?
  • What is your least favorite day of the week?
  • What is the busiest day of the week for you?
  • Is there anything that you do every day??
  • Are weekdays and weekends the same for you?

Part 2

Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful.

You should say:

  • where you can see it
  • what it is about
  • why you think it is useful
  • and explain how you feel about it.

Part 2

Describe someone you know who often helps others.

You should say:

  • what he/she is like
  • how he/she helps others
  • why his/her help is beneficial
  • and explain why he/she helps others

Part 2

Describe an interesting person you never met, but would like to know more about him/her.

You should say:

  • who this person is
  • how you knew him/her
  • why you think he/she is interesting
  • and explain how you feel about this person.

Part 2

Describe a new shop that recently opened in your city/town.

You should say:

  • where the shop is
  • what it sells
  • what kinds of people usually go to this shop
  • and explain how successful you think it will be in the future.

 Part 2

Describe a person who has interesting ideas or opinions.

You should say:

  • who this person is
  • how you knew him/her
  • what this person does
  • and explain why you think his/her ideas or opinions are interesting.

Part 3

  • How do you feel about online advertising?
  • Are there any great online advertisements?
  • Why does buying new things make people happy?
  • Do people still watch useless advertisements nowadays?

Part 3

  • How can children help their parents at home?
  • Should students do community service? Why?
  • Do students in your country do volunteer work?
  • Why do some people do volunteer work all over the world?

Part 3

  • Do you think big cities are more suitable for children than the countryside?
  • Do you think people nowadays prefer online talking to face-to-face talk?
  • Do you think it is easier for city people to feel lonely than those living in the countryside?

Part 3

  • What kinds of shops are popular in your city?
  • Why do young people enjoy shopping in boutiques?
  • Do you think location is the key factor that attracts customers?
  • How important are price and quality in influencing consumer behavior?
  • What is the difference between a small shop and a large shop?
  • Are there any methods to improve the popularity of shops?

Part 3

  • How do inventors and philosophers come up with new ideas?
  • Do you think children should have their own opinions?
  • Why do children often have similar opinions to their parents?
  • Do you think teachers influence students’ opinions?

 Part 1

  • Did you usually go to the cinema when you were a child?
  • Do you often go to the cinema with your friends?
  • Do you still like the same kind of movie you liked as a child?
  • What genres of films do you like?
  • Do you think going to the cinema is a good way to spend time with friends?

Part 1

  • Where is your hometown?
  • Do you like your hometown? Why?
  • How long have you been living in your hometown?
  • Do you believe it is a proper place to grow up? Why
  • How could your hometown be improved?
  • Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
  • Is there good public transportation in your hometown?
  • Will you be moving away from your hometown?

Part 1

  • Do you like the city where you live? Why?
  • How long have you lived in this city?
  • Are there big changes in this city?
  • Is this city your permanent residence?

Part 1

  • Could you stay focused in class when you were a child?
  • What do you do to help you concentrate?
  • Is it difficult for you to stay focused on something?
  • When do you need to be focused?

Part 1

  • How do robots affect our lives?
  • Are you interested in robots?
  • Did you like any films about robots when you were a child?
  • Do you use robots in daily life?
  • Will you feel comfortable in a car driven by a robot?

Part 1

  • Do you often chat with friends?
  • Do you prefer to chat online or face-to-face?
  • Do you prefer group chat and individual chat?
  • What will you do if you disagree with others?

Recent Tests:

Part 1

  • Do you usually help people around you?
  • How do you help people around you?
  • Do your parents teach you how to help others?
  • What have you done to help the elderly?

Part 1

  • How much time do you spend choosing clothes every day?
  • Do you prefer casual clothes or smart clothes?
  • Did you choose your clothes when you were young?

Part 2

Describe an activity that made you feel tired.

You should say:

  • when it happened
  • where it took place
  • what the activity was
  • and explain why it made you feel tired.

Part 2

Describe a party you enjoyed.

You should say:

  • when you went to this party
  • where the party was held
  • what kind of party it was
  • and explain why you enjoyed this party.

Part 2

Describe a happy memory in your childhood.

You should say:

  • what it was about
  • who you were with
  • what you did
  • and explain how you felt about it.

Part 2

Describe a piece of clothing you wear most often.

You should say:

  • what it is
  • how often you wear it
  • what it is like
  • and explain why you enjoy wearing it.

Part 2

Describe a bad service you received in a restaurant or shop.

You should say:

  • when and where it happened
  • what happened
  • how you dealt with it
  • and explain how you felt about the experience.

Part 2

Describe a beautiful city you have visited.

You should say:

  • where the city is
  • when you went there
  • why you went there
  • and explain why it is beautiful.

Part 2

Describe a place in your country that you think is interesting.

You should say:

  • where it is
  • how you knew it
  • what special features it has
  • and explain why you are interested in it.

Part 2

Describe a successful business person you admire.

You should say:

  • who this person is
  • what kind of business this person does
  • why this person are successful
  • and explain why you admire this person.

 Part 2

Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone.

You should say:

  • who you gave the advice to
  • what the advice was
  • why you gave the advice
  • and explain how he/she followed your advice.

 Part 3

  • Does learning make people feel tired?
  • When do people usually feel tired?
  • How much free time do you think office workers should have?

Part 3

  • Why do people like parties while others don’t?
  • Do you think music and dance are a must at a party?
  • What are the differences between parties at home and those held in public places?

Part 3

  • Why do some people have a better memory than others?
  • What kinds of things do people prefer to remember?
  • What can people do to improve their memory?
  • Why do some people remember more of their childhood than others?

Part 3

  • When do people wear formal clothes?
  • What is the difference between the clothes of older people and the young people in your country?
  • Do the people living in south India (warmer) wear different clothes from those living in the north (colder)?
  • Do you think students like to wear uniforms?

Part 3

  • How do most people respond to bad services?
  • Do you think most restaurants and shops provide better services than before?

Part 3

  • Why do some like to visit historical cities?
  • Do you think it is hard to protect historical buildings?
  • Who should be responsible for protecting historical buildings?
  • Do you think those tall buildings in cities look similar?

 Part 3

  • Do people in different regions of your country have different personalities?
  • Do you think a great tourist city is a good place to live?
  • Why do some people believe small towns are more for living than big cities?

Part 3

  • Do you think a successful person can be popular at the same time?
  • Which one is more important? Being popular or having good grades?
  • Do you think students who do well in academic study will become successful later in life?
  • Do you think rich people are successful?
  • Do you think it is easier for people to become successful nowadays than in the past?
  • What do people need to sacrifice to be successful?
  • Are there any family businesses in your country?
  • What do you think is the most important quality of an employee?

Part 3

  • What advice do parents often give to their children in your country?
  • Why do some children not follow their parent’s advice?
  • Do you think it is necessary for us to listen to friends’ advice?

Part 1

  • Do you live in a house or a flat?
  • Why do you live in an apartment/house?
  • How long have you lived there?
  • What do you like the most about it?
  • What is your favorite room? Why?
  • Can you describe the view from your windows?
  • Do you plan to live there in the future?
  • What are the advantages of living in your own home?
  • What kind of accommodation do you wish to have in the future?
  • Can you tell me about your house when you were a child?

Part 1

  • Have you ever learned about outer space and stars?
  • Are you interested in films concerning outer space and stars?
  • Do you want to go into outer space in the future?

Part 1

  • Do you like the city where you live in? Why?
  • How long have you lived in this city?
  • Are there big changes in this city?
  • Is this city your permanent residence?

Part 1

  • Can you fix things?
  • What kinds of things can you fix?
  • Have you ever asked people to teach you to fix things?
  • Do you think fixing things is a necessary skill?

Part 2

Describe something you did that made you feel proud.

You should say:

  • what it was
  • how you did it
  • how difficult it was
  • and explain why you felt proud of it

Part 2

Describe a historical period you would like to know more about.

You should say:

  • when it was
  • what you are interested in
  • what you have known
  • and why you would like to know more.

Part 2

Describe an apartment or a house that you would like to have.

You should say:

  • what it is like
  • where it would be
  • why you would like to have such a place
  • and explain how you feel about the place.

Part 2

Describe a place you went to where there are a lot of people.

You should say:

  • what the decision was
  • when you made this decision
  • how long it took to make the decision
  • and explain why it was difficult to make the decision.

Part 2

Describe a new development (e.g., a shopping mall) in your town or city.

You should say:

  • what the development is
  • when/where you notice it
  • how long it took to complete it
  • and explain how you feel about it

Part 3

  • Have your life goals changed since childhood?
  • Does everyone set goals for themselves?
  • What kinds of rewards are important at work?

Part 3

  • In what ways can children learn history?
  • What are the differences between learning history from books and videos?
  • Who should be responsible for protecting historic buildings?
  • Should every know history?

Part 3

  • What’s the difference between an apartment and a house?
  • What is the most common architectural style of buildings in your country?
  • What difficulties do people have living in the city?
  • What can be done to reduce the stress of city life?

Part 3

  • What kinds of places are often crowded with many people?
  • Do you think young people usually wait patiently in crowded places?
  • What types of people do not like to go to crowded places?
  • What are the advantages of living on an upper floor?
  • What do you think of people queuing up in restaurants for over an hour?

Part 3

  • What can be improved in public transport services?
  • What leisure facilities can be used by people of all ages?
  • Do you think young people in your country like to go to the cinema?
  • How is the subway system developing in your country?

Part 1

  • Where are you living now?
  • What do you like most about where you live?
  • What is the neighborhood like where you live?
  • Do you have any friends there?
  • What can be improved in the area where you live?
  • Do you know any famous people in the area where you live?
  • Do you intend to stay in this area in the future?

Part 1

  • Do you often go to the library?
  • What books or materials do you often read in a library?
  • What do you usually do in a library other than reading?
  • Do people in your country often go to the library?

Part 1

  • Do you like rainy days?
  • Does it rain much in your city?
  • Would you like to live in a dry or wet place?

 Part 1

  • Do you often stay up late?
  • Did you stay up late when you were a kid?
  • What do you do when you stay up late?
  • What does it feel like the following day when you stay up late?

 Part 1

  • What is your favorite day of the week?
  • What is your least favorite day of the week?
  • What is the busiest day of the week for you?
  • Is there anything that you do every day??
  • Are weekdays and weekends the same for you?
  • Are there wild animals in your country?
  • Have you ever been to a zoo or a safari park?
  • What is the animal you like to see in the wild?
  • Are there TV programs about wild animals in your country?

Part 2

Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young.

You should say:

  • what it was
  • where you did it
  • who you did it with
  • and explain why you enjoyed it

Part 2

Describe a technological product you own that you feel is difficult to use.

You should say:

  • what it is
  • when you got it
  • how often you use it
  • and explain how you feel about it.

 Part 2

Describe a time when someone gave you something that you really wanted.

You should say:

  • what it was
  • when you received it
  • who gave it to you
  • and explain why you wanted it so much.

Part 2

Describe a sports program you like to watch.

You should say:

  • what it is
  • where you watch it
  • who you watch it with
  • explain why you like to watch this sport.

Part 2

Describe an occasion when you lost your way.

You should say:

  • where you were
  • what happened
  • how you felt about it
  • and explain how you found your way.

Part 2

Describe a traditional celebration in your country.

You should say:

  • what it is
  • when it is held
  • how it is celebrated
  • and explain how you feel about this celebration.

Part 2

Describe a time when you saved money to buy an expensive gift for others.

You should say:

  • What it was
  • Why you wanted to buy this gift
  • How long you saved money for it
  • And explain how you felt when you bought the gift.

Part 2

Describe someone you know who has recently moved to a new place.

You should say:

  • who he/she is
  • what the new place is like
  • why he/she moved to this place.

Part 3

  • Is it important to have a break during work or study?
  • Are there more activities for young people now than 20 years ago?
  • Do adults and children have enough time for leisure activities nowadays?
  • What sports do young people like to do now?

Part 3

  • Why do big companies introduce new products frequently?
  • Why are people keen on buying iPhones even though they haven’t changed much from one to the next?
  • What changes has the development of technology brought about in our lives?
  • Does the development of technology affect the way we study? How?

Part 3

  • How should bosses reward employees?
  • What kinds of gifts do young people like to receive as rewards?
  • Why do people like shopping more now than in the past?
  • Do you think shopping is good for a country’s economy?

Part 3

  • Which sport do you think most people like to do? Why?
  • What are the benefits of exercise?
  • Do you think children should receive education in school about keeping fit and healthy and eating healthily?
  • What can be done to get children into sports?
  • What is the different between watching sports on TV and watching live?

Part 3

  • How can people find their way when they are lost?
  • Why do some people get lost more quickly than others?
  • Is a paper map still necessary?

 Part 3

  • Are there any festivals that have already disappeared in your country?
  • Why do you think some traditional festivals are still celebrated by people (while others already disappeared)?
  • Why should children learn about traditions?
  • Are there any particular music or snacks involved when people celebrate traditional festivals?

Part 3

  • Are you good at saving money?
  • Do you think it is hard for people to save money nowadays?
  • Do you think children should have pocket money?
  • What do young people save money for?

Part 3

  • Is it a positive thing for young people to live by themselves?
  • Apart from cooking, are there any other skills people need to learn if they live independently?
  • What kinds of people tend to live by themselves?
  • Why do some young people keep moving?
  • What’s the difference between living alone and living with roommates?

 

You can find the most common questions that come up on the IELTS speaking test here