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IELTS Speaking

Latest & Anticipated

Actual Questions

(for Jan-Apr 2021)

The sets of questions are based on research and analysis of the most recent and actual

IELTS speaking questions. It includes not only the latest but the trending and greatly

anticipated Jan-Apr 2021 topics and questions as well.

Table of contents

Ⅰ. Guideline Page 3

Ⅱ. Strategy Page 7

Ⅲ. Sample Q&A for reference Page 13

Ⅳ. Actual Topics / Questions Page 18

Ⅰ. Guideline

Speaking Part 1 (4~5 mins)

In the IELTS speaking test Part 1, the examiner will introduce himself or herself and ask

general questions on familiar topics.

The examiner will ask some questions to confirm candidate’s identity. He or she will then ask general

questions on familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies and interests. Part 1 Speaking test takes

about 4~5 minutes and number of questions are maximum 12 based on 3 topics, but it depends on how the

candidate responds. After the applicant answers, the examiner can ask “why?” as often as they need to, in

order to make the applicant give longer answers.

First one of the 3 topics is always 【Checking name and ID + Work / Study (or) Where you live】 as the chart

below. They are always included in Part 1 question, so this is OPTIONAL for teachers and they can skip if needed

(especially the checking name and ID part) during class.

Topic/Questions always included in Part 1

(Optional for teachers during class)

【Checking name and ID】

【Home / Accommodation】

• What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?

• Do you live in a house or an apartment (flat)?

• What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past?

• Can you describe the place where you live?

• Which room does your family spend most of the time in?

• How long have you lived there?

• Does your family like it?

• Do you enjoy living with your family?

• Do you (Does your family) like it?

• How would you change your apartment or house?

• What do you usually do in your house/flat/room?

• Do you plan to live there for a long time?

• Do you want to live by yourself in the future?

• Are the transport facilities to your home very good?

• Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?

• What part of your home do you like the most?

• Please describe the room you live in.

【Hometown】

• Please describe your hometown a little?

• Is it a big city or a small town?

• How long have you been living there?

• What do you like most about your hometown?

• Is there anything you dislike about it?

• What do visitors like to do in your hometown?

• Do you like living there?

• Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?

【Work or study】

• Do you work or are you a student?

• What specific things do you do in your job?

• Do you like your job? (Why or Why not)

• Why did you choose that job?

• Is it a popular job in your country?

• What was your first day like?

• What responsibilities do you have at work?

• What is the most interesting thing about your work?

• Do you get on well with your colleagues?

• Do you prefer to work in the morning or evening?

• What are the ways that you can improve your skills at work?

• Has your job changed a lot in the past years?

• If you had the chance, would you change your job?

• Do you plan to continue with your job in the future?

• Is there anything you dislike about your job?

• Would you recommend that job to others?

• Do you think this job has a bright future?

• What are the most interesting and the most difficult parts of your job?

• Have you changed your mind on your dream job?

• Do you miss being a student?

• Do you prefer to work (or study) in the mornings or in the afternoons?

• Are you looking forward to working?

• What subjects are you studying?

【Country】

• Tell me a little about your country.

• Which part of your country do most people live in?

• Where is your country located?

• Tell me about the main industries in your country.

• What are some of the good things and some of the bad things about living in your country?


In the IELTS speaking test Part 2, candidate will be given a task card on a particular topic,

this will include key points that he or she should talk about.

This section of the Speaking test gives candidates the opportunity to speak longer about the topic. The

candidate will be given 1 minute to prepare for his/her answer about the topic on the task card. A pencil

and paper will be provided for him/her to take notes. The candidate will have about 2 minutes to talk and

then the examiner might ask him/her one or two follow up questions on the same topic. Part 2 takes about

3~4 minutes.


In the IELTS speaking Part 3, the examiner will ask a broader range of questions based on

the topic that you had in speaking part 2. The questions require you to expand your answers

further with explanations and examples. The examiner will strictly control the time.

This part of the test is designed to give the candidate the opportunity to talk more about abstract issues and

ideas. It is a two-way discussion with the examiner, which lasts about 4~5 minutes.

Each Part 3 is unique, as the examiners have to modify and reformulate the questions to create more of a

conversational flow, based on the candidate’s level. They have 9 questions to choose from for Part 3. They

use the first 6 for weaker candidates and the last 6 for stronger candidates, which means no two tests should

be the same. It has to be more like a natural conversation. This is for gauging the candidate's actual English

level more accurately since many of them tend to memorize prepared answers.

The questions in Part 3 are more like prompts for the examiner than a script to read.

For example:

Q. Can you compare the use of formal clothes in the past and present? (Original question)

Q. How often do people in your country wear formal clothes? (For lower level candidate)

Ⅱ. Strategy

【Strategy : In general】

⚫ Do not become too conversational.

This is an exam and you need to show the best side of your spoken English. You need to

recognize that this is not a true dialogue between two people: it is more of an interview

with one person speaking and the other listening.

⚫ Eye contact

Eye contact is not necessary, but suggested. You are marked by the examiner in the room

and you should do everything you can to show that person that you are a good

communicator. If you do not make eye contact with the examiner, he/she is probably

going to be less impressed with your performance.

⚫ Accent

Accent is not important in the speaking test as long as it does not impede your ability to

communicate. It is about having clear speech and using a range of pronunciation features

such as, sentence stress, weak sounds, linking sounds and intonation. Focus your efforts

on these, not sounding like you’re imitating someone.

⚫ Examiner’s reaction

An examiner’s attitude and reaction doesn’t affect scoring. It is possible for the examiner

to interrupt your answer and not let you finish. There are three main reasons why this

might happen. Firstly, there is a time limit and the examiner must move on to the next

question. Secondly, the examiner is satisfied with the language in your answer and wants

to move quickly to a new question which tests another part of your English. Thirdly, your

answer has gone off topic and the examiner wants to start a new question. So, if the

examiner interrupts your answer, don’t worry about it. Just focus on the next question

and answer confidently.

⚫ Fluency/Coherence

Fluency is the basis of scoring, not a lengthy answer (that is vague and incoherent).

However, not just about fluency, you also need to be coherent – meaning the examiner

should be able to follow your ideas. Expand your key points to make your talk longer and

make it clear when you move onto a new key point.

⚫ Speak at a variable speed rate.

Your grade for fluency requires that you speak at a good speed. You must demonstrate

this to the examiner, but you do NOT need to speak quickly throughout the entire exam.

Speaking clearly, with precise sentences, is the better method in order to get a high score

rather than trying to be fluent with a fast speaking pace.

⚫ Trying to memorize an answer is NOT a good method.

This is one of the major factors which affects the scoring. This perhaps should be point

number one. One of the best ways to impress an examiner is to talk personally about

what you think and what you know. Examiners just HATE answers that they think are learnt.

⚫ Use filler ONLY IF needed.

Fillers don't have real meaning such as: oh, well, actually. And it would be better to use

filler not to make dead air. Research shows that native speakers use lots of fillers, but

non-native speakers rarely use it.

⚫ Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing the words or structure of the question is a fast-track route to a higher score.

⚫ Focus on language, not real opinions.

If you haven’t experienced what’s being asked, make up a story. The examiner doesn’t

care if you’re telling the truth or not. What’s important is that you can give appropriate

answers to the questions.

⚫ Think about the tense required and use it accurately.

Grammar matters in speaking. It’s rather better to minimize grammatical error than

focusing too much on using difficult and complicated grammar.

⚫ Always support main point

Try to support your main points, by adding details, giving explanations, or giving

examples.

【Strategy : For Part 1】

⚫ Give a concise and direct answer to each questions and stop with confidence.

⚫ 2~4 sentences are desirable depends on length and contents of answer.

⚫ You can start answering with Yes/No when necessary. This will deliver your thoughts

more clearly.

⚫ Try to expand your answer as full response with reasons or examples. This shows that

you understand the question, and gives you more chance to show your language ability

and get a higher score. For example,

Q. What colors do you like?

BAD RESPONSE:

A. "I like green and blue."

[This answer has no advanced vocabulary.]

BETTER RESPONSE:

A. "My favorite colors are light green and navy blue."

[This answer is more precise and precision increases your score for vocabulary.]

GREAT RESPONSE:

A. Well, My favorite color is magenta, I guess that's because I'm really into bright and

bold colors. I also like turquoise, I find that a very relaxing peaceful color that

reminds me of the ocean.

[This answer uses some less common colors, and can impress the examiner with

your vocabulary about colors. It also includes the idiomatic expression "I'm really

into." This means to like something.]

【For Part 2】

⚫ Make sure to answer all the bullet points.

⚫ Speaking in less than 2 minutes will not affect the scoring if the student was able to

give a concise and detailed response. However, in reality, part 2 is your biggest chance

to show your English so if you don't speak for a whole 2 minutes, then you are missing

an opportunity to show your fluency and lexis.

⚫ Find key points quickly for creating better coherence during 1 minute preparation.

⚫ You also need to be coherent – meaning the examiner should be able to follow your

ideas. This is a skill that needs work in longer answers. Expand your key points to

make your talk longer and make it clear when you move onto a new key point

⚫ Use good topic vocabulary. This is the one part of the test where you are most likely to

use more detailed topic vocabulary.

⚫ Use relative pronouns [who, whose] :

Use who to add information about the subject.

(eg. My neighbor, who is really old, seldom goes outside.)

Use whose as a possessive relative pronoun.

(eg. He is a rich man whose house is very large.)

⚫ Produce error-free sentences frequently.

⚫ To make your answer more interesting use lots of descriptive vocabulary. You could

talk about the following aspects. For example,

- Height: petite [short], lofty [tall]

Build: slender [thin], overweight [fat], well-built [muscular]

- Age: toddler [young child], adolescent [young adult], senior citizen

- Facial features: clean shaven, full beard, goatee beard, moustache

- Hair: short cropped hair, long thick hair, ponytail, bald

⚫ Don’t worry too much about using clever language – think fluency!

When we speak a language we don’t have much time to choose our words and that

means that we often use far fewer words when we speak than when we write. In IELTS

speaking candidates sometimes go wrong because they try and use “clever” words that

they think will impress the examiner. This can be a mistake for a couple of reasons:

- The words may in fact be wrong!

- If you spend too much time trying to think of words your fluency may suffer.

【Strategy : For Part 3】

⚫ Avoid just repeating the information or language that you used in Part Two. This is

because it will not show the examiner anything new and not give them any new ratable

language.

⚫ Try to support your main points, by adding details. Expand answer with personal

experience, knowledge, reason, concession, comparison, or prediction.

⚫ Give extended responses. Ideally your responses should be twice as long as in Part One

of the test. So you want answers that are about 4 to 6 sentences.

⚫ If you are really stuck about how to answer a question, do not sit there in silence! Say

it: "Gosh that's a tricky question I've never thought about that before." Then try to give

some sort of answer. If you can't then just tell the examiner. Of course this is not ideal,

but the worst thing is to sit there in silence.

⚫ Try to support your main points, by adding details, giving explanations, or giving

examples.

⚫ Make it clear when you move onto a new key point.

⚫ Stay calm and talk naturally as fluent and spontaneous as possible.

⚫ Avoid repetition of information or language that you used in Part Two. This is because

it will not show the examiner anything new and not give them any new ratable

language.

⚫ There is no set word limit for what a good part 3 answer, but it should not be too short

and not too long. Too short and you will have failed to develop your answer properly;

too long and you may go off topic and/or make mistakes. 3~6 sentences are desirable

depends on the length and contents of answer. (Twice as long as the Part 1.)

Ⅲ. Sample Q&A for reference

■ PART I. Sample Q&A. (Max. 12 questions based on 3 topics / 4~5 mins)

【Checking name and ID + Work / Study (or) Where you live】

• Omitted as always included in Part 1

【Weekend】

• What do you usually do on weekends?

Sample Answer) Normally, if my friends are available, I play some basketball with them on Sunday

morning because that’s the time when the basketball court is mostly available to us.

• Did you do anything special last weekend?

Sample Answer) No, not really. I just stayed at home for the whole weekend, finishing the assignments

of my course, which is part of my weekly routine. I did intend to go to a movie with my friends that we

were all keen to watch, but we all ended up being at home because of Covid-19.

• What will you do next weekend?

Sample Answer) Well, apart from the assignment, which is the task I need to finish every weekend, I

am I also planning to visit my grandparents who are living in the countryside. It’s been quite a while

since I saw them last year.

• What do other people in your hometown usually do on weekend?

Sample Answer) Nothing quite special. But, I know people in my hometown, no matter young or old,

often go square dancing on Saturday and Sunday night. They love to dance with friends and strangers

in public to unwind. It’s almost become a tradition for them.

【Handwriting】

• Do you usually write by hand or write using a computer?

Sample Answer) I type for the most time. Because there are actually not that many tasks that really

require me to write by hand. Plus, it’s way more time-saving and legible.

• When do children begin to write in your country?

Sample Answer) Kids in our country begin to write at the age of 3, which is the time for kindergarten.

They are usually encouraged to write some simple Korean characters or some ABCs to develop their

brain and language ability.

• Do you think handwriting is very important nowadays?

Sample Answer) Yes, I think it’s quite important because handwriting shows one’s personality to

others. If you have perfect handwriting, I guess it won’t be difficult to impress others when it comes to

job hunting or even a good relationship.

• What is the difference between writing with a pen and typing on a computer?

Sample Answer) I think the biggest difference would be that typing on a computer is way faster than

writing. I can type more words in a short limit of time.

■ PART II. Sample Q&A. Q-CARD (1 min preparation and up to 2 mins response / 3~4 mins)

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe an aquatic animal

You should say:

• What it looks like?

• When did you see it?

• Where you saw it?

• Explain why it is interesting?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Sample Answer)

The body of an octopus looks like a bag. It also has a bulbous (Something that’s bulbous is round) head,

eight arms, and large eyes. The arms have many nerves, which allow the octopus to grab and taste things.

Octopuses inhabit various regions of the ocean.

Most species of octopus grow quickly, mature early, and are short-lived.

The giant Pacific octopus is often cited as the largest known octopus species. Adults usually weigh around

15 kg.

Last month I went to Busan for some official work/ for the exam. I visited my friend’s house at night. He is

very fond of animals and birds. He has many pet animals and birds at home. He has recently bought octopus

and make the proper place and create the appropriate environment for it. It is a baby octopus looks very

lovely.

Octopuses are brilliant animals, masters of camouflage/ hide that have tricks over tens of millions of years

to avoid or thwart would-be attackers. They can match their surroundings’ colours and even textures. If a

predator gets too, close octopuses can escape quickly. Also, the octopus’s arms are lined with hundreds of

suckers, each of which can be moved independently and letting the animal touch, smell, and manipulate

objects.

■ PART III. Sample Q&A. (4~5 mins)

• Why do people like to keep pets?

Sample Answer)

Spending time with pets is the best way to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Several studies/researches

have revealed that people who tend to spend their time with pets are more likely to live longer than

people who don’t. That’s the way they like to keep pets.

• What should we do to protect endangered animals?

Sample Answer)

This kind of work required many funds to donate some money to NGO to protect endangered animals.

We can educate our society and family about endangered species. Moreover, we can motivate people to

keep the environment clean and try to use a recyclable product.

• Do you support doing experiments on animals?

Sample Answer)

Even though Animal models help ensure the effectiveness and safety of the new treatment, animals suffer

a lot of pain and other types of infection, so I do not support animal experiments.

• Why do some people refuse to eat animals?

Sample Answer)

There are many reasons people refuse to eat animals such as some people are pure vegetarian, so they

do not eat animals, another reason is religion, in India, people worship animals such as cow, so that’s

why they don’t eat animals. Moreover, non-vegetarian food contains lots of fat, so people who are health

conscious do not eat animals.

• What would happen when some species disappear on earth?

Sample Answer)

There can be many negative consequences if some species become extinct on our planet. The first effect

is that there will be an imbalance in the ecosystem. For example, if mosquitoes disappear forever, other

creatures can suffer as a result because they become hungry, like frogs or lizards, which usually feed on

mosquitoes.

Ⅳ. Actual Topics / Questions

■■■■■ Set 1 ■■■■■ (Recommended to preview and not to memorize your script/answer)

■ PART I. (Max. 12 questions based on 3 topics / 4~5 mins)



【Getting up early】

• Do you often get up early in the morning?

• What do you usually do when you get up early?

• Do you get up early on weekend?

• Which morning do you like best in a week?

【Singing】

• Do you like singing?

• When do you sing usually?

• Do you have a favorite song you like to sing?

• Did you enjoy singing when you were younger?

■ PART II. Q-CARD (1 min preparation and up to 2 mins response / 3~4 mins)

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a toy you liked in your childhood

You should say:

• What kind of toy it is

• When you received it

• How you played it

• And how you felt about it

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

■ PART III. (4~5 mins)

• How do advertisements influence children?

• Should advertising aimed at kids be prohibited?

• What’s the difference between the toys kids play now and those they played in the past?

• Do you think parent should buy more toys for their kids or spend more time with them?

■■■■■ Set 2 ■■■■■

(Recommended to preview and not to memorize your script/answer)




【TV Program】

• Do you often watch programs on the TV or on your cellphone?

• What kind of TV programs do you like?

• Do you like watching the same kind of program all the time?

• Do you talk with your friends about the program you watched?

【Farming】

• Have you visited a farm?

• What kind of farm do you like?

• Do you think farming is important?

• Did you do farm work when you were young?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe the first day of your school

You should say:

• When it was

• Where you were

• What happened

• And how you felt during that day

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do you think students should be taken to school by parents or go by themselves?

• Should children rely on their parents or be independent?

• How can children become more independent?

• What’s the influence if parents interfere with children’s life too much?





【New Year】

• How do you celebrate New Year?

• Do you still remember a new year that you celebrated?

• Do you have any ceremonies to celebrate the New Year in your country?

• Why do people think New Year is a new beginning?

【Tree】

• Do you like trees?

• Have you ever planted trees?

• Did you every climb trees when you were a child?

• Would you like to live in a place that has lots of trees?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when you told your friend an important truth

You should say:

• Who your friend is

• What the truth was

• What your friend’s reaction was

• And explain why you think it was important to tell your friend the truth

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do you think we should tell the truth at all times?

• How do you know when others are telling lies?

• Sometimes people should tell lies. Do you agree?

• In what kind of situations should people not tell the truth?

• Are there any situations when it isn't polite, to tell the truth?





【Being happy】

• Is there anything that makes you feel happy lately?

• What do you do to stay happy?

• Can you stay happy all the time?

• Is it important to be happy?

【Home country】

• Which part of country do you want to live in?

• What makes you feel proud of your country?

• Do you know the history of your country well?

• Will you stay in Korea in the future?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a skill that you think you can teach other people

You should say:

• What it is

• When you learned it

• How you can teach others

• And how you feel about this skill

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Should teachers be funny when they teach?

• What qualities should teachers have?

• Which do you think is more important, practical skills or academic skills?

• Which age group is the best at learning new things?





【Reading】

• Do you like reading?

• Do you like to read at home or in other places?

• In what place do you think it is difficult to read?

• Do you like to read by yourself or with other people?

【Rest】

• How often do you take a rest?

• What do you usually do when you are resting?

• Do you take a nap when you have a rest?

• How do you feel after taking a nap?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe an art exhibition you have visited

You should say:

• When you went there

• Where it was

• What it was like

• And explain how you felt about it

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do people have different opinions about art? Why?

• Why are some artworks expensive?

• Why do some people like to collect expensive paintings?

• What can art bring to life?





【Clothes and fashion】

• What’s your favorite color of clothes?

• What kind of clothes do you usually wear?

• What kind of clothes do you never wear?

• Do you wear the same style of clothes on weekdays and weekends?

【Text message】

• Do you like texting?

• How often do you send text messages?

• Do you prefer sending or receiving messages?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a live sport match that you have watched

You should say:

• What it was

• When you watched it

• What it was like


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do you prefer to watch live sports or watch it on TV?

• Why do some people like to watch live sports?

• What kinds of sports do Korean people like to watch?

• Do you think competition is good for students?





【Window view】

• What scenery can you see from the window of your home/dormitory?

• Do you like to watch the scenery from your window?

• Do you want to live in a house with beautiful window views?

• How do you feel when you can’t see any beautiful view from your window?

【Decoration】

• What’s the decoration like in your home?

• What’s your favorite color when decorating your home?

• Do Korean people like redecorating their homes?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a polite person you know

You should say:

• Who he/she is

• How you knew him/her

• What he/she is like

• And explain how why you think he/she is polite

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What’s the standard of being polite?

• What behavior will be regarded as impolite?

• Who are more polite? People from cities or those from the countryside?

• What do you think make people polite?





【List】

• Do you make a list when you shop?

• Do you make a list for your work? (Does it work?)

• Do you prefer to make a list on paper or your phone?

• Why don’t some people like making lists?

【Furniture】

• Do you have a lot of furniture in your home?

• Which furniture in your home do you like the best?

• What kind of furniture would you like to buy?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time you made a promise to someone

You should say:

• What the promise was

• To whom you made it

• Whether it was easy or difficult to keep

• And explain why you made it

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What kinds of promises do people often make?

• Do parents in Korea make promise to their children?

• Do children keep their promises?

• Why do some people fail to keep their promises?

■■■■■ Set 9 ■■■■■





【Picnic】

• Do you like picnics?

• How often do you go on picnics?

• Who do you go with?

• When was the last time you went on a picnic?

【Festival】

• What is your favorite festival?

• How do you celebrate this festival?

• What is the most popular Korean festival?

• Do you like Western festivals?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a special hotel you have stayed in

You should say:

• Where it is

• What it is like

• Why you went there


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do the ratings of hotels influence people’s choices?

• How do people reserve hotel rooms?

• What can influence people’s choices of hotels?

• What’s the difference between the hotels in your country and those abroad?





【Recycle】

• Do you recycle now?

• What kind of things do you recycle?

• Did you recycle when you were a kid?

• Will you recycle more in the future?

【Museum】

• Do you like visiting museums?

• When was the last time you visited a museum?

• What did you learn from visiting museums?

• Which do you prefer to visit, museums or art galleries?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time you needed to use your imagination

You should say:

• When it was

• Why you needed to use your imagination

• How difficult or easy it was


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do you think adults can have lots of imagination?

• Do you think imagination is essential for scientists?

• What kinds of jobs need imagination?

• What subjects are helpful for children’s imagination?





【Concentration】

• When do you need to be focused?

• Is it difficult for you to stay focused on something?

• What may distract you when you’re trying to stay focused?

• What do you do to help you concentrate?

【Changes】

• Do you like changes? Why?

• What do you plan to change next year?

• Have you changed a lot since your childhood?

• Are there any positive changes in your country these days?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a short trip you often take but do not like

You should say:

• Where you go

• When you go there

• Why you go there

• And explain why you do not like the trip

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do Korean people like travelling abroad?

• Who prefer travelling abroad? The young or the old?

• How much time do you think people should spend on a trip abroad?

• Which is better for knowing more about a country? Travelling or reading books about it?





【Photography】

• Do you like taking pictures?

• When do you take photos?

• Which do you use when taking photos, a camera or a phone?

【Handwriting】

• Is your handwriting easy to read?

• Do you think writing is important nowadays?

• Do you usually write by hand or write using a computer?

• Do you think computers might one day replace handwriting?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a piece of international news you recently heard

You should say:

• What it was about

• Where and when you heard it

• What you were doing when you heard it


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• How do Korean people usually get news?

• Which kind of news is more popular? Domestic news or international news?

• Do you think children should pay more attention to the news?

• How is the news media changing recently?





【Stages of life】

• Do you enjoy your current stage of life?

• In what stage of your life were you the happiest?

• Which stage of your life do you think is the most important?

• What’s your plan for your next stage of life?

【Mornings】

• Do you like to get up early in the morning?

• Is breakfast important?

• What is your morning routine?

• Do you want to change your daily routine in the future?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when you got close to wild animals

You should say:

• Where you were

• What the animals were doing

• Who you were with

• And what your reaction was

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Is it important to preserve wildlife?

• What are the differences between animals in zoos and those in the wild?

• Why should the staff in the zoos teach the public about animals?

• Why are people keen on keeping pets?

• How can the increase of human population influence wild animals?





【Rest】



• Do you take a nap when you have a rest?


【Math】

• Do you like math?

• When did you start learning math?

• Who taught you math?

• Do you like to use a calculator?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a thing that you bought and felt pleased about

You should say:

• What you bought

• Where you bought it

• What it is for

• And explain why you felt pleased about it

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• How often do people in your country go shopping?

• Why is online shopping popular?

• How should sellers set prices for their products?

• Do you think online shopping will replace shopping in stores?

■■■■■ Set 15 ■■■■■





【Weekends】

• How do you usually spend your weekends?

• Did you do anything special last weekend?

• What will you do next weekend?

【Home country】






•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe an unforgettable bike(bicycle) trip you had

You should say:

• When it was

• Where you went


• And explain why you think it was unforgettable

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do you think biking is a good way of exercise?

• Do you think children should learn biking?

• Do people in your country often travel by bike?

• Which is more convenient? Biking or driving?





【Getting up early】

• Do you often get up early in the morning?

• What do you usually do when you get up early?

• Do you get up early on weekend?

• Which morning do you like best in a week?

【Tree】

• What kinds of trees do you plant?

• What kind of trees do people usually plant in your country?

• Do you like to go to a forest?

• Where can one find trees or forests in your country?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when you gave advice to someone

You should say:

• When it was

• To whom you gave the advice

• What the advice was

• And explain why you gave the advice

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Should people prepare before giving advice?

• Is it good to ask advice from strangers online?

• What are the personalities of people whose job is to give advice to others?

• What are the problems if you ask too many people for advice?

■■■■■ Set 17 ■■■■■





【Name】

• Do you often forget people’s names?

• What do you do to remember a specific name?

• Does your name have any special meaning?

【Sports】

• What sports did you do when you were a kid?

• What’s your favorite sport? Why?

• Do you watch sport matches? Why?

• Are you a fan of any sport teams? Why?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when you ate something for the first time

You should say:

• What you ate

• When you ate it

• Where you were


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What kinds of foreign food are popular in your country?

• What are young people’s opinions on new food? How about old people?

• Should teachers and parents teach children how to cook?

• Why do people like their local food?





【Laugh】

• Do you like to watch movies or TV shows that make people laugh?

• Do you usually make your friends laugh?

• Are you the kind of person who makes people laugh?

• Do you think it’s important to laugh with friends?

【Museum】

• Did you go to any museums when you were a child?

• Do you think school should take their students to visit museums?

• How can we make museums interesting for children?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a computer/phone game you enjoy playing in your childhood.

You should say:

• What the game was about

• When you played it

• Where you played it

• And explain how much you enjoyed playing this game.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What kind of computer/phone games are popular in your country? Why?

• Why do computer/phone games are becoming more popular?

• What changes you have noticed between computer games in the last decade and these days?

• What are the positive and negative effects of playing computer/phone games for children?





【New activities】

• Do you like to try new activities?

• Is it good for people to try new things?

• Why are some people afraid of trying new things?

• What help do people need when they are trying new things?

【Being in a hurry】

• What do you always do in a hurry?

• What kind of things would you never do in a hurry?

• Do you usually go out in a hurry?

• Do you like to be in a hurry?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a singer that you like

You should say:

• Who this person is

• What type of songs he/she sings

• Why type of people listen to his/her songs

• And explain why you like him/her

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Is music important to people your age in your country?

• How important is music for young people nowadays?

• What do you think about music education in your country?

• Do you think it is true that anyone can sing with the right training? Why?

• Is music from your country popular elsewhere?

• What do you think about the illegal downloading of music?





【Handwriting】

• Do you often write with a pen?

• How did you learn to write?

• Did you like writing things when you were a child?

• Can we tell someone’s personality from their handwriting?

【Festival】

• What is your favorite festival?

• How do you celebrate this festival?

• What is the most popular Korean festival?

• Do you like Western festivals?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when your computer had problems

You should say:

• When it happened

• What problem it was

• How long it took you

• And explain how you solved the problem

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What do you mostly do on a computer?

• How have computers changed the world?

• Have computers have made our life easier? Why?

• Do you think that using a computer everyday have more negative than positive effects on children? Why?

• Do you thin kthat older people struggle with the use of modern electronic technology? How can we help

them?





【Photography】

• Do you like people taking photos of you?

• What do you do with the photos you take?

• Do you want to take professional lessons on photography?


• What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

• What kind of clothes do you never wear?

• Do you change your clothes when you get home?

• What are the differences between men and women’s preference in color?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when you suffered from disease/sickness

You should say:

• What it was

• What problem it caused you

• What you did to control it

• And explain how you felt about this health problem

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Have people become more conscious about health nowadays?

• Does the lifestyle of a person affect his health?

• Have the eating habits of the people changed? Why? Why not?

• How can healthy eating habits be inculcated in children?

• What should people do to stay healthy at home during the Coronavirus Pandemic?

• What do the people of your country do to remain healthy during the Coronavirus Pandemic?





【Picnic】

• Why do people go on picnics?

• What do they do?


• Do many people enjoy picnics in your country?

【Reading】

• Do you like reading?

• Do you like to read at home or in other places?

• In what place do you think it is difficult to read?

• Do you like to read by yourself or with other people?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a film/movie that made you laugh

You should say:

• What the film/movie is

• When you watched it

• Who you watched it with

• And explain why it made you laugh

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Why do children laugh so much?

• Why don’t adults laugh easily?

• What kind of people can make people laugh?

• Do you think happiness is a state of mind? Why?

• Do you think people can be happier after retirement? Why?





【Maths】

• Do students learn math in secondary schools in Korea?

• Do you think math is difficult?

• What can people do with math in their daily life?

• Do you learn math now? Why or why not?

【Window view】

• What scenery can you see from the window of your home/dormitory?

• Do you like to watch the scenery from your window?

• Do you want to live in a house with beautiful window views?

• How do you feel when you can’t see any beautiful view from your window?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe something important that has been kept in your family for a long time

You should say:

• What it is

• When your family had it

• How your family got it

• And explain why it is important for your family

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What things do families keep for a long time?

• What’s the difference between things valued by people in the past and today?

• What kinds of things are kept in museums?

• What’s the influence of technology on museums?





【Taking a rest】



• Do you take a nap when you are taking your rest?


【Staying up】

• Do you often stay up late?

• What do you do when you stay up late?

• How do you feel when you have stayed up late the night before?

• What are the bad effects of staying up late?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time you had to wait in line (queue up) for a long time

You should say:

• When it was

• Where you were

• Why you were there


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do Korean people often wait in line?

• Do you think the development of technology has reduced the time people spend on waiting?

• What do you think of those who cut in line or jump the queue?

• How can companies improve their customer service?





【Museum】

• Do you often visit a museum?

• Are there many museums in your hometown?

• Do you think museums are important?

【Decoration】

• How is your home decorated?

• What kind of decoration do you prefer?

• What is the new decorating trend for this year?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe an interesting conversation that you had

You should say:

• Who you spoke with

• Where you were

• What the conversation was about

• And explain why you think it was interesting

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do people communicate more when they talk face to face?

• What do young people have conversations about?

• Do people have conversations more or less than they did in the past?

• Do you think we need to be good at communication at work?





【Changes】

• Do you like changes? Why?

• What do you plan to change next year?

• Are there any changes to your work/study?

• Are there any positive changes in your country these days?

【Text message】

• Have you ever received a confusing text message?

• Have you ever had difficulty replying?

• Is there any chance when texting someone is better than calling him?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when you felt bored

You should say:

• When it was


• What you were doing

• And explain why you felt bored

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• When do people feel bored?

• What can people do when they feel bored?

• Do people get bored about daily routines?

• Is it easier for the young people to feel bored than for the old?





【Singing】

• When do you sing usually?

• Do you have a favorite song you like to sing?

• Did you enjoy singing when you were younger?

• Will you take singing lessons in the future?

【Being happy】

• What’s your happiest moment?

• Is it good to be happy all the time?

• What would you to do make you happy?

• Is there anything that makes you feel happy lately?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe your favorite weather

You should say:

• When it is

• Where you go in this weather

• What you do in this weather

• And explain why you like it

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What do people wear in different weather?

• How does weather influence people’s life?

• What are people’s opinions on weather forecast?

• Are there any festivals about seasons?





【New Year】

• What do people do on New Year’s Day?

• Do you still remember a new year that you celebrated?

• Do you have any ceremonies to celebrate the New Year in your country?

• Why do people think New Year is a new beginning?

【Farming】

• Have you visited a farm?

• What kind of farm do you like?

• Do you think farming is important?

• Does your country still use many traditional farming methods?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a part of a city or town you enjoy spending time in

You should say:

• Where it is

• What it is like

• What you do there

• And explain why you enjoy spending time there

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• How do public places change in towns or cities?

• What public places do old people usually go?

• Why do young people like to go to public places?

• Will more people move to cities in the future?





【List】

• Do you make a list of your work? Does it work?

• Why don’t some people like making lists?

• Do you prefer using a piece of paper or making a list on your phone?

【Tree】

• Do you like planting trees? Why?

• Is there a forest near your hometown?

• Do you think places with trees attract more visitors than places with few trees?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when you encouraged someone to do something that he/she didn’t want to do

You should say:

• Who he or she is

• What you encouraged him/her to do

• How he/she reacted

• And explain why you encouraged him/her

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• How can leaders encourage their employees?

• When should parents encourage their children?

• What kind of encouragement should parents give?

• Do you think some people are better than others at persuading?





【Furniture】

• Do you have any wooden furniture?

• Has anyone bought a piece of furniture for you?

• Are you planning to buy any furniture this year?

【Public Transport】

• Do people usually use public transportation in your country?

• What kind of public transport do people in your country use the most? Why?

• What do you want to change about the public transport?

• Will you ride public transportation in the future? Why?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a time when your computer broke down

You should say:

• When it was

• What you were doing

• What you did about it


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What do people use computers for?

• Should students be allowed to use computers at school?

• What do you think of people who are addicted to computers?

• Do you think computers make our life simpler or more complex?





【Stages of life】

• Do you enjoy your current stage of life?

• In what stage of your life were you the happiest?

• Which stage of your life do you think is the most important?

• What’s your plan for your next stage of life?

【Home country】






•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a person who you think wears unusual clothes

You should say:

• Who this person is

• How you knew this person

• What his/her clothes are like

• And explain why you think his/her clothes are unusual

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do you think what people wear can influence their mood?

• Do you think it is a good idea to buy clothes online?

• What kind of clothes do people wear in the work place?

• What are the differences between clothes worn by old people and that by young people?





【Recycle】

• Do you recycle now?

• What kind of things do you recycle?

• Did you recycle when you were a kid?

• Will you recycle more in the future?

【Sports】

• What sports did you do when you were a kid?

• What’s your favorite sport? Why?

• Do you watch sport matches? Why?

• Are you a fan of any sport teams? Why?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a perfect job you would like to have in the future

You should say:

• What it is

• How you knew it

• What it is like

• And explain why you think it is perfect

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What kind of job do children like?

• Do children like to choose the same profession as their parents?

• Will people regret about their career choices when they become older?

• What should people consider when choosing jobs?





【New activities】

• Do you like to try new activities alone or with friends?

• Did you try new activities when you were younger?

• Do you think it's better to have new experiences when you're young or when you're older?

• What are some of the difficulties a person might have when they try something new?

【Concentration】

• When do you need to be focused?

• Is it difficult for you to stay focused on something?

• What may distract you when you’re trying to stay focused?

• What do you do to help you concentrate?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a famous person you are interested in

You should say:

• Who he/she is

• How you knew about him/her

• What he/she was like before he/she became famous

• And explain why you are interested in him/her

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• What kind of famous people are there in your country?

• What are the differences between famous people today and those in the past?

• Do you think famous people are necessarily good in their fields?

• Do you think media are putting too much attention on famous people?





【TV Program】

• Do you often watch programs on the TV or on your cellphone?

• What’s your favorite TV program?

• Do you like watching the same kind of program all the time?

• Do you talk with your friends about the program you watched?

【Being in a hurry】

• What do you always do in a hurry?

• What kind of things would you never do in a hurry?

• Do you usually go out in a hurry?

• Do you like to be in a hurry?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a home that you visited but did not want to live in

You should say:

• Where it is

• What it is like

• Why you visited it

• And explain why you would not like to live there

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Do Korean people like to visit others’ homes?

• What do Korean people do when they visit others?

• What kind of place do people in your country like to live in?

• What’s the difference between homes in cities and those in the countryside?





【Name】

• Is it easy for you to remember people’s names?

• How do you remember people’s names?

• How would you feel when people don’t remember your name?

【Weekend】

• Do you think weekends are long enough?

• How important do you think it is to have free time on weekends?

• What do other people in your hometown usually do on weekends?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe an aquatic animal

You should say:

• What it looks like

• When you saw it

• Where you saw it

• And explain why it is interesting?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Why do people like to keep pets?

• What should we do to protect endangered animals?

• Do you support doing experiments on animals?

• Why do some people refuse to eat animals?

• What would happen when some species disappear on earth?





【Maths】

• Do students learn math in secondary schools in Korea?

• Do you think math is difficult?

• What can people do with math in their daily life?

• Do you learn math now? Why or why not?


• Are clothes important to you?

• Do you ever wear the traditional clothes of your country?

• Where do you usually buy your clothes?

• Have you ever worn a uniform?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe a bag you want to own

You should say:

• What kind of bag is it?

• Where you want to buy it?

• How much will it cost you?

• Why you want this kind of bag?

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Why do you think women like to buy bags?

• Is the backpack practical in life?

• Why are some people willing to buy expensive bags?

• In the future, what changes will bags have?

• Why do children need to carry a uniform schoolbag?





【Picnic】


• Where do people in your country go on a picnic?

• Will you go on picnics more often in the future?

【Singing】

• Do you often sing?

• How much time do you spend in singing every day?

• What kinds of music do you like to sing?

• Is it difficult to sing well?


•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Describe an old object which your family has kept for a long time

You should say:

• What the object is?

• Where your family got it from?

• How long it has been in your family?

• And explain how you feel about it

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••


• Which do you think are better, old things or new things?

• As well as family photographs, what are some other things that people keep in their family for a long time?

• In your culture, what sorts of things do people often pass down from generation to generation?

• Why do you think people keep these things?

• What are the benefits of keeping some old things in the family?

ielts speaking - weebly

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