IELTS Speaking Topics

Every student desires for attaining quality education from prestigious institutions around the world. While some universities offer courses in their own official language, the majority provide students with a platform to opt for degree programs in the English language. Furthermore, in order to carve a niche in the prolific education institutes, fluency in English is required. This is assessed through various English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, Cambridge, etc. It is a fact that non-native speakers of English face enormous challenges while taking part in the admission process, which ultimately hinders their growth. But as easy as it sounds, scoring well in these exams can be a daunting task. Apart from focusing on English grammar, one also needs to work on speaking, listening, and writing skills. So, if you want to know how to prepare for IELTS and score well, specifically in the speaking section then, here is a blog that will highlight some of the important IELTS speaking topics and their related components. 

IELTS Speaking Test Introduction

The IELTS speaking test can be a little intimidating at first, especially because you’ll be tested live in front of your examiner. Due to this live format, finding free speaking topics with sample answers can be difficult, but don’t worry we have you covered. Before practising our IELTS speaking topics, let’s take a quick look at the speaking test and see how it works.

IELTS Speaking Test Format

The speaking test lasts about 11 – 15 minutes, consisting of 3 parts. Please note the speaking topics for Greeting and Part 1 are the same, so they are considered only 1 part, but we have separated them for your convenience.

1. IELTS Speaking Test Greeting – When you take the IELTS speaking test and walk into the examination room, the examiner does not start off with tough IELTS speaking questions, instead, they start slow with greetings. Please note, you WILL BE graded on your ability to greet, so it’s important you’re prepared for it.
2. IELTS Speaking Test Part 1 – IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts between 4-5 minutes, includes around 8-10 IELTS speaking questions, and about 2-3 familiar IELTS speaking topics such as your job, your studies, your family, your hometown, your accommodation, etc. These topics are easier than the topics from IELTS speaking part 2.
3. IELTS Speaking Test Part 2 – In part 2, you’ll talk about a particular IELTS speaking topic. The topic is selected for you and will be given to you on a card (Candidate Task Card). You will then have 1 minute to prepare your answer and then a maximum of 2 minutes to speak. A pencil and paper will be provided for you to make notes.
4. IELTS Speaking Test Part 3 – In part 3, you’ll be asked about 4-8 more IELTS speaking questions which are connected to the IELTS speaking topics discussed in part 2. The examiner will also ask you a few questions based on your answers, so the entire part 3 is a two-way discussion with the examiner and will last 4 – 5 minutes. 

Must Read: How to go from IELTS Band 5 to 7 in 35 days? – Tips for IELTS Speaking Section

IELTS Speaking Topics 

Before we delve deep into the IELTS speaking topics, let us first understand what this exam entails. IELTS, which is also known as The International English Language Testing System is a global level examination that checks the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. The test was established in the year 1989 and is solely managed by the British Council, IELTS Australia, IDP as well as Cambridge Assessment English.

The IELTS comprises four parts namely, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking which examines the student’s ability on a range of topics. When it comes to the reading and writing sections, the exam pattern varies based on whether it is the IELTS General Test or Academic Test. However, the structure remains the same for the speaking and listening sections.

With thousands of academic institutions accepting IELTS scores for granting admission including that in the UK, Canada, USA, Australia, etc, it is considered as one of the most prolific tests worldwide. Moreover, the IELTS score is also used for migration purposes, UK Visas and Immigration services, etc. Thus, be it IELTS speaking topics or the reading section, preparing well for all the portions becomes important.

Latest IELTS Speaking Topics 

Be it pursuing a Master’s in Data Science in Canada or doing engineering in Australia, as a non-native speaker of English, we should be fully prepared for the IELTS in order to set a distinctive space in the prestigious universities of the world. We should practice a range of topics in order to score well on the test. We have collated a list of some of the important IELTS speaking topics for parts 1, part 2, and part 3. 

Part 1

In the IELTS Speaking Part 1 test, an examiner will conduct a face-to-face interview for 4-5 minutes. You will be asked 12 different questions from 3 different topics. Mostly, personal questions like describing yourself, the country, your lifestyle, etc will be asked. Some of the main IELTS speaking topics in Part 1 that an examiner can ask you are mentioned in a tabular form below:

Work	Study	Hometown
Home	Art	Birthdays
Childhood	Clothes	Computers
Daily routine	Dictionaries	Evenings
Family and friends	Flowers	Going Out
Happiness	Hobbies	Internet
Leisure time	Music	Neighbours and Neighbourhood
Newspapers	Pets	Reading
Shopping	Sport	Television
Transport	Weather	–

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Part 2

In the 2nd part of IELTS Speaking, you will be asked to speak for 3-4 minutes in which, one minute preparation time will also be given. After this, you have to unstoppably speak for 2-3 minutes on a topic given from a card. Most of the topics are about sharing personal stories or interesting anecdotes in life. Tabulated below are some of the IELTS speaking topics for this part: 

Art	Book	Communication
Daily Routine	Exercise	Family
Gift	Hobby	Internet
Journey	Kindness	Language
Music	News	Old people
Photography	Respect	Sport
Travel	Unexpected	Vocation
Water	Favourite shop	Zoo

Part 3 

In the 3rd part, you will have a thorough discussion with an examiner for about 4-5 minutes where you will be asked a broader range of questions pertaining to topics given in part 2. The examiner will assess your logical thinking, articulation, and speaking ability in-depth. Let’s see what IELTS speaking topics can an examiner ask questions in Part 3. 

Art	Clothes	Education
Family	Food	Health
Internet	Media & News	Nature
Society	Travel	Work

Must Read: 4 February: IELTS Speaking Topic – Speaking Part 3: Advice (Follow-up Questions)

IELTS Speaking Topics with Answers

How do you spend your weekends?

I usually spend time with my friends on weekends. We indulge ourselves in various outdoor activities during the summers, but we do more indoor activities during winter. We also watch movies, visit museums, and go sightseeing.

Do you listen to music?

I often listen to music in my leisure time. I also prefer music while doing my household chores. But I avoid listening to music while studying or working as I get distracted.

Has your taste in music changed over the years?

Yes, it has. Earlier I liked listening to rock and pop music a lot, I also preferred Hip-hop. However, now I prefer listening to more retro, country or classical music.

Do you prefer a desktop or a laptop?

I prefer using a laptop for its portable nature. Since it’s easy to carry while travelling, my work becomes flexible with the laptop.

Must Read: IELTS Speaking Cue Cards

Common IELTS Speaking Topics

Here are some common IELTS speaking topics that are asked very frequently. The list will help you to prepare for your IELTS Speaking Test.

1. What is the location of your hometown? Tell me about it.
2. Do you believe you will come back to your hometown?
3. How is the weather in your country?
4. What are your job responsibilities?
5. What abilities are necessary for this position?
6. What motivated you to pursue this profession?
7. Is there any way to make your hometown a better place?
8. Who was your favourite teacher in high school?
9. What makes your family so important to you?
10. Do you read frequently?

IELTS Speaking Samples

Sample 1	Click here
Sample 2	Click here
Sample 3	Click here
Sample 4	Click here

How to Tackle IELTS Speaking

Here are some tips to help you tackle the different parts of IELTS speaking. Check them out:

Part 1

Here are some tips to help you effectively tackle your answers when taking IELTS speaking part 1:

1. Use informal yet filtered language; Do not use like, yeah, you know, umm
2. Do not answer in a monotonous tone
3. Provide reasons while answering the questions
4. Provide examples
5. Provide details
6. Talk about the future
7. Make Speculations

Part 2

Here are some tips to help you effectively tackle your answers when taking IELTS speaking part 2:

1. Don’t limit your answers to the bullet points on the cue card
2. During the 1-minute preparation time, make a structure of your response
3. Your answer must include an introduction, main objective and conclusion
4. Do not stress too much while speaking, stay relaxed
5. Speak with passion

Must Read: 2 December: IELTS Speaking Topics – Describe a piece of equipment that is important in your home

Part 3

Here are some tips to help you effectively tackle your answers when taking IELTS speaking part 3:

1. Make a structure before answering
2. The structure must contain the problem along with the solution
3. Give a detailed yet short explanation
4. Try to extend your answers
5. Use phrases and more vocabulary

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FAQs

Not restricted to just the aforementioned IELTS speaking topics, there are scores of other themes on which questions can be framed for this section. If you are still apprehensive about how to prepare for IELTS then don’t worry. Enrol in Leverage Edu’s IELTS coaching in Delhi/Bangalore/Noida/Gurgaon, etc where subject experts will help you ace the exam with their unique preparation strategies, one-on-one learning, and best-in-class resources!