IELTS Speaking Success: Expert Tips and Sample Answers for High Band Scores

Learning how to calculate overall ielts score is crucial, but mastering the Speaking test requires specific strategies and practice. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll share detailed insights on achieving excellence in your Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions

Common questions examiners ask about hobbies and interests:

  • What do you like to do in your free time?
  • Do you have any special interests or hobbies?
  • How long have you been doing this hobby?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“In my free time, I’m absolutely passionate about photography. I started dabbling in this hobby about five years ago, and it has completely transformed how I see the world. I particularly enjoy capturing candid moments of people going about their daily lives, as it helps me tell compelling stories through my lens.”

Part 2: Cue Card Topic

describe a person who is passionate about their hobby

Describe someone who is passionate about their hobby
You should say:

  • Who this person is
  • What their hobby is
  • How long they have been doing it
  • And explain why you think they are passionate about it

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my colleague Sarah, who is absolutely devoted to urban gardening. She has been cultivating her rooftop garden for over a decade now, and it’s truly remarkable how she has transformed a concrete space into a thriving green oasis. Her dedication is evident in the way she meticulously plans each season’s plantings and consistently experiments with new growing techniques.

What particularly stands out is her enthusiasm when sharing her knowledge with others. She regularly organizes workshops for beginners and has established a community garden project. Her eyes literally light up when discussing different plant varieties, and she goes to great lengths to source rare seeds for her collection.

The way she has integrated this hobby into her daily life is inspiring – she even coordinates her work schedule around optimal planting and harvesting times. Her passion has had a ripple effect on our entire office, as she’s motivated many colleagues to start their own gardens.”

Urban Gardener Tending to Rooftop GardenUrban Gardener Tending to Rooftop Garden

Part 3: Discussion Questions

Q: Why do you think some people become so passionate about their hobbies?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I believe people develop deep passions for their hobbies for multiple compelling reasons. Firstly, hobbies often provide an outlet for self-expression and creativity that might be lacking in their professional lives. Moreover, the sense of achievement and personal growth that comes from mastering new skills can be incredibly fulfilling.

Additionally, hobbies can serve as a vital counterbalance to work-related stress, offering people a meaningful escape from their daily routines. When someone invests significant time and energy into a hobby, it often becomes intertwined with their identity, leading to a deeper emotional connection with the activity.”

How ielts overall band calculated can help you understand scoring, but for Speaking success, focus on these key expressions and structures:

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores:

  • Absolutely devoted to (adj.) – completely dedicated
  • Meticulously (adv.) – with great attention to detail
  • Ripple effect (n.) – continuing and spreading results
  • Goes to great lengths (idiom) – makes great effort
  • Particularly stands out (phrase) – especially notable

Remember to practice these expressions naturally in context rather than memorizing them. How to calculate overall scorre ofwriting ielts shows scoring mechanics, but speaking fluently requires regular practice with native speakers or language partners.