Part 1: Introduction and Interview Common Questions
Common questions examiners frequently ask in Part 1 include topics about:
- Home/Accommodation
- Work/Study
- Family/Friends
- Hobbies/Free time
Sample Question: “Tell me about where you live.”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I live in an apartment in the city center. It’s fairly spacious and has two bedrooms. I particularly enjoy the location because it’s close to my workplace.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I currently reside in a contemporary apartment complex in the heart of the city. What makes it truly special is its stunning view of the skyline and its strategic location, which provides convenient access to various amenities.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Sample Cue Card:
Describe a skill you would like to learn
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you would learn it
- And explain how this skill would benefit you in the future
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I would like to learn digital photography. I’ve always been interested in taking pictures, and nowadays it’s becoming more and more important to create good visual content. I plan to take some online courses and practice regularly with my camera. This skill would help me in my career because many companies need good photographs for their websites and social media.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’m particularly keen on acquiring expertise in digital photography. This artistic endeavor has captivated my interest due to its perfect blend of technical precision and creative expression. I’m planning to immerse myself in this field through a comprehensive approach, combining structured online courses with hands-on practice sessions. The potential applications of this skill are remarkably diverse, ranging from professional content creation to documenting meaningful moments in a visually compelling manner.”
IELTS Speaking Candidate Making Notes During Preparation Time
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: “How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made learning more accessible. People can now learn from online courses and YouTube tutorials. It’s also easier to connect with experts and other learners through social media and online forums.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the learning landscape. The proliferation of digital platforms has democratized education, making it increasingly accessible to people regardless of their geographical location. Moreover, artificial intelligence and personalized learning algorithms have revolutionized the way we acquire and retain knowledge, creating tailored learning experiences that adapt to individual needs and learning styles.”
Essential Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
Advanced Phrases:
- In my humble opinion (formal expression for giving opinions)
- To put it another way (transition phrase)
- It goes without saying that (emphasizing obvious points)
- From my perspective (giving personal views)
- That being said (introducing contrasting ideas)
Examiner’s Tips for Success
- Practice speaking regularly with native speakers or advanced learners
- Record yourself speaking and analyze your performance
- Focus on developing natural fluency rather than memorizing answers
- Build a broad vocabulary within common IELTS topics
- Work on linking your ideas coherently using appropriate transition phrases
Remember to stay calm during the test and maintain good eye contact with the examiner. The key to scoring well is demonstrating natural, fluent English while using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately.
