IELTS Speaking Success: Expert Guide To Mastering All Parts From An Examiner's Perspective

In my years of experience as an IELTS examiner, I’ve observed that success in the speaking test largely depends on both preparation and spontaneity. Let’s explore a comprehensive guide that will help you excel in each part of the speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

describe a foreign food you want to try can be a common topic in Part 1. Here’s how to handle typical questions:

Common questions and sample answers (Band 8-9):

Q: “What kind of food do you usually eat?”
A: “I tend to maintain a balanced diet with a mix of Asian and Western cuisine. I particularly gravitate towards Mediterranean dishes as they’re both healthy and flavorful.”

IELTS speaking test interaction between examiner and candidate

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a scenic place you have visited.
You should say:

Where it is
When you went there
What you did there
And explain why you found it scenic

Similar to describe a scenic place you have visited, here’s a sample response:

Band 8-9 Response:
“I’d like to talk about my memorable expedition to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This breathtaking stretch of coastline is situated in southern Italy, where I had the privilege of spending a week last summer. The landscape perfectly exemplifies the harmony between natural beauty and human architecture, with colorful houses perched precariously on cliff edges overlooking the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters…”

Part 3: Discussion

For those interested in describe a natural wonder you want to see, here are typical questions with sample responses:

Q: “How do tourist attractions impact local communities?”

Band 8-9 Response:
“Tourist attractions undeniably generate both positive and negative impacts on local communities. While they substantially boost the local economy through job creation and increased revenue, they can also lead to the commercialization of local culture and put strain on environmental resources…”