Part 1: Introduction and Interview Common Questions
Common questions examiners frequently ask in Part 1 include:
- Do you work or study?
- Tell me about your hometown
- What do you like to do in your free time?
Let’s look at a sample question and response:
Question: “What kind of transportation do you usually use?”
Band 6-7 Response:
“I usually take the bus to work. It’s quite convenient because the bus stop is near my house and the service is reliable. Sometimes I also use taxi apps when I’m in a hurry.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I primarily rely on public transportation, specifically the metro system, as it’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. That said, I occasionally opt for ride-sharing services when I’m pressed for time or need to reach places that aren’t well-connected by public transit.”
IELTS Speaking Test examiner interviewing candidate professionally
Part 2: Long Turn
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 plan to learn it
- And explain how this skill might be useful for your future
Sample Responses
Band 6-7 Response:
“I want to learn digital marketing. It’s becoming very important nowadays. I plan to take some online courses and practice with social media. I think it will help me get a better job in the future.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’m keen on acquiring expertise in data analytics, particularly machine learning applications. This field has captivated my interest due to its revolutionary impact across industries. I’ve already mapped out a comprehensive learning path, which includes enrolling in specialized courses on platforms like Coursera and participating in hands-on projects. The prospect of leveraging this skill is immensely promising, as it would enable me to make data-driven decisions and contribute meaningfully to any organization’s growth.”
Part 3: Discussion
Question: “How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?”
Band 6-7 Response:
“Technology has made learning easier because we can find many resources online. People can learn at their own pace and choose what they want to study. Video tutorials and online courses are very helpful.”
Band 8-9 Response:
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the learning landscape in numerous ways. First and foremost, it has democratized education by making high-quality learning resources accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Moreover, adaptive learning platforms now customize the learning experience based on individual progress and preferences. This personalized approach, combined with interactive tools and real-time feedback, has revolutionized how people acquire and master new skills.”
Essential Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
Advanced Phrases:
- To be keen on (phrase) /kiːn ɒn/ – to be interested in or enthusiastic about
- To map out (phrasal verb) /mæp aʊt/ – to plan something in detail
- To leverage (verb) /ˈlev.ər.ɪdʒ/ – to use something to maximum advantage
Example usage:
“I’m keen on developing my public speaking skills and have mapped out a strategy to leverage every opportunity to practice.”
Examiner’s Tips:
- Practice speaking regularly with focused attention on pronunciation and intonation
- Record yourself and analyze your responses
- Develop a wide range of topic-specific vocabulary
- Use complex grammatical structures naturally
- Give detailed responses with relevant examples
Remember to always provide specific examples and elaborate on your answers while maintaining natural fluency and appropriate pace.
