IELTS Speaking Questions Part 1 (2024/25)

 

Part 2 IELTS Speaking Questions

Advertisements

Describe an advertisement that persuaded you to buy a product. You should say:

• What advertisement it was
• Was it shown on TV, radio or newspaper
• What was good about that advertisement

Advertisements

• What are popular types of advertising in today’s world?
• What type of media advertising do you like most?
• Do you think advertising influences what people buy?
• What factors should be taken into account when making advertisements?
• Is advertising really necessary in modern society?
• Let’s move on from types of advertising to the impact of advertising on children. How does advertising influence children?
• Is there any advertising that can be harmful to children?

Explain why you think that advertisement made the product seem attractive.

A Challenging Thing You Did

Describe a challenging thing you have done. You should say:

• when you did it
• why you did it
• how you handled this challenge

A Challenging Thing You Did

• What challenges do young people face today?
• How do (young people) handle difficult or challenging tasks?
• Which do you think is better, to face these difficulties and challenges alone or to seek the help of others?
• Do you think people need to be challenged?

and explain why you thought it was challenging.

A Person You Know

Describe an old person that you know. You should say:

• What your relationship is with this person
• How often do you see them
• What people think about this person

Explain why you like them.

Describe a child that you know and like a lot. You should say:

• Who the child is
• How do you know them
• What do they enjoy doing

Explain why you like them a lot.

Describe someone who has had an important influence on your life. You should say:

• Who the person is
• How long you have known him/her
• What qualities this person has

Explain why they have had such an influence on you.

Describe a person that you think is very interesting. You should say:

• Who is this person 
• How you met them
• What they like to talk about

Explain why this person is very interesting.

Describe a (very) intelligent person you know. You should say:

• who is this person 
• when and where you (first) met them (him or her)
• what this person does in life (e.g., work/ study)

and explain why you think this person is intelligent.

Describe your favourite teacher from school. You should say:

• What school he/she taught at
• What he/she looked like 
• What subject he/she taught you

Explain why you remember this teacher so well.

Describe your favourite childhood friend. You should say:

• who he/she is
• where you met each other
• what you often did together

and explain what made you like him/her.

Describe a person you know who loves to grow plants (vegetables, fruits, flowers). Please tell me:

• who is this person 
• what they grow
• where they grow them

explain why they enjoy growing plants

 

Describe a present or gift you have given someone. You should say:

• Who you gave it to
• What kind of present it was
• How it compared to other presents you have given

Explain why you decided to give this particular gift.

Describe a present or gift someone gave you that you really liked. You should say:

• What kind of present it was
• Who gave it to you
• Why you were given it

Explain why you liked it.

Describe a person who taught you something important. You should say:

• who this person was
• what they taught you
• how they taught it to you

and explain why you think what they taught is important.

Animal

Describe an interesting animal you have seen. You should say:

• What animal it was
• When and Where you saw it
• And explain how you feel about this animal

and explain why you think this animal is interesting.

Art

Talk about a painting you would like to have in your home. You should say:

• what is it
• how you know about it
• how much it would cost you

and explain why you want to have it in your home.

A Time When Someone Apologised To You 

Describe a time when someone apologised to you. You should say:

• when this happened
• what you were doing
• who apologised to you

and explain why they apologised to you.

Books

Talk about a book you are reading now or have read recently. You should say: 

• How and why you got it
• How long it took you to read it, or how long you have been reading it
• What kind of book it is

And say if you would like to read something else similar or not, and why

Talk about a book you have never read but would like to read. You should mention:

• How well-known it is
• Why you would like to read it
• Why you have never read it before

And say how you think it will compare to other books you have read

Talk about a book or novel you recently read. Please tell me:

• Who wrote this
• What it is about
• Explain if you enjoyed reading it 

And why do you think you will read the book again or not? 

Buildings

Describe a building that you particularly like. You should say:

• Where the building is
• What it looks like
• What you can do there

Explain why you like this building.

Business

Describe a small business you want to start. You should say:

• what business it would be

• when you want to start it
• why you have not started it yet

and explain why you want to start this business.

Describe a successful small business that you know about. You should say:

• what business/company it is
• what this business does
• how you know about this business

and explain why you think this business/company is successful.

Change

Describe a positive change in your life. You should say:

• what the change was about
• when it happened
• describe details of the change that happened

and describe how it affected you later in life.

Clothes

Describe your favourite piece of clothing. You should say:

• Where you got it
• Do you often wear it
• When you wear it

And explain why it is your favourite piece of clothing.

Describe a uniform you have worn (such as a school or company uniform). You should say:

• what it looked like
• when and where you needed to wear this uniform
• who paid for this uniform

and explain how you felt about that uniform.

City

Describe your favourite city or a city you have visited that you like very much. You should say:

• What is its name and where it is
• when you visited it.
• why you liked it

And the major attractions in this city are

Company

Describe an organisation or a company that you know. Please say

• How big is it?
• Do you find this company to be successful? Why?
• What can you say about the working environment there?

And if you would like to work there. 

Daily Routine

Describe your favourite part of the day. You should say:

• What time of day this is 
• What you like to do at this time
• Who you are usually with

Explain why this is your favourite part of the day.

Decision

Describe an important decision you have made. You should say:

• what the decision was
• why you made that choice
• who helped you make the choice

and explain why the decision was so important.

Electronic Devices

Describe a useful electronic device you would like to own. You should say:

• what it is

• how it would help your life
• if it would be expensive to buy

and explain why you would like it.

Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you have. You should say:

• what it is
• what you used it for
• how long you have used it

and describe why it is important to you

Describe a piece of electronic equipment that you find useful. You should say:

• what it is
• how you learned to use it
• how long you have had it

and explain why you find this piece of electronic equipment useful.

Entertainment

Describe a comedian that you think is very funny. You should say:

• Who the comedian is
• Where they usually perform
• Who likes to see the comedian

Explain why you think this comedian is very funny.

Describe a TV show that you enjoy. You should say:

• What type of show it is
• How often it is on 
• How popular it is with other people in your country

Explain why you like it.

Describe a performance you enjoyed watching. You should say:

• what the performance was
• when and where you watched the performance
• who was performing (or who performed)

and explain why you enjoyed the performance.

Environment

Describe an environmental problem or event. You should say:

• What it is
• Where is it happening
• What problems it causes

And what do you think will happen in the future regarding this event. 

Exercise

Describe a type of exercise that you like to do. You should say:

• What the exercise is
• When you do it 
• Where you do it

Explain why you like this particular exercise.

Exciting Experience

Describe an exciting experience you’ve had. You should say:

• when it was
• where you were
• what it was

And explain what made this experience especially exciting.

Family

Talk about the last time your whole family got together. You should mention:

• Where you met
• What you did together
• How long have you spent together

And say if you would like to do the same thing again soon or not, and why

Describe a family member that you get on well with. You should mention:

• What their personality is like
• What things they like doing
• If they have any strong dislikes

And say why you think you have a good relationship

Describe one of your relatives. You should say:

• What that person looks like
• What that person’s character is like
• What they are doing at the moment

And say which other relative of yours they are most similar to

Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with. You should say:

• who is this person 
• what you usually do together
• what kind of person he/she is

and explain why you spend the most time with him/her.

Food

Describe a famous food from your hometown or country. You should say:

• What it looks like
• What it tastes like
• When and how it is usually eaten

And say why you think it is famous

Describe a meal that you had that you remember well. You should say:

• Where the meal was
• Why you had the meal
• Who you went with 

Explain why you remember this particular occasion.

Describe a meal that you ate out. You should say:

• Where you went
• What you ate
• Who you went with 

Explain why you remember this meal.

Friends

Describe a friend who has played an important part in your life. You should say:  

• How you met this person
• How long you have known him or her
• The kind of things you do or have done together

And explain why this person has been important in your life

Describe a friend you had in primary school. You should say:

• What that person was like
• How long you were friends for
• What things you did together

And say whether you are still in contact with that person or not, and why

Furniture

Describe a piece of furniture that you own. You should say:

• what it is
• where you bought it
• how you use it

and explain why you like it.

Garden

Describe a garden or park you enjoyed visiting. You should say:

• where it was 
• what it looked like
•  what you did (or were doing) there

 and explain why you liked it.

Gifts

Describe a present that you gave someone. You should say:

• Who you gave it to
• Why you decided to give them a present
• Why you chose that present

And say how that present compares to other presents you have given that person or other people.

Health

Describe your (or your friend’s) experience with an illness or injury. You should say:

• What it was
• When it happened
• How you (or your friend) handled it

and say how you feel about it now.

Describe something healthy you enjoy doing. You should say:

• What you do
• Where you do it
• Who do you do it with

and explain why you think doing this is healthy.

Describe an article you read in a magazine or on the Internet that could help people improve their health. You should say:

• when you read it
• where you read it
• what it was about

and explain why (you think) it could improve people’s health.

Help

Describe a time when you helped someone. You should say:

• When you helped
• How you helped
• How you felt after helping

And if you will help them in the future. 

History

Describe a historical place that you have visited. You should say:

• what kind of place it is
• where it is located
• what is the historical significance of the place is

and describe your experience of the place.

Hobbies

Talk about a leisure activity you did when you were a child. You should say:

• How you first became interested in it
• How long you did it, or have been doing it for
• Why you enjoyed doing it

And say if you have become more or less interested in that hobby since you were a child, and why.

Holiday

Talk about an activity you like doing when you are on holiday. You should say:

• Where do you usually do it
• Who do you do it with
• Why do you enjoy it

And say whether you also enjoyed doing that when you were a child or not, and why

Talk about somewhere you went on holiday. You should say:

• How you got there
• What activities you did there
• Who you went with

And say if you would recommend that holiday to a friend or not, and why

Talk about your dream holiday. You should say:

• Where you would like to go
• What kind of accommodations you would like
• What activities you would like to do

And say if you ever think you will go on a holiday like that or not, and why

Talk about your plans for your next long vacation. You should say:

• Where do you want to go
• Who do you want to go there with
• What do you want to do when you get there

And say how likely you are to do what you have planned and why.

Home

Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in. You should say:

• where it is / Where it would be
• what you would (like to) do there
• who you would (like to) live therewith

and explain why you would like to live in this place.

Hometown

Describe an important building in your hometown or city. You should say:

• where it is
• what it looks like
• what it is used for

and explain why you think it is important.

Describe a change that could improve your local area. You should say:

• what the change would be
• how this change could be made
• what problems are causing the need for this change

and explain how this change would improve your local area.

Influence

Describe someone who has had an important influence in your life. You should say:

• Who the person is
• How long you have known him or her
• What qualities this person has

and explain why this person has had such an influence on you.

Internet

Describe a website that you often use. You should say:

• what type of website it is
• how you found out about it
• what it allows you to do, and why you find it useful.

And how it compares to other similar websites. 

Language

Talk about one method of learning a foreign language you have used. You should say:

• What you did
• How long have you used this method for
• How it compares to other methods of learning a language

And say if you will use that same method in the future or not, and why

Talk about an English language book you have read or used. You should say:

• Why you bought or used that book
• What you learned from using it
• If it was difficult or easy to use

And say if you would use a similar book again or not, and why

Talk about a language test you have taken. You should say:

• Where you took the test
• How long it took
• What skills and language knowledge you were tested on

And say if you think the test was a good indicator of your language level or not, and why.

Lake/River

Describe an important lake/river in your country. Please tell me:

• where it is located
• how big/long it is
• what it looks like

explain why it is important

Late

Describe a time you were late for something. You should say:

• when it was
• why you were late
• how people reacted to you being late

and explain what happened because you were late.

Machine

Describe the most useful household appliance that you have. You should say:

• What it is
• How it works
• How life would be without it

And explain why it is so important to you.

Memory

Describe an occasion when you forgot something important. You should say:

• what you forgot
• how important it was
• Some possible reasons why you forgot it

And if you think this will happen again. 

Memories

Describe a happy childhood event. You should say:

• When it happened
• Who was involved 
• How you felt at the time

Explain why you remember this particular occasion.

Mobile phone

Describe a time when you couldn’t use your mobile phone. You should say:

• where it was
• what you were doing at this time
• when it was

and explain why you were not able to use your mobile phone.

Money

Describe what you would do if you received a very large amount of money. You should say:

• who you would share it with
• what you would buy
• what else you would do

and explain how you would feel about getting so much money.

Describe a special day out that cost you little money/did not cost you much. You should say:

• when the day was
• where you went
• how much you spend

and explain how you feel about the day.

Describe something (special) that you saved money to buy. You should say:

• what it was
• how long it took you to save enough money to buy it
• why you wanted to buy this thing
• how you got (or, earned) the money

and explain how you felt when (or, after) you bought it.

Music

Talk about a musical instrument you would like to be able to play but have never tried. You should say:

• What the instrument looks like
• What it sounds like
• What kinds of people it is popular with

And say if you think you will ever try to play that instrument or not, and why

Describe your favourite song. You should say:

• What is the name of the song
• What the song is about 
• When you first heard the song
•  

Explain why it is your favourite song.

News

Describe an interesting piece of news that you have recently read about or heard about. You should say:

• what the story was
• who was involved in the story
• where you read or heard about this story

and explain why this news story was interesting to you.

Describe some good news that you recently received. You should say:

• What the news was 
• How you got the news
• Who else you told about it

Explain why this was good news.

Describe a person who is often in the news and who you would like to meet. You should say:

• who is this person is
• how do you know him/her
• why he/she is often in the news

and explain why you would like to meet him/her.

Parenting

Describe people that you know and believe to be very good parents. You should say:

• Who they are
• How you met them
• Why do you think they are good parents

And explain what it requires to be good parents.

Party

Describe the best party you have been to. You should say:

• whose party it was
• who was there
• what happened at the party
•  

and explain what made it so enjoyable.

Talk about a birthday party you can remember well. You should say:

• How you celebrated
• Who you were with
• Why do you remember that day

And say how it was different from other birthdays you have had before or since

Describe a typical festival or celebration in your country. You should say:

• When it usually happens
• What it is celebrating
• What people do

And say if that is your favourite celebration or not, and why

Describe your favourite festival or celebration. You should say:

• What time of year it is
• Why do you like it
• What you usually do

And say how that festival or celebration compares to others in your country or abroad. 

Describe a crowded place you’ve been to. You should say:

• when you go there
• where the place is (or was)
• who you went therewith

and explain how you felt about the place.

Plans

Talk about one thing you are going to do next weekend. You should mention:

• Where you are going to do it
• Who you are going to do it with
• Any equipment you need to do it

And say whether you are looking forward to it or not and why

Talk about one thing you are planning to do after you pass the IELTS test. You should say:

• When you think you will do it
• Why do you want to do it
• How long you have had that plan

And say whether there are any other options for what you could do which might be just as good. 

Talk about a goal or ambition you have. You should say:

• When and why you first discovered you had that goal or ambition
• What you need to do to make it come true
• What your next step needs to be

And say if you think you will achieve that goal or ambition or not, and why

Presents or Gifts

Describe a photograph that you like. You should say:

• Who is in the photograph
• When the photograph was taken 
• Where the photograph is

Explain why you like the photograph.

Products

Describe something which is produced in your country, such as food, a handicraft, or a car. You should say:

• what it is
• what it is used for
• how it is made or produced

and explain why your country produces this thing.

Reading

Describe your favourite book. You should say:

• When you read the book
• What the book is about
• Why did you read it

Explain why this book is your favourite.

Describe a website that you visit a lot. You should say:

• What is the website about 
• How you found the website
• Who else you told about the website

Explain why you visit the website a lot.

Restaurants

Describe a restaurant or a cafe you often go to. You should say:

• Where it is

• What it looks like
• What kind of services are provided
• What kind of food do you like there/ What kind of food is famous?

And say why you like it.

Rules

Describe a traffic rule or law you know about. You should say:

• what it is
• how you know about it
• if you follow this rule or law

and explain why this rule is important.

Describe a rule you had to obey when you were in school. You should say:

• what the rule was
• if you agreed with the rule
• why the rule existed

and what would happen if students broke the rule.

School

Describe a school that you are attending or attended in the past. You should say:

• What it looks like from the outside
• What it looks like inside
• What facilities it has

And say if you think it is a good school building or not, and why

Talk about a subject you would like to study in the future. You should say:

• Why do you want to study that subject
• What things about that subject do you find particularly interesting
• Where it is possible to study that subject

And say if you think you will start studying it soon or not, and why

Science

Describe an area of science that you are interested in. You should say

• What it is
• What you can learn from it
• When you started becoming interested in it

And explain how this area of science helps you

Describe a scientific subject that you learned about in high school. You should say:

• what subject it was
• who taught you this subject
• what you learned from it

and explain how this subject helped you in your life.

Shopping

Describe a shopping street in your hometown. You should say:

• What things you can buy there
• What are the most popular shops 
• Any changes there have been over the years

And say if you think shopping there will become more or less popular in the future, and why.

Describe a shop in your hometown or the place you are living now. You should say:

• Where it is
• What it sells
• What are the advantages of shopping there are

And, if you think it will be popular or not in the future, and why

Social Problems

Describe a problem in your city. You should say:

• what it is
• how serious it is
• what causes this problem

and say what can be done to solve or reduce the effects of this problem.

Something Difficult To Use

Describe something you bought that was difficult to use at first. You should say:

• what it was
• why you bought it
• how you use it

and explain why it was difficult to use at first.

Sports

Talk about a sport you like doing or watching. You should say:

• How you first became interested in it
• Why you are interested in it
• What equipment and skills are needed for it

And say if you think it is an easy sport to do or not, and why

Talk about a sport many people enjoy, but you have never tried. You should say:

• What equipment is needed for it
• What some of the rules are
• What kinds of people this sport is popular with

And say if you think you will do this sport in the near future or not, and why

Talk about a sport that interests you, but you have never tried. You should say:

• Where it is usually played
• What kinds of people usually play it
• Why it interests you

And say if you think you will ever do this sport or not, and why

Describe a sporting event you attended. You should say:

• What kind of sport is was
• How it compared to other events you’ve been to
• How often it takes place

Explain why you consider this event to be of interest.

Describe a sport that you would like to try. You should say:

• Which sport it is
• Where you could do the sport
• Who you could do it with

Explain why this sport would be good to try.

Teachers

Describe the best teacher you have had. You should say:

• what subject the teacher taught
• when you studied with him or her
• what made that person a good teacher

and explain why you think this person was the best teacher you’ve had.

Text message 

Describe an important text message you received. You should say:

• who sent the message
• what was in the message
• why the person sent the message

and explain why the message was important to you.

Things

Describe something you own which is very important to you. You should say:

• where you got it
• how long you have had it
• what you use it to do

And explain why it is important to you.

Traditional Product

Talk about a traditional product which is very popular in your country. You should say

• What the product is
• How it is made
• Why it is popular

And if it is popular in other countries. 

Transportation

Describe the transportation system in your hometown or the place you are living now. You should say:

• What kind of transportation there is
• Which kind of transportation do most people use
• What are the good points and bad points of the transportation system are

And say if you think most people are happy with the transportation system or not, and why.

Talk about one means of transportation that you often use. You should mention:

• Where you usually go by that means of transportation
• What the advantages of that method of travelling are
• What the disadvantages are

And say if you think you will use that means of transport more or less often in the future, and why.

Describe a trip you took by public transport. You should say:

• when it happened
• what means of transport you took
• what you did during the trip

and explain how you felt about the trip.

Travel

Describe a journey you have been on. You should say:

• Where you went
• What kind or kinds of transport you used
• How long the journey took

And say whether you think it was easy to take this journey or not, and why.

Talk about something tourists like to do in your country. You should say:

• How well-known the activity is
• Why it is popular
• What kinds of people like to do it

And say if you think it will become more popular or less popular in the future and why

Talk about a day trip you have been on. You should say:

• Where you went
• How you travelled
• Why you chose to go to that place

And say whether you would like to go back to the same place again or not, and why.

Talk about a part of your country you have never been to but would like to visit. You should say:

• Why you have never been there before
• If or when you think you might go
• Why you would like to go

And say how you first became interested in going to that place.

Talk about a foreign country you have never been to but would like to visit. You should say:

• Why you have never been there before
• If or when you think you might go
• Why you would like to go

And say how you first became interested in going to that place.

Describe a country you would like to visit in the future that you haven’t been to yet. You should say:

• Which country it is
• Where it is located in the world
• What you could see there

Explain why this country would be such a good place to visit.

Describe a lake, a river or a sea you have visited. You should say:

• Where the lake is
• How often you have visited it
• What activities you do there

Explain why you like this particular place.

Describe a holiday that you recently went on that you enjoyed. You should say:

• Where you went
• Who you went with
• What you did

Explain why this holiday was enjoyable.

Traditional Product

Describe a traditional product in your country. You should say:

• what the product is
• when you tried this product for the first time
• what it is made of

and explain how you feel about it.

TV

Describe a TV programme that you often watch. You should say:

• What kind of programme it is
• Why you watch it
• When and why you first started watching it

And say if you think that programme is better than other TV programmes that are on at the same time or not, and why

Vegetables

Describe a plant, vegetable or crop that you are familiar with. You should say:

• Where it grows
• Why is it important
• What you like or dislike about it

And explain why it is important for your country.

Weather

Describe a time when the weather prevented you from doing something. You should say:

• what your plan was
• what weather you were hoping for
• what happened

and explain how you felt when you had to change your plans.

Work

Describe your dream job. You should say:

• What kind of things you would do in that job
• What the working conditions would be like
• What kind of workplace you would work in

And say if you think you will be able to get a job like that or not, and why.

Describe your dream workplace. You should say:

• What it would look like           
• What facilities it would have
• Where it would be

And say if you think you will ever work in a place like that or not, and why.

Talk about a job you have done or know about. You should say:

• What people do in that job
• What kind of place they work in
• What clothes and equipment they need

And say if you think it is a satisfying job to do or not, and why.

Talk about a job someone in your family does.You should say:

• How long that person has been doing that job
• What the good things about that job are
• What the difficulties of doing that job are

And say if you think that person enjoys their job or not, and why.

Describe a workplace you have worked in or know about.You should say:

• What the building looks like
• What is inside the building
• What things there are to do in the local area

And say if you think it is a good place to work or not, and why.

Describe a job you would like to do in the future.You should say:

• How and when you first became interested in that job
• What people in that job have to do every day
• What qualifications and experience do you need in order to get that job