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How to get a high IELTS speaking score

Free IELTS Speaking Test: Prepare with IELTS Speaking Topics and Templates for IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, & 3

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In this guide, you'll take a free IELTS speaking test and practice with the most frequently used IELTS speaking question topics with answers. You'll learn how to answer IELTS speaking test questions for part 1, 2, & 3 using our fully tested speaking templates.

Get free IELTS speaking sample answers after completing an IELTS speaking practice test.

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IELTS Speaking Questions Part 1 1 - 96

Short questions about familiar topics like your home, work, and hobbies

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IELTS Speaking Questions Part 2 1 - 96

Cue cards where you speak for 1 to 2 minutes about one topic

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IELTS Speaking Questions Part 3 1 - 97

Discussion questions linked to the Part 2 topic

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IELTS Speaking Success Guide

Most candidates don’t lose IELTS Speaking marks because their English is weak. They lose them because their answers are too short, they freeze when a question takes them by surprise, or they run out of things to say halfway through Part 2. All three problems are fixable with a clear answer structure and enough practice out loud.

This free guide shows you how. You’ll see how the 11–14 minute test works, which topics come up most often, a simple pattern for answering each part, and exactly what examiners listen for, backed by 56,000 IELTS Speaking recordings our learners have made on BestMyTest. Along the way, you can watch band 9 sample answers and record your own.

The fastest way to improve is to start speaking. Answer a real Part 1 question now, get an instant AI score, and see exactly what to work on next.

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Table Of Contents

  1. IELTS Speaking Test Format
  2. IELTS Speaking Topics and Part 1 Questions
  3. IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 Topics
  4. How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 1
  5. How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2
  6. How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3
  7. How IELTS Speaking Is Scored
  8. Free IELTS Speaking Practice with BestMyTest
  9. Free IELTS Speaking Resources

IELTS Speaking Test Format

The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a trained examiner. It lasts 11 to 14 minutes, it is recorded, and it is the same in IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Depending on your test center, you take it on the same day as Listening, Reading, and Writing, or on a different day.

The test has three parts, and each one checks your speaking in a different way:

PartLengthWhat happens
Part 1: Introduction and interview4–5 minutesThe examiner introduces themselves, checks your identity, and asks questions about you and two or three familiar topics.
Part 2: Long turn3–4 minutesYou get a cue card, have 1 minute to prepare, and then speak for 1 to 2 minutes.
Part 3: Discussion4–5 minutesThe examiner asks broader questions linked to your Part 2 topic.

Here is what happens in each part, starting with the short introduction at the beginning of Part 1.

The Introduction

Part 1 begins with a short introduction. The examiner tells you their name, asks for your full name and what they should call you, and checks your identification. You may also be asked where you’re from.

  • Keep it simple. “My name is Ana Silva. You can call me Ana.” is all you need.
  • Use a name you can say clearly. If you use an English name, make sure you can pronounce it naturally.
  • Have your ID ready. Bring the same identification document you used to register for the test.

The introduction isn’t scored on its own, but it’s a good chance to settle your nerves before the first real question.

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Part 1 lasts 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks short questions about you, such as your work or studies, your hometown, or your home, and then moves on to two or three familiar topics. Most candidates answer about 10 to 12 questions. Here is a typical set:

Let’s talk about your hometown.

Where is your hometown?
What do you like about it?
What do you not like about it?
How important is your hometown to you?

Let’s move on to talk about accommodation.

Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in.
Does the place you live in have many amenities?
Is there anything you would like to change about the place you live in?
Do you plan to live there for a long time?

Part 1 questions are like a friendly conversation with someone you’ve just met. They’re simple, but a little preparation makes a big difference: a short, developed answer to each question shows the examiner your range from the start. You’ll find a simple answer pattern in How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 1 below.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Part 2 is the long turn, and it lasts 3 to 4 minutes. The examiner gives you a cue card with a topic and the points to cover, plus a pencil and paper for notes. You have 1 minute to prepare, and then you speak for 1 to 2 minutes. The examiner stops you when the time is up. Here is an example cue card:

Cue Card

Describe a useful electronic device you would like to own.

You should say:
 - what it is
 - how it would help your life
 - whether it would be expensive to buy
and explain why you would like it.

When you finish, the examiner may ask one or two short rounding-off questions about what you said. After a talk about the electronic device above, for example, you might hear:

  • Do you think you’ll buy one soon?
  • Do many of your friends have one?

A short answer is enough here, such as “Yes, probably next year, once I’ve saved enough” or “A few of them do, actually.” If the examiner moves straight on to Part 3 without these questions, don’t read anything into it. It simply depends on the time left.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Part 3 is a two-way discussion that lasts 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks more abstract questions linked to your Part 2 topic, and may follow up on your answers or ask you to explain further. Here are some questions that could follow the electronic device cue card above:

We’ve been talking about an electronic device you would like to own. Now I’d like to ask you some more general questions related to this topic.

What are the most popular electronic devices in your country at the moment?
What devices do you think will be popular in the future?
Do you think people spend too much money on electronic devices?
In what ways can electronic devices make our lives harder?
What would the world be like without computers?
Should children be taught to use computers at school?

The rest of this guide follows the same order: first the topics you’re most likely to get in each part, then how to answer Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, and finally how your answers are scored.

IELTS Speaking Topics

The Speaking test can cover almost any everyday subject, but it doesn’t cover them equally. A small group of topics comes up again and again, and knowing them turns the test from a guessing game into something you can prepare for. Below, you’ll find the most common Part 1 topics first, then the categories that Part 2 and Part 3 draw on, each with sample questions and answers you can watch and listen to.

For full question lists with sample answers and free practice for every topic, see our guides to each part of the test:

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions

The opening topics and 12 common everyday topics, with sample answers and practice for each.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions

The 2026 cue cards with “You should say” prompts, ideas, and follow-up Part 3 questions.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions

Common discussion topics, real Part 3 questions, and the answer patterns that fit them.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics

If you only have time to prepare a few Part 1 topics, start with the five very common ones below: most tests include at least one of them. Each card shows a real question from our practice tests and links to the practices that ask about that topic, so you can answer out loud and get an AI score in minutes. For full question lists with sample answers, see our IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions.

Very common Prepare these first. Most tests include at least one.
Hometown and Home

Hometown, accommodation, your country

“Where is your hometown?”

Practice 1Practice 10Practice 11

Family and Friends

Family, friends, housework, children

“Who do you get on best with in your family?”

Practice 8Practice 17

Media and Entertainment

TV, films, music, books, newspapers

“What kind of TV programmes do you like to watch?”

Practice 9Practice 12Practice 15

Technology

Computers, phones, the internet

“What do you use a computer to do?”

Practice 13Practice 19

Work

Jobs, career plans, volunteer work

“Do you enjoy your job?”

Practice 3Practice 4

Common These come up regularly, so have a few ideas ready for each.
Study and School

Your major, subjects, high school

“Why did you choose that major?”

Practice 18Practice 6

Sport and Activities

Sports, outdoor and indoor activities

“Do you enjoy playing or watching sports?”

Practice 39Practice 40

Travel and Lifestyle

Holidays, daily life, lifestyle

“Do you enjoy traveling?”

Practice 72Practice 7

Weather and Seasons

Seasons, rain, sunny days

“How do you feel about rainy days?”

Practice 62Practice 25

Clothes and Fashion

Clothes, shoes, bags

“Do you care about fashion?”

Practice 26Practice 28

Transport

Buses, taxis, boats, commuting

“Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?”

Practice 21Practice 24Practice 31Practice 76

Celebrities and Advertising

Celebrities, advertisements, the media

“Do you like watching advertisements?”

Practice 12Practice 13Practice 62

Less common Less frequent, but worth a quick look before test day.
Art and Photography

Art, photos, colors

“Do you like art?”

Practice 29Practice 42Practice 25

Noise and Manners

Noise, patience, politeness

“Are you a polite person?”

Practice 22Practice 23

Gifts

Giving and receiving gifts

“Do you often give gifts to others?”

Practice 63

To hear what strong Part 1 answers sound like, work through the questions from our IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice 1 below. Watch each question, record your own answer, and then compare it with the band 9 video answer.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Questions
Want to answer these questions yourself and get an AI score? Start IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice 1

Question 1

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Let’s talk about your hometown. Where is your hometown?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Well, my hometown is Vancouver, which is a city in Canada. Um, it’s a very cosmopolitan place with people from many different ethnic backgrounds, basically from all over the world. And that kind of diversity is something I really appreciate.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“My hometown is Vancouver, which is a city in Canada.”
    2 Example or Detail“It’s a very cosmopolitan place with people from many different ethnic backgrounds.”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“That kind of diversity is something I really appreciate.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 2

  • spellcheck Transcript
    What do you like about it?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    What I like about it is that it’s quite diverse and open-minded. There’s also a strong cultural atmosphere. There are cafes across the city and unique little shops on the outskirts.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“What I like about it is that it’s quite diverse and open-minded.”
    2 Example or Detail“There’s also a strong cultural atmosphere.”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“There are cafes across the city and unique little shops on the outskirts.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 3

  • spellcheck Transcript
    What do you not like about it?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Well, um, if I had to mention one downside, it would be the cost of living. You know, things like rent and housing are really expensive. So yeah, it can be quite challenging at times.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“If I had to mention one downside, it would be the cost of living.”
    2 Example or Detail“Things like rent and housing are really expensive.”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“So yeah, it can be quite challenging at times.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 4

  • spellcheck Transcript
    How important is your hometown to you?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    My hometown is very important to me because that’s where my family lives. It’s where I come from, so it shapes a lot of who I am as a person.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“My hometown is very important to me because that’s where my family lives.”
    2 Example or Detail“It’s where I come from,”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“so it shapes a lot of who I am as a person.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 5

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Do you think you will continue to live in your hometown?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Well, I still feel like I’m part of my hometown, but, you know, I’m also quite different from some of the people who live there. Even though I’ve changed a lot, it’ll always feel like home to me. That said, I don’t really think I’d want to live there in the future.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“I still feel like I’m part of my hometown, but I’m also quite different from some of the people who live there.”
    2 Example or Detail“Even though I’ve changed a lot, it’ll always feel like home to me.”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“That said, I don’t really think I’d want to live there in the future.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 6

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Let’s move on to talk about accommodation. Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Currently, I live in an apartment. It’s not very big, but it’s comfortable enough and I have my own bedroom and a small living area. It’s also quite convenient because it’s close to public transport and shops, so overall, it works really well for my daily routine.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“Currently, I live in an apartment.”
    2 Example or Detail“It’s not very big, but it’s comfortable enough and I have my own bedroom and a small living area.”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“It’s close to public transport and shops, so overall, it works really well for my daily routine.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 7

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Does the place you live in have many amenities?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Yes, my apartment building actually has quite a few amenities. For example, there’s a gym, a laundry room, and even a small garden area where residents can relax. So yeah, it’s really convenient.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“Yes, my apartment building actually has quite a few amenities.”
    2 Example or Detail“For example, there’s a gym, a laundry room, and even a small garden area where residents can relax.”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“So yeah, it’s really convenient.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 8

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Is there anything you would like to change about the place you live in?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    If I could change something, I would definitely like to have more storage space because my apartment feels a bit cramped with all my stuff. Also, I think maybe having a bigger kitchen would be nice too.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“I would definitely like to have more storage space because my apartment feels a bit cramped”
    2 Example or Detail“with all my stuff.”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“Also, I think maybe having a bigger kitchen would be nice too.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 9

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Do you plan to live there for a long time?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    My answer would be yes. I have nothing to complain about with regard to my current accommodation. Everything is up to par, from the neighbors to the vicinity to the amenities. That’s why I have no intention of leaving this wonderful neighborhood.

    How this answer follows the pattern

    1 Answer + Reason“My answer would be yes. I have nothing to complain about with regard to my current accommodation.”
    2 Example or Detail“Everything is up to par, from the neighbors to the vicinity to the amenities.”
    3 Result or Extra Detail“That’s why I have no intention of leaving this wonderful neighborhood.”

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Task Achievement — IELTS Speaking 1

Learn how to answer these questions in a step-by-step interactive exercise

Ready to practice more Part 1 questions? Answer a full set and get an instant AI score.

Free IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice Test

IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 Topics

Part 2 and Part 3 share the same topics: Part 2 asks you to describe a personal example, and Part 3 discusses the same theme in more general terms. For the current cue cards and discussion questions, see our IELTS cue cards 2026 and IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions.

Not every category is equally likely. The chart below compares the most common IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3 topic categories in 2025 and 2026, as a percentage of all topics in each year. The blue bars show 2025 and the orange bars show 2026.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 Topics in 2025 and 2026

Events and Experiences is the largest category in both years, at 38.5% of topics in 2025 and 33.3% in 2026. These questions ask you to describe something you have done or experienced, such as a memorable trip, a special celebration, or a time you helped someone.

People and Places come next. Together, they make up 43.6% of the topics in 2026. You might be asked to describe someone you admire, a person who influenced you, a place you enjoy visiting, or a place you would like to explore.

Objects, Media, and Society appear less often, but they still come up, so include a few of them in your practice.

What this means for your preparation: you don’t need a separate answer for every possible cue card. Three or four well-prepared stories about the people, places, and experiences in your life can be adapted to most of the cue cards you’re likely to get, and they sound far more natural than memorized answers.

The cards below cover all seven categories, largest first. Each one has a real cue card and a Part 3 question from our practice tests that you can open and answer, plus a tip for preparing.

Events and Experiences Largest category
  • A change in your life
  • Decisions
  • Exciting or memorable experiences
  • Holidays and travel
  • Illness
  • Helping people
  • Being late
Part 2 cue card Describe an exciting experience you’ve had. Part 3 question How have holidays changed over the past few decades?

Prepare three or four personal stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end. One good story can answer several cue cards.

People Very common
  • Teachers
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Influential people
  • Good parents
Part 2 cue card Describe the best teacher you have had. Part 3 question What is the importance of friends?

Pick two or three real people and note what they’re like, how you know them, and one story about each.

Places Very common
  • Cities
  • Companies
  • Schools
  • Museums
  • Parties
  • Shopping places
Part 2 cue card Describe a museum that you have visited. Part 3 question In your opinion, what makes a city a good one to live in?

Describe what you see there, what people do there, and how the place makes you feel.

Objects
  • Clothing
  • Electronic devices
  • Food
  • Furniture
  • Gifts
  • Money
  • Musical instruments
  • Traditional products
  • Plants
Part 2 cue card Describe a piece of furniture that you own. Part 3 question How have shopping habits changed over recent years?

Say what it looks like, how you got it, how you use it, and why it matters to you.

Media and Entertainment
  • Advertisements
  • Art
  • Books
  • The internet
  • News
  • TV
Part 2 cue card Describe an advertisement that persuaded you to buy a product. Part 3 question Do you think advertising influences what people buy?

Have one recent example ready for each: a book, a show, an advertisement, and a news story.

Society
  • The environment
  • Traffic rules
  • Transport
  • Social issues
Part 2 cue card Describe an environmental problem or event. Part 3 question How can people protect the environment?

Learn key topic words, such as pollution, congestion, and regulation, plus one cause and one solution for each issue.

Leisure, Languages, and Sport
  • Leisure activities
  • Learning a language
  • Sports
Part 2 cue card Talk about a sport you like doing or watching. Part 3 question What types of sports are popular in your country?

Talk about how you started, what you enjoy about it, and how it has changed you.

To see how these topics turn into real questions, try the two samples below: a Part 2 cue card about work, then a set of Part 3 discussion questions about advertising. Each comes with a sample response to compare with your own.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample Questions
Want to answer these questions yourself and get an AI score? Start IELTS Speaking Part 2 Practice 1
candidate task card

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

  • Sample Response

    Well, my dream job is to be a freelance writer, and, um, today I’ll explain a little bit about what it means to be a freelance writer, as well as why it interests me.

    So, if I were a writer, I would use my computer to write things for different clients. You know, a freelance employee does not have to work at an office, or at any specific company. My ideal workplace, if I were a freelance writer, would be a home office. I mean, I would like to set up a comfortable desk in a quiet space at home, for an environment that keeps me focused.

    And so, as a freelance writer, I would be able to do my writing from any place I choose, while also having some control over my work schedule. However, most writers will need to complete assignments by a specific date, so there would still be some time constraints. I would probably have some stress over meeting deadlines on time, but, um, I think I could handle it.

    Now, as far as finding a job as a freelance writer is concerned, I think it may be possible in the future. First, I’ll need more experience writing, so that reputable companies will want to hire me. And, most importantly, I’ll need to be financially stable enough that I can handle working fewer hours in the beginning.

    So overall, becoming a freelance writer would allow me independence, while doing something I enjoy. I believe, with skill and patience, my dream of being a freelance writer will come true someday.

Read the cue card, then click to record your answer.

Task Achievement — IELTS Speaking 2

Learn how to answer this question in a step-by-step interactive exercise

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample Questions
Want to answer these questions yourself and get an AI score? Start IELTS Speaking Part 3 Practice 1

Question 1

  • spellcheck Transcript
    What are popular types of advertising in today’s world?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Well, um, in today’s world, there are, you know, quite a few popular types of advertising that we see almost everywhere. For example, um, online advertising is huge right now, especially on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where companies, you know, use targeted ads. Then, um, of course, there’s television advertising, which still reaches a wide audience, um, along with ads on YouTube and other video streaming services. Also, um, there are outdoor advertising, like billboards and ads on public transport, which is also quite common. And finally, we have the influencer marketing, which has really taken off recently because, you know, many people trust recommendations from influencers they follow. So, um, overall, there are many different types, but digital advertising seems to dominate these days.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 2

  • spellcheck Transcript
    What type of media advertising do you like most?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Personally, I think I like online advertising the most, especially ads on social media or video platforms. The main reason is that, you know, these ads can be really interactive and sometimes even entertaining. For example, um, some ads come in the form of short videos or, like, fun challenges, which makes them more enjoyable to watch. Besides, online ads are often tailored to my interests, so I feel like they’re more relevant to me. Essentially, um, unlike traditional ads on television or the radio, digital ads don’t always interrupt what I’m doing, and sometimes I can just skip them if I want. So, um, overall, I prefer online ads because they’re more engaging and, you know, less intrusive at times.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 3

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Do you think advertising influences what people buy?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Yes, definitely. I mean, if there were no advertising and you went into a shop, you’d probably just buy whatever you wanted at the time. Um, your choice might depend on what other people have told you or what the product looks like. But with advertising, it’s a different story. Advertising, um, kind of helps build a brand. What I mean by that is that over time, people start to trust certain products, mainly because they’ve seen them on television or in other places. Plus, you know, advertising is so widespread nowadays that it is almost impossible to avoid. So yes, advertising definitely, and I would say inevitably influences what we buy.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 4

  • spellcheck Transcript
    What factors should be taken into account when making advertisements?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Well, um, there are several important factors to consider when making advertisements. First of all, you need to, um, understand your target audience, because that really influences the style and message of the ad. Secondly, the message should be, you know, clear and easy to understand, so people can immediately see what the product or service is about. Also, um, creativity is quite important to grab people’s attention and make the ad stand out. Another thing is, um, honesty. Advertisements shouldn’t mislead customers with false claims. And finally, you need to, you know, choose the right platform, whether it’s social media, television, or radio.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 5

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Is advertising really necessary in modern society?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Actually, um, I think advertising is quite necessary in modern society. To begin with, it helps companies, you know, reach customers and inform them about what they offer. Without advertising, people might not really know about new products or special deals. In addition, um, advertising supports many industries like media and entertainment because they rely on revenue from ads. Plus, ads give consumers more choice by showing them different brands and options. That said, I also think advertising should be responsible and not create false needs or use manipulative tactics. So, um, even though advertising can feel overwhelming at times, I believe it plays an important role in the economy and helps connect businesses with people.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 6

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Let’s move on from types of advertising to the impact of advertising on children. How does advertising influence children?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    On top of my head, um, I can think of a few ways advertising affects children. First of all, ads can, you know, mislead and confuse kids by exaggerating what a product can actually do. For example, um, makeup ads sometimes suggest that using a certain brand of mascara will dramatically change someone’s appearance. Secondly, advertising can, um, affect children’s self-image and self-esteem by making them feel they need to look or behave like the people shown in ads, who often don’t really represent real life. You know, since children are quite impressionable, they may, um, develop unrealistic ideas about themselves and the world around them.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Question 7

  • spellcheck Transcript
    Is there any advertising that can be harmful to children?
  • Sample Response

    Band 9 video model answer

    Unfortunately, yeah. There are some advertisements that can be harmful to kids. As I said, ads can harm children by negatively affecting their self-esteem. You see, um, children who see models in advertisements may feel they need to look like those people, and, um, become upset when they’re unable to achieve that kind of perfection. Um, also, there are ads for certain foods and drinks that contain high amounts of sugar and fat. Those types of ads can influence children into wanting to consume these products. So, I believe it’s really important for parents to be careful about what kinds of ads children are exposed to.

Watch the video question, then click to record your answer.

Task Achievement — IELTS Speaking 3

Learn how to answer these questions in a step-by-step interactive exercise

Ready to practice Part 2 and Part 3? Answer a full cue card or discussion set and get an instant AI score.

Free IELTS Speaking Part 2 Practice Test

How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 1

Part 1 is short, but it’s where the examiner forms a first impression of your English, and that impression comes from how you answer simple questions. A candidate who gives full, natural answers here starts the test with momentum. One who replies “Yes” or “Not really” gives the examiner almost nothing to score.

Use the Direct Answer pattern

The Direct Answer pattern fixes that. It has three short steps that work for every Part 1 question and give you about three sentences, or 20 seconds of speaking: long enough to show your range, and short enough to leave time for the other questions.

  1. 1 Answer + Reason Answer the question directly, then add one reason.
  2. 2 Example or Detail Add a real example or one specific detail.
  3. 3 Result or Extra Detail Finish with a result or one extra detail.
ExampleDo you like sports?

Answer + Reason Not really, to be honest. I’ve never been very competitive, so playing or watching matches doesn’t appeal to me. Example or Detail On weekends, for example, I’d much rather curl up with a good book. Result or Extra Detail So for me, a quiet afternoon with a novel is far more fun than any game.

Every band 9 video answer in the Part 1 sample questions above follows the same three steps. Below are 14 more typical Part 1 questions with band 9 answers, so you can hear the pattern in different topics. The bold words are controlled fillers that link the steps. Press play to hear how each answer sounds.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Well, I’m really into swimming, so I spend a lot of my spare time at the local pool, mainly because it helps me switch off after a busy day. For example, I usually go three evenings a week, straight after work. So overall, it keeps me fit, and I sleep much better afterwards.

What kind of programme do you like to watch on TV?

I’d say I mostly watch dramas, since they’re an easy way to relax without thinking too hard. More specifically, I’m following a crime series set in London at the moment, and I watch an episode most nights. That’s why I’d pick a good drama over a game show any day.

Do you usually watch films alone or with others?

Actually, I usually watch films with friends, because afterwards we can talk about our favourite scenes. For instance, last weekend we watched a thriller and argued for ages about the ending. So for me, sharing a film makes it far more enjoyable than watching it alone.

Who do you get on best with in your family?

That’s a good question. I suppose I get on best with my mum, as we’re very alike. In particular, we’re both quite chatty, so we can talk on the phone for an hour without noticing. Because of that, she’s always the first person I call when something happens.

Do you like to keep fit?

Yes, definitely. I try to stay active because I sit at a desk all day. For instance, I play basketball with friends every Saturday and go to the gym whenever I have a free evening. As a result, I feel much more energetic during the week.

Do you like learning a new language?

Yes, I really do, mainly because it lets me connect with people from other cultures. Take learning English, for example. I read the news in English every morning and listen to podcasts on my way to work. That means I’m picking up new vocabulary without it feeling like studying.

Is there anything you would change about your hometown?

Well, I’d probably add more things to do in the evenings, because it can feel quite quiet after dark. A case in point is that most shopping centres and restaurants close by nine o’clock. So in practice, young people often travel to the next city to go out.

Tell me about your hometown.

My hometown’s Delhi, in the north of India, and I love it because there’s always something happening. To be more specific, it’s the second largest city in the country, with huge markets, historic monuments and an international airport. So overall, it’s a busy but exciting place to grow up.

Tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in.

Well, I currently rent a room in a shared guest house, which suits me because it’s affordable. More specifically, the building has round-the-clock security, free Wi-Fi and a common room where residents can relax. On top of that, it’s close to the metro, so I can get almost anywhere in the city quickly.

Tell me about a shop you often go to.

I’d say my favourite shop is a small bookshop near my flat, because it’s so quiet and relaxing. In particular, I love browsing the second-hand section, where you can find old novels for very little money. That’s why I often pop in on my way home, even when I’m not planning to buy anything.

Where do you live in your country now?

I currently live in Delhi, mainly because that’s where I found my first job. More specifically, I’m in the south of the city, quite close to my office. Before that, I used to live in Bangalore, so I’ve now experienced life in two of India’s biggest cities.

Are you working at the moment?

Actually, no, I’m not working right now, because I’ve just finished my degree. For example, I spent last month updating my CV and applying for internships in marketing. Hopefully, I’ll start an internship this summer and get some real work experience.

Have you ever been to a concert before?

No, I’ve never been to a concert, mostly because tickets for big shows are quite expensive. That said, there are lots of smaller gigs in the bars near where I live. So in the future, I’m planning to go to one of those, since it’d be a cheap way to start.

What would be your ideal holiday destination?

If I had to choose, I’d love to go on safari in Kenya, because I’ve always wanted to see wild animals in their natural habitat. In particular, I’d love to watch the great migration across the plains. I doubt I’ll be able to afford it soon, but if I saved up for a few years, I’d probably go with my partner.

Use controlled fillers to keep talking

The bold words in the answers above are controlled fillers. When you need a moment to organize your next idea, use one of them instead of stopping. They’re grouped here by what you want to do next:

PurposeControlled fillers
Start / buy thinking timeWell, Actually, I’d say, I suppose, If I had to choose
Explain / clarifyWhat I mean by that is, In other words, To explain that a little more
Give an example / detailFor example, For instance, More specifically, In particular
Add another ideaAnother reason is, On top of that, In addition
Show contrastHowever, On the other hand, That said, Having said that
Show result / consequenceAs a result, Because of that, That means
Finish / summarizeSo overall, Overall, That’s why, So for me

The goal is not to use these phrases in every sentence. Use them to avoid a long pause, organize your next idea, or keep your answer moving.

Sound natural and confident

Talk to the examiner as you would to a friendly new colleague. Nerves often show as looking down, speaking quietly or in a flat voice, and giving very short answers, and all of these make you sound less fluent than you are.

  • Make eye contact. Look at the examiner when you answer, not at the table.
  • Speak clearly and at a natural volume. The examiner needs to hear every word, and so does the recording.
  • Vary your tone. Let your voice rise and fall as it would in a normal conversation.
  • Develop every answer. Add a reason and a detail, even to simple questions.

How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2

In Part 2, you speak on your own for 1 to 2 minutes about a topic you may not have thought about before. This is where unprepared candidates struggle most: with no examiner questions to keep them going, they run out of ideas, pause for too long, or stop well before the time is up. In our data, 17% of Part 2 recordings contained no scorable speech at all. The good news is that a long turn is the easiest part to plan for. These four tips help you keep talking, clearly and on topic, for the full time.

1. Cover every point on the cue card

The cue card gives you a topic and three or four points to talk about. Talk about every point, in the order they appear on the card. The points are your plan, so you always know what to say next. If one point is hard, give one short idea about it and move on to the next point. Stay on the topic of the card for your whole answer.

2. Plan your answer in the 1-minute preparation time

Use your minute of preparation to make notes, not to write full sentences. Note a few keywords for each point on the card, in the order you’ll talk about them. Tip 4 shows a simple way to organize them.

3. Don’t stop to fix every mistake

Every candidate makes some grammar and vocabulary mistakes, and examiners expect it. What hurts your score more is stopping to think about a mistake, because you lose your train of thought and your fluency drops. If you can correct a slip immediately, do. If not, let it go and keep talking.

4. Use a simple structure for each point

A clear structure helps you speak fluently and helps the examiner follow your answer. Here is one simple structure for your notes: three short lines for each cue card point.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Structure: One Point at a Time

For each point, write these three lines, using words and short phrases:

  • Quick idea. Write one short main idea for the point in a few words. For “what it is”, you might write “My HP laptop”.
  • Supporting detail. Add one useful detail: who, what, where, when, or why, an example, or a short description.
  • Personal response. Add how you felt, what you decided, or what happened afterward. Choose the one that fits best.

Then speak from your notes. When the examiner asks you to start, go through the points in order and turn each set of three lines into a few connected sentences. Keep going until you have covered every point. If you still have time, finish with a sentence about how you feel overall, such as “Overall, I feel …”.

Here is how this works with a real cue card. Read the card, look at the three-line notes for each point, and then listen to the sample answer to hear how each line becomes a few connected sentences.

Sample Question
Describe people that you know and believe to be very good parents. You should say:
  • Who they are
  • How you met them
  • Why you think they are good parents
  • And explain what it requires to be good parents.
Note
Who they are: My best friend's parents / Friend from high school / Best example of good parents
How I met them: Through Delilah, at fourteen / Moved from another country / Always chatted with me
Why they are good parents: Respect and attention / Gave us our space / I respect and admire them
What good parents need: Clear rules and some freedom / Their own hobbies and interests / Support a child's interests
  • Sample Response

    Well, although I’ve met many great parents throughout my life, I think some of the people I know who best exemplify good parenting are, um, my best friend from high school’s parents.

    So, my friend Delilah and I met when I was about 14 years old. Her parents moved to the country where I grew up from a different country, so their cultural background was a little different than my family’s. You know, when I would go to her house, her parents would always make a point to have a short conversation with me. They genuinely seemed interested in our lives.

    I mean, the reason why I respect and admire Delilah’s parents so much is that they always treated us with respect, gave us our space, and yet seemed very attentive to us at the same time. With their own daughter Delilah, they had established clear boundaries as far as what was expected from her, but they also gave her quite a bit of freedom. And the most important reason why I think they are good examples as parents is that they had their own hobbies and interests, and helped Delilah to do the same. So, when she expressed interest in something, they gave her as many opportunities as possible to do it.

Read the cue card, then click to record your answer.

Task Achievement — IELTS Speaking 2

Learn how to answer this question in a step-by-step interactive exercise

How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3

Part 3 is where higher bands are won or lost. The examiner asks broader questions linked to your Part 2 topic, about people and society rather than your own life, and keeps pushing to see how far your English can go. A short opinion with no reason or example limits your score, however good your grammar is. A clear view, supported and developed, shows the range that the higher bands require.

Part 3 questions can seem unpredictable, but most of them belong to one of nine styles. Once you recognize the style, you know what your answer needs. Part 3 questions usually ask you to:

  1. give your opinion on a topic
  2. express your preference
  3. talk about people or things in your country
  4. talk about causes and effects
  5. compare and contrast two things
  6. make a prediction on something in the future
  7. make a comparison with the past
  8. talk about a hypothetical situation
  9. provide solutions to a problem

Here are some example questions for each style:

Give your opinion on a topic
  • What is your opinion on companies checking job applicants' online profiles?
  • Do you think the education system in your country influences young people's behavior?
  • Is food safety becoming an increasingly serious problem in our lives?
Express your preference
  • What do you think is better for you, home cooking or eating out?
  • Do you generally read a lot of books, or do you prefer watching TV?
  • Do you prefer to live in a big city or in a small town?
Talk about people or things in your country
  • Do people in your country spend a lot of money on their education?
  • How do most people travel long distances in your country?
  • How popular is watching television in your country?
Talk about causes and effects
  • What are some of the causes of water pollution?
  • How does advertising influence what people choose to buy?
  • Why do you think so many people read on tablets nowadays?
Compare and contrast two things
  • What are the differences between living in the city and the countryside?
  • What is the difference between studying online and studying at a school?
  • What is the difference between clothes that young people and old people like to wear?
Make a prediction on something in the future
  • What do you think cities will be like in 50 years’ time?
  • Will computers and robots replace teachers in the future?
Make a comparison with the past
  • How are education priorities today different from those in the past?
  • How are the eating habits now different from eating habits in the past?
  • How has teaching changed in your country over the past few decades?
Talk about a hypothetical situation
  • If you could choose a city to live in, where would you choose?
  • If you could influence or change the world with your writing, what would you want to change?
Provide solutions to a problem
  • How can traffic be reduced in a city?
  • How can we stop violence on TV?
  • What can we do to slow down global warming?

These are the question styles you’ll meet in Part 3. Each one matches a response pattern from our AI Tutor’s task achievement lessons. The first step is to identify the pattern as soon as you hear the question. Then follow its structure one step at a time, instead of trying to plan the whole answer before you speak. A developed Part 3 answer is usually 5–7 sentences, or about one minute of speaking.

Question styleResponse patternStructure
Give your opinion on a topicOpinion / ViewAnswer → Reason → Explain → Example → Result → Second Point or Contrast → Conclusion
Express your preferenceOpinion / ViewAnswer → Reason → Explain → Example → Result → Second Point or Contrast → Conclusion
Talk about people or things in your countryDescriptive / TypesMain Type → Explain → Example → Second Type → Explain or Compare → Overall View
Talk about causes and effectsCause / ReasonMain Cause → Explain → Example → Second Cause → Explain or Result → Conclusion
Compare and contrast two thingsCompare / ContrastMain Difference → Explain → Example → Second Difference → Contrast → Overall Comparison
Make a prediction on something in the futureFuture / PredictionPrediction → Reason → Explain → Example → Possible Limitation or Contrast → Conclusion
Make a comparison with the pastChange Over TimeMain Change → Past vs Present → Example → Reason for Change → Result → Overall View
Talk about a hypothetical situationHypothetical SituationChoice or Answer → Reason → Explain → Imagined Example → Result → Conclusion
Provide solutions to a problemProblem / SolutionProblem → Main Solution → Explain → Example → Second Solution → Conclusion

Notice that opinion and preference questions use the same Opinion / View pattern: you give your view or your choice, support it, and then acknowledge the other side. The structures help you stay organized; what matters most is that your answer is on topic and fully developed. In the model answer below, the bold words are the controlled fillers that move you from one step to the next.

AI Tutor IELTS Speaking Part 3 task achievement exercise
The AI Tutor identifies the Part 3 question pattern and walks you through its structure one step at a time.

Make a prediction on something in the future

Future / Prediction
  1. 1 Prediction
  2. 2 Reason
  3. 3 Explain
  4. 4 Example
  5. 5 Possible Limitation or Contrast
  6. 6 Conclusion
QuestionWhat do you think cities will be like in 50 years’ time?
Model answer

Prediction I’d probably say cities will be much greener and far less dependent on cars in fifty years’ time. Reason The reason I say that is, many governments are already trying to cut pollution and traffic. Explain What I mean by that is, as public transport becomes faster and cheaper, fewer people will need to own a car, so space now used for roads and car parks could be turned into parks and cycle lanes. Example For example, some European cities have already closed parts of their centres to traffic, and I imagine this will be completely normal by then. Possible Limitation or Contrast That said, cities will probably be even more crowded, so housing could become a serious problem. Conclusion Overall, I think cities will be cleaner and quieter, but also busier than they are today.

For model answers to the other eight question styles, each with audio, see our IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions.

How IELTS Speaking Is Scored

The Four IELTS Speaking Criteria

Your Speaking band is based on four criteria, each scored from 0 to 9 and weighted equally: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Because each one counts for a quarter of your band, one weak criterion can hold back your whole score, even if the other three are strong. The official IELTS scoring guide explains how the examiner uses the band descriptors for each criterion.

Fluency and Coherence

Fluency is your ability to keep speaking at a natural pace without long pauses, repetition, or self-correction. Coherence is how logically your ideas are organized and linked, so the examiner can follow them easily. At band 9, you speak fluently with only rare repetition or self-correction, any hesitation is to think about ideas rather than to search for words or grammar, and you develop topics fully.

To improve your fluency, practice answering with a timer and keep going when you make a small mistake. For coherence, follow a clear answer pattern and use linking phrases, such as “for example”, “on top of that”, and “so overall”, to show how your ideas connect. These phrases also give you a moment to plan your next sentence.

Lexical Resource

Lexical Resource is your vocabulary: how wide it is and how accurately and appropriately you use it. A high score needs more than rare words. You need to choose words that fit both the meaning and the context, use natural collocations and some idiomatic language, and talk about any topic without running out of words.

Two habits hold many candidates back. The first is repeating the same few words, which tells the examiner your range is limited. The second is using a word learned from a list without knowing how it is used. When you don’t know the exact word, paraphrase: explain the idea in other words and keep going. Examiners reward this skill. Repeating the examiner’s question back to them isn’t paraphrasing and doesn’t add to your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammatical Range and Accuracy looks at two things: how many different structures you use, and how many errors you make. Avoiding mistakes isn’t enough on its own. To reach the higher bands, the examiner needs to hear a natural mix of simple and complex sentences, such as conditionals, relative clauses, and a range of tenses, used mostly without errors. In our tutor reviews of Part 1 answers, grammar averaged 5.2 against 7.1 for pronunciation, so it sits 1.9 bands below pronunciation, and it is the lowest of the four criteria, the one that decides the band.

Recording yourself is the most effective way to find your own grammar mistakes. Answer a practice question, play the recording back, and note the errors you hear, such as missing past tenses or plural endings. You’ll often find mistakes you didn’t know you were making, and you can fix the habit before test day. If you can, ask a teacher or a friend with strong English to review your recordings too.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation is how easy you are to understand. It covers individual sounds, word and sentence stress, rhythm, and intonation. You don’t need to sound like a native speaker, and an accent doesn’t lower your score as long as it doesn’t make you harder to understand. At band 9, you use the full range of pronunciation features precisely and are effortlessly understood throughout.

The best way to improve is to listen to a lot of natural spoken English and copy it. Choose a short recording of a clear speaker, pause after each sentence, and repeat it exactly, copying the stress, the rising and falling tones, and the pauses. Then record your own answers in our IELTS Speaking practice and compare them with the model answers.

IELTS Speaking AI review with band scores for each criterion
Your AI speaking review: a band for each of the four criteria and feedback on every answer, from pronunciation to vocabulary.

Knowing the criteria is one thing; seeing where learners actually lose marks is another. Here is what our own scoring data shows.

What we learned from 56,000 IELTS Speaking recordings

Up to October 2026, BestMyTest scored 56,534 IELTS Speaking recordings from 2,564 learners, and our tutors reviewed a further 3,900 answers and full speaking tests. The pattern is the same in every data set: grammar is the weakest criterion and pronunciation the strongest.

Grammar decides the band. Grammar was the lowest of the four scores in 71% of Part 1 recordings, 81% of Part 2, and 84% of Part 3. Our tutors agreed: they put it lowest in 79% of the Part 1 answers they reviewed, 85% of Part 2, and 86% of Part 3.

Bar chart of the share of IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 answers by BestMyTest learners in which the criterion named in the title was the lowest score, from automated speech scoring and from tutor reviews

Pronunciation is rarely the lowest score. Pronunciation was the lowest criterion in 4% of Part 1 recordings, 3% of Part 2, and 3% of Part 3. So pronunciation is the score least likely to hold your band back. Grammar is the score most likely to hold it back.

Bar chart of the share of IELTS Speaking recordings by BestMyTest learners in which each of the four criteria was the lowest score, for Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

Tutor averages for single answers. For Part 1, our tutors gave grammatical range and accuracy 5.2, lexical resource 5.7, fluency and coherence 6.0, and pronunciation 7.1. Part 2 is the hardest part for grammatical range and accuracy, at 4.9, because the long turn leaves more room for slips.

Bar chart of the average band our tutors gave BestMyTest learners for grammar, vocabulary, fluency and coherence, and pronunciation in IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 answers

Speed separates bands, not the number of pauses. Learners scored at band 5 produced 57 correct words a minute and were silent 39% of the time. Band 8 learners produced 116 words a minute and were silent 23% of the time. Pauses per minute ran from 45 to 47 across the bands, so strong speakers pause about as often as weaker ones. Band 8 speakers spent less of their time silent.

Bar chart of the average number of correct words a minute spoken by BestMyTest learners in IELTS Speaking recordings scored at each band

Where learners freeze. 21% of Part 3 recordings contained no scorable speech, 17% of Part 2 recordings, against 5% in Part 1. That’s why practising the abstract Part 3 questions with a timer matters more than practising Part 1.

Bar chart of the share of IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 recordings by BestMyTest learners that contained no scorable speech

Typical answer lengths from our data. From the shortest to the longest, Part 1 answers run about 50 words in 30 seconds, Part 3 answers run about 69 words in 41 seconds, and Part 2 answers run about 169 words in 99 seconds. Use these as a rough target when you practise with a timer.

Bar chart of the average number of words BestMyTest learners spoke in one IELTS Speaking answer in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3

The words our learners mispronounce most, across 12.43 million scored word attempts in TOEFL and IELTS speaking practice, are bears, alternatively, northern, path, uncomfortable, advertisements, offer, perspective, decisions and hotel. Three habits help with words like these: say the end of every word, so there are no dropped final sounds (-s, -ed); learn which silent letters a word has; and check the stressed syllable of a long word in a dictionary, so there is no misplaced word stress.

Free IELTS Speaking Practice with BestMyTest

Reading about the Speaking test won’t raise your band. Speaking will. The candidates who improve fastest are the ones who answer real questions out loud, hear how they sound, and fix one weakness at a time. BestMyTest’s IELTS Speaking practice is built for exactly that: you watch the examiner ask each question on video, record your answer, and get an instant AI score for fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, so you know what to work on next instead of guessing.

IELTS Speaking practice test with a video examiner and answer recording
An examiner asks each question on video, and you record your answer, just like the real test.

For more questions by part, see our IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions, IELTS cue cards 2026, and IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions.

Start Practicing Today

Your next Speaking score is decided by the answers you practice before test day. Sign up free to get our IELTS Speaking lessons, practice questions, and instant AI feedback, and record your first answer today.

Free IELTS Speaking Resources

The best way to improve your speaking is to talk with a fluent English speaker who can correct your mistakes. When that isn’t possible, these free resources help you keep practicing.

1. IELTS Speaking test videos

These videos show candidates taking a full Speaking test with an examiner. Watch them to see how each part runs and how answers at different bands sound.

2. Your phone’s voice recorder

Record an answer, listen back, and check one thing at a time: your pauses, your grammar, or your pronunciation. To check how clearly you speak, try your phone’s voice typing. If it writes down the words you meant to say, a listener will most likely understand you too.

3. YouTube

YouTube has many free IELTS Speaking lessons and sample answers. Choose videos from experienced IELTS teachers, and answer each question yourself before you watch the sample answer.

4. Speaking and language exchange apps

Free speaking and language exchange apps let you practice conversation with other learners and native speakers. Short, regular conversations build the fluency that Part 1 and Part 3 need.

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