100 Most Common IELTS Speaking Questions

Family

Part 2

 1. Describe one of your family members you spend the most time with. You should say 

– Who is he/she?
– What do you usually do together?
– What kind of person he/she is?
– Why you spend most of the time with him/her?

Part 3

1) Is it important to visit family members?

2) Why is family bonding necessary for happiness in life?

3) Do you think the support from a friend is different from the support from a family member?

 

Achieving Goals

Part 2

Describe a goal that you achieved, which was set by yourself Or describe a time when you set a goal and tried your best to achieve it. You should say,

– What it was
– When did you set it
– How did you achieve it
– Explain how it influenced your life

Part 3

1) Do people need to write down goals or simply memorize them?
2) Should parents set goals for children?
3) What is more fulfilling working towards a goal or achieving it?

 

Magazine Article 

Part 2

Describe an article on health that you read in a magazine or online. You should say 

– What the article was
– When and where you read it
– What you learned from the article
– Explain why you think it is a good or bad article

Part 3

1) Why do different people like to read different magazine?
2) Do people still buy magazines in your country?
3) Why do magazines have health related articles?

Successful Business

Part 2

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

– What the business is
– Where it is
– Who runs the business/how you know about this business
– And explain why you think it is successful

Part 3

1) Do many people know about this company?
2) What do you think can be considered as an emerging industry?
3) In business, how can companies to be competitive?

Crowded Place

Part 2

5. Describe a crowded place you have visited. You should say

-Where it is
-When you went there
-With whom you went there
-And explain how you felt about being there

Part 3

1) Is there a completely quiet place that you like to visit?

2) What are some  places that attract large crowds in your country?

3) What do you think is the most important aspect of a public event?

Game

Part 2

6. Describe an indoor game that you liked to play when you were a child.

– What is it?
– With whom did you play it? 
– How often did you play it?
– How did you feel about this game?

Part 3

1) In general, how is outside play for children different to playing inside?

2) How have children’s games changed in the past few decades?

3) Do you think modern lifestyles encourage or discourage adults from playing games?

Performance

Part 2

Describe a performance you recently watched. You should mention

– What it was
– When you watched it
– Who you watched it with
– Why you watched it and how you felt about it

Part 3

1) What is the difference between watching the performance live and watching it on TV?

2) Should government provide financial support to promote traditional performances?

3) Is learning drama or dancing helpful for children?

Educational Trip

Describe an educational trip you went on in your school days. You should say

– where the trip was
– what you did and what you learned
– who went with you

Film

Describe a film you would like to share with your friends

– Where did you watch it
– What it was about
– Who you watched it with
– Why you want to share it with your friends

Part 3

1) Do different age groups like the same kinds of films?

2) What kinds of films do young people particularly like?

3) What do you think of violent films?

4) Do you think watching films have educational benefits?

A Place to Read and Write

Describe a place where you read and write, apart from your home

– What is it
– Where is it
– Why do you go there to read and write

1) When did you start visiting that place?

2) At what age children usually start reading and writing?

3) Is it the sole responsibility of school to take care of reading and writing for children?

Something Borrowed

Talk about something that you borrowed from your friend

– What was it
– When did you borrow
– Whom you borrowed it from
– What you did with it
– Why you borrowed it

Part 3

1) Does borrowing things make people uncomfortable?

2) What do you do if you don’t want to lend something to others?

3) Why do people dislike lending valuable items?

4) What would you do if people don’t return the money they borrowed from you?

Perfect Home

Describe your idea of a perfect home or dream house

– Where this place would be
– What it would look like
– When you would like to live there
– Explain why it is ideal to you

Part 3

1) How is modern home design in your country different to that of the past?

2) Do young people in your country like to live with their parents or by themselves?

3) Would you live in a foreign country in the future?

Public Facility 

Talk about a newly built public facility (such as parks, cinemas etc) that improves/influence local life quality in your city

– What the facility is
– Where it is
– How it improves quality of life
– How you feel about it

Part 3

1) What measures should be taken to deal with damage on public facilities?
2) What facilities do young people and old people like in your country?
3) Do you think there is any difference between facilities in the countryside and the ones in the cities?

Practical Skill

Describe a practical skill you learned. You should say

– What this skill was
– When you learned it
– How you learned it
– And explain why you think it was important

Part 3

1) What age will make it difficult for a person to learn a skill?
2) Would it be better to to learn a new skill at the age of 5 or at 20?
3) What’s the difference between learning what you like and learning what you have to learn?

Special Day 

Describe a special day that made you happy. You should say

– When it was
– What the occasion was
– Why it make you happy

Part 3

1) What are some things that made you feel happy?
2) Do you think artistic activities can make people happy?(Why/Why not)
3) Do you think money makes people happy?

Regional Product

Describe a product made in the region you come from or a popular product from your hometown. You should say

– What it is
– What it looks like
– What it is used for
– How it is made
– And explain why your country makes it

Part 3

1) Do different places have their own popular products?
2) What food is popular throughout the world?
3) Why do people living in different regions like different food?

17. Describe an experience when you were with people and you got bored
– When was it – Where was it – Why did you get bored – How you felt about it

What kind of jobs are boring?
Do people get bored easily? Why?

18. A Leisure activity that you do with your family – What activity it is – When do you do it – With whom do you do it – Do you enjoy doing it

What leisure activites are popular in your country?
Do men and women like different leisure activities?
19. Describe a school you went to in your childhood – Where it was – What it was like – What you learned there – And how you felt about it

What is the difference between being taught by teachers and being taught by AI?
Which do you think is more important: primary school education or university education?
Do you think young people today are burdened with study?

20. Describe an important conversation that influenced you – When this happened – Who you were talking to – What you talked about – How this conversation influenced you

What is the difference between talking on phone and face to face conversation?
Why do some people get nervous when they give presentation? Why is body language important?

21. Describe a time when you were very excited – Where you were – When it was – Who you were with – explain why were you excited

Does small things make you excited?
Which personal events do people usually celebrate?

22. A person who taught you something important – Who the person is – What he/she is like – What he/she taught you – How you felt about him/her

What qualities do you think a good teacher should have?
What do you think is the best age for children to go to school? Do you prefer to study by yourself or with friends?

23. Describe an important piece of news that you received via text message – who shared the message with you – what the news was about – how was it written – and explain why the news was important

Have our ways to communicate with each other changed in recent years? What are the advantages of sending messages via social applications?
What do you think of traditional paper mails?

24. Describe a situation you were not allowed to use your cell phone – Where was it – When was it – Why you were not allowed – What did you want to do with your cell phone

What is the smartphone used the most for?
How the smartphones have changed people’s lives?

25. Describe an interesting animal – What it looks like – When you saw it – Where you saw it – Explain why it is interesting

Why do people like to keep pets?
What should we do to protect endangered animals?
Why do some people refuse to eat animals?

26. Describe a person who has apologized to you – Who this person is – When this happened – What this person said for apologizing – Explain how you felt about the apology

Is it important to say sorry?
In what situations should we apologize immediately? When was the last time you found it hard to accept an apology?

27. Describe a popular person that you want to meet – Who he or she is?
– What did this person show up on TV for? – How do you know what this person? – Why you want to meet him?

What type of people can be seen on TV? What are the kind of people do the news usually report about?
Do you think there is too much news about celebrities? What is your take on the news reports in recent years?
How do you think the celebs in the news can influence adolescents?

28. Describe one time when the weather changed your plan – When this happened – Where you were – What kind of weather it was – Explain why you couldn’t finish the thing – What you did at the end

Where can people get weather reports?
How do weather reports affect people’s life? What do people do on rainy days and sunny days?
29. Describe an old person you know and respect – Who he or she is – How you know this person – What he or she is like – And explain why you respect him or her

What qualities does a person need to have to take care of old people?
Do you think old people should be taken care of at home?
How can people in the neighbourhood help the elderly during an epidemic?

30. Describe a risk you have taken which had a positive result. – What it was – Why you took it – What the result was – How you felt about it

Why do some people enjoy extreme sports?
Do you think it is a good thing if a leader likes to take risk?
Are action films popular in your country?

31. Describe a mistake you have made – What it is – When you made it – How you made it – How you felt about it

What can we learn from our mistakes?
What should parents do if their children make mistakes?

32. Describe a volunteering experience you have had – What it was
– Where it was – Why you volunteered – How you felt about it

What qualities are required for being a volunteer? How can companies engaging in volunteering help our society?
How do modern technologies assist volunteers and volunteering experiences?

33. Describe a program or app in your computer or phone – What the app/program is – When, where you found it – How you use it – and how you feel about it

Do you think people depend on phone apps too much?
What kinds of Apps do you have on your phone? How much time do you spend on these Apps?
34. Describe a long car journey you went on – Where you went – What you did at that place – Who you went there with – Explain why you went on that journey by car

What will cars be like in the future?
Why do people like to have private cars?

35. Describe a place you visited that has been affected by pollution – Where is it – When you visited this place – What kind of pollution you saw there – And explain how this place was affected

What kinds of pollution are serious in your country?
What can individuals do to protect our environment? Why is there a need to involve government in environmental protection?

36. Describe a friend/person who is a good leader – Who this person is – How you know this person – What he does – How this person behaves – Why do you think he is a good leader

Do you think that in future there will be more women leaders?
Should a leader discuss with team members when making decisions?

37. Describe a dinner you really enjoyed – When it was – What you ate
– Who you were with – And explain why you enjoyed it

What is the difference between eating at home and eating out on special occasions? Why do global leaders like to gather around for dinner?

38. Describe a large company that you are interested in – Which company is it – What it is like (what kind of business it does) – How you know about it – How you feel about it – Why you have interest in this company

What are the differences between a big company and a small company?
Are there many big companies in your country?
Should big companies donate more to charities?

39. Describe a time when a family member asked for your help – When it was – Who asked you for help – How you helped – How you felt about it

What are the benefits of children helping their parents? Should parents reward their children when they help others?
40. Describe an unpleasant job you did – What was the job – When you did it – Why did you find it unpleasant – How you felt about it?

What makes people successful?
Do successful people have different abilities?

41. A time when you did not tell the truth to someone – When was it – To whom you did not tell the truth – Why did you not tell the truth – What was the truth

How can people check whether a piece of information is correct or not?
What is the difference between giving information by phone and email? Do people trust the information shared online?

42. Describe a time when you were cheated/ when someone lied to you / someone did not tell you the complete truth – What the situation was – When this happened – Who was the person
– What did he hide about – Why do you think the person did not tell the whole truth

Do you think telling white lies is acceptable sometimes?
Do you think children should be taught honesty at young age?
Why do people lie sometimes?

43. Describe a time you got lost in a place you didn’t know about – When did it happen – Who was with you – What did you do – How you felt about it

Is map-reading skill important?
Why people like travelling to other places?

44. Describe something difficult you would like to succeed in doing – What it is – Why is it difficult – How would you like to prepare for it? – Explain why you would like to be successful in doing it?

45. Describe a foreign country(culture) you want to know more about? – Which country it is or what culture
– Where it is – How you know about it – Why you want to know more about it
What do you think is the best way to learn foreign culture?
What do you think is the biggest problem to work in a foreign country?

46. Describe a place where you are able to relax – Where it is – What it is like – How often you go there – and how you feel about this place

How do students relax themselves?
What activities do employers organise to help employees relax?

47. Talk about something you enjoyed doing in a group – What was it – With whom you did it – When you did it – How you felt about it

What are the reasons for the failure of teamwork?
Is cooperation more important than competition?
Which one do you think is more important: individual development or team goals?

48. Describe a time when you missed an appointment – When and where it happened – What the appointment was for
– What happened when you missed it – And explain how you felt about the appointment

Do you think it is a good idea to use electronic devices for putting reminders?
How often do you make appointments?

49. Describe a journey that did not go as planned – Where you went – Who you went with – What you did – and explain why you disliked this journey

How can people benefit from travelling?
Do you like to travel on your own or with your family?
Do people prefer short trips or long trips?

50. Describe an advertisement you remember well – What is it – When and where you saw it – What happens in it

Why do some people hate advertisements?
Do people usually buy stuff after watching advertisements?

51. Describe something special that you brought home from a tourist place
– What it was – When did you buy it – From where did you buy it – What it was like – Why you think it was special

Why do people like to take photos while travelling?
What are the pros and cons of taking professional cameras when travelling?
What souvenirs people buy from tourist attractions?

52. Talk about a new public building/place, which you would like to visit – Which building/place is it – Where is it – When would you like to visit it – With whom would you like to visit – Why do you want to visit it

53. Describe your favorite clothes -What is it like -Who gave it to you or where you bought it -How often you wear it -Explain how you feel about it or why you enjoy wearing it?

What kind of clothes should people wear at work?
Do you think students need to wear school uniforms?
54. Describe an important journey that was delayed. – Why was it important – What caused the delay – What happened at the end – Describe what caused the delay

How do people travel long distance in your country?
What mode of travel do you consider the safest?

55. Describe an experience you had as a member of a team – What it was? – Who were the members of the team? – What role did you play in this team?
– And explain how you achieved your goal?

Do you like to work alone or work with a partner?
What kind of people are good to work with?
What are the advantages of studying alone?

56. Describe something you bought that was difficult to use at first – What is it – When you bought it – What does it do – Explain how difficult was it to be used

What type of products are difficult to use at first?
Do you believe that some products are over publicized?

57. Job you would not like to do in the future -What is the job -Why you don’t want to do it? -How you feel about the job?

What kind of jobs do young people prefer?
Which do you prefer physical work or work involving thinking?

58. Describe a uniform you wear (at your school or company) – When you wear it? – Who bought it for you? – What does it look like? – How you feel about it?

Should companies ask employees about the design of their uniforms?
Can people tell someone’s personality by his or her clothes?

59. Describe a situation or a time when you helped someone – What the situation was – Who the person was – How you helped them – Explain how your felt after helping them
Do you like helping others?
How can we encourage children to help others?

60. Describe an occasion when you lost something and then got it back – What you lost? – How you lost it? – Where you found it? – How you felt about it?

Why do people lose their things?
What kind of things people usually lose?

61. Describe a time when you travelled by public transportation? – When you travelled? – Where you travelled? – What was the purpose of your travel? – How you felt about it?

62. Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood – What was the toy – Who gave it to you – How often did you play with it

What is the difference between girls’ and boys’ toys?
Do you think toys really help in children’s development?
63. Talk about a person who travels a lot by plane – Who this person is – How do you know this person – Where this person travels to – Explain why this person likes to travel by plane

Is it good to live nearby an airport?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling by plane?

64. When was the time you admired the sky or a beautiful sky you enjoyed seeing – What were you doing – Who was with you – What you saw

Why do people like to study the sky?
Do you know any story related to planets?

65. Describe a place full of colour – Where is it – How you know about it – When you went there – What you did there – Explain why you think it is colourful

How do colours affect people’s mood?
What colour is suitable for offices?

66. Talk about a celebration organized after an achievement or describe a situation when you celebrated your achievement – What was the achievement – When it happened – How did you celebrate – How you felt about it

What are the events that are worthy of celebrating in your country? Do people prefer winning as a team or as an individual?
67. Describe an advice you received on your subjects or work – who advised you – what advice did he give – Are you happy with the advice

Which do to think is better: to voluntarily give advice or to wait to be consulted?
Do Indian children like to follow the advice of parents?

68. Describe a time when you first met someone – Who was it – Where did you meet – When was it – How was your experience

Do you think it is strange to make friends online?
Why do some people have few friends?
How do companies welcome their new employees?

69. Describe a picture or photograph in your home/room that you like – What is it about – Where is it in your home – How you got it
– Why you like it

What kinds of devices to people like to use for taking photos these days?
Why do some people like to keep photos?

70. Talk about a gift for which you spent long time to choose/make – What it was – Who was the person you gave it to – How he or she felt about it – Why it took long time for you to choose

Have you received anything that was handmade by the person who gave it to you?
When receiving a gift, do you prefer something that was self-made, or something bought from stores? What factors do people consider when buying a gift for friends?

71. Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake – When it happened – Why you were sleepy – Why you had to stay awake – And how you stayed awake

On what occasions do people need to stay awake even when they are tired?
What kind of people lack sleep? 72.Describe an aquatic animal
-What it looks like
-When you saw it
-where you saw it
-Explain why it is interesting

Why do people like to keep pets?
Do you support doing experiment on animals?
Why do some people refuse to eat animals?

73. Describe a bag you want to own
-What kind of bag is it
-Where you want to buy it
-How much it will cost it
-Why you want this kind of bag

Why do you think women like to buy bags?
Is the backpack practical in life?
Why do children need to carry a uniform bag?

74.Describe your favorite singer
-How do you know this singer
-What this people is like
-Do you think he/she is good

Do singer play an important role in your country?
Do you think celebrities have a lot of money?

75.Describe a time you made a promise to someone
-Whom did you make the promise to
– What the promise was
– Why you made the promise
– Was the promise easy to achieve
Generally speaking, do Indian parents make promises to children? Do children also make promises to their parents?
Do most people fulfill their promises?

76.Describe a time when you told your friend an important truth
-Who your friend is
– What the truth was
– What your friend’s reaction was
-And explain why it was important for you to tell the truth to your friend

Do you think we should tell truth at all times?
How do you know when others are telling the truth?
Do you think it is important to win the game or follow the rules?

77.Describe a skill that you can teach other people
-What it is
-How you learnt it How can you teach others this skill
-How do you feel about this

Should teachers be funny when they teach?
What qualities should teachers have?

78.. Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination
-When it was
– When you needed to use imagination
– How difficult or easy it was
-And explain how you felt about it
Do you think adults can have lots of imagination?
Do you think imagination is necessary for scientists?
What kind of jobs need imagination?

79.Describe a special hotel you stayed in
-Where it is
– What it is like
– Why you went there
-And how you felt about it

Do the ratings of people influence their choice?
How do people reserve rooms?
What influences people’s cholce of hotels?

80.Describe a time when you had to wait in a long line
– when it was
– how long the queue/line was
-what it was about
-how you felt about waiting in this long queue or line.
What do people like to do while waiting in line?

81.Describe a short trip that you often take but you do not like
-where you go
– when you go there

Why you go think people should spend on a trip abroad?

82.Describe a place(/person/home) you like to visit but you don’t want to live there?
-What place is it
-When do you visit that place
-How you feel about it
-Why you don’t want to live there

What type of apartment do most people in your country like to live in?
Do people in your country like to invite others as guests? Do people take gifts when they visit each other?

83.Describe an unforgettable bike(bicycle) trip
-When it was
-Where you went
– What happened during the trip
– How you felt about it

Do people in your country often travel by bike? Which is more convenient, bicycle or a car?
Do you think that children should learn the skills of riding from an early age?

85.Describe a time when you were really close to a wild animal
-What it looked like
-Where you saw it
-What it likes to eat or do
-Why you like it

In general, how do people in your country feel about wild animals?
In general, what is the attitude of people in your country towards wild animals?

86.Describe a time when your computer broke down:
-You should say:
-When it was What you were doing
-What you did about it
-And how you felt about it

What do people use computers for?
Should students be allowed to use computers at school?

87.Describe a polite person whom you know.
-Who is the person
-How you know him/her
-And explain why you think this person is polite.

Do you think you are a polite person?
How do you show politeness?
Do you think politeness is importarit?

88.Describe a thing you bought and you are happy about
-Explain why you bought it
-Why you selected this product
-From where you purchased it
-And explain why are you so happy about it

Did you tell anyone after buying it?
What is the product, which is consurmed most in your country? Why?

89.Describe something important that has been kept in your family for a long time. You should say:
-What is it
-When your family had it
-How your family got it
-And explain why it is important for your family

Which do yoeu think are better, eld things or new things?
As well as family photographs, what are some other things that people keep in their family for a long time?
In your culture, what sorts of things do people often pass down from generation to generation? (Why?)

90.Describe an occasion when you ate a kind of food for first time
-When you had it
-Where you ate it
-What it was
-and how you felt about it

what kinds of foreign foods are popular in your country?
Do you like to cook at home?
Is it expensive to eat out in your country?

91. Describe a line that you remember from a poem or song
-What it is
-What poem is it from
-How you know about it
-How you feel about it

Are you good at memorizing things?
Do you think children líke the rhythm.of songs or poems?

92.Describe a tradition in your country
-What it is
-Who takes part in it
-What activities there are
-And explain how you feel about it

What is the importance of traditional festivals?
What’s the difference between festivals now and in the past?

93.Describe a person who you think is very open
-Who this person is
-How you know this person
-Why do you think this person is very open
-And explain how you feel about this person

Is it difficuit for Indian people to express their feelings?
Who do you think talk more? Children or grown-ups?

94.Describe an old friend you got in contact with again
-Who he or she is
-What he or she is like

Who is usually the leader in an Indian family?
How do grandparents take care of their children?
What’s the most important quality of a good parent?

95.Describe a family which you like and are happy to know
-Who they are
-Where they live
-How you know them
-And explain why you like them.

Who is usually the leader in an Indian family?
How do grandparents take care of their children?
What’s the most important quality of a good parent?

96.Describe an energetic person that you know
-Who this person is
-How you knOw this person
-Why you think this person is energetic
-And explain how you feel about this person
What kind of jobs need a lot of physical activity?
What’s the difference between paynhent for physical work and payment for mental work? Can physical workers have higher salaries in the future?

97.Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public
-Where it was
-What the children were doing
-How others reacted to it
-And explain how you felt about it

What bad behaviour do children usually have?
How should parents stop their children from behaving badly at public?
Are parents these days stricter than in the past?

98.Describe a film/movie that made you laugh
-What is the name of this movie
-when did you watch it
-Who you watched it with
-why it made you laugh
Do people like comedy in your country?
Why do people of all ages like cartoons?

99.Describe an occasion when you wasted your time.
-Where you were
-When it was
-What you did
-And explain why you think it was a waste of time

How can we avoid wasting time?
Is time management Important?
Should parents help children manage time?

100.Describe a friend/person who is a good leader
-Who this person is
-How you know this person
-What he does
-How this person behaves
-Why do you think he is a good leader

Who is the head of the family in your culture?
Are men better at decision making in a family?
Do you think that in future there will be more women leaders?