Most Common Questions in IELTS Speaking (With Answers) – Updated for 2025

Overview of the IELTS Speaking Test

Before diving into the most common questions in IELTS Speaking, it’s important to understand the structure of the test. The IELTS Speaking test lasts 11 to 14 minutes and is divided into three parts. Each part is  designed to assess different aspects of your English communication skills:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)

This section is all about you. Most common questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1 are about familiar topics such as your hometown, studies or job, hobbies, daily routines, or likes and dislikes. The goal here is to make you feel comfortable and to test your ability to speak about everyday situations.

What to expect in 2025?
Recent test-takers reported questions like:

• “Do you prefer mornings or evenings?”

• “What kind of food do you usually eat?”

• “How often do you go shopping?”

These questions are usually quite repetitive across exams, which is why preparing for the most common ones gives you a big advantage.

See also: How to impress examiners in IELTS Speaking

Part 2: Long Turn (3–4 minutes)

In this part, you’ll need to use essential vocabulary to describe a given topic clearly and effectively. You have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for up to 2 minutes. Most common questions in IELTS Speaking Part 2 usually ask you to describe a person, place, event, experience, or object.

Cue cards often include prompts like:

• Describe a time you helped someone

• Describe a book or movie you liked

• Describe a person you admire

• Describe a skill you want to learn

You’ll need to organize your response, use a clear structure, and try to speak without long pauses. This part checks your ability to develop an idea, use linking words, and speak fluently for an extended time.

Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)

This final part is like a mini-debate or academic discussion. The examiner will ask more complex follow-up questions related to the Part 2 topic. Here, you’re expected to express opinions, justify your ideas, compare situations, and analyze issues.

The examiner is checking your ability to:

• Express ideas clearly and in depth

• Use logical reasoning and critical thinking

• Show a range of academic or topic-specific vocabulary

• Compare and contrast different points of view

Most common questions in IELTS Speaking part 3 might include:

• • Education: What are the advantages of studying abroad?

  • Technology: How has technology changed the way we work or study?

  • Environment: What can individuals do to help protect the environment?

  • Health: Why do some people find it hard to live a healthy lifestyle?

  • Travel and Tourism: How does tourism affect local cultures and traditions?

  • Work and Career: What makes a good workplace environment?

  • Family and Relationships: Do you think family roles have changed in modern society?

  • Media and Communication: How important is the news in people’s daily lives?

  • Culture and Traditions: Why is it important to preserve cultural traditions?

These questions often start with “Do you think…”, “Why…”, “What are the benefits…”, or “How has…”, which invite longer, more thoughtful answers. Don’t be afraid to give examples, comparisons, or even small personal experiences to support your points.

Part 1: Most common questions in IELTS Speaking (With Sample Answers)

Most common questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1 are designed to get you talking about everyday topics, which is also a chance for you to make a good impression early on. Below are five frequently asked questions reported by test-takers in 2025, each with an effective answer format.

1. What do you do? Work or study?

Answer:
“I’m currently a university student. I’m studying computer science at XYZ University, and I’m in my final year now. I chose this major because I’ve always been fascinated by technology and how things work behind the scenes. It’s challenging, but I enjoy solving problems and building practical solutions.”

Tip: Start with a clear answer → Add specific details → Include your reason or feeling.

2. Do you live in a house or an apartment?

Answer:
“I live in an apartment with my family. It’s a three-bedroom flat on the fifth floor of a building in the city center. We’ve lived there for about six years now. I actually like living there because it’s close to my school and has everything I need nearby, like supermarkets and parks.”

Tip: Use descriptive language (size, location, duration) → Add a personal opinion.

3. What kind of weather do you like?

Answer:
“I really enjoy cool and cloudy weather, especially in the autumn. It’s not too hot or cold, and I feel more comfortable walking around or studying during this time. Also, the air feels fresher and I love the peaceful vibe it brings.”

Tip: Name your preference → Explain why → Add how it affects your mood or routine.

4. How often do you use social media?

Answer:
“I use social media almost every day, mostly to stay in touch with friends and check updates. My favorite platform is Instagram because I enjoy looking at travel photos and food posts. But I try not to spend too much time on it, especially during exam season.”

Tip: Mention frequency → Platform or purpose → Opinion or control habits.

5. What do you usually do on weekends?

Answer:
“On weekends, I usually relax at home or hang out with my friends. I often watch movies at home or go out for coffee. Sometimes I use the time to catch up on assignments or do a bit of part-time work. Weekends are my chance to recharge after a busy week.”

Tip: Use time markers (usually, sometimes, often) → Mention 2–3 activities → Add personal benefit.

Part 2: Cue Card Topics from Recent IELTS Exams

Most common questions in IELTS Speaking Part 2 are based on personal experiences or stories. This part tests your ability to organize your thoughts, speak fluently, and develop ideas in detail. Here are some recent 2025 cue card topics and how to handle them.

Describe a time you helped someone

You should say:

• Who you helped

• When and where it happened

• What you did

• And explain how you felt after helping this person

Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about a time when I helped an elderly neighbor carry her groceries home.

This happened a few months ago on a rainy afternoon. I was walking back from work when I saw her outside the supermarket. She had two large shopping bags and looked really tired. It was obvious she was struggling, so I went over and offered to help her.

Her apartment was just around the corner from mine, so we walked there together. On the way, we chatted a little—she told me she had recently had surgery and found it difficult to walk long distances.

She was extremely grateful. She even insisted on giving me a small chocolate bar to say thanks, which was really sweet. I didn’t expect anything, of course—I just wanted to help.

This experience reminded me how even small gestures can mean a lot to someone. It made me feel more connected to my neighborhood, and I walked away feeling really good.”

Suggested Structure for Any Cue Card:

1. Brief Introduction of the Situation
   “I’d like to talk about a time when…”

2. Details: When, Where, Who Was Involved
   “It happened last summer / in my hometown / with a friend…”

3. What Happened and the Result
   “We decided to / I helped by / It ended with…”

4. Your Feelings or Lesson Learned
   “I felt really proud / It taught me / It was a meaningful experience because…”

Describe a disagreement you had with someone.

You should say:

• Who you had the disagreement with
• What the disagreement was
• What happened

And explain how you felt about it.

Step 1 – Brief introduction:
“I’d like to talk about a disagreement I had with a close friend during a group project at university.”

Step 2 – When, where, and who was involved:
“It happened last year. We had different opinions about how to present our project. I preferred a simple style, but she wanted something more creative and flashy. We couldn’t agree on the approach.”

Step 3 – What happened and why it was impactful:
“We got a bit defensive during a meeting and the atmosphere was tense. Later, I reached out to talk it over. Once we explained ourselves calmly, we realized it was just a misunderstanding. We combined our ideas in the end.”

Step 4 – Feelings or takeaway:
“At first, I was frustrated, but I felt better after we resolved it. The situation taught me how important clear communication is, especially when working in a team.”

Describe the person in another culture that you want to spend time with.

You should say:

• Who he/she is
• Where he/she is from
• How you knew him/her

And explain how you feel about him/her.

Step 1 – Brief introduction:
“I’d like to talk about a person from Japan named Yuki, whom I met through an online language exchange platform.”

Step 2 – Who & how you know them:
“We started chatting a few months ago to practice English and learn about each other’s cultures. She’s around my age and really passionate about traditional Japanese arts, like tea ceremony and calligraphy.”

Step 3 – What you’d like to do together:
“If we ever met in person, I’d love to visit Kyoto with her, try authentic Japanese food, and experience her cultural traditions firsthand. I’d especially love to attend a tea ceremony and wear a kimono, just to feel fully immersed.”

Step 4 – Why you want to spend time with them:
“I admire how respectful and disciplined she is—traits deeply rooted in her culture. Spending time with her would help me understand a different way of life and develop more open-mindedness. Plus, it would be super fun and meaningful.”

Describe a place you visited that has been affected by air pollution (or not clean).

You should say:

• Where have you been to a place with serious air pollution?
• Why is it serious?
• What kind of pollution there was

And explain how you felt about the pollution in this place.

Step 1 – Brief introduction:
“I’d like to talk about a time I visited Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, which was heavily affected by air pollution.”

Step 2 – Where and why it’s serious:
“This happened last winter. I was there for a short vacation, and the air quality was noticeably bad. The sky was hazy, and I could even smell the pollution. It was mainly caused by traffic, construction, and factory emissions. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was at an unhealthy level.”

Step 3 – What kind of pollution:
“There was a lot of smog in the air, which made it difficult to breathe comfortably. I also noticed dust particles on windows and cars. People were wearing face masks everywhere, and even indoors, some places used air purifiers. It wasn’t just unpleasant — it felt dangerous.”

Step 4 – Feelings:
“I felt quite uncomfortable and worried about my health. It was sad to see such a beautiful city being damaged by pollution. I couldn’t enjoy the trip as much as I wanted to, and it made me realize how important clean air is for quality of life.”

Describe something you own that you want to replace.

You should say:

• What it is
• Where it is
• How you got it

And explain why you want to replace it.

Step 1 – Brief introduction:

“I’d like to talk about my old laptop, which is something I use every day but really want to replace.”

Step 2 – Where it is and How you got it
“I’ve had it for around five years now. I usually keep it on my desk at home, and I use it mostly for studying and working. I got it as a gift from my parents when I started university, so it means a lot to me.”

Step 3 – Why you want to replace it:
“At first, it worked perfectly, but now it’s become very slow and frustrating to use. It takes a long time to start up, the battery doesn’t last more than 30 minutes, and it tends to overheat even when I’m doing simple tasks. I’ve also run out of storage space, so I can’t install anything new.”

Step 4 – Feelings:
“Even though I feel a bit sentimental because it’s been with me for years, I know it’s time for an upgrade. It no longer meets my needs, especially now that I work online more often. This experience reminded me how fast technology changes and how important it is to have efficient, reliable, and up-to-date tools.”

Part 3: Common Follow-Up Questions (and How to Answer Them)

Most common questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3 test your critical thinking and ability to discuss topics in depth. Here are some common Part 3 questions with clear tips and smart ways to tackle them. Plus, don’t forget connectors – they link your ideas and make your answers sound more natural, logical, and fluent.

1. Why do people volunteer?

Answer Structure:

• Direct opinion:
  “I think people volunteer for different reasons.”

• Reason 1 – Community spirit:
  “Some genuinely want to give back to the community. For example, they might help at shelters or teach underprivileged children.”

• Reason 2 – Personal growth:
  “Others volunteer to gain experience or improve their CVs, especially students or job seekers.”

• Conclusion:
  “So overall, volunteering helps both the community and the individual.”

2. Do you think technology affects the way we communicate?

Answer Structure:

• Clear opinion:
  “Yes, definitely. Technology has totally transformed how we interact.”

• Past vs. present:
  “In the past, people wrote letters or met in person. Now we use messaging apps, emails, and video calls.”

• Positive and negative effects:
  “It’s convenient and fast, but people also spend less time in deep, face-to-face conversations.”

3. Is it important to learn about other cultures?

Answer Structure:

• Strong opinion:
  “Absolutely, it’s very important.”

• Reason 1 – Openness and respect:
  “It helps people become more open-minded and respectful. For instance, learning about Asian table manners helped me avoid being rude abroad.”

• Reason 2 – Global connections:
  “It also builds stronger international relationships, which is crucial in today’s globalized world.”

4. What makes a good leader in the workplace?

Answer Structure:

• Direct answer:
  “A good leader needs both people skills and responsibility.”

• Quality 1 – Communication:
  “They must communicate clearly so the team knows what to do.”

• Quality 2 – Motivation:
  “They should also inspire and support their team, especially during tough times.”

• Summary:
  “So overall, a good leader can create a trustworthy and positive work environment.”

5. Do advertisements influence people’s buying decisions?

Answer Structure:

• Firm opinion:
  “Yes, advertisements definitely influence people.”

• How – Attention-grabbing:
  “They use bright visuals, catchy slogans, and even celebrities to make products look appealing.”

• Example:
  “I once bought a skincare product just because I saw it in an influencer’s video.”

• Drawback (optional):
  “But sometimes they’re misleading, especially with unhealthy products or fake reviews.”

Conclusion

Most common questions in IELTS Speaking are predictable, which means you can absolutely prepare for them. From personal questions to opinion-based discussions, knowing what to expect gives you an edge. Practice out loud, focus on structure, and don’t forget—confidence is just preparation in disguise.

 Test yourself with real IELTS Speaking questions on IELTS Test Pro now!