IELTS Speaking question bank

A book that influenced you

Describe a book that has had an influence on you.

You should say:

• what the book is
• when you read it
• what it is about
• and explain why it influenced you.

A teacher who helped you

Describe a teacher who has had a positive influence on your life.

You should say:

• who the teacher was
• what subject they taught
• something specific they did for you
• and explain why their influence has lasted.

A skill you'd like to learn

Describe a skill you would like to learn.

You should say:

• what the skill is
• why you want to learn it
• how you would learn it
• and explain how it might change your life.

A memorable journey

Describe a journey you remember well.

You should say:

• where you went
• who you went with
• what you did during the journey
• and explain why it stayed in your memory.

A piece of technology you rely on

Describe a piece of technology you rely on every day.

You should say:

• what it is
• how often you use it
• what you use it for
• and explain how life would change without it.

A historic place you visited

Describe a historic place you have visited.

You should say:

• where it is
• when you went there
• what you saw
• and explain why it is historically important.

A goal you achieved

Describe a goal you have achieved.

You should say:

• what the goal was
• how long it took
• what you had to do
• and explain how you felt when you achieved it.

A meal you enjoyed

Describe a memorable meal you have had.

You should say:

• when and where it was
• who you ate with
• what was on the menu
• and explain why it was memorable.

An app you use often

Describe an app on your phone that you use a lot.

You should say:

• what the app does
• how often you use it
• what features you like best
• and explain why you would recommend it.

A famous person you admire

Describe a famous person from your country whom you admire.

You should say:

• who the person is
• what they are known for
• what you admire about them
• and explain how they have influenced others.

A game you played as a child

Describe a game you enjoyed playing when you were a child.

You should say:

• what the game was
• who you played it with
• where you played it
• and explain why you enjoyed it.

A time you tried something new

Describe a time when you tried something for the first time.

You should say:

• what you tried
• where and when this happened
• how you felt before and after
• and explain whether you would do it again.

A city you would like to live in

Describe a city you would like to live in for a while.

You should say:

• which city it is
• what you know about it
• what you would do there
• and explain why it appeals to you.

A film you enjoyed

Describe a film you have watched and enjoyed.

You should say:

• what the film is called
• what the story is about
• who you watched it with
• and explain why you enjoyed it.

An important decision you made

Describe an important decision you have made in your life.

You should say:

• what the decision was
• what alternatives you had
• what helped you decide
• and explain how the decision has affected your life.

• Why do you think reading is important for personal development?
• How has technology changed the way people read?
• Do you think printed books will disappear in the future?

• What qualities make someone a good teacher?
• How has the role of teachers changed in recent years?
• Do you think technology could ever replace teachers?

• Why do people continue learning new skills as adults?
• Is it easier for children or adults to learn new skills?
• What skills do you think will be most valuable in the future?

• Why do people enjoy travelling?
• How has tourism changed in your country in recent years?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of tourism for a country?

• How dependent do you think people are on technology nowadays?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of relying on technology?
• Do you think people will become even more dependent on technology?

• Why is it important to preserve historic places?
• How does learning about history benefit a society?
• Do you think enough is being done to protect historical sites in your country?

• Why do some people set ambitious goals while others don't?
• What factors help people achieve their goals?
• Do you think society puts too much emphasis on success?

• How have eating habits changed in your country in recent decades?
• Why do people enjoy sharing meals together?
• Do you think fast food is replacing traditional cooking?

• How have mobile apps changed the way people live?
• What are the risks of relying too much on apps?
• Should there be limits on how much time people spend on their phones?

• Why do people admire famous individuals?
• Do celebrities have a responsibility to be good role models?
• How has social media changed the way people become famous?

• How has the way children play changed compared to the past?
• Why is play important for a child's development?
• Do you think children today spend enough time playing outdoors?

• Why do some people avoid trying new things?
• What are the benefits of stepping outside your comfort zone?
• Do people become less willing to try new things as they get older?

• What makes a city a good place to live?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?
• Do you think cities will become more crowded in the future?

• How has the film industry changed with the rise of streaming services?
• Why do people enjoy watching films?
• Do you think cinemas will still exist in 20 years?

• What factors influence how people make important decisions?
• Is it better to make decisions quickly or take time to think them through?
• Do people regret their decisions more often as they get older?