MiELTS Speaking

Practice all 3 parts of the

IELTS speaking exam

Gary Pathare

IELTS speaking practice Part 1

MiELTS focus: speaking about everyday topics When you first arrive in the interview, you will be asked your full name, where you are from, and you will have to show your identification card. Be friendly and polite. After that the test begins. You will be asked about your work, family or studies, followed by 2 other completely different everyday topics.

How to practice You will need a watch, and a friend and a recorder if possible.

Your friend asks the questions – don’t look, only listen! Answer in full sentences, and look and sound interested! If you are alone, read each question one by one and then speak. Time yourself with a watch and record your speaking on your laptop or mobile.

This part of the test should take about 4 minutes. If your answers are short, you won’t talk for long enough. Listen to the recording afterwards and see where you didn’t answer with full answers. Try again! Compare with the first time.

Try another MiELTS speaking practice part 1

Part 1 speaking practice

1

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

What do you most like about your course?

Is there anything that you don’t enjoy on your course?

Do you have to do homework?

Let’s move on to talk about food in your home. Who does the cooking in your home?

Is there any kind of food you prefer to eat in a restaurant?

What do people eat on special occasions in your home?

Now, let’s talk about transport. Do you often use public transport?

What forms of public transport are most popular in your country? Why?

Is there a good road system in your country?

Part 1 speaking practice

2

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

What course are you studying?

What don’t you like about your course?

Let’s move on to talk about traveling in your country. Where do people like to go on holiday?

Have you ever been abroad? Did you enjoy it? Why?

Is it easy to travel around inside your country? How?

Now, let’s talk about photography. Is it popular where you live?

What kind of photographs do you like to take? Why?

Do you like it when people take photographs of you? Why/why not?

Part 1 speaking practice

3

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

When do you study? Is it a full-time course?

How do you organize your study time?

Let’s move on to talk about technology. When do you use a computer?

Do you think old people or young people find technology most difficult?

Do you think technology always helps us, or are there some disadvantages too?

Now, let’s talk about shopping. Where do you like to go shopping?

In your country, is shopping a popular pastime? Why/why not?

Which day is best for shopping, in your opinion? Why?

Part 1 speaking practice

4

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

What do you want to do when you finish studying?

How did you choose your course?

Let’s move on to talk about markets. What kinds of markets are there where you live?

Do you prefer to go shopping in traditional markets or in supermarkets? Why?

Do you think that there will always be markets in your country?

Now, let’s talk about special occasions. What do people usually do on their birthday where you live?

What is the most important festival that you have in your country?

Do you think national celebrations are important? Why/why not?

Part 1 speaking practice

5

Let’s talk about your family. Do you come from a large family?

How often do you see your family? Would you like to see them more often?

Who do you most enjoy spending time with in your family?

Let’s move on to talk about buildings. Is there a building you particularly like in your country?

Do you prefer to see new buildings or traditional buildings? Why?

Is there enough housing in your country? Is it expensive to buy a house?

Now, let’s talk about animals. Do you have a pet?

What animal is most popular in your country? Why?

Do you like visiting zoos? Why/why not?

Part 1 speaking practice

6

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

Where do you study? Why do you study there?

Are you the first person in your family to study this subject?

Let’s move on to talk about history. Do you study history at school in your country?

Which historical person do you find the most interesting? Why?

Do you think children should learn about the history of other countries? Why/why not?

Now, let’s talk about sports. Do you play any sports? Which sports do you play?

Which sports are most popular for watching in your country?

Is this the same for men and women?

Part 1 speaking practice

7

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

Why did you decide to study?

Do you enjoy studying? Why/why not?

Let’s talk about libraries. Do you have public libraries in your countries?

Do you think libraries will be different in the future? In what ways?

Should children be allowed in libraries? Why/why not?

Let’s move on to talk about the sea. Have you ever made a journey by boat?

Is the seaside a popular destination for people in your country?

What do you think should be done to stop pollution of the sea?

Part 1 speaking practice

8

Let’s talk about your family. Do you see your family often?

Who is your favorite member of your family? Why?

Is there anyone in your family who you don’t get on well with?

Let’s move on to talk about the environment. What kind of problems are there with pollution in your country?

Do you think your country is protecting the environment enough?

Is the environment very important to you? Why/why not?

Now let’s talk about jewelry. In your country, do people wear a lot of jewelry?

Is this the same for men and women?

Do you think children should wear jewelry? Why/why not?

Part 1 speaking practice

9

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

What is your course and how did you choose it?

Do you think your subject is a good one to study? Why/why not?

Let’s move on to talk about telecommunications. Which do you use more often – a mobile phone or telephone? Why?

Are international phone calls expensive in your country?

What is the best way to keep in touch with friends abroad?

Now, let’s talk about traveling by plane. Do you enjoy traveling by plane?

Do you enjoy going to airports? Why/why not?

Which place would you most like to visit by plane? Why?

Part 1 speaking practice

10

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

How long have you been studying?

When you finish this course, do you plan to continue studying?

Let’s move on to talk about music. Do you enjoy listening to music?

Do you prefer to listen to traditional or modern music? Why?

Do you think children should learn to play a musical instrument? Why/why not?

Let’s move on to talk about free time. What do people in your country most enjoy doing in their leisure time?

Do you have enough, too much or just the right amount of free time?

What did you do in your free time when you were a child?

Part 1 speaking practice

11

Let’s talk about your family. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Is there any member of your family you really admire? Why?

Do you think it is important to see your family very often?

Now, let’s talk about modern life. Is life in your country today very different from a hundred years ago?

What things are changing in your country at the moment?

Do you think modern life is good? Why/why not?

Let’s move on to talk about health. Are there many hospitals where you live?

Do you think smoking should be prohibited in public? Why/why not?

What kinds of exercise do you think are the best for your health?

Part 1 speaking practice

12

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

Does anyone else in your family study? What?

Do you think studying is better than working? Why/why not?

Now, let’s move on to talk about seasons. What seasons do you have in your country?

Which season do most people go away on holiday in your country?

Which season do you like the most? Why?

Let’s move on to talk about clothes and fashion. Do you think it is important to wear fashionable clothes? Why/why not?

Which of your items of clothing do you most like wearing? Why?

Do you think children should wear fashionable clothes? Why/why not?

Part 1 speaking practice

13

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

How many other people are studying on your course?

Do you have more than one teacher? Do you think this is a good or bad thing? Why?

Let’s move on to talk about languages. What languages do you study at school in your country?

Do you think it is important to study languages? Why/why not?

Do you think English will still be important a hundred years from now?

Now, let’s talk about hotels. Do people often go to hotels where you live?

What do you think is the most important quality in a hotel? Why?

Do you think it is more fun to stay in a hotel or to go camping? Why?

Part 1 speaking practice

14

Let’s talk about your family. Do you see your family every day?

Do you prefer doing things with your family or friends? Why?

Do you think it is important for families to live close together? Why/why not?

Let’s move on to talk about museums. Do you enjoy visiting museums?

Do you think museums have an important role to play in society?

Are museums important in your culture?

Now, let’s talk about magazines. What sort of magazines are popular where you live?

When do you think is the best time to read magazines? Why?

Do you think reading magazines can stop people from reading books? Why/why not?

Part 1 speaking practice

15

Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

What do you like and dislike about your subject?

Do you want to continue studying this subject when you finish your course? Why/why not?

Now, let’s talk about the media. Do most people listen to the radio where you live?

Which newspaper do you most like reading? Why?

Do you think television provides better news coverage than newspapers? Why/why not?

Let’s move on to talk about the weather. What sort of weather do you like best? Why?

Does the weather change the way you feel?

Do you like the weather in your country? Why/why not?

IELTS speaking practice Part 2

MiELTS focus: speaking for 2 minutes on a given topic

When part 1 is finished, the examiner will explain that you need to speak for 2 minutes.

He or she will give you a card with the topic and questions on, a piece of paper and a

pencil for making notes. You will have 1 minute exactly to read the card and make

notes. Then you have to speak for 2 full minutes. If you speak for less, you will lose

marks in the exam.

How to practice You will need a watch, and a friend and a recorder if possible.

Read the Topic Card quickly. Decide very quickly what you are going to talk about. Make notes on all the points on the card for exactly 1 minute. Check that you don’t miss any points. Think about good words to use. Plan what you will say in your mind. Remember, you will have to speak for 2 full minutes!

Speak for 2 full minutes. If you speak for less, you will lose marks in the exam.

Ask a friend to listen and time you if possible. Look at your notes, the topic card and your friend while you are speaking. Record your speaking and listen to yourself. Think how you can improve. Did you speak for 2 minutes?

Use a dictionary to find any words you wanted to use but didn’t know. Repeat the Speaking Part 2, using the new words.

Try another MiELTS speaking practice part 2.

Part 2 speaking practice

1: film

Describe a film that you really liked. You should say:

what it was about

when you went to see it

who you went with and explain why you really liked that film.

Part 2 speaking practice

2: day

Describe a typical day in your life when you were a child: You should say:

some of the people you usually saw

what you usually ate

who looked after you and explain what you most enjoyed doing.

Part 2 speaking practice

3: place

Describe a place where you feel happy. You should say:

when you first went there

who you like to go there with

what you enjoy doing there and explain why this place is special for you.

Part 2 speaking practice

4: wedding

Describe a wedding you have been to. You should say:

who got married

what happened during the wedding

which guests you talked to and explain what you most enjoyed about the wedding.

Part 2 speaking practice

5: holiday

Describe a good holiday you have had: You should say: how you travelled what activities you did on holiday who you went with and explain why you would recommend that holiday to a friend.

Part 2 speaking practice

6: history

Describe an important historical event in your country: You should say: when it happened what happened who were the most important people involved and explain why it was important to your country.

Part 2 speaking practice

7: clothes

Describe a favourite item of clothing: You should say: what it is when and how you got it when you wear it and say why you like it more than your other clothes.

Part 2 speaking practice

8: book

Describe a book that influenced you: You should say: what it was about when it was written why you decided to read it and explain why this book had a strong effect on you.

Part 2 speaking practice

9: teacher

Describe a good teacher that you remember from school: You should say: what the teacher looked like what the teacher taught you what was good about the teacher and explain how this teacher changed your life.

Part 2 speaking practice

10: photograph

Describe a photograph that means a lot to you: You should say: what the photograph shows who took the photograph when the photograph was taken and explain why this photograph is so important to you.

Part 2 speaking practice

11: technology

Describe an important technological item that you have: You should say: what it is when and where you got it how it helps you in your life and explain what you would do if you didn’t have one of these.

Part 2 speaking practice

12: party

Describe a party that you have been to that you enjoyed: You should say: who gave the party why you were invited who was at the party and explain why you really enjoyed that party.

Part 2 speaking practice

13: child

Describe a child that you know that is special for you: You should say: who the child is what the child is like as a person what the child looks like and explain why this child is so important to you.

Part 2 speaking practice

14: friend

Describe a friend that you really like to spend time with: You should say: when and how you met how often you see this friend what kind of personality your friend has and explain why you like spending time with this particular friend.

Part 2 speaking practice

15: family

Describe someone in your family that you really admire: You should say: what relation this person is to you what are your first memories of this person how often you see this person and say why you really admire this member of your family.

Part 2 speaking practice

16: festival Describe a typical festival or celebration in your country: You should say: what is the celebration about what you usually do during this celebration what other people usually do at this time and say what this celebration means to you.

IELTS speaking practice Part 3

MiELTS focus: extended discussion of part 2 topic Speaking Part 3 is connected to your topic in Speaking Part 2. The examiner will ask a

few more general questions about your topic. These questions are not just about you

and your life, but about society and the world. You must give your opinions, preferences

and predictions, and you must give reasons for your answers.

How to practice You will need a watch, and a friend and a recorder if possible.

Your friend asks you each question, then you answer. If you are working alone, read each question and then speak. Answer in full sentences. Don’t give short answers! Speak for at least 20-30 seconds for each question. Don’t ask questions.

Make sure you understand the exact meaning of these words before you begin (use a dictionary or ask a teacher): evaluate, outline, define, compare, predict, suggest, summarize, trace, illustrate, examine and discuss.

Record yourself and listen to yourself if possible. Think how you can improve. Use a dictionary to find any words you wanted to use but didn’t know. Repeat the Speaking Part 3 questions, using the new words.

Try another MiELTS speaking practice part 3.

Part 3 speaking practice

1: media

Outline your views on the media.

Compare the coverage of news by newspapers and television.

Describe the differences between the media today and 100 years ago.

Predict future changes in the ways we receive news.

Part 3 speaking practice

2: law and order

Illustrate the problems faced by the police nowadays.

Summarize your feelings about the criminal justice system.

Suggest ways in which young people can be prevented from becoming criminals later in life.

Discuss suitable ways to punish people for dangerous driving.

Part 3 speaking practice

3: tourism

Evaluate the importance of tourism to developing countries.

Suggest ways in which tourists can be encouraged to visit your country.

Discuss the reasons for the rise in eco-tourism.

Describe the advantages of experiencing travel abroad at an early age.

Part 3 speaking practice

4: education

Evaluate the importance of good study skills.

Compare the education system in your country now with that in the time of your grandparents.

Describe the changes that are taking place in education as a result of technology.

Summarize your feelings about your own education.

Part 3 speaking practice

5: children

Summarize your opinions on the best ways to bring up children.

Evaluate the importance of a good role-model for a child.

Discuss the problems faced by parents in developing countries.

Compare the ways in which different countries treat children.

Part 3 speaking practice

6: marriage

Examine the causes of marital breakup.

Evaluate the importance of marriage to society.

Compare the ways in which different cultures view marriage.

Compare the ages that people marry now in your country to the age when they married 100 years ago.

Part 3 speaking practice

7: technology

Evaluate the impact technology is having on your country.

Do you think that technology widens the gap between rich and poor countries?

Discuss the positive effects technology can have on workers’ lives.

Predict the changes that technology will make to life in the next century.

Part 3 speaking practice

8: leisure

Discuss the importance of free time for working people.

Suggest ways in which governments can provide leisure activities for large numbers of people.

Do you think it is important for people to have hobbies?

Suggest how students and workers can find time to spend time relaxing in the modern, competitive world.

Part 3 speaking practice

9: employment

Discuss the benefits to society of flexible working hours for mothers.

Evaluate the difficulties faced by unemployed people in developing countries.

Predict the changes that may occur in the workplace in the next 20 years.

Compare the types of jobs that are available in your country now and 100 years ago.

Part 3 speaking practice

10: health

Suggest ways in which the health service in your country could improve its performance.

Discuss the difficulties people who work with mentally disabled people face.

Examine the causes of drug use by young people.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a vegetarian or vegan diet.