Part 1 on common IELTS speaking topics can be found here.

If you are new to the IELTS, please see this post.

Here are some additional common IELTS Speaking topics with questions and example answers.

Food

6) Do you think children should learn to cook at school?

Possible Answer: Well. . . let me think. Should children be taught how to cook at school? That’s an interesting question. I don’t think I have ever thought about such an idea before. Cooking lessons could help educate children about nutrition, which is very important. Knowing and understanding what goes into the food you eat is always a great idea.

The speaker bought themselves some time by repeating the question. Don’t use this technique too much in your answers. But if you are asked a difficult question, there is nothing wrong with using phrases such as “That’s an interesting question.” or “I have honestly never thought about X before.” to give yourself a little bit more time to think about your answer.

Other Questions about Food:

  • Did you learn to cook as a child?
  • What is your favourite food?
  • Is there any food you don’t like?

Family

7) Do you have a small or a big family?

Possible Answer: My family is relatively small, I guess. I only have. . . mmm. . . One uncle, one aunt, and two cousins.

Other Questions about Family:

  • Do you think you will see your family more or less in the future?
  • What activities do you enjoy doing with your family?
  • Have you ever been on holiday with your family?

Environment

8) Are there natural places where you live?

Possible Answer: I grew up in the countryside and was surrounded by natural beauty. There was a crystal clear river near my house. I live in the city now; there are a few public gardens with water features, but nothing will ever compare to that beautiful river.

In this answer, the speaker drew upon their childhood, a rich source of language and experience.

Other Questions about the Environment:

  • Would you like to spend more time in nature?
  • How often do you spend time in nature?
  • What types of activities do you enjoy when spending time in nature?

Entertainment

9) Do you like going to the cinema?

Possible Answer: If I really want to watch something, I might go to the cinema with my friends. In general, though, I don’t go to the cinema often. I watch most movies on Netflix.

Other Questions about Entertainment:

  • Do you think older or younger people prefer going to the cinema?
  • Why do you think some people like watching movies at home?
  • Would you like to watch movies at the cinema more often in the future?

Education

10) What subjects did you enjoy when you were in high school?

Possible Answer: When I first started high school, I was very interested in Humanities subjects such as English and Literature because I loved reading as a child. However, as I got older, I found myself steering more towards Science and Biology.

Where possible, try and use complex sentences to express yourself. In this particular answer, a complex idea is being naturally expressed with the help of more sophisticated grammar.

Other Questions about Education:

  • Since finishing high school, have you ever gone back to visit?
  • Was there anything you disliked about high school?
  • Are you still friends with anyone you met in high school?

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