IELTS SPEAKING EXERCISES

arts 1 & 3

THE 7 MOST COMMON METHODS OF ANSWERING AN I.E.L.T.S. SPEAKING QUESTION

1. Expressing a Preference

I prefer ___A____to __B____because..

If I have a choice, I will___A____ (a real possibility)

If I had a choice, I would___A___________ (not a real possibility, just wishing)

For me, ______A__________is much more (attractive / interesting / preferable) than _____B___________________because. For me, __________A______________is more/less important than_________B______ because I do not think ________A_____________is as important/ is as interesting as _____B____________________________, because Generally, I prefer ________A_________to________B________, because..

I would much rather / have / eat / listen to / _______A____________________________than__________B________________because .. What I like/ dislike about_______________A_________________________________________is .. Im not really fond of/ dont really like___A____because

Sample IELTS preference questions:

Do you prefer to be with your family or with friends on your birthday? Do you prefer to read more for pleasure or to get information? Who do you prefer to go on holidays with? Do you prefer to write letters or emails? Do you prefer to listen to pop music or traditional Vietnamese music? Do you prefer to listen to recordings or to live concerts? Do you prefer to buy a picture postcard or take a photo of a new place? Do you prefer shopping in modern stores or in traditional markets? Do you prefer traveling alone or with someone else? Do you prefer having visitors or visiting other peoples homes? Would you prefer to live in a larger or smaller city? Do prefer the company of men or women?

2. Narrating

Step 1 Answer the question with a statement in one sentence Step 2 Narrate a story for two to three sentences. (Speak 2-3 Sentences or talk for approximately 30 seconds when answering one question.)

1. (Answer the question)____________________________. 2) ( Tell the story)I would like to tell you about the time

Sample IELTS Speaking narrating questions:

What kind of drawing or painting did you do as a child? When was the last time you gave or sent flowers to someone? Did you have a lot of contact with your grandparents when you were a child? How do you usually spend your holidays? Have you kept anything from your childhood to remind you of it? What subjects did you enjoy the most when you were in school? What was your favourite subject in high school? When was the last time you went to the sea? When did you last go on a trip? Tell me about the last time you visited the Vietnamese countryside?

3. Comparing and Contrasting

_________________A_____________is much better / worse than ___________B__________________________________________, because________________________________

__________________A____________is not nearly as good as ______________B__________________________________________,because_____________ ___________________

__________________A____________is not quite as important as____________B__________________________________________, because________________________________

_________________A_____________ is almost as tall/fast/ interesting/ difficult as ___________B____________________but not quite, because________________________________

When I compare these two A and B ________, its clear that__________________________________________

Sample IELTS Part 1 speaking comparison and contrast questions:

Compare learning Vietnamese as a second to learning English as second language. Which is easier? Do you find it easier to remember faces or names? Do you usually go out to eat or do you eat at home?

Do you pay more attention to local or international news? Do you ever feel that time moves too quickly or too slowly? How are weddings today different from weddings in the past in your country?

(Sample; Part 3 IELTS Speaking comparison questions)

What would be different about living in a foreign country compared to living in Vietnam. Are children influenced more by advice from family members or from their friends? Compare spending time with family and spending time with groups of friends on special occasions. What are the main differences between a good teacher and a bad teacher? Compare the teaching materials used now and with those used in your parents or grandparents time. Compare the usefulness of educational qualifications and practical experience for getting a job. Compare the ways that young people and old people look at life.

Compare doing exercises in a group with doing exercises by yourself. Compare films children enjoy with the films adults enjoy. Do they enjoy the same types of films? Compare mens and womens hobbies. Do they usually have different hobbies and interests? What are the differences between comedy on the screen and comedy in books? Compare the advantages of having a big wedding compared with having a small wedding? What are some of the good and bad things about going to a concert? Compare working outdoors with working in an office.

What are the similarities and differences between a good photograph and good painting? Are television programs more popular than radio programs? Compare the differences the way men and women choose to relax. Are they similar way? Compare living in an old traditional building and a modern home.

4. Suggesting

Maybe, perhaps / possibly one reason might be_______________________________________________ I think people should consider________________________________________________________ One possibility that I can think of is.______________________________________________________________ Another idea to think about is It might be a good idea for people to __________________________,because____________________________________________ _____

Which places in your city or province would you suggest a tourist to visit? How could public transport be improved? What do you think people can learn from traveling? What new features would you like to see on personal computers? Why do some people want to become famous?

Which is the most important relationship in a persons life? How can we contribute to other peoples happiness? Why is comedy often used in advertising? Why do you think people say that life is short?

5. Expressing Opinions (A) and Justifying Opinions (B)

It seems to me that__________________________________A___________________________ In my opinion/ view I feel that__________________________A___________________________ I really/ strongly/categorically believe that_______________A____________________________ This is only my opinion but____________________________A___________________________ Personally, I think that________________________________A___________________________ I think people should_________________________________A___________________________ I agree to a point because__________________________________________A_______ I tend to agree____________________________________________________A______ I dont really agree/ think that_______________________________________A________ I do not have a really strong opinion on this, but probably____A_____________________________

Im really in favour of_____________________________________________________

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++( plus justifying your opinion)+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The reason I believe this is___________________B_____________________________________ The most important evidence supporting my belief is____B_________________________________ Another reason why I think________________B________________is that ____________________ I think there are several reasons/examples for this that come to mind, firstly that ______________B_________________and secondly that,_____B_______

Do you think money is necessary for happiness? Is unhappiness always a bad thing? Do you think its important to do the same thing at the same time every day? Do you agree that advertising can be dangerous? Do you think that students learn better when teachers are strict? Are there any negative effects of of trying to keep the past alive? Would you agree that the best toys are those that children make for themselves? Should people be encouraged to travel by public transport? What changes in peoples lives increase their happiness?

Do you think men and women find different things funny? Do you think that peoples possessions reflect their personalities?

6. Speculating

Its very highly likely/ unlikely that__________________________________________________________________________ ______ As far as I can see, its seems likely that________________________________________________________________________ Im pretty certain/ sure that__________________________________________________________________________ ____________ I predict/expect that__________________________________________________________________________ _________________ I guess that__________________________________________________________________________ _____________ Im not sure what might happen, but one possibility is_______________________________________________________________ Its very ( likely/highly) likely/ unlikely that __________________________________________________________________ It probably/definitely wont_________________________________________________________________________ _____________

Its hard to predict the future, but I suppose it / we might_______________________________________________________________ Its difficult to say, but maybe________________________________________________________________________ ____________ You can also use the following phrases: I hope to Im hoping to Id like to If possible Id like to I plan to Ive always dreamed of I assume that Im assuming that I expect that .

How do you think your life will different when you are married? What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time? What would you do with a birthday gift you didnt like? Do you think you will wear the same kind of clothes when you are older? What problems do you think you have when you are studying abroad? How do you think the country you will live in will be different to Vietnam? If you had more free time, what would you do? If you could go to any foreign country for a holiday, where would you go? Will newspapers be more or less popular in the future? Do you think eating out in restaurants will be become more popular in the future where you live? Are there any sports that you would like to try? What kind of house or apartment would you like to have in the future? What do you hope to do when you finish your studies? Do you think that art will be taught in the future? Do you think that printed books will eventually be replaced by the Internet?

Do you think that family celebrations will be less common in the future? What do you think will be the main functions of schools in the future? Do you think that attitudes to marriage may change in the future? Do you think the home of the future will be better than the home of today?

7. Analyzing, Summarizing and Concluding

There are several points to consider, first of which is.__________________A________________________,second of which is________B______________________( include conclusion) I think it is also important to consider_________________________________A_____________________________ We can break this question down into several parts. First____________________A____________________, Second________________B____________________( include conclusion)

Well I guess it depends, because there are many reasons why__________________________________________________________.( include conclusion)

I think there are several points to consider________A__________________________B__________________________________ ______C___________________( include conclusion)

What are some of the benefits of eating home cooked foods? Why are you planning to spend a period of time abroad?

What sorts of things make you happy? What sorts of factors are important in selecting a hotel when you are on a holiday? What can people learn from the past? Why do you go to restaurants? What is important for you when you choose a place to eat out? Do you think that you watch too much TV? What do you find difficult about writing in English? How would you like other people to view you?

Sample: ILETS Part 3 Speaking questions: How have computers changed everyday life? What are the characteristics of a good student? What are some of the factors involved in choosing a college or university? What changes in peoples lives increase their happiness? Give reasons for the increase use of the Internet

Summarizing and Concluding

To sum up in a few words, I fee/ believe that_______________________________________________________________________ In the end,__________________________________________________________________________ _______ To conclude_______________________________________________________________

All in all, I feel that_________________________________________________________ When we consider all the factors________________________________________________________________________ _____________

Considering all of these ideas, maybe the best thing would be to____________________________________________________________. After a lot of thought, I have come to the conclusion that__________________________________________________________________

Extra Tips for the I.E.L.T.S Speaking Test Part 1 and 3 Examples:

Q: It is sometimes argued that local cultures are being destroyed by tourism. Why do think people might feel this? Q: What benefits do people get from travelling to other countries? Q: Do you think people are becoming too materialistic? Q: To what extent are peoples buying habits affected by advertising? Tips! 1. If you need time to collect your thoughts use expressions (sparingly) like: Thats a good question., Well, let me think . 2. Dont forget to avoid short, yes, no answers. Try to offer examples to back up a statement. 3. Help make your contributions memorable. Try explaining a point using a short, personal anecdote.

4. If the examiner asks a question that you dont understand, take control of the situation with questions such as those that appear below. Responding like this will show evidence of your communication skills. A) If the examiner uses a word or phrase that you dont understand, say something like: Sorry but could you explain what you mean by .. or I havent come across that word/expression before. Could you explain what you mean? B) If you simply didnt hear something that was asked, respond with: Excuse me, I didnt quite catch that. Could you say that again? Im sorry, but would you mind repeating that? C) If you want to make sure youve understood what the examiner has asked you could say: Do you mean .. When you say .., do you mean/are you asking ..?

IELTS Speaking - Part 2 & 3

Beautiful Places

Part 2 Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject. Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples. You should then speak for between one and two minutes. Describe a beautiful place to visit in your country. You should say: where it is how to get there what there is to do when you are there and explain why you recommend this place. Part 3

Attitudes to tourism

Why do you think people like to travel to different places in their free time? How do you see tourism changing in your country in the future?

Conserving the countryside

Why is it important to protect the countryside? In what ways is the countryside in danger in your country?

Historic buildings and monuments

Why are historic buildings and monuments important to a city? Is it better to keep old buildings, or build new modern ones? Family

Part 2 Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject. Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples. You should then speak for between one and two minutes. Describe the person in your family who you most admire. You should say: what their relationship is to you what they have done in their life what they do now and explain why you admire them so much. Part 3 Attitudes to family

In what ways have families in your country changed in recent years?

Should husbands and wives have different roles within the family? Why (not)?

Family or friends

Which are more important to you: your family or your friends? What conflicts can arise between a person's family and a person's friends?

Family responsibilities

What responsibilities do parents have towards their children? What responsibilities do children have towards their parents? Shopping

Part 2 Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject. Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples. You should then speak for between one and two minutes. Describe your favorite shop. You should say: where it is what things it sells what sort of people are its customers and explain why you like the shop so much. Part 3 Things to buy

What typical things can visitors to your country buy? What things do young people like to buy in your country?

Money

Is it a good idea to save money? Why (not)? Do you think that people are happier if they have money? Why (not)?

Shopping

What can shops do to make shopping more pleasant for their customers? Do you think that in the future people will do most of their shopping using the Internet? Why?/ Why not? Eating and food

Part 2 Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject. Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples. You should then speak for between one and two minutes. Describe a special occasion when you had a really enjoyable meal. You should say: what the occasion was who was at the meal what you ate and explain why the meal was so enjoyable. Part 3 Attitudes to food

What do you think a healthy diet consists of? Which do people in your country prefer: traditional food or fast food such as hamburgers or pizzas?

Learning about food

Do you think children should be taught about healthy diets and cooking at school? Why (not)? At what age do you think children should be taught to cook?

Food aid

What can be done to prevent poor people in the world going hungry?

Should rich countries help poor countries with more than just food? Travelling

Part 2 Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject. Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples. You should then speak for between one and two minutes. Describe a memorable journey you have made. You should say: where you were going how you were travelling why you were making the journey and explain what made the journey so memorable. Part 3 Travelling and learning

What do people learn from travelling? Do you think the growth of international tourism is a good thing? Why (not)?

Tourism and culture

How has tourism changed the way people in your country live? How should tourists behave when they visit your country?

Ways of travelling

What do you think is the best way for a tourist to travel if they want to learn about your country? What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by plane?

School

Part 2 Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject. Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples. You should then speak for between one and two minutes. Describe a school which you went to. You should say: when you went there how many people studied there how long you spent there and explain what you liked and disliked about it. Part 3 Attitudes to education

How has education changed in your country in the last ten years? Is a good education more important to a boy or a girl? Why?

The focus of education

How well do you think schools prepare young people for working life? Do you think schools should teach subjects like art, music and dancing? Why (not)?

Education and technology

How important is it for schools to have computers for their students? Is the Internet a valuable educational tool? Adventure

Part 2

Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject. Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples. You should then speak for between one and two minutes. Describe an exciting experience in your life. You should say: when the experience took place where the experience took place what happened exactly and explain why the experience was so exciting. Part 3 Safety and danger

In what ways is life becoming safer, and in what ways is it becoming more dangerous? Should people always avoid danger, or is it a good idea sometimes to take risks?

Taking risks

What risks should people try to avoid? Do you think people take fewer risks as they grow older? Why (not)?

Adventure

How important is it to have adventure in our lives? What do people learn about themselves from having adventures? Newspapers

Part 2 Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject. Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples. You should then speak for between one and two minutes. Describe a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading.

You should say: what kind of newspaper or magazine it is, e.g. fashion how often you buy it what articles and information it contains and explain why you enjoy reading it. Part 3 Attitudes to newspapers

In what ways are newspapers better for learning about the news than listening to the radio or watching television? Do you think newspapers should be completely free to say whatever they want?

Tastes in reading

What do people enjoy reading in your country? Do you think it is important for people to read a lot? Why (not)?

Public and private lives

What sort of stories do newspapers and magazines publish about well-known or famous people in your country? Do you think the media should be allowed to publish stories about the private lives of public figures?