IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions for 2026 in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the Speaking Test. Most of these topics have been recycled many times over the years. They are common topics, predicted topics and trending topics. Does IELTS release the speaking topics to the public? No, which is why you must prepare as many topics as possible – you cannot predict which topics you will get.
IELTS Speaking Test Overview
- Part 1 is 4-5 mins in length with about 3 topics and 12 questions mostly based on your personal experiences and your country.
- Part 2 is 3-4 mins in length and is a talk based on the topic given on the cue card.
- Part 3 is 4-5 mins in length and is more like a debate with questions relating to world issues based on your part 2 topic.
- The speaking test is informal. All candidates take the same speaking test.
How To Prepare
- For part 1, practice answering questions about your own past, your current life and your hopes for the future. Some questions will also cover popular aspects of life in your country. These questions are mostly simple but do practice expanding your answers.
- For part 2, practice using 1 min to prepare your talk. Then practice speaking for 2 mins on various topics. Remember, this is an informal talk. Be chatty. Give lots of detail.
- For part 3, explain yourself fully. Give examples and details of your opinions. These are “meaty” questions and the examiner will want to understand your point of view.
- Always aim for fluency and expanding your answers in all parts of the speaking test. Showing willingness to speak is essential for the higher band scores. There are no right or wrong answers, just opportunities to showcase your English in a natural way.
- Do not memorise answers. Just use the questions to practice speaking naturally and also use them to prepare ideas. All your answers must be spoken naturally in the test.
- If you want to learn more about the length of your answers, click here: IELTS Speaking: How Long Should My Answers Be?
- For model answers and helpful tips, click here: IELTS SPEAKING MAIN PAGE
- Review all other common topics: PART 1 TOPICS / PART 2 TOPICS / PART 3 TOPICS
- Speaking Part 3 topics can also overlap with your Writing Task 2 essay topics. Click here for 100 IELTS Essay Questions
- Post your speaking test experiences in the comments box below.
IELTS SPEAKING TOPICS 2026
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THE FOUR MAIN TOPICS IN PART 1
Let’s start with the Four Main Topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1. Your test will always start with one of these four main topics in part 1:
- Home
- Hometown
- Work/Study
These topics do not change. Each year they remain the same. This means you can prepare them very easily. Please click here to see the questions: IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 MAIN TOPICS
Below is a list of other topics that could appear in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
IELTS SPEAKING TOPICS & QUESTIONS
- Animals
- Art
- Apps
- Broken Promises
- Books
- Buildings
- Challenges
- Clothes
- Confidence
- Crime
- Education
- Friends & Family
- Food
- Happiness
- Health
- Intelligence
- Media
- Names
- Nature
- Numbers
- Politeness
- Success
- Sugar
- Weather
- Work
.
ANIMALS Topic
Animals Part 1:
- Do you have a pet?
- What is a popular pet in your country?
- What problems do people have with pets?
- Did you have a pet as a child?
- Have you ever seen a wild animal?
- Are there many wild animals in your country?
Part 2
- Describe an interesting animal
- What it is / Where it lives / Where you first saw it / Why it’s interesting.
Part 3
- How can the elderly benefit from having a pet?
- Should the government protect wild animals?
- Why are some animals endangered?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of zoos?
Note: This topic could be presented as: WILD ANIMALS / DOMESTIC ANIMALS / ZOOS / CONSERVATION
ART Topic
Art Part 1
- What kind of art do you enjoy?
- Do you have any paintings of pictures on your walls at home?
- Did you learn art at school?
- Can you draw or paint?
- Do you like visiting museums or art galleries?
- Do you often take photos?
- Do you often take selfies?
Part 2
- Describe a work of art you like.
- What it is / where you saw it / what it shows / why you like it.
- Describe a museum or gallery you have visited.
- What it is / where it is located / what can be seen there / why you liked it.
- Describe someone creative you know.
- Who it is / how you know them / how they are creative / why you enjoy knowing this person.
Part 3
- What role does art play in society?
- Do you think photos will one day replace paintings?
- Do you think people today are less creative than in the past due to advanced technology?
- Why do people take selfies?
- What role do museums and galleries play?
- How can children benefit from art?
- Should the government support the arts?
- What’s the difference between art and the arts?
- What makes a good painting?
- Should art be censored?
- What is the aim of art?
- Which of the performing arts do you enjoy most?
APPS Topic
Apps Part 1
- Do you often use apps?
- What are the most popular apps in your country?
- Are there any useful apps for children?
- Would you ever spend money on an app?
- Have you ever deleted an app?
Part 2
Describe a useful app.
- What it is / how you heard about it / what it does / why you find it useful.
Part 3
- Are apps useful or are they a distraction?
- How do people stop themselves getting distracted by apps on their phone?
- Have you ever learned anything new from an app?
- Why do old people struggle with apps?
- How do you think apps will develop in the future?
- Can apps help us improve our health? How?
- How do you differentiate between a good app and a bad one?
- Do children in your country use apps?
- What is the downside of using apps for educational purposes?
Note: This topic an also cover: MOBILE PHONES, SOCIAL MEDIA. Click here: Phone Topic Cue Cards with Vocabulary
BOOKS Topic
Books Part 1
- Do you like reading books?
- Do you ever read e-books?
- Did you read much as a child?
- What type of books are most popular in your country?
- What other reading materials do you enjoy?
Part 2
- Describe a childhood story you enjoyed
- What type of story it was / what characters were in it / what it was about / why you enjoyed it.
- Describe a book that was made into a film.
- What it is / what the plot was / what the film was like / why you enjoyed it.
- Describe a famous author.
- Who it is / what you know about them / what they wrote / why you like them.
- Describe a book you recently read.
- What type of book it is / what it is about / why you enjoyed it.
- A traditional story.
- What type of story it is / what characters are in it / what it is about / why you enjoy it.
Part 3
- Do you think paper books will ever disappear?
- What do children gain from reading books?
- How can children be encouraged to read more?
- What can children gain from reading skills?
- What skills does a children’s author need?
- Why do some adults read children’s books?
- Do men and women like reading similar types of books?
- Why are films often different from the book they are based on?
- How do people’s reading tastes differ as they grow older?
- Why do some people prefer fiction, while others prefer non-fiction?
- Are biographies popular to read in your country?
- What makes a novel successful?
BROKEN PROMISES Topic
Broken Promises Part 1
- When was the last time you made a promise and didn’t keep it?
- Do you think it is important to keep your promises?
- Why would someone break their promise?
- Has someone ever broken their promise to you?
- Do you think reliability is important?
- Why are some people unreliable?
- How do you prioritise things in your life?
Note: The above questions could be part of a part 2 cue card or even part 3.
CHALLENGES Topic
Challenges Part 1
- When was the last time you tried something new?
- Do you enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone?
- What did you find most challenging at school?
- Do you think children should be challenged more at school?
- When was the last time you found something too difficult?
Part 2
- Describe a tough challenge you have faced.
- What was it / when did it happen / how did you cope / why do you remember it.
- Describe someone who is adventurous.
- Who it is / how you know them / what they enjoy doing / why you consider them adventurous.
- Describe a job you think is challenging.
- What it is / what it involves / who does it / why you think it is challenging.
Part 3
- Why do some people relish a challange?
- Are challanges good for us?
- Why do some people avoid challenges?
- Do you think some people are born more adventurous than others?
- Why do people take part in adventure sports?
- Can life sometimes be too easy?
- Should we protect children from difficult situations?
- Should schools be more challenging for children?
- What are the greatest challenges people face in the world today?
- What skills can help people face difficult times?
CLOTHES Topic
Clothes Part 1
- What types of clothes do you wear most?
- When was the last time you bought an item of clothing?
- Why do some people prefer casual clothes?
- Did you wear a school uniform as a child?
- Do you follow fashion?
- Do you have any traditional clothes?
- When do people wear traditional clothing in your country?
- What accessories do you often wear?
- Do you ever use a bag? What kind of bag?
- What clothes do you wear when it’s hot?
- Do you ever wear jewellery?
- Would you ever spend a lot of money on clothes?
- What shoes do you prefer wearing?
Part 2
- Describe an item of clothing you most enjoy wearing
- What it is / how often you wear it / when you bought it / why you enjoy wearing it.
- Describe someone you know with a good sense of fashion.
- Who it is / what they are like / what they enjoy wearing / why you think they are fashionable.
- Describe something you only wear on special occasions.
- What it is / what it is made of / when you last wore it / why you like it.
Part 3
- Do men enjoy fashion as much as women?
- Do you think fashion is important?
- What do you think of people who spend a lot of money on clothes or accessories?
- Can you tell a lot about a person from what they wear?
- What traditional clothes are there in your country?
- Do you think traditional clothes will one day disappear?
- Do you think social media influences what we wear?
- What makes a good clothing store?
- How have clothing trends changed over the last few decades?
- What role do uniforms play in a company?
- Do you think restaurants should have dress codes?
- How do movie stars impact fashion?
- What is the difference between accessories that men and women like?
Note: This topic could also be presented as: BAGS, ACCESSORIES, HATS, FASHION, JEWELLERY, SUMMER CLOTHES, SHOES, CASUAL CLOTHES. Click here: Model Answers Clothes Topic / Shoes Model Answers
CONFIDENCE Topic
Confidence Part 1
- Would you describe yourself as a confident person?
- Were you a confident child?
- What made you nervous as a child at school?
- Can you tell by looking at someone whether they are confident or not?
- Are men usually more confident than women?
- What do you do to help you build confidence?
Part 2
- Describe a person you know who is confident.
- How are they / How do you know them / What are they like / Why you think they are confident?
- Describe a time you felt confident / lost confidence.
- When it was / where you were / what happened / why you felt confident or lost confidence.
Part 3
- Why is confidence important?
- How can people develop confidence?
- Do you think some people are born naturally confident?
- Do you think men are often more confident than women?
- Can someone ever be over-confident?
- Can people sometimes be too cautious?
- When should someone be careful about making decisions?
- Do you think social media makes people more or less confident?
- Why do women often struggle to feel confident about their looks?
CRIME Topic
Making Mistakes Part 1
I’ve include this as a part 1 topic even though it is only losely based on the main topic.
- What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?
- Did you ever make mistakes at school?
- Which subject did you make most mistakes in?
- Did your school have strict rules?
- Were teachers strict at your school?
- What was the usual punishment if you misbehaved at school?
- Did your school have a strict dress code?
- Is there a lot of crime where you live?
- What type of petty crime is common in your country?
Part 2 Cue Card
- Describe a good law.
- What it is / when it was introduced / how it impacts people / why you think it is good.
- Describe a time you made a mistake.
- When it was / who was there / what happened / how you felt.
Part 3
- Do you think parents should enforce strict rules on teenage children?
- How do children benefit from strict guidelines?
- What do you think of corporal punishment in schools?
- Do you think parents are stricter now than in the past?
- Who should teach children right from wrong – schools or parents?
- Why do people commit crime?
- Is there more crime in the countryside or in cities?
- What is the difference between major crime and minor crime?
- Is prison the best punishment?
- How can we reduce crime in society?
- What is the main cause of crime?
- Do you think all people who commit crime do so for money?
- Why do people often reoffend after being in prison?
- Do you think the media impacts crime levels?
- Do you think the type of crimes being committed has changed over the last few decades?
- How can people stay safe online?
- Do you think online crime is a big problem?
- How can we keep children safe online?
Note: this topic could also include: MAKING MISTAKES, PUNISHMENT, YOUTHS, MEDIA, DISCIPLINE, EDUCATION, PARENTS, EMPLOYMENT, POVERTY, RURAL VS URBAN AREAS. Click here: Crime & Punishment Vocabulary
EDUCATION Topic
Education Part 1
- Did you enjoy school as a child?
- What was your favourite subject?
- Was there any subject you didn’t like?
- Did you have a favourite teacher at school?
- Did you ever do any extra-curricular activities?
- Do you think children should play more sport at school?
- Are you currently learning anything new?
- Do you ever use educational apps?
Part 2 Cue Cards
- Describe a subject you enjoyed at school.
- What it was / who taught you / what you learned / why you enjoyed it.
- Describe a teacher you admired.
- Who it was / what they taught / what you enjoyed about their lessons / why you admired them.
- Describe something you wish you had learned but never got the chance.
- What it was / how you hoped to learn it / how it could have helped you / why you didn’t learn it.
- Describe someone who is intelligent.
- Who the person is / what they are like / what they do / why you consider them intelligent.
- Describe a book, app or website that has helped you learn.
- What it is / how you found it / what you learned from it / why it was useful.
Part 3
- Do you think education in schools has changed a lot in the last few decades?
- Do you think lessons should be fun or just educational?
- How could teachers in schools improve their lessons?
- Do you think parents should encourage their child to learn more?
- Do you think parents sometimes pressure their children to learn too much?
- What do children gain from free time?
- Would you ever force your child to do extra-curricular activities at school?
- What makes a good teacher?
- Why do many girls not go on to study the sciences at university?
- Do you think art and music are a waste of time to learn at school?
- How do you think education will change in the future?
- How has technology changed education?
- Why do some people learn online?
- Do you think Youtube is a good source for learning?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages to online learning?
Note: This topic can also cover MATHS, SCIENCE, THE ARTS, TEACHERS, PROJECT WORK, TEAM BUILDING, ONLINE LEARNING, SOCIAL MEDIA. Click here for: Maths Topic Speaking Part 1 , Education Vocbulary with Pronunciation
FRIENDS & FAMILY Topic
Friends & Family Part 1
- Who are you closest to in your family?
- Do you have a big family?
- Were your parents strict when you were a child?
- Do you think family is important?
- Do you spend a lot of time with your family?
- Do you have many friends?
- What do you enjoy doing with your friends?
- When was the last time you made a new friend?
- How do you meet new people?
- Why is it important to have a social life?
Part 2 Cue Card
- Describe your best friend at school.
- Who it was / what he or she was like / what you remember doing together / why you liked them.
- A friend you get on well with.
- Who it is / how long you have know them / what they are like / how well you get on.
- Describe a family photo.
- Who is in it / when it was taken / where it was taken / why it is important to you.
- Describe a memorable family holiday.
- Where it was / who you went with / what you did there / why it was memorable.
- Describe someone you are similar to in your family.
- Who it is / what relation they are to you / what makes you similar / why you enjoy knowing them.
- Describe a time when a friend helped you.
- When was it / who your friend is / what they did / why it was helpful.
Part 3 Questions
- Why is family important?
- How do family dynamics impact a child growing up?
- Do you think grandparents still have a role to play in today’s family?
- What is the generation gap?
- Should parents be strict?
- Who should be responsible for disciplining the children – the father or the mother?
- What do you think of one-parent families?
- Who should be responsible for the care of elderly people, the family or the government?
- How have families changed over the last few decades?
- Do you think the role of fathers and mothers is changing?
- Do you think social media has changed the way we view families?
- Is divorce becoming more prevalent? Why?
- Why do so many people prioritise socialising with friend?
- What characteristics are important in a friend?
- Do you think you need to have the same hobbies to be friends with someone?
- Why do friends sometimes fall out with each other?
- Is it safe to make new friends online?
- Do you think it’s good to have many friends?
FOOD Topic
Food Part 1
- What’s your favourite meal of the day?
- Is there any food you didn’t like as a child that you do now?
- Were you a fussy eater when you were younger?
- Do you think meal times are important?
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- How often do you cook?
- Do you often eat out?
- When was the last time you tried a new dish?
- Do you like spicy foods?
- Do you ever eat snacks?
- Do you think food plays an important part in the family?
- What do you usually have for breakfast?
- Do you ever skip meals?
Part 2
- Describe a foreign food you would like to try.
- What it is / where it comes from / how you heard of it / why you would like to try it.
- Describe a restaurant you like.
- Which type of food it serves / what it is like / what dishes you enjoy / why you like it.
- Describe food that is mostly eaten at special occasions in your country.
- What it is / when it is eaten / how it is made / why it is popular.
- Describe someone you know who is a good cook.
- Who it is / how you know them / what food they make / why they are a good cook.
- Describe your favourite dish.
- What it is / how often you have it / how it is prepared / why you enjoy it.
Part 3
- Do you think food plays an important role in society?
- How has popular food changed in your country over the last few decades?
- Do you think children should be forced to eat what they don’t like?
- Do schools in your country provide children with healthy meals?
- Why do parents give children unhealthy food that they know can damage their health?
- Should the government close down fastfood restaurants?
- Why is obesity a growing problem?
- What is a balanced diet?
- How do you ensure you eat a balanced diet?
- Do you think family members should eat together?
- What traditional foods are popular in your country?
- How can children learn about traditional foods?
- What do you think of GM foods?
- Do you usually buy organic foods?
- What foods are commonly imported to your country?
- What food does your country export?
- Do you think the media influences what we eat?
- Are there many vegetarians in your country?
- Do you think people eat more healthily now or in the past?
- What food trends do you think might appear in the future?
This topic covers so many other topics, for example: COOKING, MEALS, FAST FOOD, FOOD CULTURE, FOREIGN FOODS, SNACKS, DIET, DIETS, HEALTH, PRESERVATIVES, FOOD INDUSTRY, OBESITY, SOCIAL MEDIA, FARMING, GROWING FOOD. Click here for model answers about Snacks / Vegetables /
HAPPINESS Topic
Happiness Part 1
- Do you consider yourself a happy person?
- What did you enjoy doing as a child?
- What makes you happy?
- Do you think in the future the same things will make you happy?
- Do you often laugh out loud?
- Do you think the things that make people happy today are different from the past?
- Do you think humour is important?
Part 2
- Describe a happy event you remember
- When it was / who was with you / what you did / why it was a happy event
- Describe an activity that makes you happy
- What it is / where you do it / what you need to do it / why it makes you happy
- Describe someone who you consider a happy person.
- Who it is / how you know them / what makes them happy / why you like them.
Part 3
- Do you think successful people are happier than others?
- Do you think money can contribute towards happiness?
- What period in life is the happiest?
- Do you think people are happier now than in the past?
- Do you think a complicated life is an unhappy one?
- Are children happier than adults?
- How do children amuse themselves in your country?
- What impacts a child’s happiness?
- Do men and women find happiness in similar things?
- How can elderly people find happiness late in life?
- Do you think your job has a big impact on your happiness in life?
Note: This topic might also overlap with smiling, laughter, humour, boredom, frustration, patience, planning, goals.
HEALTH Topic
Health Part 1
- How do you keep healthy?
- Do you have a healthy lifestyle?
- What exercises are most popular in your country?
- Did you ever play sport at school?
- Do you like sport?
- Do you ever do exercise?
- What is a popular exercise for elderly people in your country?
- What do you think is a healthy daily routine?
- Do you usually sleep early?
- What would you change in your life to be healthier?
- Do you think people are healthier now than in the past?
Part 2
- Describe a healthy activity.
- What it is / how it is done / who can enjoy it / why it is healthy.
- Describe someone you think is very healthy.
- Who it is / how you know them / what healthy activities they do / how you feel about them.
- Describe the last time you didn’t feel well.
- When was it / what was wrong / what did you do to help yourself / how did it impact you?
Part 3
- What health problems do many people face today?
- What are the biggest problems our society faces regarding health?
- Do you think social media helps us keep healthy?
- Are people more conscious about their health now than in the past?
- How can people be encouraged to be healthier?
- Do you think fast food is responsible for people having bad health?
- Why are there so many obese people today?
- How can exercise improve health?
- Do you think schools should increase the number of sports classes in the curriculum?
- What are the popular ways of keeping healthy in your country?
- Do you think mental health is important?
- What do you think impacts our mental health?
- Do you think modern technoology is making people less healthy?
- How could the health care system be improved?
- Do you think men and women have the same attitudes towards health?
Note: This topic might also fall under: ROUTINES, SLEEP, HOBBIES, HABITS, SPORT, EXERCISE. Click here: Sleep Topic Questions & Answers / Health Part 3 Model Answers / Sport Part 3 Model Answers
INTELLIGENCE Topic
Part 2
- Describe an intelligent person you know.
- Who it is / what they are like / how they are intelligent / what you have learned from them.
- Describe something you do that challenges your brain.
- What it is / how often you do it / what is involved / how it helps you.
Part 3
- Do you think people are born intelligent or can they become intelligent later in life?
- How can intelligence be measured?
- Do you think emotional intelligence is important?
- How can schools help children become intelligent?
- Do you think academic achievement truly reflects a child’s intelligence?
- Do you think it’s important to be able to think outside the box?
- Do you think employers look for someone with intelligence or someone with skills?
MEDIA: News, Films & Social Media
Media Part 1
- Do you often watch films?
- Do people in your country often go to the cinema?
- Were you allowed to watch much TV when you were a child?
- How do you keep up with the news?
- How often do you follow the news?
- Do you ever just skim the headlines?
- Do you like to read about famous people in the news?
- Do you often post on social media?
- What social media sites do you use most?
- Do you follow anyone particular on social media?
- Do you think social media is bring people closer together or not?
Part 2
- Describe your favourite film
- What it is / when you first watched it / what it is about / why you like it so much.
- Describe a person in the news you would like to meet
- Who it is / when you first heard about them / why you would like to meet them.
- Describe your favourite social media site or app
- What it is / how often you use it / what you use it for / why you like it.
Part 3
- Why do people follow the news?
- Do you think international news or domestic news is more important?
- Do you think all news it true?
- Do you think people should be skeptical of news they read online?
- How has social media changed the way we receive news?
- Why do people enjoy watching films or drama series?
- Why do you think people sometimes binge-watch a series?
- Do you think historical dramas should be factually correct?
- What do you think about people learning about history from watching drama series and films?
- Why do some people prefer going to the cinema to watch films rather than watching them at home?
- Do you think international films are important?
- How do you think foreign films affect local culture?
- Do you think it is better to watch foreign films with subtitles or dubbed?
- What is the difference between viewing habits now compared to the past?
- Do old people and young people like to watch the same things on TV or online?
- What dangers are there for children who watch films?
- Should parents control what their children watch?
Note: You can find useful vocabulary for the topic of news here: NEWS VOCABULARY.
NAMES Topic
Names Part 1
- Does your name have a meaning?
- Who chose your name?
- Would you ever consider changing your name?
- How do most parents choose their baby’s name?
- Do you think names are important?
- Do you know anyone with an interesting name?
NATURE Topic
Nature Part 1
- Do you spend much time in nature?
- Do you have many plants in your home?
- Have you ever grown vegetables?
- Are there many parks where you live?
- Did you ever learn about the environment at school?
- Do you think children should spend more time outside?
- Do you ever recycle?
- Do you ever buy flowers?
- Have you ever given someone flowers as a gift?
- Do any flowers have special meaning in your country?
- How could you neighbourhood be made more environmentally friendly?
Part 2 Cue Card
- Describe a place of natural beauty in your country.
- Where it is / when you first went there / what there is to see / why it is special.
- Describe someone who is environmentally friendly.
- Who it is / how you know them / what they are like / what they do to protect the environment.
- Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy.
- What it is / where you do it / how you do it / why you enjoy it.
- Describe a tree or a plant.
- What it is / where it grows / why you like it.
Part 3 Questions
- Do you think the government should do more to protect rural areas?
- What are the most pressure environmental issues in your country?
- How do people damage our planet?
- What can individuals do to help the environment?
- Do children learn about the environment at schools in your country?
- Should children be more involved in protecting the environment?
- Do you think people are more environmentally aware now compared to the past?
- Why do some people grow plants or vegetables?
- How do people benefit from spending time in nature, such as in a park?
- Do you think cities should build more green spaces?
- Why is urban planning important?
Note: This topic can also come under the headings: PARKS, GARDENS, TREES, FLOWERS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, CAMPING, THE ENVIRONMENT, NATURE, PLANTS, WILDLIFE. Click here for Environmental Problems Vocabulary & Listening Exercises / Camping Vocabulary / Garden & Parks Cue Cards with Model Answer
NUMBERS Topic
Numbers Part 1
- Did you like maths at school?
- How do you remember important dates or numbers?
- What important dates are there in your country?
- Do you have a good memory for numbers?
- Do you often use a calculator?
- Are there any lucky numbers in your country?
- Do you ever play the lottery with numbers?
Note: This topic can also cover: MATHS, REMEMBERING, MEMORY, CALENDARS, SPECIAL DATES, BIRTHDAYS. Click here: MATHS TOPIC WITH VOCABULARY
SUCCESS Topic
Part 2 Cue Card
- Describe someone who is successful.
- Who it is / what they are like / what they do / why they are successful.
- Describe a successful company.
- What it is / how you know about it / what it does / why it is successful.
- Describe an achievement you are proud of.
- What it is / when you did it / what it involved / why you felt proud.
Part 3
- Why do you think some people are more successful than others?
- Do you think success is innate?
- What skills are important to achieve well in life?
- Why are some people successful only later in life?
- Do you think success at school or at work is important?
- What makes a good leader?
- Do you think charisma is important in a leader?
- Which do you think is more important – initiative or team skills?
- What makes a company successful?
- Is a company’s product or its marketing more important?
Note: This topic could also cover: JOBS, PERSONALITY, OPTIMISM, SOFTSKILLS, DETERMINATION, ORGANISING, CONCENTRATION.
POLITENESS Topic
Politeness Part 1
- How do people show politeness in your country?
- Are children usually encouraged to be more polite to older people in your country?
- Was it your teachers or your parents who taught you to be polite as a child?
- How do schools encourage politeness?
- Do you think people these days are less polite than in the past?
- Why are people sometimes rude?
- What causes people to be frustrated and angry?
- Do you ever lose your patience?
- How do you deal with people who aren’t polite to you?
- What apps help you keep organised?
- Have you ever used an app for mindfulness?
- How do you wind down after a long day?
Part 2 Cue Card
- Describe someone you know who is very polite.
- Who it is / what they are like / how you know them / why they are so polite.
- Describe a time you lost your patience.
- When was it / who were you with / what happened / what you did afterwards.
Part 3
- Why are people polite to strangers?
- Do you think children should be taught good manners?
- Do you think social media is encouraging children to be less polite?
- Is politeness less important today than in the past?
- Why are people often more polite to older people?
- Why do people often lose their patience?
- Do you think being organised is essential in life?
- How can being disorganised affect your behaviour and your mood?
- What jobs require politeness?
- Can people be both assertive and polite at the same time?
- What roles of etiquette do strangers to your country often get wrong?
SUGAR Topic
Sugar Part 1
- Do you have a sweet tooth?
- How often do you eat sugary foods?
- What are some popular sweets in your country?
- Do people often eat chocolate in your country?
- Did you eat many sweets as a child?
- If you had a child, would you let them eat sweets?
- Do you think any sweet food is healthy?
- Are there any healthy snacks?
Part 2
- Describe a sweet treat you enjoy.
- What it is / how often you eat it / what is special about it / why you like it.
Part 3
- Why do you think people eat food they know isn’t good for them?
- Do you think parents should be stricter about what their children eat?
- Why do you think people eat so many sugary foods?
- How can the problem of obesity be tackled?
Note: This topic could also be: DESSERTS, CHOCOLATE, CAKES, SNACKS, FAST FOOD
WEATHER Topic
Weather Part 1
- What is your favourite season?
- What weather do you enjoy most?
- Is there any type of weather you don’t like?
- Does the weather affect your mood?
- Do you like rainy days?
- How many seasons are there in your country?
- Are there many sunny days in your country?
- Do you daytime or evenings more?
- Do you ever look at the night sky?
- What type of activities do people enjoy in your country when it’s hot?
- Would you ever consider living somewhere that is permanently hot or cold?
- Does the weather ever affect transport in your country?
- What problems with the weather does your country have?
Part 2 Cue Card
- Describe an activity you enjoy in warm weather.
- What it is / where you do it / how it is done / why you enjoy it.
- Describe a day when the weather was perfect.
- When it was / what it was like / what you did / why you enjoyed it.
- Describe your favourite season.
- When it is / what it is like / what you do during that season / why you like it.
Part 3
- What type of climate do you think is most healthy?
- How do you think climate affects lifestyle choices?
- How do people dress when it’s hot in your country?
- Do you ever have extreme weather in your country?
- How can extreme weather impact a country?
- What is climate change?
- Do you think climate change is a serious problem?
- What impact does weather have on farming?
Note: This topic also covers SEASONS, RAIN, CLOUD, SUNSHINE, CLIMATES, TEMPERATURES, EXTREME WEATHER, ACTIVITIES, THE SKY, CLIMATE CHANGE, GLOBAL WARMING.
WORK Topic
Work Part 1
For Work Part 1, please see the common topics page: IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 COMMON TOPICS.
Part 2 Cue Card
- Describe a job you think is important.
- What it is / who usually does this work / what is involved in it / why it is important.
- Describe someone you know who is hardworking.
- Who it is / what they are like / what their job is / why you think consider them hardworking.
- Describe a time you once did team work.
- When it was / what work you did / what was involved / why you enjoyed it.
Part 3
- How has technology changed how we work?
- Do you think social media impacts people’s ability to focus on their work?
- What do you think of open-plan offices?
- Do you think satisfaction or money is more important?
- What makes someone successful?
- What skills are best to get a good job?
- Why do you think some jobs are more popular with women than men?
- Do you think it impacts a child if both parents work?
- What jobs do you think most benefit society?
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