IELTS Speaking Test Topics: 10 Expert Tips to Improve Your Score

Key takeaways:

• The IELTS Speaking test follows a fixed structure and repeats similar topics. Know what to expect so you can prepare strategically, feel confident, and respond well.
• Your score depends on how well you meet the band descriptors, not just how well you “speak English.” Fluency, vocabulary, grammar range, and pronunciation are all scored separately, so improving your speaking score requires targeted practice.
• Mock speaking tests with professional IELTS instructors are the best way to improve quickly. You can practice under real test conditions, correct mistakes early, and build the exact skills examiners are listening for. 

Knowing the IELTS Speaking topics in advance can significantly improve your score. As an English teacher, I coached students for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. I noticed a clear difference between those who practiced speaking topics and those who didn’t. And trust me, it’s not just about speaking ability, but also critical thinking and presentation skills.  

Luckily, the IELTS Speaking test format is very structured. When you know what to expect, you can study accordingly. So once you finally sit down with the official IELTS examiner, you’ll be confident and prepared. To help you get started, I’m sharing specific speaking test topics along with tips that helped previous students improve their scores. 

Want to cut to the chase? Mock exams with an experienced IELTS tutor make the biggest difference. Browse italki’s IELTS exam prep instructors and start practicing today.

IELTS speaking test format

The IELTS Speaking test is an English proficiency test that measures fluency and communication skills. It’s a face-to-face interview with a certified IELTS examiner. It lasts about 11-14 minutes and consists of three parts: 

1. Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

• Examiner asks short questions about familiar topics 
• Answer naturally in 2-4 sentences 

2. Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

• Receive a task card with a topic and bullet points
• 1 minute to prepare answers (take notes)
• 1-2 minutes speaking
• 1-2 minutes short follow-up questions

3. Discussion (4-5 minutes)

• Typically 4-5 abstract, opinion-based questions related to Part 2’s theme
• Answer each question in about 3-6 sentences (~20-40 seconds of talking)

IELTS academic vs general speaking test questions

The IELTS exam has four sections: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Test takers choose either IELTS Academic or General, depending on what they need the test for. The Reading and Writing differ and are geared towards the specific test type. The Listening and Speaking are always the same, so this guide applies to both exams.

Read more: If you’re curious about more than just the speaking section, here’s everything you need to know about the IELTS examination.

Common IELTS Speaking topics you must prepare for

The exact IELTS Speaking test questions vary, but the topics stay very consistent across tests. As part of your IELTS preparation, focus on these common topics in each section.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Daily life and personal preferences

IELTS Speaking topics Part 1 focuses on your life. Think everyday routines, hobbies, and personal preferences. Examiners are checking whether you can answer naturally and extend your responses with details and reasoning. 

Common topics include:

• Home and hometown 
• Family and friends
• Work and job opportunities  
• Current or past studies talk
• Volunteer work
• Transportation methods
• Daily life and routines
• Hobbies and free time
• Weather and seasons
• Shopping 
• Clothing 
• Food and cooking 
• Entertainment 
• Technology and social media

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Personal experiences and descriptions 

In Part 2, you get a cue card with a question and bullet points. You’re expected to speak smoothly for 1-2 minutes. Examiners are looking for clear structure, specific details, and storytelling ability. Use your prep time to take notes and cover all important details.

Common themes include: 

• People (teacher, friend, family member, famous individuals, people who inspire you)
• Places (hometown, school, public spaces, restaurant, holiday destinations)
• Objects/things (gift, clothing, electronics/technology, sentimental belonging, art, literature, entertainment, furniture, money)
• Events/experiences (wedding, birthday, memorable trip, concert, exam, sports, challenging activity, future career plans)

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Abstract topics (general issues and society)

IELTS Speaking topics Part 3 continues the theme from part 2. Your examiner asks more detailed, abstract questions to see if you show a deeper understanding. Questions are about broader social issues rather than personal experience.

During this part, the examiner is checking whether you demonstrate critical thinking skills. They might ask you to explain and justify opinions or compare and contrast ideas.

Common topics include:

• Healthy lifestyle talk
• Family and parenting
• Education and learning
• Young people and modern society
• Holidays and travel
• Cultural heritage and traditions
• Personal growth
• International news
• Social issues 
• The environment
• City life and public spaces
• Relationships and communication

Common IELTS speaking questions

Topics can feel very general, but having sample questions helps you understand exactly what to expect. Here are some common IELTS Speaking questions in 2026.

IELTS Speaking questions Part 1 (Introduction): 

• Do you work or study?
• What do you do in your free time?
• What is your favourite room in your house?
• What is your favourite food?
• Are you a patient person?

IELTS Speaking questions Part 2 (Long turn): 

• Describe a famous person frequently mentioned in the media.
• Discuss a memorable trip you took.
• Discuss environmental issues that affect the area where you live.
• Describe a time when you were very proud of yourself.
• Describe a sporting event you attended.

IELTS Speaking questions Part 3 (Discussion related to part 2):

• How does advertising influence children? 
• What are the pros and cons of starting a new hobby?
• How has technology changed in the past few decades? 
• When traveling, what are the best ways to learn about the local culture?
• How does further education affect someone’s job opportunities?

Read more: Do some of these sample questions sound challenging? Here’s how you can improve your English speaking skills to gain confidence.

What IELTS examiners look for on the Speaking exam

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in real-life situations. For this test, there is only one examiner in the room. They’ll score your speaking skills using specific band descriptors from 0-9. You might communicate effectively or sound charming in English, but if you aren’t hitting those markers, it won’t matter. 

The goal is to focus on the four scoring categories: 

1. Fluency and coherence: How smoothly you speak and how well your ideas connect. 
2. Lexical resources: Your overall vocabulary. How accurately and flexibly you use words.
3. Grammatical range and accuracy: Forming sentences correctly. Using a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
4. Pronunciation: How easy you are to understand. Clear speech and correct pronunciation. 

Understanding IELTS band scores: What each level means

Band Score	Level	Key Characteristics
5-6	Limited Communication	• Frequent hesitation and pauses • Basic vocabulary with noticeable errors • Simple sentence structures • Pronunciation requires effort to understand
7	Good User	• Speaks at length without obvious effort • Uses vocabulary flexibly with occasional inaccuracy • Frequent complex sentences with some errors • Generally clear pronunciation • Can discuss abstract ideas but may lack precision
8	Very Good User	• Sustained, coherent discourse • Skillful use of uncommon vocabulary • Wide range of structures with flexibility • Rare errors that don’t impede communication • Pronunciation that is easy to understand
9	Expert User	• Fully operational command • Completely natural, appropriate usage • Extremely sophisticated vocabulary • Full flexibility and accuracy

Key insight: Moving from Band 7 to Band 8 requires consistent accuracy and flexibility, not just knowing more words. Focus on using what you know correctly rather than forcing advanced vocabulary.

10 expert IELTS Speaking tips to improve your score

As an English tutor, I’ve noticed there are specific ways students can instantly increase their IELTS Speaking scores. These don’t require extra studying so much as strategic studying. 

Use these targeted tips to improve your score:

1. Extend your answers

In speaking parts 1 and 3, avoid one-sentence responses and don’t simply repeat the question. If the question is about your hobbies, don’t just say “Yes, I have many hobbies.” Give relevant examples and provide details. Aim for 2-4 sentences per question in Part 1 and 4-8 sentences in Part 3. 

In IELTS Speaking topics Part 2, you get a task with bullet points. Make sure to cover all the bullet points as naturally as possible. Add details by considering who, what, when, why, where, and how. 

2. Use simple linking words to organize ideas

Use simple connectors when expressing ideas. This makes it easier to understand your train of thought. Avoid overusing the same linking word. 

Some ideas: 

• Addition: also, in addition, furthermore
• Contrast: however, although, on the other hand, despite
• Examples: for example, for instance
• Sequencing: first, then, next, finally

3. Learn topic vocabulary

Now that you know common IELTS Speaking topics, learn relevant English vocabulary. Focus on themes like work, family, health, education, and technology. That way, when you sit down for the IELTS test, you’ll have enough vocabulary to speak confidently. 

4. Paraphrase instead of getting stuck

If you don’t remember a particular word or phrase, don’t desperately try to find it. This hesitation lowers your speaking score. Instead, say it in another way. Examiners reward flexibility.

5. Don’t memorize full answers

IELTS Speaking Test questions change daily, so memorizing specific answers usually backfires. When asked a slightly different version of the question, students often freeze or force a rehearsed response that doesn’t really address what was asked. 

Instead, practice with a variety of sample questions related to common IELTS Speaking topics. Focus on organizing ideas rather than scripts. After all, you don’t want to sound robotic. You want to sound like you’re casually discussing familiar topics.

6. Practice sentence structures 

In section 3 of the Speaking test, you’ll have the opportunity to use more complex English sentence structures, which can improve your score. You may be asked to compare/contrast, discuss abstract ideas, speculate, or give reasons. 

Useful words and sentence structures:

Combining different ideas: although, while, since, because 

• Although I am currently studying English, my favourite foreign language is Portuguese.
• International travel is important because it fosters cultural exchange.

Conditional (hypothetical) sentences: if, unless, as long as, when 

• If children have very good parents, they usually receive more support.

Relative clauses: who, which, that, when, and where 

• My grandma, who was born during the Great Depression, has overcome numerous challenges.
• Education, which enriches personal development, also improves cognitive abilities.

Comparative/superlatives: more than, less than 

• As a senior software engineer, I spend more time reviewing code than actually writing it.

7. Focus on sounding clear instead of native

There are many English accents, and sounding native doesn’t matter. To score highly on the IELTS Speaking test, you simply need to speak clearly and focus on accurate English pronunciation. Examiners should understand what you’re saying without struggling or asking you to repeat yourself.

The best way to improve your pronunciation is by practicing with a native English speaker. They’ll immediately pick up on slight mistakes and can fine-tune your skills (like learning how to pronounce tricky English vowels).

8. Practice speaking aloud with a timer

Time management is a valuable skill for this exam, especially in the IELTS Speaking topics Part 2. You’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes straight. Scrambling to fill time and hesitating with “ummm” lowers your score. Practice speaking and get comfortable with the preset time frames. 

9. Do mock interviews

Doing full mock interviews mirrors real test conditions and timing. When you can practice answering IELTS speaking questions, you become more comfortable answering spontaneously. This enhances cognitive abilities, improves your vocabulary recall, and helps you manage nerves and pacing. 

If you have 10-15 minutes of free time, set a timer and run through each portion of the test. Afterward, review sample answers to compare your vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures. Note where you could improve.

10. Get feedback from a professional tutor

IELTS Speaking practice is great, but you’ll only improve so much without targeted feedback. Studying with italki’s professional IELTS tutors means you get clear, personalized advice based on the scoring criteria.

You can do full mock speaking tests while your teacher evaluates the official IELTS band markers. Then, you can focus on your areas of weakness to raise your score. Unsure where to start? Your teacher can share sample answers to see what high-scoring responses actually sound like.

High-scoring sample answers

Seeing quality responses helps you understand what IELTS examiners are looking for. Here are examples across all three parts:

IELTS Speaking Part 1 sample answer: Free time

Question: “What do you like to do in your free time?”

Band 7-8 Answer: “In my free time, I really enjoy reading, especially historical fiction. I find it relaxing after a long day at work, and it also enriches personal development by exposing me to different perspectives and time periods. I also like hiking on weekends because it helps me disconnect from technology and appreciate nature. On rainy days, I’ll often cook new recipes or catch up with friends over coffee.”

Why this works:

• Extends beyond one activity with natural flow
• Provides relevant examples
• Uses sophisticated vocabulary appropriately
• Shows personality without sounding rehearsed

IELTS Speaking Part 2 sample answer: Memorable trip

Cue card: Describe a memorable trip you took

Band 8+ Answer: “I’d like to talk about a trip I took to Kyoto, Japan about two years ago. It was memorable because it was my first time traveling alone to a country where I didn’t speak the language.

What made it special was how the trip pushed me outside my comfort zone. I had to navigate the public transport system, order food using gestures and translation apps, and find my way around ancient temples. These experiences helped me overcome numerous challenges and build confidence.

The cultural heritage in Kyoto was breathtaking. Visiting the Golden Pavilion and walking through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama gave me a deeper understanding of Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. I also learned that fostering cultural exchange happens most naturally through small interactions – sharing a meal with locals at a tiny ramen shop taught me more than any guidebook could.

This trip changed how I view travel. Instead of seeing it as just sightseeing, I now see it as a valuable skill for developing independence and cultural sensitivity. It also sparked my interest in learning Japanese, which I’ve been studying for the past year.”

Why this works:

• Addresses all bullet points naturally
• Demonstrates critical thinking (reflecting on personal growth)
• Uses complex sentence structures effectively
• Maintains coherence throughout
• Shows genuine personal experience

IELTS Speaking Part 3 sample answer: Education and development

Question: “How does further education affect someone’s job opportunities?”

Band 8+ Answer: “Further education significantly impacts job opportunities in several ways. First, it provides specialized knowledge that’s essential for certain professions. For example, if you want to become a software engineer, you need formal training in programming languages and computer science principles.

However, I think the benefits go beyond just technical skills. Further education also enhances cognitive abilities like critical thinking and problem-solving, which are valuable in any career. When you analyze complex theories or conduct research, you’re developing a deeper understanding of how to approach challenges systematically.

That said, the value of further education depends on the field. In creative industries like design or entrepreneurship, practical experience might matter more than academic credentials. But in fields like medicine or law, advanced degrees are absolutely necessary.

Looking at modern society, I’d say further education is becoming more important because automation is replacing routine jobs. The roles that remain require higher-level thinking and specialized expertise, which formal education helps develop. It’s become less about having a degree and more about continuous learning throughout your career.”

Why this works:

• Addresses the question from multiple angles
• Provides concrete examples (software engineer, medicine, law)
• Shows critical thinking by acknowledging nuances
• Uses complex sentence structures naturally
• Connects to broader societal trends

What you can ask the IELTS examiner

During your Speaking test, you’re allowed to interact naturally with the examiner. The IELTS speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in conversational English, which includes asking for clarification when needed.

You CAN ask:

For clarification of a word:

• “I’m sorry, could you explain what [word] means?”
• “Could you help me understand what you mean by [term]?”

For the question to be repeated:

• “Could you please repeat that question?”
• “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?”

You CANNOT ask:

• For an explanation of the entire question – The examiner can’t rephrase questions to make them easier.
• For ideas or opinions – Don’t ask: “What do you think?” or “Can you give me an example?”
• For extra time – You can’t negotiate the time limits for each part.

Asking politely when you don’t understand is better than guessing or staying silent. It shows natural communication skills.

How to practice IELTS speaking topics effectively

Reading or listening to English won’t be enough to master this exam. During the test, you’ll have to respond to real IELTS Speaking questions under time pressure (and with an audience). Replicating this scenario through mock speaking tests is the best way to practice.

Working with an italki tutor lets you practice IELTS speaking topics and get immediate feedback. You’ll correct mistakes early, improve faster, and prevent bad habits from forming. You’ll also know where you stand according to the band descriptors. And because the lessons are personalized, teachers can focus on your needs. 

Practice real IELTS Speaking topics with italki’s expert English tutors, trusted by over 5 million learners worldwide. Start today and get targeted feedback to improve your score.

FAQs 

How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?

To get an 8.5 in the IELTS Speaking test, you need to speak fluently. Use a wide range of vocabulary, expressions, and grammar structures that are relevant to the topic. Hesitation should only occur when preparing content rather than searching for specific words. While accents don’t matter, you need to be effortlessly understood.

How do I practice speaking for the IELTS exam?

The best way to practice for the IELTS Speaking test is out loud, under time limits, and with real IELTS Speaking questions. Review sample answers to see what’s expected. Then, use free time to conduct practice tests, running through test parts 1, 2, and 3 without stopping.  

How do I prepare for an IELTS Speaking test?

IELTS preparation requires familiarizing yourself with the test format. For the speaking portion, see test samples along with answers to understand exactly what’s expected. Learn vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures related to common IELTS Speaking topics. Finally, run through sample questions for each section, preferably with a professional IELTS tutor.

Can you retake IELTS Speaking only? 

No, you cannot retake the Speaking part of the exam. If you want to redo this portion, you must retake the entire IELTS test.