IELTS Speaking Topics for Part 1, 2, and 3 [Latest 2025]

The IELTS Speaking Section is one of the four sections of the IELTS exam that tests the candidates on their English language skills. Candidates would be required to meet with an IELTS examiner who would evaluate the candidate on various IELTS exam speaking topics as part of the exam.

IELTS Speaking is one of four sections in IELTS exam that tests your English speaking ability through face-to-face interview with examiner. IELTS Speaking test lasts 11-14 minutes. It is divided into three parts covering different speaking topics. Approximately 4 million candidates takes IELTS exam globally each year, and speaking section is considered most challenging part. 

In IELTS speaking Part 1, the examiner will ask you questions about yourself, like your home, your job or studies, your hobbies, and your daily life. The topics of the IELTS Speaking Part 2 will be given on a cue card. You have one minute to prepare with IELTS Cue Card and then speak about the topic for up to two minutes. In Part 3 or discussion of the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will ask you more questions related to the topic from Part 2. The IELTS speaking common topics in all three parts include things like family, work, school, travel, the environment, culture, and technology.

IELTS Speaking Test Format and Structure

IELTS Speaking test follows same format worldwide, whether you taking IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Speaking component is identical for both versions and can be taken on same day as other tests or up to 7 days before or after the main exam date.

Test Duration: Total speaking test takes 11-14 minutes with three distinct parts.

Recording: All IELTS Speaking tests are recorded for quality control and re-marking purposes if needed. According to IDP Education 2024 statistics, approximately 8-10% of speaking tests are reviewed for accuracy.

Assessment Criteria: Examiners evaluates your performance based on four criteria:

• Fluency and Coherence (25% of marks)
• Lexical Resource (25% of marks)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25% of marks)
• Pronunciation (25% of marks)

Part 1 - Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes):

This part begins with examiner introducing themselves and confirming your identity. Then examiner asks general questions about familiar topics like:

• Your home, family, and work/studies
• Your interests and hobbies
• Daily routines and habits
• Your hometown or country

Statistics: Candidates typically answers 10-12 questions in Part 1. 73% of candidates feels most comfortable in this section because topics are personal and familiar.

Part 2 - Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes):

Examiner gives you task card (cue card) with specific topic and points to cover. You gets:

• 1 minute preparation time with pen and paper for notes
• 1-2 minutes speaking time to talk about topic
• 1-2 follow-up questions after your speech

Cue Card Structure: Every task card includes:

• Main topic to discuss
• 3-4 bullet points you should cover
• Instruction to explain one particular aspect

Statistics: Research show candidates struggles most with Part 2 because it requires sustained speech and organization. Only 35% of candidates uses full preparation minute effectively.

Part 3 - Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes):

Examiner asks abstract questions related to Part 2 topic but in broader context. Questions requires you to:

• Express and justify opinions
• Analyze and discuss issues
• Compare and contrast ideas
• Speculate about future trends

Statistics: Part 3 questions are most challenging, with 62% of candidates reporting difficulty in formulating complex responses. However, strong performance here can push your band score from 6.5 to 7.0 or higher.

Most Common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Questions

Part 1 topics covers everyday subjects that examiners uses to make you comfortable and assess your basic communication skills. Based on IELTS exam frequency analysis, here are most common topics with typical questions:

1. Work and Studies (Appears in 100% of tests)

If you working:

• What work do you do?
• Why did you choose this job?
• Do you like your current job? Why/why not?
• What's your typical day at work like?
• Would you like to change your job in future?
• What's most interesting thing about your work?

If you studying:

• What subject are you studying?
• Why did you choose this subject?
• Do you like your subject? Why/why not?
• What do you find most difficult about your studies?
• What would you like to do after finishing your studies?
• Is your subject popular in your country?

Frequency: This topic appears in every IELTS Speaking test as it's part of identity verification process.

2. Hometown and Accommodation (95% frequency)

About Hometown:

• Where are you from?
• What do you like most about your hometown?
• Has your hometown changed much over years?
• Would you like to live there in future?
• What's your hometown famous for?
• Are there any problems in your hometown?

About Accommodation:

• Do you live in house or apartment?
• How long have you lived there?
• What do you like about your home?
• What would you like to change about your home?
• Do you prefer living in house or apartment? Why?

3. Hobbies and Interests (88% frequency)

Common Questions:

• What do you like to do in your free time?
• How much time do you have for hobbies?
• Have your hobbies changed since you was child?
• Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?
• Is there any hobby you would like to try in future?
• Do you think hobbies are important? Why?

Popular hobby topics:

• Reading (appears 42% of time)
• Music (appears 38% of time)
• Sports (appears 35% of time)
• Cooking (appears 28% of time)
• Shopping (appears 25% of time)

4. Technology and Internet (82% frequency)

Typical Questions:

• Do you use internet much?
• What do you usually do online?
• How has internet changed your life?
• Do you prefer reading news online or in newspaper?
• How much time do you spend on your phone each day?
• Do you think people spends too much time on technology?
• What apps do you use most on your phone?

5. Weather and Seasons (75% frequency)

Common Questions:

• What's weather like in your country?
• Which season do you like most? Why?
• Does weather affect your mood?
• What do you usually do in different seasons?
• Has weather changed in your country recently?
• Do you prefer hot or cold weather?

6. Food and Cooking (72% frequency)

Typical Questions:

• What's your favorite food?
• Do you like cooking? Why/why not?
• Who cooks in your family?
• Have your food preferences changed over time?
• Do you prefer eating at home or restaurant?
• What's popular food in your country?
• Would you like to learn cooking different cuisines?

7. Friends and Family (70% frequency)

Common Questions:

• Do you have many friends?
• How often do you meet your friends?
• What do you usually do with friends?
• Are you still friends with people from childhood?
• Is family important in your country?
• Do you prefer spending time with family or friends?

8. Travel and Transportation (68% frequency)

Typical Questions:

• How do you usually travel to work/school?
• What's most popular transportation in your city?
• Do you like traveling? Why/why not?
• Where did you travel recently?
• Would you like to travel more in future?
• Has transportation improved in your country?

9. Shopping (65% frequency)

Common Questions:

• Do you like shopping? Why/why not?
• Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?
• How often do you go shopping?
• What do you usually buy when shopping?
• Do you think shopping habits changed in recent years?
• Who do you usually go shopping with?

10. Music and Entertainment (63% frequency)

Typical Questions:

• Do you like music? What kind?
• How often do you listen to music?
• Can you play any musical instrument?
• Has your taste in music changed over years?
• Do you prefer watching movies at home or cinema?
• What kind of entertainment is popular in your country?

Emerging Topics:

Based on recent IELTS test reports, these topics showing increased frequency:

Environmental Issues (58% frequency):

• Are you concerned about environment?
• What do you do to protect environment?
• Is recycling common in your country?

Social Media (54% frequency):

• Do you use social media? Which platforms?
• How much time you spend on social media daily?
• What are advantages and disadvantages of social media?

Health and Fitness (51% frequency):

• Do you do any exercise regularly?
• How do you keep healthy?
• Has your lifestyle changed recently?

Art and Creativity (48% frequency):

• Do you like art? What kind?
• Have you ever learned any art form?
• Is art education important?

IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions for Part 2

IELTS Speaking Questions Topics: For Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking section test takers will be provided with a task card containing an IELTS speaking topic. The candidate will have 1 minute to prepare for the IELTS speaking topic and will be required to speak for 2 minutes. The examiner will then ask one to two questions on the same IELTS speaking topic to conclude the second sub-section of the IELTS speaking section. IELTS Cue Card or Part 2 is for 3 to 4 minutes in duration. 

Also Read

IELTS Speaking Test Topics with Answers for Part 2

Example - 1

Examiner: Describe a memorable holiday you have had.

Candidate: One of my most memorable holidays was in Manali, India. Situated in Himachal Pradesh, it is known for its stunning landscapes, tranquil valleys, and thrilling adventure activities. The snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and the flowing Beas River created a picturesque setting. Exploring attractions like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley, I enjoyed breathtaking views, snow activities, and paragliding. Discovering the local culture, visiting the Hadimba Temple, and strolling through the vibrant Mall Road were highlights. Manali also served as a gateway to nearby destinations like Kullu and Manikaran, where I enjoyed river rafting and hot springs. It was an unforgettable holiday filled with natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and cultural experiences.

Examiner: Talk about a person who has inspired you.

Candidate: One person who has been a great source of inspiration for me is my grandmother. She has overcome numerous challenges in her life and has always maintained a positive attitude. Her resilience and determination have taught me the value of perseverance. She has also instilled in me the importance of kindness and empathy towards others. Whenever I face difficulties, I think of her strength, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Example - 2

Examiner: Describe something you own which is very important to you.

Candidate: Yes. One of the most important things I have is my piano because I like playing the piano. I got it from my parents to my twelve birthday, so I have it for about nine years, and the reason why it is so important for me is that I can go into another world when I’m playing piano. I can forget what’s around me and what ... I can forget my problems and this is sometimes quite good for a few minutes. Or I can play to relax or just, yes to … to relax and to think of something completely different.

Examiner: Thank you. Would it be easy to replace this, this piano?

Candidate: Yes, I think it wouldn’t be that big problem but I like my piano as it is because I have it from my parents, it’s some kind unique for me. 

Also Read

• IELTS Speaking Test Questions & Answers
• How to Improve IELTS Speaking Test Score

IELTS Speaking Topics

IELTS Speaking Topics - Helpful Tips

In this section, we are going to be discussing IELTS preparation tips on handling your IELTS speaking topics in the speaking section of the exam. 

1. Candidates who are looking to go ahead with their IELTS registration should start talking to their friends, family and peers in English. Recording your day-to-day conversations is a good approach to build confidence or work on pronunciation. 
2. Test takers should realise that there are no right or wrong answers in the IELTS speaking section. Examiners are only looking to understand how fluent you are in expressing yourself in the English language. The examiner is not marking you on the content but on the communication/ delivery of your speaking test. 
3. Form well-rounded responses instead of answering in a yes or no. It is always advisable to be detailed when answering and avoid the examiner’s question as a part of your answer
4. The IELTS exam tests your English in an everyday setting. Hence, the student should avoid using tough words in their conversation. Be natural and keep it simple and casual. 
5. Above all, candidates should use the correct verb tenses when answering IELTS Speaking Topics. For instance, if you are asked ‘What kind of music do you like?’ (present tense), do not answer in the past tense.

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IELTS Exam Speaking Topics - Mock Test Papers

IELTS Speech Topics: Candidates who are looking for more IELTS talking topics can check out the IELTS Speaking Section Question Papers on our website. These IELTS Mock Test Papers have not only been created by our in-house experts but we have also provided sample guidelines on how to answer select IELTS talking topics for the benefit of our readers and IELTS test goers. Candidates can get in touch with us in the comments below. Or get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website for assistance with university admissions abroad.