IELTS Speaking

 

IELTS Speaking Cheat Sheet (Compact Version)

1. Structure

• Part 1 (Introduction & Interview): 4–5 minutes
• Talk about yourself, daily life, hobbies, work/study.
• Part 2 (Long Turn): 1–2 minutes
• Speak about a topic given on a cue card.
• Use structure: Introduction → Details → Example → Conclusion.
• Part 3 (Discussion): 4–5 minutes
• Discuss abstract ideas, comparisons, predictions, opinions.

2. Useful Linking Phrases

• Opinion: “In my opinion…”, “I believe that…”, “As far as I’m concerned…”
• Adding ideas: “Moreover…”, “Another reason is…”, “In addition…”
• Giving examples: “For example…”, “For instance…”, “Such as…”
• Comparing: “On the one hand… On the other hand…”, “Compared to…”, “Similarly…”
• Speculating/Prediction: “It might…”, “I suppose…”, “In the future…”

3. Key Vocabulary by Topic

Topic	Key Vocabulary / Phrases
Personal Experiences	memorable, unforgettable, experience, influenced, achievement, event
Family	sibling, relative, close-knit, tradition, support, upbringing
Friends & Relationships	trustworthy, companion, bond, socialize, peer, reliable
Education & Learning	curriculum, subject, assignment, lecturer, motivate, academic
Hobbies & Free Time	pastime, leisure, hobby, recreation, skill, interest
Work & Career	profession, career path, promotion, responsibility, workload
Travel & Holidays	journey, sightseeing, destination, culture, adventure, tourism
Food & Cooking	cuisine, ingredient, recipe, flavor, nutritious, homemade
Health & Fitness	exercise, diet, lifestyle, well-being, gym, physical activity
Technology	gadget, innovation, digital, online, social media, artificial intelligence
Environment & Nature	pollution, conservation, climate, ecosystem, sustainable, landscape
Shopping & Fashion	trend, style, purchase, brand, affordable, luxury
Culture & Festivals	celebration, tradition, ritual, ceremony, heritage, custom
Housing & Accommodation	apartment, neighborhood, rural, urban, residence, comfortable
Media & Entertainment	broadcast, film, series, streaming, audience, celebrity
Music & Arts	instrument, performance, exhibit, creativity, genre, masterpiece
Transportation	commute, vehicle, public transport, infrastructure, traffic, journey
Weather & Seasons	climate, temperature, humid, seasonal, mild, extreme
Books & Reading	literature, novel, author, plot, informative, genre
Future & Plans	goal, ambition, strategy, development, opportunity, innovation
Society & People	community, lifestyle, social issues, volunteering, behavior, trends

4. Part 2 Cue Card Structure

1. Introduction: “Today I want to talk about…”
2. Describe: Key details (who, what, when, where)
3. Explain: Why it’s important / how it affected you
4. Conclusion: Summarize or give opinion

Example Phrases:

• “One of the most interesting experiences I had was…”
• “It was particularly memorable because…”
• “I learned that…”

5. Part 3 Question Strategies

• Always give opinions with reasons:
• “I think… because…”
• Compare or speculate:
• “Compared to the past…”, “In the future… might…”
• Give examples:
• “For instance…”, “A good example is…”
• Avoid one-word answers → expand to 2–3 sentences minimum

Sure! Let’s focus on the topic “Society & People” and give examples for all 3 parts of the IELTS Speaking test:

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Part 1: Introduction / General Questions

Question: How do people in your country spend their free time?

Answer Example:
"In my country, people usually spend their free time in various ways. Some enjoy going to cafes or shopping malls with friends, while others prefer outdoor activities like jogging or cycling. Families often spend weekends together, going to parks or visiting relatives. Personally, I like reading and watching documentaries because it helps me relax and learn something new."

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Part 2: Long Turn / Cue Card

Cue Card Example:
Describe a social issue in your country.

• You should say: what it is, why it is a problem, who is affected, and explain your opinion about it.

Answer Example (1–2 minutes):
"One social issue in my country is traffic congestion, especially in big cities. It has become a serious problem because more people are using private cars, and public transportation is often overcrowded or unreliable. The people most affected are daily commuters who spend hours stuck in traffic, which can cause stress and reduce productivity. In my opinion, the government should improve public transport and encourage people to use bicycles or carpooling. This would not only reduce congestion but also benefit the environment."

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Part 3: Discussion / Abstract Questions

Questions and Sample Answers:

Q1: How do social issues affect society?
"Social issues can have a big impact on society. For example, problems like unemployment or pollution can affect people’s quality of life and even cause economic or health problems. Addressing these issues is important to ensure a balanced and harmonious society."

Q2: How can people contribute to improving society?
"I think individuals can make a difference by volunteering, raising awareness about important issues, or simply helping neighbors. Even small actions, like recycling or participating in community programs, can gradually improve society."

Q3: Do you think young people today are aware of social problems?
"Yes, I believe young people are generally more aware, mainly because of social media and access to information. Many students and young professionals participate in campaigns or social movements, which shows they care about the community."

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💡 Tips for “Society” Topic:

• Always give examples from real life or your observation.

• Use linking phrases: “For instance…”, “In my opinion…”, “This shows that…”.

• Try to mention causes, effects, and solutions when discussing issues.

Perfect! I’ll create a mini IELTS Speaking answer bank for you: all 21 topics with sample answers for Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Here’s a structured example to start:

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1. Personal Experiences & Life

Part 1:
Q: Describe a memorable event in your life.
A: "One memorable event in my life was when I graduated from university. It was a proud moment for me and my family because I had worked very hard to complete my degree. I still remember the excitement and happiness on that day."

Part 2 (Cue Card):
Describe an event that changed your life.
A: "An event that changed my life was moving to a new city for my studies. It was challenging at first because I didn’t know anyone and had to adapt to a new environment. However, I became more independent and learned how to manage my time and responsibilities. It taught me resilience and helped me grow as a person."

Part 3:
Q1: How do personal experiences influence people?
A: "Personal experiences shape our character and decision-making. For instance, someone who has faced challenges may become more patient and resilient. These experiences also help people understand themselves better."
Q2: Can people learn from other people’s experiences?
A: "Yes, we can learn a lot by observing others. For example, advice from mentors or reading about successful people can help us avoid mistakes and make better decisions."

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2. Family

Part 1:
Q: Describe your family members.
A: "I have a small family consisting of my parents and one younger sibling. My father is an engineer and my mother is a teacher. We are very close and spend a lot of time together during weekends."

Part 2 (Cue Card):
Describe a family tradition you enjoy.
A: "Every year, my family celebrates New Year together by cooking a big meal and sharing stories. I enjoy this tradition because it strengthens our bond and creates happy memories. It also gives us a chance to reflect on the past year."

Part 3:
Q1: How has the role of family changed in society?
A: "Family roles have changed a lot. Nowadays, both parents often work, so children might be more independent. Technology also allows families to stay connected even if they live far apart."
Q2: Do family relationships influence career choices?
A: "Yes, family advice and support can influence career decisions. For example, parents may encourage their children to pursue stable professions or follow their own interests."

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3. Friends & Relationships

Part 1:
Q: Describe a good friend.
A: "I have a close friend named Rina. She is supportive, trustworthy, and always ready to listen. We enjoy traveling and studying together, and she has been a positive influence in my life."

Part 2 (Cue Card):
Describe a friendship that is important to you.
A: "One important friendship in my life is with my college roommate. We supported each other during exams and personal challenges. This friendship taught me the value of trust and teamwork."

Part 3:
Q1: How do friendships change as people grow older?
A: "Friendships often become more selective. Adults usually have fewer friends but maintain deeper, more meaningful connections. Work and family responsibilities may also affect how often people meet their friends."
Q2: Are online friendships as meaningful as real-life friendships?
A: "Online friendships can be meaningful if people communicate honestly and frequently. However, face-to-face interactions usually build stronger emotional bonds."