Ideas in IELTS Essays & in IELTS Speaking

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Are your ideas marked in IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking? How do you find and prepare ideas for your IELTS essays and for IELTS Speaking topics? Certainly, both IELTS writing and speaking tests are topic based and require you to have ideas to write about and talk about, but are those ideas marked and how do you prepare properly?

Ideas & Knowledge in IELTS Writing Task 2?

In IELTS Writing Task 2, you will be marked on

  1. Task Response (addressing the task, ideas, developing ideas and relevancy)
  2. Coherence & Cohesion (organisation & linking)
  3. Grammar
  4. Vocabulary

As you see, the key marking criterion for ideas is Task Response. That is all about your answer and the ideas you use in your answer. It counts for 25% of your writing task 2 marks. For more information & tips, see this page: IELTS Writing Task 1 Marking Criteria & Band Score Tips.

Let me explain more about Task Response:

Task Response: Your Answer & Ideas

This is about answering the question with relevant ideas, which are well-developed and supported. This means the ideas you present are marked. How relevant and developed your ideas are will affect your band score:

Band Score 8ideas are relevant, well-extended and supported
Band Score 7ideas are extended and support, but may be over-generalised or slightly lacking in focus.
Band Score 6ideas are relevant but may not be sufficiently developed and may lack clarity
Band Score 5ideas are limited, not developed enough and may contain irrelevant details

As you see, the more relevant, focused, detailed and well developed your ideas are, the higher your band score. People who get a low score present ideas that aren’t explained well or connected to the task or that lack focus.

Finding Ideas for IELTS Essays

Here are some things you should do to improve your band score relating to ideas:

Step 1: Have knowledge of common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics. You must know what type of topics you are likely to be given and what the questions are likely to be. You must check if there are any topics that you don’t know much about. If there are topics you don’t know about, learn about them before your test. For example, are you familiar with these topics: factory farming (intensive farming), package foods and preservatives in foods? All these topics are part of the main topic of Food for IELTS essays. See this page for a list of topics and essay questions: 100 IELTS Essay Questions

Step 2: You must prepare ideas for as many topics as you can. In the writing test, you only have around 40 mins for writing task 2 so you can’t waste time thinking about ideas – you must have those ideas already in your mind. You can learn ideas for topics from looking at model essays online, but that takes time.

To speed up learning ideas for topics, I created an e-book to help you. You can find it in my store: IELTS Essay Topics E-books. This e-book contains ideas for over 150 common essay topics with relevant vocabulary so you can learn ideas for topics. Click here to see a sample: Ebook Ideas for Topics Sample Chapter

Ideas for IELTS Essay Topics E-book

Step 3: You must be ready to think about how to present those ideas to address the points in your essay. This means you think carefully how to explain those ideas and link them to the task given. This means both ideas and how you present them are important. 

Step 4: You must explain those ideas thoroughly in your essay. You can add extra details, further information, more explanation, illustrations, examples and more. You add whatever you need to add to explain the idea fully. This is required for a high score.

Step 5: Planning your essay before you start writing is essential. Because you are marked on your ideas, you should spend time to think carefully about which ideas you will use and how you will present them. You should also plan how to explain those ideas fully for a high score. Plan all mains ideas and supporting points, then start writing.

Do you get a higher score for interesting ideas in IELTS Essays?

 

This video is an oldie but a goodie. It is still 100% relevant today.

Don’t get side tracked thinking ideas need to be juicy.

Ideas & Knowledge in IELTS Speaking?

In the IELTS Speaking test, you are marked only on your language skills. You are marked on your Fluency, your Grammar, your Vocabulary and your Pronunciation (each one is worth 25% of your marks). Ideas are not marked, but ideas or topic knowledge are still crucial to a high score. Why? To understand, you must look at each part of the test:

Ideas in IELTS Part 1 Speaking

For part 1, it is common to be asked many questions relating to usually three different topics. This will require you to have ideas for those topics. However, the questions are about your personal life or popular things in your country. This means you don’t really need ideas and knowledge for the topics, but you do need to know all the topics and prepare your opinions, past experiences etc. 

Ideas in Part 2 Speaking:

For part 2, you’ll be given a topic card (a cue card). You should aim to speak for 2 mins about the topic. Most topics are about your past or your present, such as your favourite book, your favourite place to relax, a childhood friend or a time you were late for something. Yes, you will need ideas but the ideas are more about your personal life (similar to part 1). Occasionally, you might get a more difficult topic such as a museum or a good law. For such topics, you will need vocabulary for those topics and relevant vocabulary. But your ideas are not marked and ideas are still about your own personal thoughts and experiences.

Ideas in Speaking Part 3:

This part of the test is different. This part is no longer about your personal experiences. It is about world issues and broader topics such as the environment, communication, skills, education, crime etc. You definitely need ideas and vocabulary to be able to speak about these topics. The questions are similar to writing task 2 essay questions so it’s easy to use ideas from writing task 2 for your speaking part 3. Your ideas and knowledge are not marked – but they are both needed to be able to speak easily in the test.

Preparing Ideas for IELTS Speaking

  1. Get used to all the past, current and trending topics for IELTS Speaking. The more topics you prepare for the better. I often have lists of trending topics for IELTS Speaking, but those lists are never complete and you must prepare common topics as well. IELTS does not release the topics to the public. Topics are kept confidential and secure for the test.
  2. Remember, you only have time to prepare your answer in part 2. For part 1 and part 3, your answers must be immediate, which is why knowledge of topics is crucial.
  3. Click below to access common topics:
  4. For part 1 and part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test, you should prepare the following for each topic:
    • your favourites / likes / dislikes
    • your abilities (things you can do or not do)
    • your habits & routines (how often and when you do things)
    • your childhood memories
    • your past experiences as an adult
    • your future hopes and goal
    • popular choices in your country
    • your personal opinions about common topics
  5. For part 3, you should prepare the following for each topic:
    • your personal opinions (based on your knowledge and experience of the world, not your personal life)
    • popular opinions in your country 
    • evaluations – deciding the pros and cons of something – deciding if something is a good idea or not
    • comparing the past with the present such as “do people holiday differently today than in the past”. Think about all the ways your country has changed over the last few decades for all topics.
    • predicting future trends such as “how will people holiday in the future?”
    • comparisons between age groups and categories (such as the difference between independent travel and package holidays)

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Topics – 2024

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards / Topics to focus on for 2024. These topics will be repeated so it is worth preparing for them. However, your aim is NOT to memorise model answers. The speaking test requires you to use your English in a natural way. This means you should prepare ideas and vocabulary for the topics but give your talk naturally and fluently during the test. Memorised answers are not accepted in IELTS.

Below you will find a list of topics and model answers for four of them to give you an idea of how to tackle IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards. I’ve highlighted interesting, high band score expressions in the model answers.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Topics 2024

IELTS Cue Card 1 

A Character from a Film

  • what the character was like
  • who played the part
  • when you saw the film
  • why you like this character

IELTS Speaking Model Answer 1

I’d like to talk about a character from a Korean Drama.  I know it isn’t a film, but I really don’t watch films anymore and just prefer watching dramas on Netflix. The character in this particular drama was actually an autistic lawyer in a Korean Drama called Extraordinary Attorney Woo. The drama was praised worldwide and is considered one of the best Kdramas ever made. The character was a female law graduate who had autism and had just been given a job in a law firm. Her autism was evident from the get-go. She struggled with sensory overload, was obsessed with specific topics that she couldn’t help talking about and struggled with basic tasks such as entering a building using revolving doors. However, regardless of her challenges, she was brilliant at law and could think outside the box in a way that other attorneys couldn’t. In time, she became a valued and respected member of staff.

I honestly can’t tell you much about the actress who played the part because she was new to me. However, I was really struck by her acting skills. She was so convincing and I’m pretty sure she won a number of awards for her performance. She didn’t just act the part in style, she managed to incorporate all body language and mannerisms.

I first watched the drama a couple of years ago and since then, I’ve watched it again because it isn’t just poignant, it’s also amusing, emotional, insightful and entertaining. It really is a show with everything.

What can I say about why I like the character? Well, what’s not to love. Someone with the strength to take on the world when the world works so differently to how she works. Everything is challenging for her, yet her enthusiasm and determination to succeed never diminishes. I think we all need to admire people like that.

Cue Card Tips for this Topic:

  1. Some points on the cue card will be longer to talk about than others.
  2. Choose a character that has depth so that you have lots to talk about.
  3. Prepare ideas for which actor you want to talk about and which character they played. You can choose to focus on the actor more than the character or vice versa.
  4. It’s ok to say that you don’t know much about something. It’s shows confidence and a natural ability to use English. However, you still need to talk at length.
  5. Be chatty and give your opinion as often as you want.
  6. This is a topic about People – there are many similar topics in IELTS Speaking Part 2. Always prepare plenty of topics about people, such as children, famous people, someone foreign, someone older, someone with good advice, someone with a skill, someone interesting, someone close to you, someone who likes music or cooking or languages or fashion etc.

Speaking Part 3 Questions: Films

Click below to show:

Part 3 Questions


IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions for Films 

  • Does having a star in a movie guarantee its success?
    • Not necessarily. I think there are quite a lot of movies these days that have famous actors or actresses in that don’t do well and don’t get good reviews. But I suppose, a film that does have a well-known actor in is going to grab more attention and bring in more money, even if the film isn’t popular with critics.
  • What makes a good movie?
    • That’s a really difficult question to answer because it depends what kind of movie it is. What I mean is, some movies need really good special effects and music to make them good like movies based on comics or animation movies, whereas other movies do well because of a strong storyline that viewers can connect with. Sometimes it’s a combination of factors like the right director with the right actors and a strong script.
  • Why are some actors successful and others are not?
    • I think some of it is down to timing. I mean quite a lot of actors who are famous now weren’t famous when they started acting. They had to wait for the right movie to come along that allowed them to shine. And I suppose some actors become successful because of their looks. 
  • Should movies based on real events be truthful to the facts?
    • I’m not sure about movies needing to be 100% truthful. Movies are a form of entertainment and they sometimes need to adapt real life events so that the movie is enjoyable or so that the script works. They might need to change some people’s characters or even invent a character. But I think when it’s a film about an event where people died or where traumatised, the film really must be respectful to people’s memories.
  • Do you think violent movies encourage violent behaviour?
    • Yes, sometimes. I think films are getting more and more violent, and people are getting used to that level of violence instead of being turned off by it. I personally, am against violent movies because I don’t think they are necessary forms of entertainment.
  • Why do some people prefer watching lengthy dramas rather than films?
    • It’s a good question because dramas, like the ones found on Netflix, are really popular these days. I reckon that people like stories that last longer so that you can spend more time with the characters and see the storyline slowly unfolding. Films are great for one evening of entertainment, but if you want more, then dramas are the best option.
  • Which is better, watching movies at the cinema or at home?
    • If it’s a really great movie with special effects, stunts and great music, it’s best to watch it at the cinema with their wide screen and surround speakers. It’s also great to share a movie with that with an audience, it really adds to the experience. But other movies are fine for just watching in the comfort of your own home where you can take breaks, chill out and fall asleep if you want.

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IELTS Cue Card 2

A new law you would like to see introduced.

  • what it is
  • what it would change
  • how popular it would be
  • why you think it’s important

Model Answer 2:

There is a law that I really wish would be introduced and that is to prevent people from owning dogs if they are not completely committed to taking care of them long-term. I know it’s a strange wish but I do feel very strongly about it.

It’s so easy for people to buy a dog. They buy them without thinking of whether they are prepared to look after them for 15 years or so. A dog becomes part of a family. It is a pack animal and gets really attached to the people it lives with and when it loses its pack, it suffers emotional distress and even end up in a dog pound, possibly put down if no one wants to adopt it. It’s cruel.

Too many people buy pets for their children in the same way that they buy a toy. But a pet is a living creature, not a plastic toy. So, introducing this type of law that makes people fully responsible for the animal for the whole of its natural life would make people think twice about buying it in the first place. It would also ensure that the people who do buy a dog have seriously considered the commitment and are prepared to take care of it properly. This would also ensure that animal cruelty numbers go down, which obviously is essential. I think we need this kind of law.

Looking at how popular it would be, well, it’s not likely to be popular. Most people want the right to buy what they and discard what they want, when they want to. But I feel that even though this law wouldn’t be popular for a long time, eventually people would come to respect the law and respect animal rights to a save and stable living environment.

I’ve probably already explained why it’s important. It would prevent animals becoming homeless and suffering terribly. It would also prevent animal cruelty. I feel really passionate about animal rights. These creatures are our responsibility. In fact, the whole planet is our responsibility to keep safe. I really believe that laws slowly need to be introduced so that we gradually become care takers of the animals and plants on this planet. This is our only home on the whole planet and we must be more conscientious.

Tips for this topic:

  1. Choose a law about something you are interested in and feel strongly about. Here are some examples:
    • animals, children’s education, women’s safety, road safety, immigration, cost of education, health care, noise, littering, pollution, importing foreign products, cost of rent, owning a business (really there is no limit to the ideas you can have for this topic)
  2. It’s fine to talk about one law and then continue talking about other aspects of the topic. For example, in this model answer I also talked about taking care of the planet. It’s fine to do this and it’s a great way to introduce more language and extend your talk.
  3. This is a challenging topic for IELTS Speaking Part 2 – but just be open and talk about things you are familiar with.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Law

Click below:

Part 3 Questions Law

  • What rules should children be taught?
  • Do you think rules should only be taught to children in schools?
  • Do you think all laws are good?
  • Why does it take so long to put new laws in place?
  • Are police officers popular in your country?
  • Why do some people commit minor crimes like stealing?

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IELTS Cue Card 3

An interesting dish you like

  • what it is
  • where you ate it
  • how it is made
  • why you liked it

Model Answer 3:

I’m going to talk about a dish that I absolutely love and eat whenever I’m in the mood. The dish doesn’t really have a name because it isn’t a fancy dish. It’s actually quite simple to make, it consists of simple ingredients and it considered everyday food. The dish is Turkish Scrambled Eggs. I’m pretty sure most countries have their version of this kind of dish, but I really like this one. For me it ticks all the boxes.

I actually learned about this dish from watching a Youtube video. I think this is one the good things about Youtube. Sometimes random videos pop up in your video feed and introduce you to something you would otherwise not have learned about. It really does make the world a small place and a much more interesting one.

Anyway, the only time I’ve eaten it, I made it at home myself. So, in some ways, I can say I’ve never had the authentic dish. But I’m pretty sure I nailed it and made it correctly. It’ made quite simply by slow cooking some onions in a pan over a gentle heat and then adding tomatoes. Once the tomatoes have broken down, you stir in the eggs and keep stirring. You then add some cheese. You can also add herbs and spices such as chilli flakes, paprika and garlic granules. It’s very straight forward. Anyone can make it.

For me this is a comfort dish. It’s one I make when I want to feel cosy and relaxed. It isn’t my only comfort dish. I’ve got a long list of food I love to eat when the time is right. I love Korean food with it’s interesting flavours, Chinese food with its fresh stir-fried vegetables, Spanish tapas, which are incredible side dishes and of course middle eastern dishes that are just packed with flavour.

Tips for this topic:

  1. I introduced my own prompt about how I heard of this dish. This is a great technique to expand your answer and perfectly fine for a high band score.
  2. Not all prompts will be suitable for your choice of subject. That’s fine and doesn’t matter.
  3. The more detail you give, the bigger range of language you are showcasing.
  4. Feel free to talk about other dishes as well.
  5. Always prepare ideas for foreign foods, traditional foods and foods you have never tried but want to.
  6. Always prepare language about cooking and food because that topics appeared in part 1 as well.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Food 

Click below:

Part 3 Questions

  • Do you think it’s important for children to learn to cook?
  • Do you think children should learn about tradition foods in your country?
  • Why do some people prefer eating at home rather than in a restaurant?
  • Why do some people eat junk food when they know it isn’t good for them?
  • Is foreign food popular in your country?

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IELTS Cue Card 4

Something you are proud of achieving

  • what it is
  • when it happened
  • what you did
  • why you felt proud

Model Answer 4:

I’m going to tell you about a time that I travelled abroad. I know it is not the typical topic that people talk about when they think of something proud. But for me, I was proud of taking this trip for personal reasons. I had just recovered from an illness that caused me much pain and suffering. When I recovered, my family suggested that I go and stay with family for a short holiday. Instead, I bought a ticket abroad and travelled on my own for the first time in my life. This may not be an achievement for most people, but it was the most courageous thing I’ve ever done, particularly as I couldn’t speak the language of the country I visited.

This happened a number of years ago. I remember it distinctly because it was such an incredible experience. Some people in my family though I was irresponsible when I booked my ticket to China. In their mind, it was a country very far away and extremely different. But for me it was an adventure. I had never been there before. It was all completely new. It turned out to be a challenging trip because there were plenty of unforeseen events that were difficult to deal with. But the trip its was rewarding. I learned so much about the Chinese culture and traditions that it opened my mind to a whole new way of life. I can definitely say it was life changing, a pivotal point in my life.

I believe very much that we must live life to the fullest. We must embrace changes and take up new challenges. I think that if we do this, we will stay young at heart and the world will be a better place. Since then, I’ve done a lot I’ve been proud of like learning a new language, building a business, having children and so much more. Some people are scared of challenges and they prefer to do things that make them comfortable. But I believe you must push yourself to achieve as much as you can.

Tip for this topic:

  1. achievements can be big things like – getting a job, winning an award, giving a talk, passing a test – or they can be small, personal achievements such as the example above. Sometimes the small things are easier to talk about. You don’t get a higher band score because you talked about something more difficult.
  2. This type of topic is very flexible so make sure you choose to talk about something you can easily talk at length about.
  3. Try to avoid talking about your work or your studies because you must show the examiner you can talk about less familiar topics if you want a high score.
  4. Don’t be scared to take your talk in any direction you want. At the end of the talk, you can talk about your values, your beliefs, your opinions – anything you want in relation to the main topic.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Achievements

Click below:

Part 3 Questions

  • Do you think some people are born to be successful?
  • Why do some people like to do the same things every day, while others like to do different things?
  • Do you think schools and parents put too much pressure on children to succeed?
  • What is more important, people skills or experience?
  • Do you think people have more pressure to be successful today than in the past?

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IELTS Speaking Cue Card 5

An outdoor activity

  • what it is
  • when you do it
  • how you do it
  • why you like it

Model Answer 5:

The activity that I do outside is taichi. It’s an old, traditional form of Chinese exercise dating back many centuries that people used to and still do practice for their health. It isn’t just an exercise for health though. It’s also a form of martial arts. I don’t really think it’s possible to describe it because the movement are not similar to anything else, except possible kungfu done at a slow pace. You don’t need any equipment to do it because you do need to use loose clothing and particular footwear.

Taichi is often done in the morning before people go to work. However, I personally practice it at any time of day because I believe the more often you do something, the better you will get at it. When I lived in China, I did it in the park and really enjoy the experience. The parks were beautifully laid out with large paved areas where people could do other outdoor activities such as dancing, playing cards, playing musical instruments and having picnics. I think parks in China are used with much more versatility than in European parks. The Chinese almost use parks like their own private garden. In fact, many of them don’t have their own garden so that’s why they do so many things in the parks.

I don’t think it’s ever easy to explain why you like something. I certainly feel more invigorated after I’ve done my practice. As the pace of taichi is extremely slow, it helps you centre yourself and ground yourself. This is really important in such a busy world when things move so fast.

There is an outdoor activity that I’ve never tried, but I’ve always wanted to and that’s camping. I’ve always wanted to buy a tent and some camping gear like a camp stove and sleeping bag, and then go into a forest and take a break from the world. Outdoor activities are such a great way to connect to the natural world. And of course with camping you can also hone your survival skills, which is useful.

Tips for this topic:

  1. As you see, the order of information in the talk doesn’t follow the prompts very well. This is fine. The prompts can be used flexibly.
  2. Taichi isn’t really an activity. It’s more of a sport. But this topic can be flexible because we are using similar language.
  3. Whenever you talk about an activity or sport always mention equipment or things you need (including clothing or any other requirement).
  4. With activities, it is also possible to talk about who you do them with, how often and where you do them.
  5. If you finish your talk early, instead of stopping, start speaking about another activity. Always have a second idea planned.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Outdoor Activities

Click below:

Part 3 Questions

  • Do you think everyone should have a hobby?
  • Why is it important for children to do activities outside?
  • What type of sport is most popular in your country?
  • What do you think about people who do dangerous sports?

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More IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics for 2024

  1. a piece of art you like
  2. someone who sings well
  3. a place you go to relax
  4. a time you gave good advice
  5. a time someone gave you good advice
  6. a difficult choice you once made
  7. a time you did something unexpected
  8. a young person you enjoy spending time with
  9. a wild animal / a pet
  10. a good conversation you had
  11. water sports
  12. a future aim you have
  13. your morning routine
  14. a device you would like to have
  15. someone who makes you laugh
  16. someone you admire
  17. a time you worked in a group
  18. a book/magazine/newspaper you enjoy or found useful
  19. a website you use a lot
  20. a useful skill
  21. a garden or outdoor space you enjoy
  22. a party you enjoyed
  23. a holiday
  24.  a time you were late
  25. a time you had to wait for something
  26. an item of clothing you used to wear
  27. a uniform you like

You must also prepare common speaking part 2 topics which are recycled each year. Click here: COMMON IELTS SPEAKING PART 2 TOPICS

Share your Speaking Test Experience

Share your topics and experiences with everyone in the comments box below.

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic Water Sports: Vocab & Model Answer

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The IELTS cue card Water Sports is a common topic in Speaking Part 2. It appears most years and is in use at the moment. It’s not an easy topic if you haven’t prepared for it. Below you can see some useful ideas for this topic, vocabulary and a model answer.

IELTS Cue Card Water Sports

Talk about a water sport you would like to try

  • what it is
  • where and how you would do it
  • what equipment would you need
  • and why you would like to try it

Examples of Water Sports

Below are some examples of popular water sports:

  • canoeing
  • kayaking
  • surfing
  • windsurfing
  • water skiing
  • diving
  • snorkelling
  • boating
  • yachting
  • fishing
  • water volleyball
  • swimming

As you can see, some of these options might not be considered a water sport, such as swimming (for enjoyment) and fishing (for enjoyment). But that’s ok and still acceptable to use for your talk. To expand your talk, you could branch into other things people do around water or on the beach, such as building sandcastles, beach volleyball, going to a water park etc.

Water Sports Vocabulary:

  • wetsuit
  • swimming costume
  • bikini
  • sunscreen
  • sun hat
  • baseball cap
  • waves
  • choppy / gentle waves
  • waves lapping against the shore, calm water
  • crystal clear water
  • strong currents in the sea
    • weak swimmers get pulled out to sea by the current
    • they need to stay close to the shoreline
  • high tide / low tide
  • sand
  • sand dunes
  • seaweed / kelp
  • lagoon / lake / bay
  • reef  / coral
  • life jacket
  • armbands
  • water floats
  • inflatable waterbed
  • jellyfish
  • wind surfing: controlling wind, balancing on a board, adjusting the sail to control direction, gusts of wind, learn manoeuvres, take hold of the mast with both hands
  • canoeing and kayaking: sitting in a small water craft, slimline craft and easily manoeuvrable, propelling yourself through the water with a paddle, legs stretched out in front, life jacket, flat water, white water
  • diving: oxygen tanks, mask, regulator, fins, wetsuit, weights, sink neath the waves, swimming pool, open water, claustrophobia, sharks, stingray, fish, reef
  • fishing: line rod, hook, fly, weights, casting the line out, fly fishing, bait casting, spinning, angling

Feelings:

  • I hate water going up my nose, I can’t stand water going over my head.
  • I feel uncomfortable submerging my head below the surface of the water.
  • I have a a fear of drowning.
  • I love floating on the surface of the water.
  • I enjoy the the feeling of being weightless.
  • I adore diving into the waves.
  • I’m scared the current will pull me out to sea.

Model Answer: IELTS Water Sports Part 2 Speaking

Below is a model answer to the cue card above about water sports.

I’d like to talk about kayaking. It’s something I’ve never tried before but I’ve heard loads of people talking about it. In fact, my friend recently went to the Vietnam and kayaked around Ha Long Bay, which is a gorgeous bay spotted with mountains that sprout up out of the water. She showed me pictures of her and her boyfriend kayaking around the crystal blue waters. It looked magical. They were both in the same kayak, cutting through the still waters completely at peace with the world. If I had a chance to try kayaking, it would probably be in a local river where the water is calm rather than choppy. The company who offer it is really keen on safety so they provide really strong crafts and lifejackets, as well as training in necessary safety measures. From the pictures I’ve seen, you get a single kayak for one person which you sit in. You use a paddle to move the kayak in the water. You also use the paddle to break and slow down if you go too fast. One of the reasons I want to try it is because I like being around water but I don’t like being submersed in water, as you would for swimming. So, kayaking is a perfect compromise for me. Some people told me I should try diving because you don’t get wet when you wear a wetsuit. But I get claustrophobic and I think the feeling of being under the water with only a tank of oxygen would make me panic. But if you asked me what I would prefer doing if I was on a beach holiday, it would be to just stroll up and down the beach collecting shells and driftwood. I much prefer looking at the sea, than being in it. But, I’ll see how I feel on my next holiday.

Comments and Tips:

  1. You can see that it isn’t necessary to talk about only one thing , even though you are asked about only one. If you don’t know much about something, you can talk about it a little bit and then introduce other things. So, in this talk, the topic was kayaking, but the speaker also mentioned diving and general beach activities. This is a good strategy for IELTS Speaking Part 2.
  2. Create a story – you can go into detail about someone else’s experience. It’s a great way to give descriptions: crystal blue water, mountains that sprout up out of the water etc.
  3. If your talk is about a sport, always try to mention equipment even if it isn’t asked for on the cue card. It’s good vocabulary to show the examiner. If you don’t know precise words like “wetsuit”, you can just say “specialist water proof clothing for water pursuits”. Paraphrasing is always good.
  4. You can talk about things you don’t like as well as what you do like. Or things you would do as well as things you wouldn’t do. It’s a great way to expand your talk.
  5. This is a hypothetical topic “something you would do”. Make sure you use at least one conditional statement: If I had the chance, I would ….
  6. Also use at least one present perfect: I have never tried …

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IELTS Speaking Part 3 Model Answers: Sport

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Here are some IELTS questions and model answers for the topic of sport in Speaking Part 3. This topic can appear in part 1 and part 2 as well.

This topic isn’t just about sport, but also about exercise in general. Make sure you don’t confuse exercise and sport – they are two different things even though they overlap. This part of the test takes 4-5 mins and it is the part when you can speak more freely, give longer answers, express your opinions and talk about the world in general. It’s also the part when the examiner can challenge your answers so be ready for that – this is the discussion part of the IELTS Speaking Test. These questions are not about you personally, but world issues.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions & Answers: SPORT

Note: These questions appear each year in the test so they are definitely worth preparing for. The model answers below are only an example of the many ways the questions can be answered. You can give whatever opinion you wish, but do explain it well for a high score.

1. Do you think children get enough exercise these days?  ANSWER

No, I don’t. Personally, I think that children spend too much time sitting in front of computers or tablets instead of being outside playing and exercising. A few generations ago, children were much more active but nowadays they only do exercise at school during PE lessons. I think that’s a problem because it will really impact their health later on. It’s hardly surprising that obesity is on the rise.

  • Comment: Is it ok to give information that isn’t asked for, such as giving your opinion about the effects of lacking of exercise when it isn’t asked for? The answer – yes, it’s fine. You can take the questions in any direction you want and the examiner will direct you from there. Part 3 is the flexible part of the speaking test and you should allow the examiner to guide you through it by challenging your answers or asking for more details.

2. Do you think exercise is important? ANSWER

Yes, very much so. Of course, there are the health implications. I mean, exercise is essential to ensure that we burn off calories and encourage blood to circulate as well as all the other health benefits it brings. But it’s also important for our mental health. It’s a way to release stress and become more mindful. As technology develops, people are living more and more sedentary lifestyles so we must focus on exercise to ensure we lead a balanced life.

  • Comment: The examiner isn’t testing your knowledge. So, just try to speak naturally and give your opinions confidently. Even an answer like the one above, which contains limited ideas will still get a good band score because ideas are not marked in IELTS Speaking (ideas are marked in IELTS Writing Task 2)

3. Is there a difference between exercises or sports that boys like and those that girls usually enjoy?  ANSWER

Well, I’m not sure. Traditionally, boys tended to prefer doing more strenuous, active and competitive sports which required more strength and stamina, such as football, boxing or basketball, whereas girls often preferred more relaxing and gentle exercises, like yoga or walking. However, these days things are different. There are many female football teams now and many boys take up yoga. I don’t think sports are so gender oriented any more, which is great, and I hope sports will continue to diversify in the future.

  • Comment – it’s great not to take a black and white new of issues in the speaking test. Part 3 is a discussion and it’s great to open topics up to discussion about how things have changed or your personal views on things. It takes confidence to do this in English which is great for your band score. And as you will notice, it also means, particularly in the answer above, that you could end up using a variety of tenses.

4. How can parents encourage their children to take more exercise? ANSWER

To be honest, I don’t think it’s easy for parents to encourage their children to be more active. However, one possible way would be for parents to get involved in sports themselves and take their children along to join in. I think, if exercise is made fun for children and they can do it together with their parents, it would probably result in more children being more active.

  • Comment – you are not restricted to how many solutions you offer in your answer. But for the speaking test, it’s always best to explain what you mean in detail rather than giving a list of solutions. The more details you give, the better.

5. Do you think sports have changed much over the last few decades? ANSWER

Yes, I do. I think one of the main changes has been in sports technology which is so much more advanced now than it was years ago. For example, the speed with which tennis players can hit the ball now is so much faster mainly because rackets are made from compost materials which provide more durability and power. Also, there is a trend for more extreme sports such as such as skydiving, bungee jumping and kitesurfing, which are getting more and more popular.

6. What are the benefits of international sports events? ANSWER

That’s an interesting question. Let me see, well I guess one of the main benefits is that it encourages international cooperation. I mean, sports are a neutral, non-political activity that can bring countries together in a peaceful way. Although, they are competitive, events still promote international harmony between countries and reminds us all that we are all on one planet living together. Also, it’s a great way for people to open their eyes to cultures and countries that are different from their own. It’s a way to promote tolerance and understanding, which are seriously needed in the world today. And of course, international sporting events are just great fun for everyone. It’s a time for people to feel proud of their country and support their sports professionals. I think that can be really inspiring for young people.

7. Are there any downsides to international sports events? ANSWER

Yes, there are. I think the most obvious disadvantage is the cost. When a country offers to host an big sporting event, like the Olympics, they have to build new facilities, expand infrastructure, spend money on security and pay for labour costs. For countries that aren’t rich, this is a huge burden. Certainly, there can be financial advantages to hosting, but it the costs are still enormous. Some countries have also been known to use slave labour for sporting events which really goes against everything that international sports events represent.

8. Do sports people make good role models? ANSWER

That’s a good question. I haven’t really thought about that before. I guess I would say that on the whole, they make good role models. I mean a professional sports person is someone who has dedicated their time and energy to their discipline and that is a great lesson for all young people, particular those who lack the motivation or determination to apply themselves to something. However, not all of them are good role models. I mean, some of them have been caught taking drugs to enhance their performance, which is obviously a terrible model for young people.

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Note: As you see, my answers are written in speaking style with expressions like “I mean” and “let me see”. The IELTS Speaking Test is informal so do get used to using a more relaxed way of speaking.

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IELTS Topic: Urban Planning

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The IELTS topic of Urban Planning in IELTS Speaking and Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in the IELTS test a number of times. For this reason, it is a good topic to prepare for. Many people find this topic challenging because they don’t have many ideas about it. Below you will find:

  • What urban planning means
  • Speaking Part 3 Questions
  • Speaking Model Answers
  • Writing Task 2 Essay Questions
  • Useful Vocabulary and Ideas

This topic might also be called Urban Design.

What is Urban Planning / Urban Design

Before we look at questions and model answers, lets first understand what urban planning is.

  • Urban planning is about planning where houses and buildings are located in a city.
  • It is about ensuring there will be enough housing for the residents both now and in the future.
  • It is about planning the infrastructure of roads, bridges, overpasses etc to ensure a good flow of traffic.
  • It is also about the design of buildings and their function.
  • It’s about protecting some buildings and knocking others down.
  • It’s about how space is used in a city.
  • It helps ensure that a city can meet the needs of its citizens.
  • Before someone builds a house, it means they would require building permission which ensures their plans are acceptable.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Urban Planning

Speaking Part Questions for Urban Planning with Model Answers. As you can see from the title of this section, this is most likely to appear in Speaking Part 3. If you had a topic in part 2 about your city, an interesting place in your country, or a crowded place, it is very possible to get this topic in part 3. Below are some questions:

  1. Is urban planning useful? (Why do we need urban planning?)
    1. I think it’s essential for any growing city. If there wasn’t any planning, people would be able to build what they want, where they want. There would be chaos, blocked traffic and unsafe buildings. I think that if any city wants to become successful in the modern world, it needs careful planning so that it remains efficient and appealing.
      1. Alternative answer: I think urban planning is really important, but too much control isn’t good. What I mean is, planning is important for big buildings, historical buildings and the infrastructure, but I think people should still be able to build the house they want for themselves without the government saying no.
      2. I’ve been to cities with good urban planning. They are really a joy to be in. There are wonderful city gardens, cycle paths, well-spaced buildings, trees and roads wide enough for the traffic, good facilities all easily accessible and much more. I think urban planning is essential if a city is to attract visitors, residents and businesses.
  2. Do you think it is interesting living in a crowded area?
    1. Personally, I’m not very keen on crowds. I mean, crowds are ok for concerts or festivals because they are exciting. But I wouldn’t want to live that way on a daily basis. I prefer cities that are more tranquil.
      1. For me, I think all modern cities with the best job opportunities are crowded. You can’t get away from that. It shows how popular the city is. Also, the more crowded it is, the more facilities and entertainments there probably are. I’d love to live in a bustling city. Such cities, feel really alive and fun.
  3. Are cities better to live in than the countryside?
    1. I suppose it depends on who you are talking to. I mean, people who have a family might prefer to live in the countryside where it’s more peaceful and also cheaper. But young people who are trying to get ahead with their careers might prefer a city because there are so many more opportunities and the salaries would be higher.
  4. Is it important for a city to have facilities for amusements?
    1. I think all cities should be designed to have amusements. I can’t imagine so many people living in a city that had nothing to offer for their free time. I mean, cities are the best places to go for nightclubs, cinemas, restaurants and concerts. Also, people come to the city to earn money and most of them probably would want to enjoy their income in their leisure time.
  5. Does urban planning make a city more boring? (Does urban planning take the character out of a city?
    1. I think it depends on the government and the aims of their urban planning. That is to say, some governments are only interested in cheap, unattractive, functional buildings which have no character and no charm. This would definitely make a city pretty boring to visit and live in. But other governments understand that a city should be appealing, with impressive buildings, historical buildings and beautiful parks. So, if urban planning is done correctly, it can make a city more attractive, not only to the residents there, but also to foreigner travellers. After all, tourism is good for the economy.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions: Urban Planning

Below are examples of essay questions that have appeared in the IELTS test about buildings and city planning.

Some people think that cities should be designed to be beautiful rather than functional. Do you agree?

Some people think urban centres need more green spaces, while others believe more housing is needed. What do you think?

As cities have increased in size and building work has expanded in a haphazard way, there should be more careful planning. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people think it is better to pull down old buildings and replace them with modern ones. However, others believe old buildings still have value. Discuss bot sides and give your opinion.

Some cities locate shops, housing, schools and entertainment in different areas of the city. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?

Useful Vocabulary for Buildings and Urban Planning Topic

  • requalify existing city buildings
  • create new urbanisations
  • improve the quality of life of the inhabitants / residents
  • ensure a logical and efficient city layout
  • plan commercial centres
  • ensure building safety
  • plan infrastructure, such as roads, airports, railways, public transport system, cycle paths etc
  • planning for the increase in traffic on roads to avoid congestion
  • make educational and health care facilities easy to access
  • without planning, future city growth might become unsustainable
  • protect heritage sites and places of historic significance
  • create national pride through buildings and layout of key buildings
  • plan parks and other green spaces for health benefits
  • ensure that housing and buildings do not encroach on natural resources, places of beauty and other protected areas
  • prohibit development that might threated wildlife and natural habitats
  • to ensure the capacity for future urban growth
  • relocating business outside urban areas
  • decentralising services, such as schools, shops and companies
  • helping with carbon emissions by developing cycle paths and efficient public transport
  • to ensure a good urban landscape
  • waste management and sanitation must be well planned for hygiene reasons
  • it makes a city more liveable / more accessible / more interesting / more appealing
  • people will feel more prosperous in a well planned city
  • it attracts investment for business
  • ensures that the city is well connected with other cities and other countries

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2024 IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics

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Predicted Topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1. These topics are compiled from recent topics, recurring topics that appear each year and new common trends. Part 1 topics are based on everyday life, such as family, happiness, mobile phones etc. Some topics below have specific questions, others have suggested content for the topic. Remember, all candidates take the same speaking test. There is no different speaking test for GT candidates.

IELTS Speaking Tips for 2024

Tip for Topic 1:

The first topic you get will be: WORK / STUDY or HOME or HOMETOWN. You must prepare your past, current and future plans and experiences for those topics.  You can find questions for those topics here: Common Topics For Part 1 Speaking Page.

Tip 2:

It is NOT enough to only prepare from the list given below. You MUST also prepare from the common topics which appear each year – click here:LIST OF IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 COMMON TOPICS

Tip 3:

Don’t memories your answers. Just prepare ideas and vocabulary, then practice answering questions in a natural way. Be open, friendly, honest and, most of all, be chatty. Speak until the examiner interrupts you with the next question.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics 2024

  1. Advertisement
    1. your favourite advert, why was it memorable, fast food adverts, an advert you dislike, an advert from your childhood, types of advertising, are adverts reliable
  2.  Age
    1. your favourite age, your feelings on getting older, how you felt as a child, importance of birthdays, special birthdays, celebrating birthdays, difficult ages, happiest age
  3. Apps, Mobile Phones
    • What apps do you mostly use? What functions do they have? Do you like using a smart phone? How often do you upgrade it? Should children have their own smart phones? Model Answers: Mobile Phones
    • What do you use the internet for mostly? How often do you use the internet? Do you socialise online? What’s your favourite website? Do children use computers at school? Do you like using technology? What is your favourite gadget? Do you like learning about new technology? Should children be allowed to play video games or watching TV for many hours each day?
  4. Art, Museums, Galleries, Drawing, Painting, Monuments
    • Do you like art? What kind of art? Did you learn art at school? Did you visit a museum when you were a child? What museums are there in your country?  When did you last go to an art exhibition? Are you creative? Do you think creativity is important?
    • Do you like drawing? Did you learn to draw or paint at school? Is art important for children?
  5. Books, E-books, Magazines, Newspapers, Reading, Stories, Libraries
    • Do you like to read? What do you read? Did you read a lot as a child? What did you read? Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?
    • Do you keep up with news? How? Do you often skim the headlines? Is online news reliable? What’s your favourite website?
    • Do you ever go to libraries? What types of books do people enjoy reading in your country?
    • Vocabulary: Newspapers
  6. Chatting
    • socialising with people, things to talk about, who you like to chat to, your voice (tone, changes in your voice, public speaking), people who gossip, chatting face to face vs by text vs online
  7. Clothes
    • What clothes have you recently bought? What is your favourite item of clothing? What casual clothes do you own? Do you prefer casual or formal clothes? How do you choose what to wear? Is there a favourite colour you like to wear? What do colours say about a person? Is there a colour you don’t like?
    • What traditional clothes are there in your country?
    • What was your school uniform like? Did your school have a strict dress code?
    • Do you wear or use accessories, such as bags, shoes, sunglasses or jewellery? What bags do you use? What shoes do you find most comfortable? Do you ever wear sunglasses? Are sunglasses popular in your country? What jewellery do you prefer? What jewellery is most popular?
    • Model Answers: Shoes
  8. Education
    • childhood school subjects, childhood teachers, learning – your memories, your favourite subjects, your childhood teachers, schools today, learning online, learning science, learning art, learning maths, learning languages at an early age
  9. Fashion, Shopping
    • Is it important to you? Have you ever bought anything fashionable? Do you think fashionable clothes are important?
    • Do you often go shopping? Where do you go? When did you last buy? Do you like shopping malls? Do you like small shops? Are street markets popular in your country? What can you buy there?  Have you ever had bad service in a shop? What did you do about it?
  10. Films, Movies
    • popular genres, favourite genres, childhood genres, foreign films, reading subtitles, children and TV, going to the cinema, real life films, how films change culture. Vocab: Types of Films 
  11. Food, Meals, Snacks, Desserts, Drinks
    • What is your favourite (food / meal / snack / dessert / drink)? What were your favourite childhood (foods, snacks etc)? Were you a picky eater? What fruits and vegetables do you eat? Popular fruits and vegetables? Model Answers: Vegetables   Model Answers: Snacks
    • Sweet foods and snacks: eating chocolate, junk food such as biscuits and chocolate bars, cakes, desserts, sweet treats, healthy snacks.
    • Food for visitors (linked to food and hospitality). Drinks (tea, coffee, sugary drinks, water, etc). Gifts of food or drink.
    • What traditional foods are there in your country? Do you like foreign food?
    • Do you cook? Do you prefer homecooked meals? Are restaurant meals popular in your country? Model Answers: Good service in Restaurant
  12. Friends and Family
    • activities to do together, spending time with friends or with family – which is important, time spent with family or friends, the role of grandparents, who you are close to in your family, your best friend, childhood friends, family parties or gatherings
  13. Games
    • childhood games, childhood toys, school games, family games (board games other games), traditional games, doing puzzles, learning from games, games to play on your own
  14. Geography
    • Did you learn about other countries when you were at school? Can you draw the map of your country? Where is the capital city in your country located? Do you ever look at maps? How did you learn to read maps? Do use online maps or paper maps? Do you think it’s important to know the world map?
  15. Holidays
    • package holidays, travelling alone or in a group, adventure holidays, learning the culture,
    • TV makes holidays unnecessary
  16. Home/Hometown – see Tip 1 above
  17. Housework
    • Who is responsible for the household chores in your family? Did you do housework as a child? What can children learn from doing housework? Should men do housework? What gadgets are commonly used for housework in your country? Do you think doing housework is good for your mental health?
  18. Languages
    • new languages, dictionaries, online learning, using google translate, visiting new countries and communicating, culture and languages, popular foreign languages, learning new words,
  19. Laughter, Smiling, Emotions
    • What makes you laugh? Do you smile often? Are you a moody person? What do you think of people who smile a lot? Is humour important in your country? Are people in your country emotional? Were you a happy child? Have you ever felt bored / embarrassed / impatient / annoyed?
  20. Luxury Items – spending money, items you own or would like to have, jewellery,
    • Do you spend money on luxury items? What luxury items are most popular in your country? Why do people spend money on luxury items? What would you buy if you could?
  21. Memory, Remembering
    • How do you remember things? Do you have a good memory? Is memory important?
    • Do you use calendars? Do you do puzzles to keep mentally active? Do you keep a diary? Do you think doing maths helps memory? Do you ever make notes or lists of things to help you remember?
    • Do you often forget things? Do you ever lose things? Model Answers: Concentration
  22.  Money
    • Do you prefer using cash or cards? Do you think cash will one day disappear? How can you keep your money safe online?
    • Do you think it’s better to save or spend? Do people often spend money unnecessarily in your country? How did you learn to manage money? Have you ever saved up for something special?
  23. Music
    • Types of music, your likes/dislikes, playing an instrument, foreign music, singing, learning music in schools, music in your past, concerts, festivals, traditional music
  24. Names
    • Does your name have a meaning?
    • How do people choose names in your country?
    • Would you ever change your name if you could?
  25.  Nature
    • Do you like parks? Are there parks where you live? What do people do in parks? Do you like trees? What plants or flowers do you like? Are gardens common in your country? Is it better to live in a house or a flat?
    • Does your country have a lot of natural beauty? Do you like being in nature? Did you spend time in nature as a child?
    • Are picnics popular in your country? Do you like to spend time outside? What outdoor activities do you enjoy?
    • Animals, birds and fish
    • For model answers, click below:
  26. Places
    • quite places, noisy places, crowded places – where do you relax, types of noise in everyday life, popular crowded places, places for traditional events, places to socialise, your favourite childhood places
  27. Routines
    • morning/ afternoon/evening routines, weekday/weekend routines, changing your routines, childhood routines, work routines, doing housework, maintaining a routine, time management, scheduling, sleep habits and sleep routines
  28. Rural Life
    • Have you ever lived or visited the countryside? What do you like about the countryside? Why do some people prefer living there? Did you grow up in a rural or urban area? Do you think rural life is healthy? Have you ever grown your own vegetables or fruit? Do you think ever house should have a garden?
  29. Seasons & Weather
    • your favourite season, types of seasons in your country, your likes/dislikes, unusual weather, weather disruptions in your country, activities in different seasons, the night sky, rain, sunshine. For model answers about “the sky”, click: Sky
  30. Security – keys, personal safety, protecting private information online, sharing information
    • Do you have a lot of keys? Have you ever lost your keys? How do you keep yourself safe online? Do you share private photos or information about yourself online? Do you trust people easily? How do you know you can trust someone?
  31. Social Media
    • Is social media a good thing? Do you use it? Would you meet strangers on social media? Do you follow celebrities on social media? Should children mimic celebrities? Vocab: Advertising
  32. Sport
    • Do you enjoy sports? Do you enjoy swimming? Do you prefer team sports or individual sports? Do you ever watch sport on TV? Is sport popular in your country? Do you enjoy watching international sporting events?
    • How do you keep fit? Do you do any exercise? What type of exercise do you enjoy? Do you think exercise is important? How can elderly people stay fit? Are there many sports facilities near where you live?
    • Did you play sport at school? What kinds of games did you play at school? Do children benefit from doing sport?
  33.  Stress
    • how you relax, how you destress, the importance of mental health, outdoor activities (jogging, running, fishing, photography, bird watching, dog walking etc), indoor activities (reading, collecting things, art, yoga, meditation) work /life balance, stress for children, different types of stress between past and now, being patient
  34. Technology
    • Robots, apps, computers at work or study or free time, social media, recent purchases, gadgets you want, likes/dislikes. Model Answers: Robots
  35. Transport
    • How do people get around where you live? Do you often walk? Do you ride a bike? What form of transport is healthiest? Do many people in your country own cars? Do you have a driving license? How do old people get around where you live? Do you think children should walk to school? What’s the public transport like where you live? How could the public transport be improved?
  36. Work/Study – see Tip 1 above.

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IELTS ESSAY TOPICS 2024

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Vocabulary for Government Topic

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Below is a list of vocabulary relating to the topic of “Government”. This word list will help refresh your memory and also expand your range to learn new words. Although the topic of politics doesn’t appear in IELTS, questions relating to general government policies do appear frequently in both IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking.

On this page, you will find:

  1. Word Forms
  2. Synonyms and Types of Government
  3. Useful Government Vocabulary
  4. IELTS Speaking Questions & Model Answers
  5. IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions

1. Word Forms:

  • government (n)
  • to govern (vb)
  • governmental (adj)

Common Errors 

There are two common errors when using the word “government”.

  1. “n” – don’t forget the spelling – goverNment.
  2. article “the” – when we refer to the government, we usually use the article “the”.
    1. For example:
    2. Wrong = Many people think government should improve the infrastructure in rural areas.
    3. Correct = Many people think the government should improve the infrastructure in rural areas.

2. Synonyms & Types of Government

Below is a useful word list for synonyms. However, please note that is fine to repeat the word “government” in your essay even for high band score candidates.

  • the political system
  • the administration
  • the central government
  • the local government
  • the authorities
  • the people in authority
  • the leadership
  • those in power

Note, as with all synonyms, they cannot all be used in the same context in the same way. They do differ.

Types of Government and Governing

Below are words relating to types of government and the way countries are run.

  • republic = a country with no monarch and has an elected leader, usually a president
  • democracy = the government is elected by the people, each person has a single vote
  • autonomy = a self-governing country or region
  • dictatorship = a country ruled by one person who has not been elected and uses force to keep control
  • totalitarian state = a country with only one political power and people are forced to do what the government tells them
  • regime = an authoritarian government
  • capitalist = a free-market country
  • communist = a political and economic system with a classless society where business, factories, farms etc are publicly owned
  • monarchy = a country has a king or queen – in traditional monarchies, the monarch has absolute power but in a a constitutional monarchy (such as the UK), there is a democratic government, and the monarch is largely symbolic and politically neutral
  • anarchy = a situation where there is no government
  • constitutional government = a government which is limited in its power by a constitution
  • coalition government = with no direct winner after elections, a government can be formed in which two or more parties cooperate

3. Useful Government Vocabulary

Within a Government

  • politicians = people who hold an office within politics
  • branches of government- legislative, executive and judicial
  • executive branch = this is the part of the government which carries out the law
  • legislative branch = this part of the government makes the laws and raises money to run the government
  • judicial branch = this part of the government decides laws and settles disputes
  • state government = a local government within a particular region or area of a country
  • enforcement agencies = bodies within a government which can enforce the law, for example, the police
  • political party = a group of people with similar political aims that hopes to have a member elected to government
  • diplomats = people who represent their country in communication with other countries

 Useful Government Vocabulary

  • to pass a law / to enable a law / to bring in a new law = to have a law accepted
  • to abide by a law = to follow a law without breaking it
  • to elect = to choose
  • to have political influence / political power = the extent of a group’s or person’s ability to change the way political decisions are made
  • a citizen = a person living within a country
  • election = the process of voting for someone to come into power or into a role
  • laws = rules for governing a country
  • liberty = freedom
  • maintain order = providing organisation and safety for the people of a country
  • rights = freedoms which are protected and should be guaranteed
  • taxes = money paid by citizens to run and maintain a country
  • raise / lower taxes – to increase or decrease the money paid by citizens to the government
  • budget = money that is allocated to spend in a particular area
  • to increase the budget on X = to give more money to X
  • defence spending = the money that the government spends on the defence of its country
    • note that the word “defence” can also be spelled as “defense” in American English
  • policies = action proposed by an organisation
  • charismatic = a characteristic that attracts and appeals to other people – many successful politicians are charismatic
  • long term / short term goals
  •  to be proactive = doing something rather than just waiting for something to happen

Citizen’s Actions

  • campaign for something
  • demonstrations
  • to be involved in protests
  • organise a petition
  • speak at public meetings
  • put up posters
  • organise a public meeting
  • write to politicians

4. Government Topic Questions for IELTS Speaking 

IELTS Speaking doesn’t have one single topic called “the Government”. But most topics in IELTS Speaking, do contain questions that relate to how official organisations, such as the government, can improve aspects of life. Below are some examples of questions with model answers. Most of these questions are more likely to appear in Speaking part 3 which deals with broader issues.

  • Q) What is the role of a government?
  • A) A government is responsible to decide how a country is run and for managing how it is run. It rules and governs a body of people to make sure that those people abide by laws.
  • Q) Do you think the government should be responsible for public health?
  • A) While the government should be proactive in opening more exercises facilities for the public and to raise awareness of public health, I think it is ultimately the role of the individual to improve their own health.
  • Q) Do you think the government should pay to support the Arts?
  • A) Yes, in a way. I think the government should definitely provide some support for the Arts as a way to promote our cultural heritage. For example, local people can learn about their own culture from watching the dramatic arts and also from paintings and sculptures. This is also a huge draw for visiting tourists who wish to experience local culture. However, I do think that artists also need to be responsible for ensuring their own income and not just rely on the government.
  • Q) What do you think the government could do to protect natural beauty spots in your country?
  • A) Well, I suppose one of the key things that those in power could do is to establish stricter laws to ensure people treat places of natural beauty with respect. For example, littering is a huge problem in my country and this needs to be taken more seriously. Another thing is for the government to spend more money on conservation as well as raising awareness among the local population of the importance of these places.

5. IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Questions Samples

  1. Many people think people should pay for their education, while others think the government should fund all education. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. Some people believe the government should be responsible for the homeless and that society is not responsible. Do you agree?
  3. Do you think artists should have the right to express any opinion through their work or do you think the government should censor their work?
  4. Do you think the government should focus on supporting science or the Arts?
  5. Do you think the government should be solely responsible for public safety or do you think individuals should also be held responsible for their own safety?
  6. Some people believe that the government should spend more money on protecting wildlife. Do you agree or disagree?
  7. Some people think that the government is wasting essential funds on space research and that these funds would be better allocated to health care. To what extend do you agree?

Tip: Don’t suggest in your essay that the government could introduce a particular law if there is already one in place. If you know a law is already in place, then you can suggest that the law serves harsher punishments and give examples of that. Try to keep your essay real. Think your ideas through and be sincere in your essay for a high score.

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Filed Under: IELTS Speaking, IELTS Writing Task 2, Vocabulary Tagged With:

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic: Concentration

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IELTS Speaking Topic: Concentration – Questions, Model Answer and Vocabulary. The topic of Concentration is common in IELTS speaking and can appear in part 1, part 2 and part 3.  Below you will find a list of Cue Cards about this topic for Speaking Part 2 followed by useful vocabulary and a model answer. I’ve also added questions for part 1 and part 3 as well so that you can prepare fully for this topic.

Concentration Cue Cards for IELTS Speaking Part 2

Something that helps you concentrate at work or in your studies

You should say:

  • what it is
  • how you use it
  • how it helps you concentrate
  • how you feel about it

A method that helps you focus

You should say:

  • what it is
  • when you use it
  • how it helps you
  • whether you like it or not

Something that helps you remember things

You should say:

  • what it is
  • how often you use it
  • how effective it is
  • how you feel about it

A time when you struggled to concentrate

You should say:

  • when it was
  • what happened
  • how you reacted
  • how you felt about the incident

A time when you forgot something important

You should say:

  • when it happened
  • what happened
  • how you responded
  • how you felt about it

Someone you know who is very focused

You should say:

  • who it is
  • how you know this person
  • in what way they are focused
  • what you think of the person

A job that requires a high level of concentration

  • what the job is
  • what tasks are involved in it
  • why concentration is so important
  • and whether you think this is a useful job

Ideas & Vocabulary for Concentration Topic

In Speaking Part 2, it can be difficult to decide what to talk about for your topic. It’s important that you choose something easy to talk about that you are familiar with. This way, you will easily be able to expand your talk with extra details from your own memory or feelings. Below are a list of ideas and vocabulary of what to talk about for the topic of a method of concentrating or something that helps you concentrate. I’ve underlined useful language for you.

  1. Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones
    1. Many people find that using ear plugs helps them focus on the task in hand without being distracted by surrounding noise.
  2. Eliminate distractions
    1. Getting rid of things that distract you from concentrating, such as closing down unused programs or personal social media on your laptop, removing files from your desk, clearing away mess etc. Some people are more easily distracted by such things than others.
  3. Go for a walk or take a break
    1. Taking some time out often helps clear brain-fog. It can give you a fresher perspective and more energy.
  4. Create an hourly plan
    1. Sometimes having a schedule can help you concentrate and get things done on time. Being more focused usually leads to higher levels of concentration.
  5. Set an alarm
    1. Setting regular notifications on your phone to ping helps remind you of what you are supposed to be focusing on.
  6. Distraction blocker apps or focus apps
    1. These apps can block incoming calls, messages pinging and prevent you accessing any website pages until the time you set has expired. Focus apps are designed to reward you if you focus on one task and give punishment if you switch to other apps or tasks during the time period set.
  7. Have a to-do list
    1. Having a clear list of tasks you must complete will help you focus as you tick them off one by one. This way you will be less preoccupied with things hanging over you and can work through them systematically.
  8. Multitasking
    1. Many people find doing more than one task at a time can save time, but others find it lowers their performance and ability to concentrate.
  9. Set deadlines for yourself
    1. Doing this gives you the drive to get things done and not fritter your time away.
  10. Avoid social media
    1. Time seems to disappear when people go on to social media and can lead to shorter attention spans in the long run.
  11. Drink water
    1. One of the main reasons people start to struggle with concentration is because they are dehydrated. Drinking water refreshes your mind and helps you focus. It is usually more effective than drinking caffeine.

Model Answer for Concentration Topic: IELTS Cue Card

The model answer below offers you another option for tackling the topic of concentration problems. I’ve again underlined useful language. Notice how I use a range of tenses and even manage to add some past tense and future forms even though the cue card is in the present – this is a very good way to boost your grammar score.

A method you use to concentrate

You should say:

  • what it is
  • when you use it
  • how it works
  • and how you feel about it

Model Answer

One great way that I ensure I can concentrate at work is by taking some time out for mindfulness. I know it probably sounds strange, but it really works. I find that my concentration starts flagging usually around 3pm after having eaten lunch and I also struggle to focus sometimes when I am overloaded with work. When I first started my job, my performance at work really dropped at those times. But having just a short break of just 15 mins to revitalises my body and mind through mindful breathing and creating a bit of peaceful space around me works wonders. Other people at work seem to take a break and spend their time gossiping, eating junk food or just stressing about unfinished tasks. But I use my short break to go for a short walk alone to clear my head and do some deep calm breathing. With a fresh mind, I can return to my work and tackle things in a more logical order without getting flustered.

Another aspect of mindfulness is having a clear work space. The more cluttered my desk is, the more overwhelmed I feel with tasks. It’s like everything gets on top of me. So, I make sure to take time to regularly clear my desk, check my task list and keep things organised. This creates a peaceful work environment which helps keep my mind focused on the task in hand.

But I know that everyone has their own methods. My friends says that the best way to focus in a busy office is to use noise cancelling ear plugs which help cut out ambient noise that can be very distracting. Another friend of mine found that by improving their sleeping and eating habits, they increased their ability to concentrate and were more attentive to smaller details. So, I guess everyone is different and you need to find what works best for you.

Model Answer Feedback

This answer doesn’t necessarily tackle each of the prompts on the cue card one by one. That’s ok and is acceptable in IELTS speaking part 2. It also offers multiple methods which isn’t asked for in the cue card. It also introduces methods used by others rather than just the speaker. This is all 100% fine and it’s a great technique for lengthening your talk. IELTS Speaking part 2 talks can be adapted as long as you stick to the main topic which in this case is “concentration”.  This model answer is packed with incredibly natural, high band score vocabulary and expressions. It also contains a lot of topic based vocabulary which is important for the examiner to hear. Whatever your topic, the examiner will be looking for vocabulary relevant to that topic. This answer also contains various grammar tenses, a comparative statements, superlatives and a wide range of sentence structures.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Concentration Questions

  1. Do you ever struggle to concentrate?
  2. How do you improve your concentration?
  3. Did you struggle to concentrate at school? Why?
  4. What kinds of things makes it hard to concentrate?
  5. Do you think older people struggle to concentrate more than younger people?

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Concentration Questions

  1. Do you think technology has impacted our concentration?
  2. Do you think people concentrate better now than in the past?
  3. Do you think modern technology can be intrusive?
  4. What methods are there to improve someone’s concentration?
  5. How could employers help their employees concentrate more?
  6. Are there any jobs that require more concentration than others?
  7. Can exercise impact concentration?
  8. Why do some children struggle to concentrate in class?
  9. Can teachers do anything to help children concentrate better?

I hope you found this page useful. If you wish to learn more about IELTS Speaking, go to the main Speaking page on this website for tips, topics and model answers: IELTS Speaking Main Page. All main sections of this website are found using the RED Menu Bar at the top of the website.

All the best

Liz

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Filed Under: IELTS Speaking, Vocabulary
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