IELTS Essay Topics for 2026

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IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topics for 2026. As usual, topics are trending topics, predicted topics, and repeated common topics. IELTS nearly always basis their essay topics on current world issues. This essay list is applicable to both GT and Academic IELTS.

On this page, you will find:

  • IELTS Essay Types Overview
  • Essay Topics & Questions List for 2026
  • Useful Links for IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS Essay Types in 2026

There are five types of essay questions in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will not know which type of essay you will be given. So, you must prepare for all types. You must be prepared that essay questions that are recycled might be reworded or be a different types of essay, for example what was a discussion essay might one day be presented as an opinion essay.

  1. Opinion Essay – agree/disagree/ partial agreement
  2. Discussion Essay – discuss both sides
  3. Advantage / Disadvantage – includes outweigh essay
  4. Cause / Problem / Solution Essays
  5. Direct Question Essays – Positive . Negative Development / one question / two question / three question essays

Sometimes, when essay questions are recycled, the instructions might change. While the topic is the same, the instructions will result in you writing a very different essay. Here is an example:

  1. Some people think that art is no longer important and funding should be diverted to the development of science and technology. Do you agree or disagree?
  2. Some people think the funding for art should be diverted to science and technology, but others disgree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. Some people think that art is no longer important and funding should be diverted to the development of science and technology. Do you think art is important? Should art still be funded as much as it is?

So, keep this in mind when you prepare the essay topics below. Learn about how instructions can be written and how to spot which type of essay you have: IELTS Essay Types. To see model essays for each type of essay, click here: IELTS FREE MODEL ESSAYS AND MORE TIPS

IELTS Essay Topics for 2026

I’ve organised the IELTS essay questions according to main topic. Also remember that IELTS mostly chooses topics that are trending in the world today so follow the news and keep up to date with current world issues.

Art Essay Topic

  1. Art is not as important in today’s world as science. To what extent do you agree?
  2. International art and literature is esssential in today’s world. Do you agree?
  3. Many people support the arts. Why is that? 
  4. The goverment should spend more money supporting the arts, while others think funding should go on health care and education. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. Traditional arts should be preserved better. Do you agree? How can this be done?
  6. Many people believe the arts should be censored. Do you agree?
  7. Social media is changing the way we appreciate art. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  8. Art is a healthy hobby and more people should be encouraged to take it up as a hobby. What is your opinion?

Books & Reading Essay Topics

  1. Schools and parents should encourage children to read more. 
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-books?
  3. The government should stop supporting public libraries because most information is available online.

Business & Money Essay Topic

  1. It is better to work for youself than for a company. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?
  2. Many people are spending money rather than saving it. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  3. Small local business are being threated by large chain stores. Why is this? What can be done about it?
  4. People should be encouraged to buy only domestic products, not foreign products. Other people think we should be able to buy what we prefer. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. No children should learn school without learning how to manage money. Do you agree?
  6. Many people go into personal debt. Why is this? What can be done about it?
  7. Many people spend too much money on luxury goods and special events. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
  8. Having a good product is the best way to be successful in business. Do you agree?
  9. Many companies use open-plan office spaces. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Character & People Essay Topic

  1. Some people work harder than others. Why is this? Can someone learn how to work hard?
  2. Old people have a better understanding of life. To what extent do you agree?
  3. Old people are becoming less respected by society and by the younger generation. Why is this happening? What can be done about it?
  4. Some people follow trends, while other people set them. Why do you think this is? Do you think it is better to set trends or follow them?
  5. Some people are born to be successful. Do you agree?
  6. Do you think character is innate or something we can cultivate? How can we develop our character?
  7. Should schools encourage individuality or conformity? Which one is most beneficial for a child’s future?

Crime & Punishment Essay Topic

  1. It would be quicker if there was the same punishment for the same crimes, but some people think this is not a good policy because circumstances should be considered. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. Too many criminals leave prison only to reoffend. Why is this? What measures can be introduced to solve this problem?
  3. Crime rates are increasing in many cities. Why is this? How can this be tackled?
  4. Some people think violent films encourage criminal behaviour. To what extent do you agree?
  5. Some teenagers commit serious crime. Some people think they should get the same punishment as adults, while others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  6. Why are crime shows so popular on TV? Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  7. Is personal safety a government responsibility or the responsibility of the individual?

Culture & Tourism Essay Topic

  1. Nearly all cities have museums or art galleries. Some people think they are a waste of funds, others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  2. Social media has brought with it globilisation. Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?
  3. Traditional lifestyles are slowly being forgotten. Do you think this is a bad thing? What can be done about it?
  4. Tourism to remote areas in the world is becoming more popular. Why is this? What impact does this have on local cultures?
  5. Some people think the world will one day have only one language. To what extent do you agree? Would this be a good thing?
  6. All countries around the world celebrate national holidays. What role do they play? How important are they? 
  7. People should be encouraged to take holidays in their own country to boost the economy. To what extent do you agree?

Education Essay Topic

  1. Schools should do more to instill discipline in students. How should this be done? Do you think the parents should take some responsibility for this?
  2. Some people think children should be grouped together into classes, others do not agree. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. More and more people are choosing to educate themselves online? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  4. Some people think that traditional subjects at school are a waste of time because soft skills and experience are more important to get a good job? Do you agree?
  5. Some people think the best way to get a good job is to have a university education. To what extent do you agree?
  6. Schools should give children more homework to help their academic learning. Do you think this is a good idea? 
  7. As children grow up they spend time both at school and at home. Do you think parents or teachers influence a child most?
  8. Some people think schools should teach children right from wrong, while other people think this responsibility should fall on the parents. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  9. Education should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree?
  10. Some people think that history is a useful subject to learn, while others think it is a waste of time. What do you think?
  11. Education in rural areas is often not as good as in cities. Why is that? What do you think can be done about it?
  12. Many children think school is boring which impacts their ability to focus and negatively impacts their academic performance. What causes this problem? What solutions can you suggest for this problem?
  13. Having a gap year between school and university is a popular choice for many students. Do you think this is a positive trend?

Environment, Nature & Wildlife Essay Topic

  1. Many species are become extinct. Do you think this is a problem? What can be done about it?
  2. Do you think it is the government’s or the individual’s responsibility to protect the environment?
  3. Many people throw litter on to the streets or in green spaces. Why is this a problem? What solutions can you suggest?
  4. Many drug companies and make up companies test their products on animals. Do you think this is right? 
  5. Beauty spots are often tourist attractions. What problems does this cause? What can be done about it?
  6. Many people are concerned about Climate Change. What problems does it cause? What solutions are there?

Family Essay Topic

  1. Children have less respect for their elders than in the past. Why is this? What can be done about it?
  2. Some people think grandparents have a lot to teach their grandchildren, while others think they are too out of date to connect with them. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  3. Some people think the government should take care of the elderly, while others think the family should. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  4. In the modern world, fewer families are eating their meals together. Why is this? Is it a positive or negative trend?
  5. Many families do not spend much time communicating with each other. What are the reasons for this? What can be done about it?
  6. Some women choose not to have children. Why is this? Is it this a positive or negative trend?
  7. Some people think parents should be strict, but others think children need more freedom to make their own choices. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Food Essay Topic

  1. Traditional food is becoming less popular. Do you think this is a problem? What can be done about it?
  2. More and more children are eating junk food. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this?
  3. Some people eat only organic food. What is the reason for this? Do you think it is a positive or negative trend?
  4. Some people think cooking should be taught in schools, while other people think children should learn this at home. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Health & Exercise Essay Topic

  1. Schools should increase the number of sports and exercises class to help children develop into health adults. What is your opinion?
  2. It is the schools responsibility, not the parent’s responsibility to teach children what healthy food is. To what extent do you agree?
  3. Too many children are spend most of their free time using screens. Why is this a problem? What solutions can you suggest?
  4. Many schools teach team sports in schools. Why is this? 
  5. More and more adults are starting to prioritise their mental health? Why is this? Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  6. Many people commute to work by car or public transport, but not by cycling or walking. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  7. The government should spend less money on trying to cure illnesses and more money on preventing them. Do you agree?
  8. Health care should be free for all people? To what extent do you agree?
  9. Some sports professionals earn more money than doctors or nurses. Do you think this is right?
  10. International sporting events are very popular. Why is this? 
  11. Hobbies are healthy activities all adults should have. Do you agree?

Language & Communication Essay Topics

  1. More and more people are doing business and conducting meetings through video call online. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  2. Globalisation has brought the world closer together. Some people think countries will eventually become very similar. To what extent do you agree?
  3. The world will one day have only one language. To what extent do you agree?
  4. Children should all learn a foreign language to thrive in today’s modern world. Do you agree?

Media & The Internet Essay Topics

  1. The internet has changed the way we shop. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  2. Has the internet made our world less safe? What is your opinion?
  3. More people are watching Netflix and other streaming services online. Why is this? Do you think this is a good change?
  4. Some people get their news from the internet, while other people do not trust the news they read online. Discuss boths side and give your opinion.
  5. Some people think newspapers will one day die out in favour of online news. To what extent do you agree?
  6. More people are becoming famous because of reality shows. Do you think this is a positive or negative trend?
  7. Many young children look up to actors and actresses as role models. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  8. Children enjoy socialising online. Is this a positive of negative trend?
  9. Many celebrities complain about their lack of privacy from the media. Do you think celebrities have the right to privacy? 
  10. Many celebrities have cosmetic surgery. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  11. Adverts for products often entice people to buy products their do not need. Why is this? Is this a problem? 

Technology Essay Topic

  1. Some people think that teachers will one day be replaced in the classroom by technology. To what extent do you agree?
  2. Some people think that the more technology develops, the few jobs there will be. To what extent do you agree?
  3. Most people own a smart phone. What are the benefits of a smart phone? Are there any disadvantages?
  4. Some images and videos online are created by AI. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  5. Some people think that AI will one day dominate humanity. To what extent do you agree?
  6. Some countries spend a lot of money on space exploration. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Transport Essay Topic

  1. More and more cities are struggling with air pollution. Why is this? What solutions can you suggest?
  2. Budget air travel has become increasingly popular. What problems has this caused? 
  3. Electric cars are the way forward to a cleaner world. Do you agree? 
  4. City centres often have traffic congestion. What problems does this cause? How can traffic congestion be resolved?
  5. Some countries invest more money on public transport, while other countries invest more money on expanding roads for private vehicles. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

World Issues & Social Issues Essay Topics

  1. Poor countries need financial aid from richer countries. Do you think rich countries have an obligation to financially support poorer countries?
  2. People are living longer than in the past. Why is this? What problems does this cause?
  3. Some schools encourage children to do volunteer work. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
  4. In some countries, many people are moving out of cities to the countryside. Why is this? Is this a positive or negative trend?
  5. The government should focus on building new housing for the growing population, not renovating existing old buildings. To what extent do you agree?
  6. Due to the growing population, some people think that companies should be relocated to the countryside. Do you agree?
  7. In some countries, many workers move to the city to find work. Is this a positive or negative trend?
  8. Many major cities have a problem with homelessness. How can this be solved?
  9. migration of workers from rural to urban areas.

Work Essay Topic

  1. Working hard is the only way to be successful. Do you agree?
  2. Why do so many people prefer working remotely from home or elsewhere? Are there any downsides to this?
  3. Many people around the world work very long hours. Why is this? Do you think this is a good thing?
  4. Some people do work they love, others do work solely for money. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  5. Some companies seek people who are team players, while other companies prefer people who are independent workers. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
  6. In many families, both parents work. How does this impact their children? Is this a positive or negative trend?

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Art vs The Arts – The Difference – Useful Vocabulary – Model Answers

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What is the difference between Art and The Arts? A common IELTS topics – see useful vocabulary, questions and model answers. Art and the Arts appear in IELTS Speaking Part 1, part 2 and part 3. They also appear in IELTS Writing Task 2. Most people struggle to know the difference between the two words. Below you will find the meaning and a useful vocabulary list to help you talk about and writing about this topic. Also, find some model answers.

What’s the difference between Art and The Arts?

Art 

The word art refers to the creative forms that you often learn in school. For example, painting, drawing, sculpture, and pottery. These mediums are most often used to evoke emotion, to illustrate beauty, to reflect an aspect of nature or the world we live in, to tell a story or to express an opinion.

The Arts

However, the word the arts, as you can see, is plural. This means the arts involves a more diverse range of artistic and creative works and outlets. These can involve the performing arts, such as theatre and films. It can include literature as well. People can be creative in all kinds of ways. It covers a broad range of subjects, skills and interests under the main heading: the arts. Please note, that grammatically, when referring to the arts, you must always use the article “the”.

Question for you:

Below you will find a list of subjects, which of them are not found in the arts? The answer is at the bottom of the page.

  1. fashion design
  2. drama
  3. opera
  4. calligraphy
  5. poetry
  6. ballet
  7. film making
  8. reading literature
  9. photography
  10. jewellery making

Visual, Literature and Performing Arts

The Visual Arts

  • appealing to the eye
  • to stimulate visual experience
  • to expressing ideas, messages and emotions through visual means
  • to provoke feeling
  • it relies on the manipulation of form, colour, texture, and space
  • traditional mediums: paintings, sculptures, ceramics
  • modern mediums: photography, film, graphic design
  • other mediums: jewellery, textiles, interior design, fashion design
  • visual arts can be decorative
  • some architecture can fall within this classification

The Performing Arts

  • these are creative arts requiring body, time, space, energy and movement.
  • they encompass theatre, dance, drama, stand-up comedy, circus arts, and music.
  • expression comes from the movements of the body or through the voice
  • dance involves rhythmic and choreographed movements
  • dance could be classical ballet or contemporary dance
  • for performing arts, the artists body, voice and their presence are the tools
  • performing arts are designed, scripted, stage managed, often with the use of lighting and sometimes cast support

Literature

  • a form of creative expression using writing
  • it evokes emotion / it convey ideas and messages
  • genres include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays
  • it is a way to explore human experiences
  • the written word can portray characters, vivid scenes and interesting settings
  • it can perserve cultural values
  • through literature we can learn about our past, our present and our potential future
  • calligraphy blurs the lines between written communication and visual artistry

IELTS Speaking Questions: Art & The Arts

Questions with some model answers. However, please note, there are many ways these questions can be answered. The examples below illustrate the range of language possible, typical length of answers and technique for the IELTS Speaking Test.

  • Did you learn art at school when you were younger?
    • Most of my art lessons were focused on drawing and painting. It wasn’t very inspiring. I wish I’d had a chance to learn more interesting art such as pottery and sculpture.
  • What can someone gain from art?
    • So many things. At the very least, art can help them relax and enjoy life. But with deeper reflection, it can inspire people to achieve greater things in life. It can enlighten them, bringing insight or meditative calm. Art can also challenge people’s values and their perspectives. And it can educate  people through ideas, messages and beliefs.
  • Why do some people spend so much money on art?
    • Well, I think you’d have to ask each individual person because their motives probably differ widely. I suppose some people buy art as a status symbol, and others spend money on it for pure enjoyment.
  • Describe a piece of art you like.
    • I don’t have one single piece of art that I prefer. But generally, I like art that helps me enter a meditative state of being, such as some Japanese block prints that depict beautiful temples in the snow or in the rain. I like the imagery of aesthetically pleasing buildings that blend into and compliment the surrounding nature. I think the Japanese do this incredibly well. It definitely helps you feel at one with the world around you.
  • Which of the arts do you enjoy the most?
    • I think that’s a really tricky question because it depends on the occasion and my mood. If I feel like relaxing, I’d probably go for some classical visual arts, such as paintings and sculptures, which help me take my mind off things. But if I want enterainment, I might prefer the performing arts because I really do enjoy the cinema or going to the theatre.
  • Do you think the arts are important for society?
    • There is no doubt they are essential. Since the early days of man, we have used visual arts as a way to record our history, our culture and our experiences. Since then, we have developed more sophisticated art forms, such as film, graphic design, literature and others, which help us make sense of our lives. It is an essential form of our expression as human beings.
  • Do you think the government should support the arts and provide more funding for struggling artists?
    • Yes, because I think the arts and artists play a very important role in a country’s history and culture so they need to be supported by the government. Many artists scrape by on a pittance so being supported financially by the government is the only way they can do their work.
  • Do you think the arts should be censored?
    • This is a tough question because in an ideal world, the answer would be no. But in our current world today, I would say yes. Art can portray ideas and messages, and evoke emotions. If these ideas and emotions incite violent or prejudice, then they need to be controlled. So, a degree of cencorship is necessary.
  • What can people and society gain from the arts?
    • I think one of the main things is a sense of identity. We can identify as a community or a nation through national art forms. Nearly all countries have traditional music, traditional dress and traditional art forms. It helps us feel connected to our country and each other. I think national pride stems from such things.
  • Do you think there is a downside to the arts?
    • If there is one, I can’t think of it. I really see the arts are offering so much, whether it be in the form of appreciation, pleasure and enjoyment, or education and cultural identity.

Note: when you read the model answers above, I want you to note the language used, and also the natural way the questions are answered. The speaking test is 100% informal. It is a chat with the examiner.

 Writing Task 2 Essay Questions: art and the arts?

The Writing Task 2 essay questions on this topic are similar to the speaking questions above. If you prepare ideas and vocabulary for the questions listed above, you can adapt those ideas for your essay. However, you can find some essay questions about art on this page: ART ESSAY QUESTIONS

ANSWER

Which of the list given above weren’t part of The Arts?

Answers

Only number 8 (reading literature) is not part of the arts. While literature is part of the arts, reading literature is not. All the others on the list are part of the arts: fashion design, drama, opera, calligraphy, poetry, ballet, film making, photography, jewellery making.

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IELTS Speaking Topics 2026

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IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions for 2026 in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the Speaking Test. Most of these topics have been recycled many times over the years. They are common topics, predicted topics and trending topics. Does IELTS release the speaking topics to the public? No, which is why you must prepare as many topics as possible – you cannot predict which topics you will get.

IELTS Speaking Test Overview

  • Part 1 is 4-5 mins in length with about 3 topics and 12 questions mostly based on your personal experiences and your country.
  • Part 2 is 3-4 mins in length and is a talk based on the topic given on the cue card.
  • Part 3 is 4-5 mins in length and is more like a debate with questions relating to world issues based on your part 2 topic.
  • The speaking test is informal. All candidates take the same speaking test.

How To Prepare

  1. For part 1, practice answering questions about your own past, your current life and your hopes for the future. Some questions will also cover popular aspects of life in your country. These questions are mostly simple but do practice expanding your answers. 
  2. For part 2, practice using 1 min to prepare your talk. Then practice speaking for 2 mins on various topics. Remember, this is an informal talk. Be chatty. Give lots of detail.
  3. For part 3, explain yourself fully. Give examples and details of your opinions. These are “meaty” questions and the examiner will want to understand your point of view. 
  4. Always aim for fluency and expanding your answers in all parts of the speaking test. Showing willingness to speak is essential for the higher band scores. There are no right or wrong answers, just opportunities to showcase your English in a natural way.
  5. Do not memorise answers. Just use the questions to practice speaking naturally and also use them to prepare ideas. All your answers must be spoken naturally in the test. 
  6. If you want to learn more about the length of your answers, click here: IELTS Speaking: How Long Should My Answers Be?
  7. For model answers and helpful tips, click here: IELTS SPEAKING MAIN PAGE
  8. Review all other common topics: PART 1 TOPICS / PART 2 TOPICS  / PART 3 TOPICS
  9. Speaking Part 3 topics can also overlap with your Writing Task 2 essay topics. Click here for 100 IELTS Essay Questions
  10. Post your speaking test experiences in the comments box below. 

IELTS SPEAKING TOPICS 2026

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THE FOUR MAIN TOPICS IN PART 1

Let’s start with the Four Main Topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1. Your test will always start with one of these four main topics in part 1: 

  1. Home
  2. Hometown
  3. Work or Study

These topics do not change. Each year they remain the same. This means you can prepare them very easily. Please click here to see the questions: IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 MAIN TOPICS

Below is a list of other topics that could appear in Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. 

IELTS SPEAKING TOPICS & QUESTIONS

  • Animals
  • Art
  • Apps
  • Broken Promises
  • Books
  • Buildings
  • Challenges
  • Clothes
  • Confidence
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Friends & Family
  • Food
  • Happiness
  • Health
  • Intelligence
  • Media
  • Names
  • Nature
  • Numbers
  • Politeness
  • Success
  • Sugar
  • Weather
  • Work

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ANIMALS Topic

Animals Part 1:

  • Do you have a pet?
  • What is a popular pet in your country?
  • What problems do people have with pets?
  • Did you have a pet as a child?
  • Have you ever seen a wild animal?
  • Are there many wild animals in your country?

Part 2

  • Describe an interesting animal
    • What it is / Where it lives / Where you first saw it / Why it’s interesting.

Part 3

  • How can the elderly benefit from having a pet?
  • Should the government protect wild animals?
  • Why are some animals endangered?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of zoos?

Note: This topic could be presented as: WILD ANIMALS / DOMESTIC ANIMALS / ZOOS / CONSERVATION

ART Topic

Art Part 1

  • What kind of art do you enjoy?
  • Do you have any paintings of pictures on your walls at home?
  • Did you learn art at school?
  • Can you draw or paint?
  • Do you like visiting museums or art galleries?
  • Do you often take photos?
  • Do you often take selfies?

Part 2

  • Describe a work of art you like.
    • What it is / where you saw it / what it shows / why you like it.
  • Describe a museum or gallery you have visited.
    • What it is / where it is located / what can be seen there / why you liked it.
  • Describe someone creative you know.
    • Who it is / how you know them / how they are creative / why you enjoy knowing this person.

Part 3

  • What role does art play in society?
  • Do you think photos will one day replace paintings?
  • Do you think people today are less creative than in the past due to advanced technology?
  • Why do people take selfies?
  • What role do museums and galleries play?
  • How can children benefit from art?
  • Should the government support the arts?
  • What’s the difference between art and the arts?
  • What makes a good painting?
  • Should art be censored?
  • What is the aim of art?
  • Which of the performing arts do you enjoy most?
APPS Topic

Apps Part 1

  • Do you often use apps?
  • What are the most popular apps in your country?
  • Are there any useful apps for children?
  • Would you ever spend money on an app?
  • Have you ever deleted an app?

Part 2

Describe a useful app.

  • What it is / how you heard about it / what it does / why you find it useful.

Part 3

  • Are apps useful or are they a distraction?
  • How do people stop themselves getting distracted by apps on their phone?
  • Have you ever learned anything new from an app?
  • Why do old people struggle with apps?
  • How do you think apps will develop in the future?
  • Can apps help us improve our health? How?
  • How do you differentiate between a good app and a bad one?
  • Do children in your country use apps?
  • What is the downside of using apps for educational purposes?

Note: This topic an also cover: MOBILE PHONES, SOCIAL MEDIA. Click here: Phone Topic Cue Cards with Vocabulary

BOOKS Topic

Books Part 1

  • Do you like reading books?
  • Do you ever read e-books?
  • Did you read much as a child?
  • What children’s story is popular in your country?
  • What type of books are most popular in your country?
  • What other reading materials do you enjoy?

Part 2

  • Describe a childhood story you enjoyed
    • What type of story it was / what characters were in it / what it was about / why you enjoyed it.
  • Describe a book that was made into a film.
    • What it is / what the plot was / what the film was like / why you enjoyed it.
  • Describe a famous author.
    • Who it is / what you know about them / what they wrote / why you like them.
  • Describe a book you recently read.
    • What type of book it is / what it is about / why you enjoyed it.
  • A traditional story.
    • What type of story it is / what characters are in it / what it is about / why you enjoy it.

Part 3

  • Do you think paper books will ever disappear?
  • What do children gain from reading books?
  • How can children be encouraged to read more?
  • What can children gain from reading skills?
  • What skills does a children’s author need?
  • Why do some adults read children’s books?
  • Do men and women like reading similar types of books?
  • Why are films often different from the book they are based on?
  • How do people’s reading tastes differ as they grow older?
  • Why do some people prefer fiction, while others prefer non-fiction?
  • Are biographies popular to read in your country?
  • What makes a novel successful?
BROKEN PROMISES Topic

Broken Promises Part 1

  • When was the last time you made a promise and didn’t keep it?
  • Do you think it is important to keep your promises?
  • Why would someone break their promise?
  • Has someone ever broken their promise to you?
  • Do you think reliability is important?
  • Why are some people unreliable?
  • How do you prioritise things in your life?

Note: The above questions could be part of a part 2 cue card or even part 3.

 
BUILDINGS Topic

Buildings Part 1

  • Are there many old buildings where you live?
  • Have you ever visited a famous building?
  • Is there a building in a foreign country you would like to visit?
  • Did you ever visit a historical building when you were at school?
  • Are there many well-known historical buildings in your country?
  • Why do you think some people like looking around other people’s houses?
  • Would you like to live in an old or modern house?

Part 2

  • Describe a historical building in your country.
    • Where it is / what it is like / what it is used for/ why you think it is important.
  • Describe your ideal house.
    • What it would be like / how it would be decorated / why you would find it ideal.

Part 3

  • Do you think it is important to conserve all old buildings?
  • Do you think it’s worth the money to conserve old buildings?
  • Why do people enjoy visiting historical buildings?
  • Can people learn things from old buildings?
  • Why are people so interested in tall buildings?
  • Do you think old buildings attract tourists? Why?
  • Have the way houses are built changed in the last few decades in your country?
  • How do you think buildings will change in the future?
  • What are the differences between houses in rural areas and those in cities?
  • Do you think it is healthy for children to grow up in apartment blocks?
  • Why are government buildings often ornate?

 

CHALLENGES Topic

Challenges Part 1

  • When was the last time you tried something new?
  • Do you enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone?
  • What did you find most challenging at school?
  • Do you think children should be challenged more at school?
  • When was the last time you found something too difficult?

Part 2

  • Describe a tough challenge you have faced.
    • What was it / when did it happen / how did you cope / why do you remember it.
  • Describe someone who is adventurous.
    • Who it is / how you know them / what they enjoy doing / why you consider them adventurous.
  • Describe a job you think is challenging.
    • What it is / what it involves / who does it / why you think it is challenging.

Part 3

  • Why do some people relish a challange?
  • Are challanges good for us?
  • Why do some people avoid challenges?
  • Do you think some people are born more adventurous than others?
  • Why do people take part in adventure sports?
  • Can life sometimes be too easy?
  • Should we protect children from difficult situations?
  • Should schools be more challenging for children?
  • What are the greatest challenges people face in the world today?
  • What skills can help people face difficult times?
CLOTHES Topic

Clothes Part 1

  • What types of clothes do you wear most?
  • When was the last time you bought an item of clothing?
  • Why do some people prefer casual clothes?
  • Did you wear a school uniform as a child?
  • Do you follow fashion?
  • Do you have any traditional clothes?
  • When do people wear traditional clothing in your country?
  • What accessories do you often wear?
  • Do you ever use bags?
  • What kind of bag do you often use?
  • What clothes do you wear when it’s hot?
  • Do you ever wear jewellery?
  • Would you ever spend a lot of money on clothes?
  • What shoes do you prefer wearing?

Part 2

  • Describe an item of clothing you most enjoy wearing
    • What it is / how often you wear it / when you bought it / why you enjoy wearing it.
  • Describe someone you know with a good sense of fashion.
    • Who it is / what they are like / what they enjoy wearing / why you think they are fashionable.
  • Describe something you only wear on special occasions.
    • What it is / what it is made of / when you last wore it / why you like it.
  • Describe a useful bag you own.
    • What kind of bag it is / what it’s like / what you use it for / why you find it useful.

Part 3

  • Do men enjoy fashion as much as women?
  • Do you think fashion is important?
  • What do you think of people who spend a lot of money on clothes or accessories?
  • Can you tell a lot about a person from what they wear?
  • What traditional clothes are there in your country?
  • Do you think traditional clothes will one day disappear?
  • Do you think social media influences what we wear?
  • What makes a good clothing store?
  • How have clothing trends changed over the last few decades?
  • What role do uniforms play in a company?
  • Do you think restaurants should have dress codes?
  • How do movie stars impact fashion?
  • What is the difference between accessories that men and women like?

Note: This topic could also be presented as: BAGS, ACCESSORIES, HATS, FASHION, JEWELLERY, SUMMER CLOTHES, SHOES, CASUAL CLOTHES. Click here: Model Answers Clothes Topic /  Shoes Model Answers

CONFIDENCE Topic

Confidence Part 1

  • Would you describe yourself as a confident person?
  • Were you a confident child?
  • What made you nervous as a child at school?
  • Can you tell by looking at someone whether they are confident or not?
  • Are men usually more confident than women?
  • What do you do to help you build confidence?

Part 2

  • Describe a person you know who is confident.
    • How are they / How do you know them / What are they like / Why you think they are confident?
  • Describe a time you felt confident / lost confidence.
    • When it was / where you were / what happened / why you felt confident or lost confidence.

Part 3

  • Why is confidence important?
  • How can people develop confidence?
  • Do you think some people are born naturally confident?
  • Do you think men are often more confident than women?
  • Can someone ever be over-confident?
  • Can people sometimes be too cautious?
  • When should someone be careful about making decisions?
  • Do you think social media makes people more or less confident?
  • Why do women often struggle to feel confident about their looks?
CRIME Topic

Making Mistakes Part 1

I’ve include this as a part 1 topic even though it is only losely based on the main topic.

  • What is the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?
  • Did you ever make mistakes at school?
  • Which subject did you make most mistakes in?
  • Did your school have strict rules?
  • Were teachers strict at your school?
  • What was the usual punishment if you misbehaved at school?
  • Did your school have a strict dress code?
  • Is there a lot of crime where you live?
  • What type of petty crime is common in your country?

Part 2 Cue Card

  • Describe a good law.
    • What it is / when it was introduced / how it impacts people / why you think it is good.
  • Describe a time you made a mistake.
    • When it was / who was there / what happened / how you felt.

Part 3

  • Do you think parents should enforce strict rules on teenage children?
  • How do children benefit from strict guidelines?
  • What do you think of corporal punishment in schools?
  • Do you think parents are stricter now than in the past?
  • Who should teach children right from wrong – schools or parents?
  • Why do people commit crime?
  • Is there more crime in the countryside or in cities?
  • What is the difference between major crime and minor crime?
  • Is prison the best punishment?
  • How can we reduce crime in society?
  • What is the main cause of crime?
  • Do you think all people who commit crime do so for money?
  • Why do people often reoffend after being in prison?
  • Do you think the media impacts crime levels?
  • Do you think the type of crimes being committed has changed over the last few decades?
  • How can people stay safe online?
  • Do you think online crime is a big problem?
  • How can we keep children safe online?

Note: this topic could also include: MAKING MISTAKES, PUNISHMENT, YOUTHS, MEDIA, DISCIPLINE, EDUCATION, PARENTS, EMPLOYMENT, POVERTY, RURAL VS URBAN AREAS. Click here: Crime & Punishment Vocabulary

 
EDUCATION Topic

Education Part 1

  • Did you enjoy school as a child?
  • What was your favourite subject?
  • Was there any subject you didn’t like?
  • Did you have a favourite teacher at school?
  • Did you ever do any extra-curricular activities?
  • Do you think children should play more sport at school?
  • Are you currently learning anything new?
  • Do you ever use educational apps?

Part 2 Cue Cards

  • Describe a subject you enjoyed at school.
    • What it was / who taught you / what you learned / why you enjoyed it.
  • Describe a teacher you admired.
    • Who it was / what they taught / what you enjoyed about their lessons / why you admired them.
  • Describe something you wish you had learned but never got the chance.
    • What it was / how you hoped to learn it / how it could have helped you / why you didn’t learn it.
  • Describe someone who is intelligent.
    • Who the person is / what they are like / what they do / why you consider them intelligent.
  • Describe a book, app or website that has helped you learn.
    • What it is / how you found it / what you learned from it / why it was useful.

Part 3

  • Do you think education in schools has changed a lot in the last few decades?
  • Do you think lessons should be fun or just educational?
  • How could teachers in schools improve their lessons?
  • Do you think parents should encourage their child to learn more?
  • Do you think parents sometimes pressure their children to learn too much?
  • What do children gain from free time?
  • Would you ever force your child to do extra-curricular activities at school?
  • What makes a good teacher?
  • Why do many girls not go on to study the sciences at university?
  • Do you think art and music are a waste of time to learn at school?
  • How do you think education will change in the future?
  • How has technology changed education?
  • Why do some people learn online?
  • Do you think Youtube is a good source for learning?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages to online learning?

Note: This topic can also cover MATHS, SCIENCE, THE ARTS, TEACHERS, PROJECT WORK, TEAM BUILDING, ONLINE LEARNING, SOCIAL MEDIA. Click here for: Maths Topic Speaking Part 1 , Education Vocbulary with Pronunciation

FRIENDS & FAMILY Topic

Friends & Family Part 1

  • Who are you closest to in your family?
  • Do you have a big family?
  • Were your parents strict when you were a child?
  • Do you think family is important?
  • Do you spend a lot of time with your family?
  • Do you have many friends?
  • What do you enjoy doing with your friends?
  • When was the last time you made a new friend?
  • How do you meet new people?
  • Why is it important to have a social life?

Part 2 Cue Card

  • Describe your best friend at school.
    • Who it was / what he or she was like / what you remember doing together / why you liked them.
  • A friend you get on well with.
    • Who it is / how long you have know them / what they are like / how well you get on.
  • Describe a family photo.
    • Who is in it / when it was taken / where it was taken / why it is important to you.
  • Describe a memorable family holiday.
    • Where it was / who you went with / what you did there / why it was memorable.
  • Describe someone you are similar to in your family.
    • Who it is / what relation they are to you / what makes you similar / why you enjoy knowing them.
  • Describe a time when a friend helped you.
    • When was it / who your friend is / what they did / why it was helpful.

Part 3 Questions

  • Why is family important?
  • How do family dynamics impact a child growing up?
  • Do you think grandparents still have a role to play in today’s family?
  • What is the generation gap?
  • Should parents be strict?
  • Who should be responsible for disciplining the children – the father or the mother?
  • What do you think of one-parent families?
  • Who should be responsible for the care of elderly people, the family or the government?
  • How have families changed over the last few decades?
  • Do you think the role of fathers and mothers is changing?
  • Do you think social media has changed the way we view families?
  • Is divorce becoming more prevalent? Why?
  • Why do so many people prioritise socialising with friend?
  • What characteristics are important in a friend?
  • Do you think you need to have the same hobbies to be friends with someone?
  • Why do friends sometimes fall out with each other?
  • Is it safe to make new friends online?
  • Do you think it’s good to have many friends?
FOOD Topic

Food Part 1

  • What’s your favourite meal of the day?
  • Is there any food you didn’t like as a child that you do now?
  • Were you a fussy eater when you were younger?
  • Do you think meal times are important?
  • Do you enjoy cooking?
  • How often do you cook?
  • Do you often eat out?
  • When was the last time you tried a new dish?
  • Do you like spicy foods?
  • Do you ever eat snacks?
  • Do you think food plays an important part in the family?
  • What do you usually have for breakfast?
  • Do you ever skip meals?

Part 2

  • Describe a foreign food you would like to try.
    • What it is / where it comes from / how you heard of it / why you would like to try it.
  • Describe a restaurant you like.
    • Which type of food it serves / what it is like / what dishes you enjoy / why you like it.
  • Describe food that is mostly eaten at special occasions in your country.
    • What it is / when it is eaten / how it is made / why it is popular.
  • Describe someone you know who is a good cook.
    • Who it is / how you know them / what food they make / why they are a good cook.
  • Describe your favourite dish.
    • What it is / how often you have it / how it is prepared / why you enjoy it.

Part 3

  • Do you think food plays an important role in society?
  • How has popular food changed in your country over the last few decades?
  • Do you think children should be forced to eat what they don’t like?
  • Do schools in your country provide children with healthy meals?
  • Why do parents give children unhealthy food that they know can damage their health?
  • Should the government close down fastfood restaurants?
  • Why is obesity a growing problem?
  • What is a balanced diet?
  • How do you ensure you eat a balanced diet?
  • Do you think family members should eat together?
  • What traditional foods are popular in your country? 
  • How can children learn about traditional foods?
  • What do you think of GM foods?
  • Do you usually buy organic foods?
  • What foods are commonly imported to your country?
  • What food does your country export?
  • Do you think the media influences what we eat?
  • Are there many vegetarians in your country?
  • Do you think people eat more healthily now or in the past?
  • What food trends do you think might appear in the future?

This topic covers so many other topics, for example: COOKING, MEALS, FAST FOOD, FOOD CULTURE, FOREIGN FOODS, SNACKS, DIET, DIETS, HEALTH, PRESERVATIVES, FOOD INDUSTRY, OBESITY, SOCIAL MEDIA, FARMING, GROWING FOOD. Click here for model answers about Snacks / Vegetables / 

 
HAPPINESS Topic

Happiness Part 1

  • Do you consider yourself a happy person?
  • What did you enjoy doing as a child?
  • What makes you happy?
  • Do you think in the future the same things will make you happy?
  • Do you often laugh out loud?
  • Do you think the things that make people happy today are different from the past?
  • Do you think humour is important?

Part 2

  • Describe a happy event you remember
    • When it was / who was with you / what you did / why it was a happy event
  • Describe an activity that makes you happy
    • What it is / where you do it / what you need to do it / why it makes you happy
  • Describe someone who you consider a happy person.
    • Who it is / how you know them / what makes them happy / why you like them.

Part 3

  • Do you think successful people are happier than others?
  • Do you think money can contribute towards happiness?
  • What period in life is the happiest?
  • Do you think people are happier now than in the past?
  • Do you think a complicated life is an unhappy one?
  • Are children happier than adults?
  • How do children amuse themselves in your country?
  • What impacts a child’s happiness?
  • Do men and women find happiness in similar things?
  • How can elderly people find happiness late in life?
  • Do you think your job has a big impact on your happiness in life?

Note: This topic might also overlap with smiling, laughter, humour, boredom, frustration, patience, planning, goals.

 
HEALTH Topic

Health Part 1

  • How do you keep healthy?
  • Do you have a healthy lifestyle?
  • What exercises are most popular in your country?
  • Did you ever play sport at school?
  • Do you like sport?
  • Do you ever do exercise?
  • What is a popular exercise for elderly people in your country?
  • What do you think is a healthy daily routine?
  • Do you usually sleep early?
  • What would you change in your life to be healthier?
  • Do you think people are healthier now than in the past?

Part 2

  • Describe a healthy activity.
    • What it is / how it is done / who can enjoy it / why it is healthy.
  • Describe someone you think is very healthy.
    • Who it is / how you know them / what healthy activities they do / how you feel about them.
  • Describe the last time you didn’t feel well.
    • When was it / what was wrong / what did you do to help yourself / how did it impact you?

Part 3

  • What health problems do many people face today?
  • What are the biggest problems our society faces regarding health?
  • Do you think social media helps us keep healthy?
  • Are people more conscious about their health now than in the past?
  • How can people be encouraged to be healthier?
  • Do you think fast food is responsible for people having bad health?
  • Why are there so many obese people today?
  • How can exercise improve health?
  • Do you think schools should increase the number of sports classes in the curriculum?
  • What are the popular ways of keeping healthy in your country?
  • Do you think mental health is important?
  • What do you think impacts our mental health?
  • Do you think modern technoology is making people less healthy?
  • How could the health care system be improved?
  • Do you think men and women have the same attitudes towards health?

Note: This topic might also fall under: ROUTINES, SLEEP, HOBBIES, HABITS, SPORT, EXERCISE. Click here: Sleep Topic Questions & Answers / Health Part 3 Model Answers / Sport Part 3 Model Answers 

HOLIDAYS Topic

Holidays Part 1

  • Did you often go on holiday as a child?
  • Did you used to enjoy holidays as a child?
  • What activities did you enjoy as a child on holiday?
  • Do companies give people many holidays in your country?
  • Do you think holidays are important for people?
  • What holidays destinations are popular in your country?
  • When did you last go on holiday?
  • If you could go on holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Part 2

  • Describe a recent holiday you had
    • Where it was / who went with you / what you did there / why you enjoyed it.
  • Describe a holiday or trip that didn’t go as planned
    • Where you went / what happened / how it go resolved / why you remember it so well.
  • Describe city you would like to visit
    • Where it is / what it is like / what you would want to do / why you would enjoy it.

Part 3

  • Do men and women enjoy the same kinds of holidays?
  • How do you think holidays will change in the furture?
  • Do you think adventure holidays are good for all types of people?
  • What kind of holidays do older people enjoy?
  • Do you think remote tourism has a positive impact on rural local cultures?
  • What are the pros and cons of tourism for a country?
  • Do you think tourism is good for historical places?
  • Why do people want to travel abroad for their holidays?
  • Do you think TV programs showing foreign destinations encourage or discourge travel?
  • How have budget airlines changed tourism?
  • Does tourism cause pollution due to mass travel and transportation?
  • Why do some people prefer to travel by bus and others travel by train?
  • Do you think train rides are more interesting than flying? 
INTELLIGENCE Topic

Part 2

  • Describe an intelligent person you know.
    • Who it is / what they are like / how they are intelligent / what you have learned from them.
  • Describe something you do that challenges your brain.
    • What it is / how often you do it / what is involved / how it helps you.

Part 3

  • Do you think people are born intelligent or can they become intelligent later in life?
  • How can intelligence be measured?
  • Do you think emotional intelligence is important?
  • How can schools help children become intelligent?
  • Do you think academic achievement truly reflects a child’s intelligence?
  • Do you think it’s important to be able to think outside the box?
  • Do you think employers look for someone with intelligence or someone with skills?
 
MEDIA:  News, Films & Social Media

Media Part 1

  • Do you often watch films? 
  • Do people in your country often go to the cinema?
  • Were you allowed to watch much TV when you were a child?
  • How do you keep up with the news?
  • How often do you follow the news?
  • Do you ever just skim the headlines?
  • Do you like to read about famous people in the news?
  • Do you often post on social media?
  • What social media sites do you use most?
  • Do you follow anyone particular on social media?
  • Do you think social media is bring people closer together or not?

Part 2

  • Describe your favourite film
    • What it is / when you first watched it / what it is about / why you like it so much.
  • Describe a person in the news you would like to meet
    • Who it is / when you first heard about them / why you would like to meet them.
  • Describe your favourite social media site or app
    • What it is / how often you use it / what you use it for / why you like it.

Part 3

  • Why do people follow the news?
  • Do you think international news or domestic news is more important?
  • Do you think all news it true?
  • Do you think people should be skeptical of news they read online?
  • How has social media changed the way we receive news?
  • Why do people enjoy watching films or drama series?
  • Why do you think people sometimes binge-watch a series?
  • Do you think historical dramas should be factually correct?
  • What do you think about people learning about history from watching drama series and films?
  • Why do some people prefer going to the cinema to watch films rather than watching them at home?
  • Do you think international films are important?
  • How do you think foreign films affect local culture?
  • Do you think it is better to watch foreign films with subtitles or dubbed?
  • What is the difference between viewing habits now compared to the past?
  • Do old people and young people like to watch the same things on TV or online?
  • What dangers are there for children who watch films?
  • Should parents control what their children watch?

Note: You can find useful vocabulary for the topic of news here: NEWS VOCABULARY.

 
NAMES Topic

Names Part 1

  • Does your name have a meaning?
  • Who chose your name?
  • Would you ever consider changing your name?
  • How do most parents choose their baby’s name?
  • Do you think names are important?
  • Do you know anyone with an interesting name?
 
NATURE Topic

Nature Part 1

  • Do you spend much time in nature?
  • Do you have many plants in your home?
  • Have you ever grown vegetables?
  • Are there many parks where you live?
  • Did you ever learn about the environment at school?
  • Do you think children should spend more time outside?
  • Do you ever recycle?
  • Do you ever buy flowers? 
  • Have you ever given someone flowers as a gift?
  • Do any flowers have special meaning in your country?
  • How could you neighbourhood be made more environmentally friendly?

Part 2 Cue Card

  • Describe a place of natural beauty in your country.
    • Where it is / when you first went there / what there is to see / why it is special.
  • Describe someone who is environmentally friendly.
    • Who it is / how you know them / what they are like / what they do to protect the environment.
  • Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy.
    • What it is / where you do it / how you do it /  why you enjoy it.
  • Describe a tree or a plant.
    • What it is / where it grows / why you like it.

Part 3 Questions

  • Do you think the government should do more to protect rural areas?
  • What are the most pressure environmental issues in your country?
  • How do people damage our planet?
  • What can individuals do to help the environment?
  • Do children learn about the environment at schools in your country?
  • Should children be more involved in protecting the environment?
  • Do you think people are more environmentally aware now compared to the past?
  • Why do some people grow plants or vegetables?
  • How do people benefit from spending time in nature, such as in a park?
  • Do you think cities should build more green spaces?
  • Why is urban planning important?

Note: This topic can also come under the headings: PARKS, GARDENS, TREES, FLOWERS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, CAMPING, THE ENVIRONMENT, NATURE, PLANTS, WILDLIFE. Click here for Environmental Problems Vocabulary & Listening Exercises / Camping Vocabulary / Garden & Parks Cue Cards with Model Answer

 
NUMBERS Topic

Numbers Part 1

  • Did you like maths at school?
  • How do you remember important dates or numbers?
  • What important dates are there in your country?
  • Do you have a good memory for numbers?
  • Do you often use a calculator?
  • Are there any lucky numbers in your country?
  • Do you ever play the lottery with numbers?

Note: This topic can also cover: MATHS, REMEMBERING, MEMORY, CALENDARS, SPECIAL DATES, BIRTHDAYS. Click here: MATHS TOPIC WITH VOCABULARY

 
REMEMBERING Topic

Remembering Part 1

  • Do you have a good memory?
  • Do you often forget things? What kind of things?
  • Why are some people so forgetful?
  • Have you ever kept a diary?
  • Do you use calendars?
  • Are there any apps you use that help you remember things?
  • What can people do to improve their memory?

Part 2 Cue Card

  • Describe a memorable experience
    • When it was / what happened / why it is so memorable.
  • Describe a childhood memory
    • When it was / who was involved / what happened / why it is so memorable.

Part 3

  • Why do older people struggle with their memory?
  • Why do people sometimes forget things?
  • Why do some people have better memories than others?
  • What can people do to improve their memory?
  • What kinds of things do people often memorise?
  • Should children be taught to memorise things?
  • What types of things should children learn by heart?
  • Is it important to remember certain things from the past?
  • Is it important to learn the history of one’s country?
  • Is it easier to memorise words or picture?
  • Does technology help us remember things or does it make it harder for us to remember things naturally?
SUCCESS Topic

Part 2 Cue Card

  • Describe someone who is successful.
    • Who it is / what they are like / what they do / why they are successful.
  • Describe a successful company.
    • What it is / how you know about it / what it does / why it is successful.
  • Describe an achievement you are proud of.
    • What it is / when you did it / what it involved / why you felt proud.

Part 3

  • Why do you think some people are more successful than others?
  • Do you think success is innate?
  • What skills are important to achieve well in life?
  • Why are some people successful only later in life?
  • Do you think success at school or at work is important?
  • What makes a good leader?
  • Do you think charisma is important in a leader?
  • Which do you think is more important – initiative or team skills?
  • What makes a company successful? 
  • Is a company’s product or its marketing more important?

Note: This topic could also cover: JOBS, PERSONALITY, OPTIMISM, SOFTSKILLS, DETERMINATION, ORGANISING, CONCENTRATION.

POLITENESS Topic

Politeness Part 1

  • How do people show politeness in your country?
  • Are children usually encouraged to be more polite to older people in your country?
  • Was it your teachers or your parents who taught you to be polite as a child?
  • How do schools encourage politeness?
  • Do you think people these days are less polite than in the past?
  • Why are people sometimes rude?
  • What causes people to be frustrated and angry?
  • Do you ever lose your patience?
  • How do you deal with people who aren’t polite to you?
  • What apps help you keep organised?
  • Have you ever used an app for mindfulness?
  • How do you wind down after a long day?

Part 2 Cue Card

  • Describe someone you know who is very polite.
    • Who it is / what they are like / how you know them / why they are so polite.
  • Describe a time you lost your patience.
    • When was it / who were you with / what happened / what you did afterwards.

Part 3

  • Why are people polite to strangers?
  • Do you think children should be taught good manners?
  • Do you think social media is encouraging children to be less polite?
  • Is politeness less important today than in the past?
  • Why are people often more polite to older people?
  • Why do people often lose their patience?
  • Do you think being organised is essential in life?
  • How can being disorganised affect your behaviour and your mood?
  • What jobs require politeness?
  • Can people be both assertive and polite at the same time?
  • What roles of etiquette do strangers to your country often get wrong?
 
SUGAR Topic

Sugar Part 1

  • Do you have a sweet tooth?
  • How often do you eat sugary foods?
  • What are some popular sweets in your country?
  • Do people often eat chocolate in your country?
  • Did you eat many sweets as a child?
  • If you had a child, would you let them eat sweets?
  • Do you think any sweet food is healthy?
  • Are there any healthy snacks?

Part 2

  • Describe a sweet treat you enjoy.
    • What it is / how often you eat it / what is special about it / why you like it.

Part 3

  • Why do you think people eat food they know isn’t good for them?
  • Do you think parents should be stricter about what their children eat?
  • Why do you think people eat so many sugary foods?
  • How can the problem of obesity be tackled?

Note: This topic could also be: DESSERTS, CHOCOLATE, CAKES, SNACKS, FAST FOOD

WEATHER Topic

Weather Part 1

  • What is your favourite season?
  • What weather do you enjoy most?
  • Is there any type of weather you don’t like?
  • Does the weather affect your mood?
  • Do you like rainy days?
  • How many seasons are there in your country?
  • Are there many sunny days in your country?
  • Do you daytime or evenings more?
  • Do you ever look at the night sky?
  • What type of activities do people enjoy in your country when it’s hot?
  • Would you ever consider living somewhere that is permanently hot or cold?
  • Does the weather ever affect transport in your country?
  • What problems with the weather does your country have?

Part 2 Cue Card

  • Describe an activity you enjoy in warm weather.
    • What it is / where you do it / how it is done / why you enjoy it.
  • Describe a day when the weather was perfect.
    • When it was / what it was like / what you did / why you enjoyed it.
  • Describe your favourite season.
    • When it is / what it is like / what you do during that season / why you like it.

Part 3

  • What type of climate do you think is most healthy?
  • How do you think climate affects lifestyle choices?
  • How do people dress when it’s hot in your country?
  • Do you ever have extreme weather in your country?
  • How can extreme weather impact a country?
  • What is climate change?
  • Do you think climate change is a serious problem?
  • What impact does weather have on farming?

Note: This topic also covers SEASONS, RAIN, CLOUD, SUNSHINE, CLIMATES, TEMPERATURES, EXTREME WEATHER, ACTIVITIES, THE SKY, CLIMATE CHANGE, GLOBAL WARMING.

WORK Topic

Work Part 1

For Work Part 1, please see the common topics page: IELTS SPEAKING PART 1 COMMON TOPICS.

Part 2 Cue Card

  • Describe a job you think is important.
    • What it is / who usually does this work / what is involved in it / why it is important.
  • Describe someone you know who is hardworking.
    • Who it is / what they are like / what their job is / why you think consider them hardworking.
  • Describe a time you once did team work.
    • When it was / what work you did / what was involved / why you enjoyed it.

Part 3

  • How has technology changed how we work?
  • Do you think social media impacts people’s ability to focus on their work?
  • What do you think of open-plan offices?
  • Do you think satisfaction or money is more important?
  • What makes someone successful?
  • What skills are best to get a good job?
  • Why do you think some jobs are more popular with women than men?
  • Do you think it impacts a child if both parents work?
  • What jobs do you think most benefit society?

SHARE YOUR TEST EXPERIENCE & TIPS IN THE COMMENTS – sharing is caring xx

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New Video – Paragraphs in IELTS Essays

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PARAGRAPH LENGTH FOR WRITING TASK 2 

Learn how many words and sentences you need for each paragraph in your IELTS essay. 

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This is my first and only video for 2025 due to health problems. It feels great to be finishing the year on a good note. So, I hope you find the video useful and informative. 

Useful Links for You

Wishing you all the best

Liz

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Thank you for your support, from Liz

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My dear friends,

I am writing to you with my deepest thanks for the emotional support you gave me a few weeks ago. I know my thank you is late, but recovery has been up and down. At least now, I can say that I am definitely improving.

Your incredible support truly overwhelmed me. When I messaged you, I hoped some of you might write in to help me, but I didn’t expect so many of you. It was amazing to experience such a response at time when I felt so broken and very alone. 

I was deeply affected by your sentiments, your insight, your advice, the experiences some of you shared, and by hearing about your lives. Many of you wrote very touching messages that brought tears to my eyes. Some of you wrote profound words of wisdom – I’ve put some of those messages at the bottom of this page for everyone to read. Some of you shared how your lives have changed and improved since conquering IELTS – that really warmed my heart. Also, I know some of you were struggling yourselves with pain, loss and grief. I do very much hope this message finds you in a better place emotionally and on the path to healing.

And there were some of you who wrote humorous messages that actually had me laughing out loud on one of my worst days. I’d like to thank Zeeshan for his fantastic “Legend of a Kidney Stone” – if you have a subscription, I’ll sign up! You nailed my humour! And Enrique who wrote about how as a teacher, he had once told a student that “sleeping on it” was a great way to solve a problem. The student had then asked if they should put the test under their pillow. Brilliant!

You all helped me so much. Not only by the content of your messages, but also by the time and effort you took to reply. It felt like so many wonderful hugs coming into my life. Thank you. I wish I had the words to describe how impactful that was, particularly for someone like me who has lived alone so long.

Yes, you all helped me get my vision back. I now see the impact my work has and I can’t wait to carry on. But I will take a bit more rest before I start, just to give my body what it needs. And yes, my fire inside is starting to grow again. It feels good to see my way forward.

For anyone else who is struggling in life, I will say – reach out for support. It makes a huge difference. Even the strongest people need support from others, it is completely natural. But remember that when you do reach out, it will be at a vulnerable time in your life, so please reach out wisely and safely to people you know you can trust. I knew I was safe with all of you. I was right. Thank you!

Sharing Your Words of Wisdom

  1. Pain may knock you down, but spirit picks you back up. (Zeeshan)
  2. Strength is inspiring in itself. (Emmanuel)
  3. Fighters fall. But fighters rise. Every time. (Miriam)
  4. Fighters do survive, but they don’t have to fight alone. (Aylin)
  5. Stand in front of the battle of life bravely with a smile. (Od)
  6. You are stronger than you feel right now. (Amr)
  7. The human body may be fragile, but the human spirit is absurdly tough. (Zeeshan)
  8. To start running fast, sometimes we need to take a step back to gain momentum. (Minh Tuan)
  9. Strengthen your inner voice and let it speak with positivity, resilience and hope. (Ahmed)
  10. Even the strongest souls need time to breathe. (Obaydur)
  11. Take things moment by moment. Even the tiniest spark is still fire – and yours is still burning. (Aylin)
  12. Stay the course. You matter. (Mena)
  13. Life is a journey with no guidelines. Live it freely. (Lin)
  14. People deserve to improve the quality of their lives. (Palomino)
  15. Life gives us moments when we need to redefine our paths. (Fiza)
  16. We are so fortunate just to be alive. (Ekta)

***

Thank you, my dear friends, from the bottom of my heart. Wishing everyone the very best, Liz xx

     *  You are all my inspiration. *

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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

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

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IELTS GT Writing Task 1 Letter: Using the Prompts for a High Score

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All IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 Letters contain Prompts / Bullet Points in the instructions. The prompts are always given along with background details of the letter and the letter aim. Those prompts (bullet points) actually form part of the marking criterion of Task Achievement, which counts for 25% of your marks. For Task Achievement, you are being marked on

  • fulfilling your task
  • addressing the prompts
  • developing the prompts sufficiently
  • having relevant content in relation to the prompts and the letter aims

Below are two sample answers for an IELTS GT Letter. The first letter does not address the prompts sufficiently for a high score in Task Achievement. The second letter is a model band score 9 which shows how the prompts should be used for your letter.

Addressing the Bullet Points in an IELTS GT Letter

  1. The bullets point should be addressed in the same order as given by IELTS.
  2. Your letter should focus on the content of those bullet points.
  3. You must expand each bullet point sufficiently for Task Achievement.
  4. The bullet points help you decide paragraphing.

IELTS GT Letter Instructions:

An old car was left on the street near your apartment block several weeks ago. You telephoned the local council to get them to take it away, but nothing has been done about it. The car is now causing a problem for residents.

  • describe the car
  • outline the problems it is causing
  • tell the council what you want them to do

Sample Answer – Points Not Fully Addressed

Attention:

  • There are issues with grammar and vocabulary
  • See if you can spot the problems with the way the bullet points are addressed below.

Dear Sir,

I would like to express my concern about a dilapidated car that has become a usual sight for every resident since several weeks. I tried contacting you over the phone a few days back but the call went unanswered the first time. On my second attempt, I could get hold of you and I explained the whole situation to you, but unfortunately, despite getting an assurance from you, I could not see any action taken for it so far. Hence, I am giving a gentle reminder to you in writing.

It is a Toyota car with broken window glasses, windshield, and deflated tires. It also has some dents on it and is in very poor condition. Moreover, the car is parked across the apartment’s main entrance gate; it has almost narrowed the road in that area by creating a bottleneck which might increase the chances of accidents for the vehicles entering and exiting the apartment premises. I would request you to arrange for a tow truck, to lift the unattended vehicle, and drop it at a nearby police station where further inquiry could transpire.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Yours sincerely,
John

Problems with the Above Letter:

  1. This is a formal letter. The tone of the above letter is correct, except there should be no exclamation mark at the end (this is not formal).
  2. The letter should start with an opening line which states the letter purpose. An opening line of purpose is normal for a formal letter. However, the letter above confuses an opening line with a whole paragraph.
  3. The first paragraph does not address any bullet point. This means it is mostly irrelevant to the task. All body paragraphs should be based on the bullet points.
  4. The second paragraph contains all bullets points together. This is a problem because:
    • Each bullet point is not sufficiently developed.
    • Each bullet point should form one body paragraph.
  5. Another problem is signing off. This is a formal letter which starts “Dear Sir” and therefore we should sign off with “Yours faithfully”.
  6. The name of the writer should be given formally to match the tone of the letter – only informal letters sign off with a first name only.

Model Band 9 Letter Answer: Points Fully Addressed

Now look at a high band score letter for the same instructions. Many of the details are the same but the focus and layout of the letter is different. This letter follows the requirement of the higher band scores for Task Achievement because of the use of the prompts.

Dear Sir,

I am writing to you regarding an abandoned car on my street that I complained about by phone weeks ago but the issue has not been resolved.

The car in question is an old, red Toyota car which has been left on Barkly Street, Briggford for weeks. The licence plate is DN78 TY8. It has broken windows and windshield with flat tires. It is covered in dents and scratches and is in very poor condition. It is not possible for it to be driven away and no one has claimed it.

The main concern is that the car is parked across the apartment’s main entrance gate. Consequently, residents are no longer able to access their parking spaces behind the apartment block.  Furthermore, the car is parked at an awkward angle sticking out into the street which is creating a bottleneck as the street is so narrow. This will increase the chances of an accident occurring. 

I suggest the car is towed away immediately to prevent any accidents and the owners  of the car traced using the licence plate number I have given above. 

I hope to hear back from you very soon with a solution to this problem.

Yours faithfully,

John Mountford

I hope you find it useful to compare letters. I hope this helps you understand your aims with Task Achievement for IELTS Writing Task 1 GT Letters. All the best, Liz

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