IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics for 2023

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Below are predicted topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1 in 2023. The majority of the topics are recycled from topics that have been previously used. New topics are often related in some way to well known main topics. Even though part 1 is the easiest part of the IELTS  speaking test, make sure you start on the right foot by preparing comprehensively.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics 2023

Below is a list of likely topics that will appear during 2023. While you should be preparing all these topics, please do not ignore the common topics which are also likely to appear (there’s a link at the bottom of this post). During part 1, you will be given about 3 topics with a total of around 12 questions. This part lasts for 4-5 mins. See further down the page for typical questions for part 1, common topics, tips and useful links.

  1. Appearance: hair styles & cuts, sloppy or tidy appearance, first impressions, importance of appearance
  2. Animals: pets & wild animals, zoos
  3. Art: museums, galleries, photos, paintings, drawing
  4. Books & Reading: magazines, newspapers, articles, internet, children’s stories, novels
  5. Celebrations & Festivals
  6. Clothes & Fashion: casual/comfortable/formal/work/traditional clothes, accessories (bags, sunglasses, shoes, jewelry), particular articles of clothing such as trousers, shirts
  7. Colours
  8. Dancing
  9. Family & Friends
  10. Food & Cooking: meals, family meals, snacks, desserts & sweets, fast food, restaurants, cooking skills, cooking in schools
  11. Happiness & Laughing
  12. Health
  13. Home – this is a main topic and frequently asked
  14. Hometown – this is a main topic and frequently asked
  15. Housework
  16. Internet: website, surfing, shopping, socialising, apps (learning, useful, fun, maps, calendars, photos)
  17. Music: songs, concerts, singers
  18. Name: your name meaning, choosing names
  19. Nature: parks, gardens, flowers, trees, environment
  20. Noise: types of noise in everyday life, noise pollution, noise avoidance, silence, peace, mental health
  21. Planning & Organising
  22. Remembering: diaries, schedules, calendars, remembering numbers, concentration, phone apps for planning and remembering
  23. Security: passwords, keys, alarms
  24. Shops & Shopping: local shops, things to buy, first purchases, online shopping
  25. Sky or Space: sci-fi films, space travel, planets , school learning about space, star gazing, night sky, clouds, weather signs, seasons
  26. Sport & Exercise: team games, individual games, keeping fit, places for exercise
  27. Study or Work – this is a main topic and frequently asked
  28. Taking photos: types of photos, equipment, apps, family photos, holiday photos
  29. Travel & Holidays
  30. Teachers, School & Subjects: your childhood teachers, memorable teacher, lessons, art, drawing, science, calculations (maths), languages, sport, school rules
  31. Weekends & Free Time
  32. Work or Study – this is a main topic and frequently asked

What about the Questions?

All the topics above will most likely include the following question types: your favourite, your childhood memories, your childhood likes/dislikes, key past memories, first times, recent events in your life, your abilities, your opinions, your country, popular choices in your country, your future hopes, descriptions, how often you do something, how long you’ve been doing something, how something could be improved.

Lets see an example of applying those question types to a predicted topic: Appearance (Hair)

  • Do you have a favourite hair style?
  • What kind of hair style did you have as a child?
  • Did you like that hair style?
  • Is there a hair style you have had that you particularly remember?
  • Have you recently changed your hair style?
  • When did you last have your hair cut?
  • Can you cut your own hair or do you go to a hairdresser or barber?
  • Do you think it’s important to have a fashionable hair style?
  • What kinds of hair styles are popular for women or men in your country?
  • Do you plan to change your hair style?
  • How often do you get your hair cut?
  • How long have you had your current hair style?
  • If you could change anything about your appearance, what would it be?

As you can see, it is possible to easily predict the questions you will be asked by following the list I’ve given you. So, for each topic listed above, prepare all those possibilities. Remember this isn’t about your knowledge of a topic, it’s about your life and your country in part 1.

Important Tips for Speaking Part 1

Tip 1: DO NOT memorise your answers when you prepare topics and questions. Just refresh your memory relating to each topic based on the possible questions and prepare key vocabulary that you think will help you answer. In the actual test, your answers must come naturally. Tip 2: Always answer directly. Don’t dance around the question, just be direct. Then add a bit more detail to explain. These are short answer questions which means the answer ought to be between 2-3 sentences long. Some answers might be slightly shorter and some longer. Tip 3: The examiner might interrupt your answer. This is normal. Let the examiner decide when it’s time to move on to the next question. Be prepared for that and just focus on the next question. Tip 4: You can ask for the question to be repeated. It won’t affect your score and could give you a bit of thinking time. Tip 5: Be natural, be open, be chatty in your speaking test. It is an informal chat with the examiner covering a range of topics. Tip 6: You can’t ask for the topic to be changed. Even if you don’t like the topic or don’t have much knowledge, you can still answer questions about your first memories, your opinions, your childhood, popular opinions etc. IELTS is not a test of knowledge. Each question is just a chance to chat and show your English. Tip 7: Also prepare from the list of common topics for speaking part 1. Click here:  COMMON SPEAKING PART 1 TOPICS

Useful Links:

Click below to open the useful pages for IELTS Speaking Part 1 exam preparation:

Good luck in your test. Let me know how it goes.

All the best, Liz

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IELTS Essay Topic Ideas: Advertising to Children

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Here is an IELTS writing task 2 essay question about advertising to children in schools. This was reported a number of times in the IELTS test. Below are some ideas for your answer.

IELTS Essay Question: Advertising to Children in Schools

Don’t forget that although IELTS recycle essay topics, they usually paraphrase the question.

In some countries, fast food restaurants and companies give money to schools provided that the schools promote their products to school children.

What do you think is the positive and negative of this in the development of children?

This type of question is a Direct Question which requires you to give your opinion of whether the development is more positive than negative or vice versa.

Ideas for Essay Topic

Positive Effects of Companies Promoting in Schools

  • Companies will donate to schools as a form of advertising. This could be food, equipment or resources. Children benefit from the additional resources and facilities that schools can afford due to the funding from companies
  • Children can learn the value of money in order to buy the products being promoted
    • learning to manage money is a useful life skill
    • children learn to be selective about what they buy

Negative Effects

  • Allowing companies to promote junk food to children encourages a poor diet.
    • poor diets, which include high quantities of salt and sugar, can be harmful to a child’s health
    • this sets children up to be unhealthy adults which can be expensive for the state in the long run
  • Advertising and promoting to children can be exploitative and unethical
    • they are easily influenced
    • they are not able to criticise or form their own opinion
    • this form of advertising is aimed at the parents through their children
    • children are unable to distinguish what is promotional and what is educational
  • Advertising expensive products can encourage children to demand luxury items from their parents which may be beyond their finances.

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Trees, Plants, Gardens and Parks Topics in IELTS Speaking

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IELTS Speaking Topics such as Parks, Gardens and Flowers are possible in all parts of the speaking test. In fact, one of the topics below will appear in the Speaking Test each year. These topics can be particularly difficult if you don’t prepare fully. They are certainly used by examiners each year with only slight variations on wording. Below you will find plenty of topics, questions and cue cards for you to prepare at home.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics

Below you will find a list of questions for the topics: parks, gardens, green spaces, trees & plants, and flowers. All these topics can appear in part 1 IELTS speaking.

Parks

  • Do you like parks?
  • How often do you go to a park?
  • Did you often go as a child?
  • Are parks popular places in your country?
  • Why do people like parks?
  • What do people do in parks?
  • Do you think parks are important?

Gardens

  • Do you have a garden or outdoor space in your house or flat?
  • Did you have a garden growing up?
  • Do you think it’s important for children to have access to a garden?
  • What do people enjoy doing in their gardens?
  • Why do some people prefer their own garden to a public park?
  • Do you know anyone who likes growing plants?

Green Spaces

  • Are there many green spaces in your neighbourhood?
  • Did you often use green spaces to play when you were young?
  • Did your hometown have many green spaces where you could play?
  • Do you think neighbourhoods look better with green spaces and trees?
  • Why do you think green spaces are important in a city?

Plants and Trees

  • Do you like trees and plants?
  • What’s your favourite plant?
  • Have you ever grown a plant?
  • Have you ever planted a tree?
  • Did you learn about trees and plants as a child?
  • Did you ever climb a tree when you were young?
  • Do you think children benefit from nature?
  • Do you think trees and plants are important?

Flowers

  • Do you like flowers?
  • What’s your favourite flower?
  • Have you ever received flowers from someone?
  • Did you ever give someone flowers?
  • Are there any special occasions in your country when it’s suitable to give flowers?
  • Are flowers important in your culture?

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards: Gardens, Parks, Trees etc

You will see below that the list of part 2 topics is very similar to those of part 1. If you prepare fully for all the above part 1 questions and topics, you will have an easy time in part 2 because you’ll be able to adapt your answers to fit the cue card.

Someone you know who likes planting trees

  • who that person is
  • how that person is connected to you
  • why they planted trees
  • what you think about their actions

Someone you know who likes gardening

  • who the person is
  • what they do in the garden
  • why it is important to them
  • what you think about it

A place with trees

  • where it is
  • when you first went there
  • what you do there
  • why you remember it

A green space or park you like (2024 currently in use)

  • where it is
  • how often you go there
  • what you do there
  • why you like it

All the ideas and vocabulary for the above topics can be adapted for the following cue cards: a peaceful place, a quiet place, an interesting person, an elderly person, a healthy hobby, a quiet hobby, a cheap hobby, something to do in your leisure time, a picnic etc. You can easily use the language from these topics in many other topics for part 2.

Please remember, the examiner is not testing your knowledge of trees or flowers. Even if you don’t know the name of the flower you like, you can still talk about your memories of it and describe it. See the model below.

If your topic is about a park or garden, you can expand your talk by talking about activities people do in the park/garden, descriptions, comparisons with other places, your opinion of their importance, your memories as a child, your future hopes etc etc.

Model Answer for Speaking Part 2 Plants & Gardens

This is another example of a cue card for these topics.

A plant, tree or flower you like

  • what it is
  • where it grows
  • why you like it

I’d like to talk about a tree that I’ve always loved. I don’t remember the name of the tree, even in my own language, but it’s a very large tree that can reach around 30 meters high and has a really wide diameter. It spreads really far offering a lot of shade in summer which is really great. The weird thing about the tree is that its roots come from the branches and grow towards the earth to eventually form part of the tree trunk. It’s just so unique. There’s no other tree like it.

I remember the first time I saw this tree in China. I couldn’t believe it. There was a whole street lined with these trees and it felt almost like another planet. I’ll never forget driving down that street. Since then, I’ve always noticed these trees wherever they are. I also saw quite a lot of them in Vietnam when I lived there.

I don’t know precisely where the tree grows worldwide, but I’ve seen them in a number of different Asian countries, but not in Europe or the UK. In Vietnam, I would see these trees in parks and other green areas. In fact, while I was there, I loved how many trees in general lined the streets and how many parks there were. Considering that the capital city, Hanoi, is full of hustle and bustle, the trees give such a calming presence.

I think it’s pretty hard to describe why I like this particular tree. The only thing I can say is that it feels magical. It’s such a huge tree, taller than most, and definitely one of the widest trees in the park. It’s appearance is really striking. If you compare it with other trees, it looks majestic. I also really like the flame trees that they have in Vietnam. Those trees burst into flame late spring each year with bright red little flowers. That was also a sight to remember.

I think people underestimate the effect nature has on tourists and locals. We need trees and green spaces to improve our quality of life and bring beauty into our lives. Hopefully, I’ll get back to China and Vietnam one day and enjoy their gorgeous parks again.

Feedback on Model Answer

  1. Great vocabulary – diameter, roots, branches, tree trunk, hustle and bustle, shade, scorching hot, magical
  2. Strong grammar – different tenses including present, past tense and a future form. Also complex sentences, comparatives, superlative
  3. Good descriptive language. It doesn’t make any difference to the score that the speaker doesn’t know the name of the tree. The descriptions are very strong.
  4. Technique – there is quite a lot of information given that goes beyond the prompts on the cue card. This is a good thing. More detail, more memories, more description and more chat.
  5. The final part of the talk is about another tree with more description, the importance of parks and future hopes. This provides a good range of extra language.

IELTS Speaking Part 3: parks, flowers, trees etc

  • Do you think parks play an important role in a city?
  • Do you think parks affect the quality of air in urban areas?
  • Which do you think is more important: housing or green spaces?
  • Why are trees important?
  • Do you think green spaces and parks help people’s mental health?
  • What do you think of deforestation?
  • Do you think we should protect trees?
  • What can the government do to protect natural beauty spots more in your country?
  • Are plants important to the economy of your country?
  • Does your country have a symbolic plant or flower?
  • Are there any traditional celebrations where plants or flowers play a role?
  • Why do so many people want their own garden?
  • Do you think people should be encouraged to grow their own food?
  • Do you think children should be taught to grow their own food?
  • Do you think children should learn to plant trees?
  • Why do so many old people enjoy parks and gardens?
  • Do you think all houses and flats should have their own gardens?

VOCABULARY FOR THIS TOPIC: Word List for Plant/Tree/ Flower Topic in IELTS Speaking

For more Speaking Topics, click here: IELTS Speaking Main Page (Topics, Tips & Model Answers)

All the best

Liz 🙂

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IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics Relating to Phones

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It is common to get topics related to using a mobile phone in IELTS Speaking part 2. Below you will see some typical cue cards for this topic that are also in use at the moment.

On this page, you will find:

  1. sample cue cards for the topic of mobile phones
  2. useful language
  3. a sample answer for a current IELTS cue card
  4. examples of IELTS speaking part 3 questions for this topic

1) Mobile Phone Topics for IELTS Cue Cards

A time you were not allowed to use a mobile phone

You should say:

  • when it happened
  • where you were
  • why you couldn’t use your phone
  • how you felt about it

A time when you received an important text message

You should say:

  • when it was
  • who you were talking to
  • what the message was about
  • why you remember it so well

Other Mobile Phone Topics

An app you use on your mobile phone

You should say:

  • when you first started using the app
  • how often you use it
  • what it is used for
  • why you find it useful

A time when a smart phone was very helpful

You should say:

  • when it was
  • what happened
  • how the smart phone helped you

Your favourite smart phone

You should say:

  • when you bought it
  • what did it look like
  • what was so special about it

Your first smart phone

You should say:

  • when you got it
  • why you bought it
  • what you liked or didn’t like about it

A place where you couldn’t use your phone

You should say:

  • when it happened
  • where the place was
  • what prevented you using your phone
  • how you felt about it

A time when you made an important call on your phone

You should say:

  • when it was
  • who you were calling
  • what the call was about
  • why it was important to you

A useful device you use frequently

You should say:

  • what the device is
  • why you use it so often
  • what you use it for
  • why it is important for you

2) Useful Language for Mobile Phones

The lists below are not just for vocabulary, they are also for ideas of what you can talk about in your IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 or 3 in relation to mobile phones. Having a good list of things to introduce into your answer will help with both fluency and vocabulary scores.

  • wireless handheld device
  • pocket-sized
  • a handy device
  • the battery runs out quickly
  • a long lasting battery
  • a quick / slow charge time
  • the battery died
  • landlines are still useful / landlines are becoming redundant
  • a useful device when you are on the go
  • connect to wifi / hotspots
  • cellular network
  • a weak/strong signal
  • a patchy signal
  • the reception is poor
  • a bad line (the line keeps cutting out / crackling)
  • 3G, 4G or 5G network
  • 5G hasn’t fully been rolled out in my area yet
  • security features
  • fingerprint / voice / face recognition
  • touch screen
  • optical zoom lens
  • front and rear camera
  • stylus pen for smart phone screen
  • apps run without glitches
  • emojis
  • organise contacts
  • unlimited calls
  • limited data / unlimited data
  • pay as you go
  • monthly contract
  • a handy device
  • slimline
  • thick like a brick
  • light weight / heavy
  • couldn’t live without it
  • I would be lost without

Uses of a Mobile Phone

  • to call
  • to text / to message
  • to take photos
  • to take selfies
  • to email
  • to make video calls
  • browse online (surf the internet)
  • online banking
  • weather updates
  • photo edit
  • create videos
  • make recordings
  • keep track of appointments

Useful Apps on a Smart Phone

  • banking apps
  • calendar
  • calculator
  • camera
  • clock
  • facebook
  • games
  • language apps
  • messenger
  • news
  • spotify
  • instagram
  • whatsapp
  • zoom

3) IELTS Mobile Phone Cue Card Sample Answer

A time you were not allowed to use a mobile phone

You should say:

  • when it happened
  • where you were
  • why you couldn’t use your phone
  • how you felt about it

Cue Card Sample Answer

Note: I have underlined language which the examiner will note either due to grammar or vocabulary. For grammar, you can note the range of tense used: present tense, future form, past simple, past prefect, past passive and past perfect passive. For vocabulary, you can note high level topic related vocabulary, such as “flick through a list”, “ultra slim”, “click send”, “silent mode”, “muted keypad”. There are also examples of great collocations and other relevant vocabulary.

I’m going to talk about a time last year when I was stopped from using my mobile phone in an urgent situation. It was around February when it happened. I remember because it was just after my birthday and I had been given my phone as a birthday present. I was in the library when I realised I had missed an important appointment. I was in such a panic. So, I took my ultra slim, light weight phone out of my pocket , flicked through my contact list and  then clicked call. Even though my phone was on silent mode, the librarian came over before I could make the call and reminded me that I couldn’t make calls inside. I apologised and then proceeded to type out a text message. But again, before I could finish the message and click send, the librarian asked me to turn my phone off. I was really annoyed. Sending a text message isn’t intrusive to others and the keypad was muted. In the end, I went outside. 

I really believe that smart phones are great pieces of technology allowing us to have instant communication with others no matter where we are. Having a silent mode on the phone means we can use it without disturbing others. While libraries are supposed to be silent, I really didn’t think sending a text would be a problem. However, I believe rules are to be followed so I left the library and made my call outside. Luckily my appointment was rescheduled for the next day. Hopefully, next time I’m in the library, I won’t have anything urgent to deal with.

Note: the above answer is not based on my personal experience or my personal opinion. It is purely fictional.

4) IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions for Mobile Phones

  1. Do young and old people use smart phones the same way?
  2. What are the most popular smart phone apps in your country?
  3. How has the smart phone changed the way we live?
  4. Are there any disadvantages to a smart phone?
  5. Do you think text messages are better than phone calls?
  6. Should children be allowed their own smart phone?
  7. What are the problems allowing children to have their own smart phones?
  8. Why do some people get addicted to using their smart phone?
  9. How do you think smart phones might develop in the future?

For more IELTS Speaking free lessons, topics and tips, click here: IELTS Speaking Main Page

I hope you found this lesson useful. All the best, Liz 🙂

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UK US Spelling Main Differences

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There are key differences between UK and US spelling. In IELTS, you should not mix your spelling. You should choose either British English or American English spelling. This is not the case with accents in the speaking test. In the speaking test, mixed accents are fine.

British and American Spelling Differences

Below are the key differences in spelling between American English and British English writing. However, please note this is not a complete list.I have listed some of the main words that are commonly used in English and IELTS. The list below are organised as UK spelling first and US spelling second.

1) – ise / -ize

In British English spelling, some words end with -ise whereas they end with -ize in American English spelling.

  • realise / realize
  • sympathise / sympathize
  • organise / organize
  • specialise / specialize
  • authorise / authorize
  • criticise / criticize
  • recognise / recognize
  • characterise / characterize
  • standardise / standardize

Also note words ending -yse and -yze, such as analyse / analyze and paralyse / paralyze are spelled differently.

Please note there are exceptions. Nowadays, the following words are spelled the same in both UK and US spelling: surprise, exercise, prize, seize, advise, advertise. There may be other words, but these are the most common. 

3) -re / -er

  • centre / center
  • theatre / theater
  • litre / liter
  • metre / meter (this also applies to other measurements – km, cm, mm)
  • fibre / fiber

4) ller / ler

Note that British English words ending ller have a double “l” compared to the US spelling which is only one “l”.

  • traveller / traveler
  • levelled / leveled
  • cancelled / canceled
  • fuelled / fueled
  • jewellery / jewelry (jewelery)

This same rule applies to other forms of words such as travelled, travelling.

5) -l / -ll

Now we see the opposite rule to the one above. With UK spelling, some words have one “l”, while in US spelling they have two.

  • fulfil / fulfill
  • appal / appall 
  • skilful / skillfull
  • unskilful / unskillful
  • enrol / enroll
  • instil / instill

However, the rule above is limited. Most words are actually spelled the same in both UK and US English: successful, refill, harmful, resourceful, meaningful, thoughtful. 

6) -our / -or

  • colour / color
  • behaviour / behavior
  • favourite / favorite
  • honour / honor
  • flavour / flavor
  • neighbour / neighbor
  • humour / humor
  • labour / labor

Note the word “hour” is spelled the same.

7) -ogue / -og

  • dialogue / dialog
  • catalogue / catalog
  • travelogue / travelog

I hope you found this page useful 🙂 All the best, Liz

………………………………..

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Listening Multiple Choice Practice: Moles

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Below is a listening practice lesson for IELTS preparation. The questions are multiple choice questions which require you to pay very close attention to the paraphrases used and to pay close attention to the differences in the options given. Don’t expect only one option to be mentioned in the recording. You will likely hear words that relate to all options, but only one will be the real answer.

Instructions for Multiple Choice Listening

  • Always pay attention to the topic of the listening test which will help prepare you for the language in the recording. There will usually be a title given.
  • Read the questions before you listen to the recording.
  • Pay attention to keywords in the questions and the answer options.
  • Notice the similarity and differences between options. Sometimes the answer options can appear similar so spot the differences.
  • You might hear words for all answer options but only one answer option will be correct.
  • The questions will come in order but the answer options will not.
  • Be ready to listen only once. You can’t pause the recording in the real test.
  • Make sure you write a letter, not words, for your answer.

IELTS Listening Multiple Choice Questions 1-7

Choose the correct option for the statements below from a choice of A-C. Your answer will be a letter.

Moles & Mole Hills

  • 1. The mole hill idiom means …
    • a) making small things seem big.
    • b) make facts seem small.
    • c) making big things seem small.
  • 2. Most people are worried that mole hills …
    • a) damage lawns.
    • b) look ugly.
    • c) are a health concern.
  • 3. Moles …
    • a) are blind.
    • b) only eat worms.
    • c) can sense movement in the earth.
  • 4. Moles can dig …
    • a) over 200 yards daily.
    • b) just under 200 yards a day.
    • c) in an upward direction.
  • 5. Moles give birth ….
    • a) in a bedroom.
    • b) underground.
    • c) in a tunnel.
  • 6. The birthing chamber is …
    • a) below the largest mound of earth.
    • b) larger than a football.
    • c) where the male takes care of the young.
  • 7. Moles are equipped with ….
    • a) strong limbs for digging.
    • b) curved nails for digging.
    • c) immense hands for digging.

Recording

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TRANSCRIPT & ANSWERS

CLICK BELOW:

TRANSCRIPT

I give transcripts on my website to help you review your answers and analyse why you got an answer right or wrong. The transcript is not given with the multiple choice questions – it is given with the answers only. You won’t have access to the transcript in your listening test. You can also use the transcript to listen and repeat out loud to improve your pronunciation.

Transcript: Moles and Mole Hills. The earliest species of mole was found more or less 55 million years ago. Since then, they have developed into 42 species all of which are categorised as insectivores. Nowadays, most people in the UK come across moles when they discover mole hills on their lawns. It is from these mole hills that the idiom “making a mountain out of a mole hill” was formed. This is a very common idiom used by most native English speakers and means exaggerating something that is in fact quite small and trivial. Mole hills are created by the mole digging out earth to create tunnels and throwing the earth outwards into the garden which creates little mounds of earth on the surface. These mole hills do not cause the garden much damage but many people think they are unsightly. Moles can carry rabies which can cause serious illness if someone is bitten, but as most people rarely come into contact with a living mole, they are hardly considered a health risk. As people, particularly in the UK, are very proud of their gardens, the unsightly mole hills result in them laying down traps which kill the moles. Some people think moles are blind which is why they live underground in the dark. However, this is a myth. Although, it’s true that their eyes are very small and play little role in their life underground. They rely mostly on their sense of smell and hearing which they use to find food, such as worms. They are particularly sensitive to vibrations in the soil. A mole is capable of digging upward of 200 yards in a day, which considering that a mole only grows to about 15cm is a great achievement. They often use their tunnels as highways to travel from one place to another. They can run down their tunnels, go backwards and even do little somersaults all inside their tunnels. Their tunnel systems are also used to connect subterranean living chambers such as bedrooms and birthing chambers. The birthing chamber is about the size of a football and the female mole lines it with dry grass and leaves for the young. It’s easy to spot the breeding chamber because the mole hill above it is the biggest. She is the only adult mole who is responsible for taking care of the young. Moles are sweet looking creatures with massive hands, short limbs and strong claws all designed as excellent digging tools. Unfortunately, for moles, their skins used to be prized highly by British High Society for clothing which meant that many moles died for the vanity of people.

ANSWERS

Below are the answers to the multiple choice questions:

  1. The mole hill idiom means …
    • A
      • To exaggerate mean to make something small appear bigger than it is. Such as acting like a small spot on your face, it is huge tumour.
      • Also note, IELTS listening never tests your understanding of idioms. But in this question the meaning as given so it tested only your listening.
      • This isn’t a realistic question for IELTS listening because many of you could guess the answer. This isn’t normal for IELTS listening questions. But I thought you’d all enjoy the question anyway 🙂 
  2. Most people are worried that mole hills ….
    • B
      • The recording says “mole hills don’t cause much damage”. This means option A is wrong. Just because you hear the word “damage” which is also found in the question doesn’t mean it is the answer. Don’t try to match words.
      • The recording says “many people think they are unsightly”. The word “unsightly” means ugly. 
      • The recording says “Moles can carry rabies which can cause serious illness if someone is bitten, but as most people rarely come into contact with a living mole, they are hardly considered a health risk” This means that while moles can carry disease, they aren’t actually a risk.
  3. Moles …
    • C
      • The recording says that blind moles “are a myth”. This means it is not true.
      • The recording says they eat worms. But it does not say they eat “ONLY” worms. Pay attention to the word “only”. It means they eat worms and nothing else. 
      • The answer is found here “They are particularly sensitive to vibrations in the soil. ” This means they can feel movement in the earth.
  4. Moles can dig …
    • A
      • The recording says “A mole is capable of digging upward of 200 yards in a day”. The word “upward of” means “over”.
  5. Moles give birth ….
    • B
      • The recording says “Their tunnel systems are also used to connect subterranean living chambers such as bedrooms and birthing chambers. “. 
      • This was a difficult question. The birthing chamber is where moles give birth and the recording shows it is also one of the “subterranean living chamber”. This means “underground”.
      • You could also arrive at this answer by process of elimination. This means to delete the wrong answers. They don’t give birth in a bedroom, but in a birthing chamber and definitely not in a tunnel.
  6. The birthing chamber is …
    • A
      • the recording says “The birthing chamber is about the size of a football and the female mole lines it with dry grass and leaves for the young. It’s easy to spot the breeding chamber because the mole hill above it is the biggest. She is the only adult mole who is responsible for taking care of the young.”. This shows it is not specifically larger than a football and the “she mole” (not the males) cares for the young. This provides the only answer which is 100% accurate: “the mole hill above is the biggest” which means the chamber is below the biggest mole hill.
  7. Moles are equipped with …
    • C
      • The recording showed that moles have “massive hands, short limbs and strong claws all designed as excellent digging tools. “
      • Limbs are said to be short, no mention about strength. So, answer A is wrong.
      • Claws (nails) are strong, but no mention of being curved. So, answer B is wrong.
      • The word “immense” is the same as: huge, very big, massive.

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Filed Under: IELTS Listening

Misunderstanding the IELTS Speaking Cue Card

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What happens if you misunderstand or misread your IELTS cue card in Speaking Part 2? Does it mean you will get a lower score? How do the band scores relate to this?

Examples of Misunderstood IELTS Speaking Cue Cards

Below are some cue card topics and examples of how it is possible to misread or misunderstood them:

  1. A piece of equipment you use at home
    1. You talk about a tennis racket or football.
  2. A time someone helped you
    1. You talk about a time when you helped your friend.
  3. A foreign food you would like to eat
    1. You talk about a foreign food you don’t like.
  4. An achievement you celebrated
    1. You talk about your mother’s 60th birthday party.
  5. Something you borrowed
    1. You talk about an item you gave to a friend.
  6. An interesting old person
    1. You talk about someone who is 40 years old.
  7. A type of weather you like
    1. You talk about the sports you enjoy playing when it’s hot.
  8. A film you like
    1. You talk about a sport you enjoy.

All the examples above are from IELTS candidates who went slightly off topic and either didn’t read the cue card properly or misunderstood the topic. 

The Impact of Misreading the IELTS Cue Card

Question to you: Which of the examples given above for the IELTS cue cards in speaking part 2 might be a problem or are they all ok? 

Click below to reveal the answer:

ANSWER

OK. Get ready to read and become more informed. There is no quick answer, only detailed explanations.

As you can see from the examples listed above on this page, all of them go off topic slightly. The reason being that someone in the test was so nervous that they misunderstood or didn’t read the cue card properly. It happens a lot in the speaking test.

There is NO marking criterion called Task Achievement in IELTS Speaking. Task Achievement or Task Response is part of the Writing Test marking, not part of the Speaking test marking. In Speaking, you are marked on:

  • Fluency
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Pronunciation

Only your spoken English matters. 

So, with the examples listed above, all examples from 1 to 7 are fine. The candidate has understood the main topic and stayed on the main topic. But they have missed specific details. In example 1, the topic is equipment and the specific detail is equipment in the home. In this case, the candidate didn’t read the card properly and only talked about equipment, missing any mention of “home”. This is not a problem. You won’t lose marks because of this. The examiner might draw your attention to this or might not. In number 5, the candidate has misunderstood the word “borrow” and talked about “lend”. This is very small vocabulary error and won’t have a big impact on your score for vocabulary. Even number 6 is fine. Some people think that being 40 years old is old, while others think that only 70 years and above is old. We all have different understandings of age and it’s ok.

However, the problem is number 8. In this situation the candidate hasn’t misread the cue card and hasn’t misunderstood it either. A film is 100% different to a sport. Even people with only simple English know the difference between a film and a sport. This candidate has actually changed the topic completely. This could be a serious problem. If the examiner thinks you have changed the topic because you prefer a different one that you prepared at home or one you have memorised, you might have your entire talk discounted. It won’t result in minus points because there are no minus points, but your talk might be seen as invalid and not counted towards your marks. You can’t change the topic and you can’t memorise answers. 

Basically, if you misread the cue card, don’t worry about it. Keep talking. No matter the mistake, your talk will count towards your marks. Each word and sentence you say in the test will count towards your marks. But never try to completely change the topic on the cue card.

I hope this gives you more insight into how your talk in IELTS Speaking part 2 is marked.

 

All the best

Liz

 

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IELTS Essay Questions for 2022

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Below is a list of predicted IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topics for this year, 2022. As usual, these topics are based on common topics, current world issues and trending topics. Both GT and Academic candidates should prepare from the list below.

On this page, you will find:

  • List of types of essay questions
  • Essay Topics for 2022
  • Useful Links for lessons & tips

IELTS Essay Types in 2022

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. When you read the 2022 Essay Topics list below, be ready for that topic to be phrased in different ways for different essay types. Be prepared to be flexible!!

  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

Click here to learn how to spot which type of essay you have: IELTS Essay Types

IELTS Essay Topics for 2022

I’ve organised the predicted IELTS essay questions below and highlighted the topics I feel are more likely to appear. All topics in IELTS essays are current world issues and known society concerns. Our world today is mainly focused on health, work, technology, internet and other aspects of life.

Art

  1. is art important
  2. what can children learn from art, drama etc
  3. is literature important to teach in schools
  4. should the government fund artists
  5. what people gain from live events
  6. should art be censored
  7. does art transcend the language barrier

Books & Reading

  1. e-books – pros and cons
  2. are libraries a thing of the past
  3. children reading story books in their free time
  4. adults reading children’s stories

Business & Money

  1. family run businesses – pros and cons
  2. should we save or spend
  3. should companies be responsible for their employees’ health
  4. why some people do not save
  5. should money management be taught in schools
  6. is dress code or uniforms important in a company
  7. why do some people get into debt
  8. spending money on unnecessary items / luxury goods
  9. supporting small local businesses
  10. buying local or foreign products
  11. relocating companies to the countryside away from city centers – pros and cons
  12. factors in business success
  13. is the layout of an office important

Character & People

  1. is leadership innate
  2. factors behind success
  3. are people more impatient than before
  4. are older people as respected as they should be
  5. people who follow fashion trends
  6. keeping up with the Joneses
  7. individuality or conformity in schools 
  8. why do some people struggle with change
  9. are people less respectful of the elderly nowadays
  10. are people becoming less formal

Crime & Punishment

  1. fixed punishment for a crime or should circumstances play a role in deciding punishment
  2. prisons – pros and cons
  3. stopping ex-convicts from re-offending
  4. how to reduce crime in society
  5. do some films encourage criminal behaviour
  6. should teenage offenders get the same punishment as adult offenders
  7. why people watch crime shows on TV
  8. online crimes
  9. is safety a personal or government responsibility

Culture

  1. are museums and art galleries important
  2. can children gain from visiting museums and galleries
  3. should the government support artists
  4. should schools prioritise science over the Arts
  5. importance of traditional clothes and music
  6. how tourism is changing local cultures
  7. how can the government / schools preserve traditional culture
  8. globalisation – will cultures be lost
  9. how has the internet affect culture around the world
  10. are public celebrations important for culture
  11. people spending a lot of money on weddings and celebrations
  12. do foreign films change local culture

Education

  1. discipline in schools
  2. pros and cons of learning online
  3. is science and technology important to teach
  4. are university degrees more important than experience
  5. how can people learn soft skills, such as communication, personal skills etc
  6. homework for children – an aid to learning or too much pressure
  7. who influences children most – teachers or parents
  8. teaching good values – teachers or parents
  9. are children from poor backgrounds disadvantaged in education
  10. is history important to learn
  11. studying abroad
  12. children of different abilities should be taught separately
  13. home schooling pros and cons
  14. education in cities compared to rural areas
  15. how to make learning interesting for children
  16. all education should be free

Environment, Nature & Wildlife

  1. protecting trees/ endangered species – causes / problems / solutions
  2. how to educate people about environmental problems
  3. noise pollution / air pollution / water pollution – causes / solutions
  4. how to tackle littering
  5. importance of tackling climate change – causes, problems, solutions
  6. importance of spending time in nature
  7. are wild animals important
  8. testing consumer products on animals
  9. children having pets
  10. who should protect the environment: individuals or governments

Family

  1. what is the generation gap and how can it be tackled
  2. can children benefit from a close relationship with their grandparents
  3. should women with children go to work
  4. are family roles changing within the family
  5. who should support elderly family members: family or government
  6. is it important for family members to spend time together
  7. why do some couples choose not to have children
  8. parents should give children the freedom to make their own mistakes

Food

  1. is our food culture changing
  2. is it important to keep traditional meals
  3. why do people eat junk food if it is unhealthy
  4. should families eat together
  5. is animal welfare important to know about when buying meat in supermarkets
  6. what information would stop you buying a certain product
  7. what is a balanced diet
  8. why are some people vegetarian 

Health

  1. should all health care be free – pros and cons
  2. is public health a personal responsibility or the responsibility of the government
  3. sugar as a cause of health problems
  4. problems with junk food
  5. importance of mental health
  6. tackling obesity in society / in children
  7. health problems connected to using screens
  8. how to encourage children to do more exercise
  9. why people take up meditation, yoga or taichi
  10. walking, cycling to work pros and cons
  11. funding prevention or treatments

Language & Communication

  1. are text messages / emails / video calls a good form of communication
  2. pros and cons of one global language
  3. how has the internet changed the way we communicate and socialise
  4. should children learn a foreign language at an early age
  5. is handwriting a thing of the past
  6. will snail mail one day disappear
  7. difficulties learning a foreign language

Leisure

  1. are holidays important
  2. why is leisure time important
  3. are hobbies important
  4. spending time in nature
  5. children spending time playing together
  6. do people value leisure time more nowadays
  7. why do people watch so much TV in their free time
  8. Is watching TV a good leisure activity
  9. what leisure activities are best for children
  10. should children do homework or have fun in their leisure time

Media & The Internet

  1. social media and our image of beauty
  2. shopping online pros and cons
  3. how the internet has changed the way we work
  4. importance of accuracy in historical films
  5. does the internet make people feel more connected
  6. online streaming for films – pros and cons
  7. problems sharing personal information online
  8. reality TV stars
  9. what makes a film successful – stars, special effects or story
  10. meeting new people online
  11. how advertising influences people – billboards, internet pop ups, brand placement in films, social media
  12. celebrities as role models for children
  13. are newspapers a thing of the past now that news can be found online
  14. unreliable news or information online

Technology

  1. technology makes people lazy
  2. pros and cons of smart phones
  3. technology in the work place results in job losses
  4. technology and solving pollution / environmental problems
  5. technology, science and health
  6. government spending on space exploration or health care social services
  7. how has technology changed our lives / the way we work
  8. how has technology helped mankind

Transport

  1. pros and cons of a traffic free zone in city centers
  2. way to reduce pollution from cars
  3. should driving tests be obligatory every 5 years
  4. how to reduce traffic congestion in city centers
  5. pros and cons of plane travel
  6. how to ensure road safety
  7. should we all use electric cars
  8. people over 80 should not be allowed to drive

Tourism

  1. experiencing foreign countries on TV rather than travelling there
  2. conforming to the culture of the country you are visiting
  3. pros and cons of tourism on the domestic economy
  4. adventure holidays
  5. tourism and environmental factors (including wildlife)
  6. pros and cons of taking holidays on your own country
  7. tourism and its impact on the country

Sport

  1. what children learn from team sports and individual sports
  2. should sports teach competition or cooperation
  3. should schools increase physical education lessons
  4. benefits of exercise, walking, cycling
  5. should sports stars be paid so much
  6. companies sponsor sports events and teams for advertising – pros and cons
  7. sports professionals earning high salaries compared to doctors or nurses
  8. why people do adventure sports
  9. importance of international sports competitions

World Issues & Social Issues

  1. how can homelessness be tackled
  2. should world issues be solved nationally or internationally
  3. closing the gap between rich and poor countries
  4. rich countries should support poor countries at any cost
  5. overpopulation – problems / solutions
  6. people are living longer – pros and cons
  7. should charities help people locally or nationally
  8. are charities important
  9. more people are raising money for charities – why, is this a good thing
  10. living in the countryside or city – pros and cons
  11. food wastage / increase in world food demand
  12. (affordable) housing shortage – solutions
  13. migration of workers from rural to urban areas
  14. taking care of the elderly – family or government responsibility
  15. lack of good education in under-developed countries

Work

  1. pros and cons of working from home
  2. work-life balance
  3. pros and cons of being self-employed / working for a company
  4. bosses contacting people on their days off
  5. importance of holidays from work
  6. both parents working – how it impacts children
  7. is team working skills
  8. job satisfaction or salary
  9. working online pros and cons
  10. work-life balance
  11. pros and cons of technology / machines at work
  • Was this list useful to you?
  • Did you get one of these topics in your test?

USEFUL IELTS WRITING TASK 2 LINKS:

Click below to access some useful lessons and tips for your IELTS essay

How to write an introduction

List of keywords for essay writing

How to use the last 5 mins in your writing test

How long should your essay be

All Free Writing Task 2 Lessons and Tips

Filed Under: IELTS Writing Task 2
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