IELTS Speaking Topics September to December 2020

IELTS Part 1 Speaking Topics

IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics can be found here.

IELTS Part 2 Cue Card Topics and Part 3 Follow up questions

1. Describe a photograph that you like (of yourself or you have clicked)

Who took it? or How did you click it?

When did you take this picture?

Where was this taken?

Explain why do you like it so much?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Is photography a preferred profession in your country?
Do people in your country take a lot of photos?
Do you think digital photography has changed the phase of photography? Why?/ Why not?
Why do some people delete images after they have clicked?
How has photography changed in recent years?

2. Describe an interesting book that you read recently

What was it about?

When did you read it?

How did you come across this book?

Explain why you found it useful?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Is reading important for individuals? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of books are popular in your country? Why?
Do you think reading should be encouraged among children? Why?/ Why not?
How can reading habits be encouraged among youngsters?
Do you think e-books would replace paper books in the future? Why?/ Why not?

3. Describe a time you had to differ from an opinion you gave

What was the occasion?

What was the original opinion you gave?

Why did you have to change your opinion?

Explain how you felt about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think nowadays people give a lot of opinions? Why?/ Why not?
Are children allowed to give opinions on matters, in your country? Why?/ Why not?
Most youngsters consider taking opinions and advice from their elders. Why is it so?
Is it common for people to change their opinions once put forward? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think opinions and ideas from others can affect your goal? Why?/ Why not?

4. Describe an intelligent person you know or you have met

Who is this person?

What do they do?

What makes him/ her so intelligent?

Explain how do you feel about knowing or meeting this person?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What are the benefits of being knowledgeable or intelligent for a person?
Do you think such people are happier than most others as they are recognized in their area?
Teachers are very helpful despite being so knowledgeable about their subject area? Why?
Is intelligence an important quality for a student? Why?/ Why not?
Why are certain children considered smarter or wiser than others?

5. Describe a good decision you took in recent times

What was the occasion?

What was the decision you made?

How did it affect or what the result of this decision?

Explain how did you feel about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Who usually takes decisions in families in your country? Why?
Why is decision making skill so important for a person?
Should children be allowed to make decisions regarding their activities?
Is decision making an important skill for managers at work? Why?/ Why not?
What consequences do you think can happen if there has been a wrong decision made?

6. Describe a time you learnt or spoke a foreign language (not English)

Which foreign language did you learn?

What did you talk about?

Who were with you?

Explain how did you feel about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Why do people prefer to learn foreign languages?
Is there a benefit at work or personally for individuals who know a foreign language? Why?/ Why not?
Does a foreign language benefit you more in verbal or non-verbal communication? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think learning another language than English has an advantage?
Should children be encouraged to learn foreign languages?

7. Describe a conversation you were bored with

What was the conversation?

Who was with you?

When did you have this conversation?

Explain why were you so bored?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What are the usual topics of conversation among people in your country?
Is there a popular culture among youngsters for chats and discussions in your country?
Are face-to-face interactions among people affected due to social media? Why?/ Why not?
Has the way people interacted with each other changed in the past few years? Why?/ Why not?
What is the disadvantage of people relying on technology or social media over those who still prefer to meet and talk?

8. Describe another family that you like (not your own)

Who is this family and where are they?

How do you know them?

What is special about this family?

Explain why you feel happy knowing them?/ Why you like them so much?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What qualities in a family keep the members united? Why?
How important is the role of grandparents in a family?
Are youngsters or children in your country have an open attitude with their parents?
Do you think parents should learn about parenting do’s and don’ts?
What are the qualities of a good parent?

9. Describe an open-minded person you know

Who is this person?

How do you know him/ her?

How do you feel when you are with them?

Explain why do you think this person has this quality?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are children or adults more open in expressing their thoughts?
Do people in your country have an open-minded nature? Why?/ Why not?
Should people be encouraged to express themselves? What are the advantages of this?
Do you think women globally are open to express their feelings than it was ten years back? Why?/ Why not?
Why do some people today still prefer to be introverts and do not showcase their feelings?

10. Describe a song or a poem that you like

Which song or poem is it?

When did you listen or read it?

How did you come across this song/ poem?

Explain how does it make you feel?

Part 3 Followup questions:

Do you think having a good memory is beneficial? Why?/ Why not?
What can people do to improve their memory?
How do you feel when you forget about important things?
Do people memorize better when they read or when they write? Why? / Why not?
Do you think we have a better memory when we are younger or when we get older? Why?/ Why not?

11. Describe a field of science that interests or interested you

What is it?

When did you learn about it?

How has it helped you?

Explain why this area of science interests or interested you?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think education and learning have advanced in the past years? Why?/ Why not?
How does learning subjects like science help an individual?
Do you think that theoretical study is better than experiment-based learning? Why?/ Why not?
What benefits can e-learning provide to individuals?
Do you think it is practical to educate students online rather than classroom study in schools and colleges? Why?/ Why not?

12. Describe an activity that you enjoy

What is the activity?

How do you do it?

When do you do it?

Explain why you enjoy doing this activity so much?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think leisure activities have become more popular among people nowadays than before?
Are people ready to spend money on trying such activities? Why?/ Why not?
How often do you think people should indulge in such activities? Why?/ Why not?
How are leisure activities in your country different than the rest of the world?
Do you think old and young people like doing the same kind of leisure activities? Why? Why not?

13. Describe a time you noticed a bad behaviour from a child/ a group of children in a public place

Where did this happen?

What did they do?

What was your reaction to it?

Explain how did the incident made you feel?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you agree that children behaving inappropriately has become more common nowadays? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think parents have become softer or stricter these days?
Are punishments necessary to teach children the difference between right and wrong? Why?/ Why not?
What happens when parents are tolerant of their kids?
Who influences a child more? Parents or peers?

IELTS Speaking Topics September to December 2020

14. Describe a time when you got connected with an old friend

Who is this friend?

How did you get in touch with him/ her?

What kind of person is he/ she?

Explain how did you feel about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

How has technology and social media influenced in reconnecting people?
Were relationships between people better without technology? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think people will be able to connect better and have improved relationships in future? Why?/ Why not?
Are people in your country influenced by social media a lot? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think these days people enjoy real or virtual meetings with one another? Why?/ Why not?

15. Describe a popular tradition followed in your country

What is it about?

When is it practised?

How do you practise it?

Explain why it is important for the people of your country?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Why is it necessary to follow and practice traditions?
How different is it now than present in practising traditions and festivals?
Do you feel western influence is replacing traditional popularity in your country?
Should young people be made to follow family traditions in these days? Why?/ Why not?
Do people in your country celebrate and follow festivals and traditions? Why?/ Why not?

16. Describe a time when you were appreciated or received a prize

What was the occasion?

When did this happen?

What did you do?

And explain how you felt about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are appreciations and recognition beneficial at workplaces and homes?
Do you think rewards are motivating for employees at workplaces? Are there any disadvantages to this? Why?/ Why not?
What are the benefits of appreciating young children in a family?
Do you think teachers and parents should always appreciate and recognise young people’s efforts?
Do individuals feel motivated if they are praised for what they do? Why?/ Why not?

17. Describe an event which you attended and disliked

What was the event?

Where did it happen?

What did you dislike there?

Explain how you felt about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think youngsters nowadays spend a lot of money to attend musical concerts?
Do you the old and the young prefer the same kind of music? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of music do youngsters prefer nowadays? Why?/ Why not?
Does listening to music help relax and refresh? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think the availability of so many musical apps have helped people to access different styles of music globally?

18. Describe an ambition or goal you have for a long time

What is the goal?

What have you done for it?

When do plan to achieve it?

Explain why do you have such ambition or goal?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are people more ambitious today than in the past? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think men are more ambitious than women? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think ambitious people are generally more successful in life? Why?/ Why not?
Should children be encouraged to follow their ambitions? Why?/ Why not?
Is it difficult or easy to follow one’s ambitions, nowadays? Why?

19. Describe a time you helped someone recently

Who was this person?

What did you do to help them?

Why did you help him or her?

Explain how did you feel about helping them?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are people more helpful nowadays than in the past? Why?/ Why not?
Why do you think people help each other?
Do you think helping people make more friends? Why? COURTEOUS
Do you think neighbours should help one another? Why?/ Why not?
Are children more helpful than adults? Why?/ Why not?

20. Describe a friend who could be a good leader

What is his/ her name?

How did you meet him/ her?

Do people behave differently when he/ she is around?

Explain why do you think he/ she can be a good leader?

Part 3 Follow up questions

In Indian families, generally who is the decision-maker?
What kind of qualities does a decision-maker have?
Why is it important to make good decisions in life?
Who can be the best decision-maker in the workplace? Why?
Do you think nowadays people are better decision-makers than in the past? Why?/ Why not?

21. Describe an app that you use on your phone

What is this app called?

How did you find it?

What do you use it for?

Explain how useful you feel it is?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think social media apps are the most popular these days? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think people spend too much time on these apps? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of apps do youngsters use mostly in your country? Why?/ Why not?
How do you think health or fitness-related apps benefit people?
Should children be encouraged to study through educational apps on phone? Why?/Why not?

22. Talk about a polluted place or city you visited

Where is this place?

When did you go there?

What did you see?

Explain why is it so polluted?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What steps can an individual take to protect the environment from pollution?
Should school and colleges teach about waste management to students? Why?/ Why not?
How has recycling helped to reduce pollution?
Which type of pollution is the most common in your country? Why?
What problems can we face if the pollution levels keep rising?

23. Describe a mistake you have recently made

What was the mistake?

Where did this happen?

What did you do?

Explain how did you feel about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think people in the past apologized more than in the present?
What can our mistakes in life teach us? How?
When parents make mistakes, do you think they should apologize to their children? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think most people feel shy about apologizing for their mistakes? Why?/ Why not?
What are your thoughts on people who apologize unnecessarily?

24. Describe a time you were surprised to see or meet a friend

When did this happen?

Who was this friend?

Where was it?

Explain what surprised you on seeing or meeting them?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do youngsters in your country plan surprise parties or trips?
Do you think one should plan or be spontaneous in doing things?
Why are people surprised even when they plan and do not achieve results?
Do unexpected situations make people feel stressed? Why?/ Why not?
Are unexpected behaviours from people a sign of anger? Why?/ Why not?

25. Describe a noisy place you have been to

Where was it?

Why you went there?

Why it was noisy?

Explain how did you feel about being there and how did you resolve it?

Part 3 Followup questions:

Do you think noise pollution affects us in a negative manner? Why?/ Why not?
Are there several noises of traffic in your country? Is it disturbing?
Is it important to be loud amidst people? What are its disadvantages?
Why do you think noisy children are a disturbance to others?
Do noisy environments make individuals irritated?

26. Talk about a movie or show that made you laugh

What is its name?

When did you watch it?

Did you watch it alone or with someone?

Explain why did you find it so funny?

Part 3 Follow up questions

Do people in your country watch comedy or funny shows? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think comedy shows are more popular now than in the past? Why?/ Why not?
Why are funny shows loved by all age groups?
Why do you think some people are easily able to make others laugh?
Should comedy shows be telecasted at peak watching hours or other hours?

IELTS Speaking Topics September to December 2020

27. Describe a time you received good news

When did you receive it?

What was it about?

How did you get the news?

Explain how did you feel when you got the news?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

How do people in your country get everyday news?
Have news channels and media become more effective in spreading news these days?
Do you think technology has helped us to be updated with events across the globe?
Should students be encouraged to read the news every day? Why?/ Why not?
Are news apps commonly used by young people in your country? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think printed news is more reliable than e-news? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think newspapers would be completely replaced in the future? Why?/ Why not?

28. Describe a time you felt bored and wasted time

What was the occasion?

Where was it?

What did you do to pass time?

Explain why you felt so bored?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What kinds of jobs are considered boring? And why do you think so?
What makes any job interesting?
What kind of activities do youngsters find interesting nowadays? Why?/ Why not?
Has technology made time management easier? How?
Do you think leisure and fun activities waste our time? Why?/ Why not?

29. Describe a water sport you want to try in future

What is it?

Where can you do it?

How easy or difficult is it?

Explain why you would like to try this water sport?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Why do you think sport is an important activity?
How can famous sportspeople influence children?
Should children engage in physical sports activities? Why?/ Why not?
Why do people participate in sports activities more now than in the past?
What sport can old people play to keep themselves fit? How does it help them?

30. Describe an old person you like

Who is the person?

Where is he or she?

How did you meet him or her?

Explain why you like them?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What qualities should caretakers possess who look after old people?
Do you think it is easy to take care of old people?
Is patience important to deal with older people? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of support do older people in a family provide to youngsters?
What steps can be taken to improve the emotional health of the old and the aged?

31. Describe a time you took a risk and received a positive outcome

When was it?

What risk did you take?

Why did you take this risk?

Explain how you felt about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Why do you think some people take more risks than others?
Why are some people afraid to take any risk?
What do you think are the advantages of taking risks?
Do men and women take different kinds of risks? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think action movies encourage us to take more risks? Why?/ Why not?

32. Describe a time you volunteered to do something

When was it?

Where were you?

How did you do it?

Explain why you did it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do companies engage in volunteering work in your country?
How does it benefit the employees who do the volunteering job?
What are the qualities a volunteer must-have?
What are the benefits of sharing work with others?
Have volunteering activities popular among young people in your country?
What are the advantages of including professional employees in volunteering activities?

33. Describe a time you went on a car journey

When was it?

Who were with you?

What did you do?

Explain how you felt about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are cars popularly preferred by people in your country?
What is the difference between a two-wheeler ride and a car drive?
Do you think it is important to have a car? Why?/ Why not?
What do you think future cars would be like?
Do you think it is safe to travel in a car or a two-wheeler?

34. Describe a time you had to change your plans due to the weather

When was it?

Who was/were with you?

What were you planning to do?

Explain how did you feel?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do people use weather apps in your country?
Do you think weather apps can be considered reliable? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of fun activities can people do on a rainy day?
What kind of weather do people prefer to have while they are on holidays?
Do you think rapid weather changes are a result of global warming? Why?/ Why not?

35. Describe an amazing dinner you had

When was it?

Who was/ were with you?

Where were you?

Explain how was dinner?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Is it common to invite people for lunch and dinner in your country? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think relationships between people develop on such occasions?
Do you think there is a difference between dining at home and at a restaurant? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think people should try different cuisines while travelling? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think people like to have specific food on special occasions?

36. Describe a time you enjoyed a group activity

When was it?

Who were with you?

Where were you?

Explain what did you do?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are children in your country encouraged to do team activities? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of skills can a person develop in a team?
What kind of qualities should a team leader have? Why?
What according to you is more important – Individual achievement or team efforts? Why?/ Why not?
Why are disagreements important in a team?
Is team building easier now because of the internet and technology? How?

37. Describe a new public facility you want to visit

What is it?

Where is it?

What can you do there?

Explain why you want to visit this place?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

How different are the public facilities in rural and urban parts of your country?
Why do you think people should be made aware of hygiene and cleanliness in public places?
Do you think there are enough public facilities in your country?
What steps can be taken to improve the quality of old public facilities?
How can we avoid people from damaging public places or facilities?

38. Describe a foreign culture or a foreign country you want to explore

What culture or which country is it?

What do you want to know about it?

How did you get to know about it?

Explain why you are so interested in knowing about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think technology has made it possible to learn about global cultures?
Why do you think people like to travel and learn about new places?
Do you think guidebooks are more reliable than travel apps? Why?/ Why not?
Should children be encouraged to go on trips and tours to explore new destinations? Why?/ Why not?
Are people these days more open to foreign influence than in the past? Why?/ Why not?

39. Describe a movie that inspired you

What kind of movie was it?

When did you watch it?

Why did you choose to watch it?

Explain how it inspired you?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are people fond of movies in your country? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of films do young people enjoy? Why?
Do you think that the internet has made movie watching easier globally? Why?
How different are movies from your country than those from western countries?
Is it right to have an audience discretion for every film? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think children are advancing due to the movies they watch? Why?/ Why not?

40. Describe a time you dressed up well for an occasion

What is the clothing?

When did you wear it?

How did you dress up for it? How long you took?

Explain how did you feel that day?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are formal clothes more popular than informal clothing in your country?
Do you think people buy more online now than going to retail shops for buying clothes? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think formal clothing makes a better impression? Why?/ Why not?
Should students be encouraged to wear uniforms in school or civilian clothes? Why?/ Why not?
How different is the clothing style now as compared to the past? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think youngsters experiment more with clothing styles? Why?/ Why not?

41.Describe a time you set a goal for yourself

When did you set a goal?

What was the goal?

How did you work for it?

Explain why was it important to you?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think young and old people have similar goals? Why?/ Why not?
Is it important for a person to have goals in life? Why?
Does one need to have a plan to achieve a task? Why is it important? /Why not?
Do you think achievements are important for a person to feel successful? Why?/ Why not?
Should parents encourage children to set goals for themselves? Why?/ Why not?

42. Talk about a magazine article you read about healthy living?
or An online article about healthy living?

What was the article about?

When did you read it?

How did you come across this magazine and/ or article?

Explain what lessons did you learn from it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What are the most popular ways of keeping healthy in your country?
Do you think most people worry more about their health as they get older?
Why do you think some people continue bad habits when they know that they are damaging to their health?
How can children be encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits?
Do you think people have become more health-conscious in recent years?
Could governments do more to promote healthier lifestyle options?

43. Describe a famous media or news personality you want to meet

Who is it?

What does this person do?

How did you know about this person?

And explain why you want to meet with him?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What kind of news is commonly preferred now, online or TV news? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think news channels in your country provide reliable information?
Do you feel celebrity news should be a part of every day news updates?
Do people in India like sports news? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think news channels influence people negatively? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think advertisements should not be played when the news is being telecasted? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think paid news is relevant in your country? Why?/ Why not?

44. Describe a time when you helped someone

Who was this person?

What help did he need?

How did you help him or her?

Explain how did you feel about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are family relationships of importance in your country? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think school students should their peers in school?
Should teachers and parents encourage such quality among children? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think friends are more helpful than family members? Why?/ Why not?
Do neighbours in your area help each other? What are the advantages of this?
Do you think people are more helpful now than in the past?

45. Describe a time you got lost in a place

Where were you?

Were you alone or with someone?

What did you do?

Explain how you felt about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

How important are navigation skills while a person is travelling to an unknown place?
Do you think the use of maps and other apps help to reach a destination accurately?
Why do people like travelling to unknown or new places?
Is travelling important for a person? Why?/ Why not?
Has the use of technology allowed people to travel safely without being lost?

46. Describe a time you made a journey and were delayed

When was it?

Where did you go?

What caused the delay?

And explain how did you feel?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What is the most common mode of transportation in your country? Why?
Do young people like to travel by road for trips in India? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of places do you think people prefer to travel during vacations? Why?
What are the benefits of travelling for a person?
Do you think people travel more these days than in the past? Why?
Are business travels popular among people in your country?

47. Describe a time a family member asked you for help

Who was the family member?

What help did he or she want?

How did you help them?

Explain how did you feel about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

How helpful are families with each other in your country?
Do you think people are close to their cousins and relatives these days compared to the past?
How can children help their parents in a family?
Are children more helpful these days than in the past?
Should children be encouraged to help their parents in doing household work?
In what ways can children be rewarded for their kindness and help?

48. Describe a time when someone apologized to you

Who was this person?

What happened between you both?

Why he or she apologized to you?

And explain how did it feel?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think it is important to apologize if anyone makes a mistake? Why?/ Why not?
Do people in your country apologize a lot? Why?/ Why not?
In what kind of situations do people usually apologize?
How do you feel when you see an unapologetic person?
How do people react in your country if someone makes an apology?
How can we teach children to be apologetic if they make a mistake?
Do you think older people should apologize to younger people? Why?/ Why not?

49. Describe a work or sport you have done in a team

What work/ sport did you do?

Who all were with you?

When did you do it?

How did you feel doing a team activity?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Are team activities popular in the community around you? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of qualities can you learn in a team?
Do you think team leaders are important in a team?
Why do companies practice team activities?
Do you think employees are motivated better by team activities than doing it themselves?
Why do you think sports teams perform so well?

50. Talk about an interesting animal or bird

What is it?

Where is it found?

What qualities does it have?

Explain why do you find it interesting?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think the conservation of animals is important? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think conservation efforts are better for animals than birds and insects? Why?/ Why not?
Are you in favour of animal experiments?
Why do people like to have pets at home?
Does a child benefit from having a pet at home? How?
Why is eating animal meat so popular globally?

51. Describe a time you were not allowed to use your phone

What was the occasion?

Where were you?

Why was no mobile phone allowed there?

Explain how did you feel about it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

In what kind of places or situations should mobile phones be banned?
How has the use of cell phones impacted our everyday lives?
What do young people use the most on mobile phones these days?
How do you compare life without a phone and now?
Should children be encouraged to use mobiles phones from a young age? Why?/ Why not?

52. Describe a job you don’t want to do in future

What is the job?

Do you know anyone who does/ did this job you do not like?

What is it that you do not like about it?

How different is it from what do you now?

Part 3 Followup questions:

Do you think some jobs demand more physical work than others? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think women are able to do the same jobs as men can do? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of skills are required for a job seeker?
Is a work environment more important or the physical structure of a workplace for an employee? Why?/ Why not?
What is more important for employees – job satisfaction or salary?

53. Describe a person you are happy to know about

Who is this person?

How do you know him or her?

What does he or she do?

Explain why this person is so happy?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Is happiness an important factor for success in life? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think that rich people are happier than poor people? Why?/ Why not?
How do children express their happiness?
Do you think talented people are happy people as well? Why?/ Why not?
Are people happier than people in the past? What causes happiness to people nowadays?

54. Describe a successful business you know about

What is it?

Where is it?

What do they do?

Explain why you think it is a successful business?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Is it important for a business to be competitive? Why?/ Why not?
How do successful businesses impact their surrounding region?
Do you think entrepreneurship has increased with the advancement in technology? Why?/ Why not?
What kinds of businesses are most popular in your country? Why?
What qualities do successful entrepreneurs have than others?
Do you think running a business is easier than doing a job? Why?/ Why not?

55. Describe a person whom you taught something

Who is this person?

How do you know him or her?

What did you teach them?

Explain how useful this learning was?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think a helpful neighbourhood is better than being on your own?
Should children be taught this value at home? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think children learn alone or when they are with their friends? Why?/ Why not?
Do you think people help others so that they get something in return? Why?/ Why not?
Will you help someone even if they haven’t been of help to you? Why?/ Why not?

56. Describe a person who taught you something

Who is this person?

How do you know him or her?

What did you learn?

And explain how it helped them?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Which do you think it is better – have a teacher train you or self-teaching? Why?/ Why not?
What qualities are important for a teacher to have? Why?
Do you think teachers will no longer be required for teaching in the future? Why?/ Why not?
What changes will traditional classrooms and teaching methods have in future?
What is the role of a teacher in a classroom?

57. Describe a time you bought something and had difficulty using it

What did you buy?

Where did you buy it from?

What is its purpose?

Explain what difficulty you faced while using it?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do people in your country try new gadgets and appliances in the market? Why?/ Why not?
Some people find it easy to follow instructions while assembling a gadget, others find it difficult – Why is it so?
Do people feel uncomfortable using new products at home or work? Why?/ Why not?
Do advertisements play a key role in promoting innovative and trendy products these days? Why?/ Why not?
Are people now preferring to buy local products than imported items? Why?/ Why not?

58. Describe a crowded place you have been to

Where was it?

When did you go there?

Why was it so crowded?

Explain how did you manage there and how you felt?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

What kind of places do people go in large numbers to visit in India?
Do people usually prefer large crowded places or empty places during leisure trips? Why?/ Why not?
What kind of place can a person go to, if he wants alone time?
Should children be accompanied to crowded places? Is it safe in your country?
Do you think crowded places and noises cause anxiety for some people? Why?
What measures can be taken at a public event to keep the place clean and tidy?

59. Describe an enjoyable performance you watched

When was it?

Where did you watch it?

What was it about?

Explain why did you enjoy it so much?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Do you think people enjoy live shows than watching it on television or online? Why?
What kind of live shows are popular in your country? Why?
How are concerts and live shows now different from the past?
Is learning performing arts or drama encouraged among children in your country?
Do you think children must be encouraged to learn drama and other art forms like painting and dancing in schools? Why?/ Why not?

60. Describe a time you received an important information

What was it?

Where were you?

When did this happen?

Explain what were your feelings when you got this news?

Part 3 Follow up questions:

Which is a more reliable medium of conveying information – calling or messaging?
Are postal mails still popular in your country? Why?/ Why not?
How do people in your country usually convey important news to someone?
Do you think the way we communicate with each other has changed in the past ten years? How?
What is the impact of internet and social media apps on communication?
Do you think technology has made communication easier than traditional means?

Part 1 Speaking Topics and Sub Questions

Home

Where is it?
What kind of home do you live in?
Tell me a little about your home?
How many rooms do you have at home?
Which is your favourite room?
What changes would you like to bring in it?
Do you plan to live in the same house in the future?
How is your neighbourhood?

Hometown

Where is it?
What facilities are there around?
What improvements would you like to have there?
Do you like it?
What can a visitor do there?
What are the common occupations of people there?
How is the traffic?
Is it a good place for a child growing up there?

Work/ Study

What is your present area of work/ what have you studied?
Where do you work/ where did you study that?
Why did you choose this domain at work/ why did you choose this course?
Do you like your present area of work/ area of study?
What do you not like about it?
Do you plan to change your domain in the future/ area of study?

Running & Exercise

Do you like running?
How often do you go for a run?
Where do you usually plan and go for a run or jog?
Do you think running is a good way to stay healthy?
Are there facilities in your hometown like fitness centres?

Water Sports

Do you wish to try a water sport in future?
Which form of water sport have you tried/ or you would like to try?
Why do you think people have a good time near water?
Do you think indulging in water sports creates any sort of pollution?

Alone Time

What do you like to do when you are alone?
Do you wish to have more alone time?
Do you think people are more creative when they are alone?
Would you spend time with your friends or just stay at home on your own?

Music

What kind of music do you prefer? Why?
When do you spend time listening to music in a day?
Are you fond of learning any musical instruments?
Does music help you ease in any way?
Have music trends changed much since your teenage?

Cakes

Do you like eating cakes?
Do you know how to bake a cake?
When do you usually eat cakes?
What is your favourite kind of cake?
Is cake a part of the celebration at your home?
Do you have a variety of cakes available in your hometown?

Hair/ Hairstyles

What do you prefer- short or long hair?
How long have you had your hair in this current style?
Do you regularly visit the barber’s or hairdresser’s?
Have you ever been given a haircut that you didn’t like?
Would you like to change the colour of your hair?

Jeans

Do youngsters prefer and wear jeans in your hometown?
How often do you wear them?
Are they comfortable to wear?
Do you buy jeans for yourself often?
Do you buy them online or offline? Why?
Did you wear them during your school years?
Why do you think it has become so popular all over the world?

Wild Animals/ Wildlife

Do you plan to visit wildlife sanctuaries or have a desire to explore wildlife?
Many exotic wildlife species are becoming endangered or have been extinct- Why?
Do you think effective conservation of wild animals is practised?
Animals are losing their natural habitat due to urbanization – What are the disadvantages of this?

Concentration

What kind of activities helps you to concentrate?
Do you think having a routine helps you to concentrate better?
Is it easy or difficult for you to concentrate?
Do you do something to help you concentrate better?
What affects your ability to concentrate?

Fashion

Is fashion important to you?
Do you think it is important to be updating your clothes and hair, as fashion trends change?
What kinds of clothes do you like wearing?
Where do you usually buy your clothes from?
Have you worn a uniform when you were in school?

Art

Are you fond of art?
Is it necessary to have art classes in school years?
Do you think children benefit from this?
How often do you visit art galleries?
Do you like drawing and painting?
What would you like to draw or paint?

Sending Messages

How often do you send text messages to people?
Who do you send the most messages to?
When do you think you will send a message next to someone?
Do you prefer to call a person or send him a message?
How has texting and messaging benefitted you the most?

Taking a Break

How often do you take a break?
What do you usually do during a break? Why do you need to take a break?
Do you prefer a long break or several short breaks?
Do breaks help you feel refreshed to get back to work?

Science

Did you like science as a subject back in school? /Did you enjoy learning science in primary or high school?
Do you think it is important to study science?
What kind of science lessons did you take at school?
How has science helped you to learn better?

School Activity

Did you have many activities to do in your school?
Can you mention a cherished school activity that you have really enjoyed?
What kind of extracurricular activities do schools offer in your country for a student?
Do you think they need to be improved?
Have school activities improved any skills within you?

Pens and Pencils

Do you usually use a pen or a pencil?
Which do you prefer, pen or pencils?
When was the last time you bought a pen or pencil?
Do you think using pencils or pens give an impressive writing layout?
How would you feel if someone gave you a pen as a gift?

Memory

Do you have a good memory?
How easy is it to improve one’s memory?
Do you have an unforgettable childhood memory?
Is it important to have a good memory?
Do you think it is important to have a good memory power as a student?
What benefits can you have over others if you have a good memory?

History

When you were a child, did you enjoy learning history?
Have you ever been to a museum to learn about history?
Have you ever watched movies related to history?
When was the last time you read a book about history?
Do you think history is important?

Laughter

Do you usually make your friends laugh?
Are you the kind of person who makes people laugh?
When was the last time you laughed?
In what situations do people laugh?
Do you like to make people laugh?
Do you think it’s important for friends to have the same sense of humour?

Time Management

How do you organize your time?
Do you think people organize time in the same way?
Do you think it is important to be on time?
How do you feel when you are late for an appointment?
How do you feel when others are late?

Parks

Do you like parks? Why / why not?
How often do you visit parks?
Why are parks an important part of many towns and cities?
What do you think could be done to make parks better?
Did you enjoy going to parks as a child?

Patience

Are you a patient person?
Who in your family is the most patient?
What kinds of jobs require patience?
Why should one be patient with little children and old people?
In what ways has this virtue helped you?
Who is more patient – men or women?
How do you feel when one is not patient with others?

Perfume

Do you like perfumes?
Do you usually wear perfume?
How much money do you spend on buying perfumes or body sprays?
Have you ever given perfume as a gift to someone?
Would you ever consider giving perfume as a gift to someone?

Rubbish & Recycling

Do you practice rubbish recycling at home?
Are people in your country aware of the importance of rubbish recycling?
How can it benefit the environment if we segregate waste and effectively recycle it?
Are students in your country taught about waste management?
Why should such an idea be made compulsory?

Cycling

Did you learn riding a bicycle when you were a child?
Is it easy for you to ride a bicycle in your country?
What do you think are the benefits of riding a bicycle for a child?
Is it safe to ride bicycles on the roads?

Numbers

Do you often use numbers to do something?
Are you good at memorizing numbers?
What is your favourite number?
Are you good at numbers? (it means are you good at calculations?)
Would you like to have a job dealing with numbers?

Tea and Coffee

What do you usually drink, tea or coffee?
When did you last have tea/ coffee?
What are the advantages/ disadvantages of having tea/coffee?
Would you offer a tea or coffee to someone who comes to your home?
Would you step out to have coffee/tea from a cafe?

Walking

Have you gone for a morning walk ever?
Why do you think doctors advise on active lifestyles include brisk walking?
What will happen if we stop walking and use motorized aids for such activities?
Is walking or jogging more beneficial according to you?

Holidays

What do you usually do on holidays?
When was your last holiday?
How often do you get holidays?
Who do you spend your holidays with?
What would you like to do on your next holiday?
Do you think you should get more holidays?

Future

What do you think the future holds for you?
What are your future plans?
Do you think you’d have a bright future?
What challenges do you see for yourself in the near future?

Friends

Are you a person who spends time with friends?
Do you prefer a particular friend or a group of friends?
What do you do most with them?
Do you feel friends are important for our social development?
Are you still in touch with friends from childhood?

Weather

What do you prefer – hot or cold weather? Why?
Do you think weather changes are rapid nowadays than before?
How often is it cold or hot from where you come from?
What do you think are the challenges of living in cold weather conditions?

Books

Do you like reading books?
What kind of books do you like to read?
Where do you like to read books?
Have you had family members with reading habits?
Do you spend time at a library and read books or do you prefer buying them?

Family & Relatives

Do you live in a large or nuclear family?
Do you think it is beneficial to have relatives as neighbours?
What kinds of things do you like doing with family and relatives/ cousins?
Do you have a good connection with your relatives?

Languages

Can learning languages help us?
Do you think learning languages has become a trend more than a need?
Have you learned a new language ever or do you wish to?
Do you think knowing languages allow effective conversations?

School

When did you start school?
How far was your school?
How did you travel to school?
Did you have many friends in school?
Can you mention a cherished school memory?
What kind of amenities do schools offer in your country for a student? Do you think they need to be improved? How?
Did school act as a foundation in your life? Why?

Travel

Are you fond of travels?
What essential things do you carry when you are travelling?
Who do you prefer travelling with – alone or family or friend?
What insights do travelling to places bring in a person? How do you plan your travel?
Do people in your country like travelling for pleasure? Why?
Do you think tour guides and booklets help your travel experience?

Smiles

What are the things that make you smile?
When was the last time someone smiled at you?
Do you like to smile while posing for photos?
How do you feel when children smile?
When was the last time you saw a group of people smiling?
Do you think a smile gives a good impression?

Street Markets & Shops

Are street market commonly seen around in your country?
Do people in your country freely go to open-air markets?
What benefits do street markets have over single retail shops?
Have you been to a street market? When was the last time you went to one?
Do you like this concept of open-air markets?

Voice

Can you recognize the voices of people you know over phone calls?
Have you tried noticing a bird’s voice?
Do you think we can recall other’s voices even if they are not around?
Do scary voices and dubbings in movies make you fearful?
How do intonation and stress help you while you voice out your opinion?

Colour

What’s your favourite colour? Why?
Do you like the same colours now as you did when you were younger? [Why/Why not?]
What can you learn about a person from the colours they like?
Do any colours have a special meaning in your culture?

Movies & Actors

Do you like watching movies?
Where do you usually watch them?
Who is your favourite actor and why?
Would you only watch movies that cast your favourite actors?
What movies do you not like watching?

Emails

Do you often send or receive emails?
Is it common for you to email people?
How soon do you answer your emails?
Has an email ever made you happy?
Do you like to get emails or texts?

Maths

At what age did you start studying mathematics?
Do you like mathematics? Why / why not?
Is it necessary for everyone to learn mathematics?
Do you prefer to use a calculator when doing mathematics?

Bottled Water

Do you prefer bottled water or tap water?
Do you think bottled water is better? Why?
When do you prefer to have bottled water?
Do you like the taste of bottled water?

Sleep

How many hours do you usually sleep?
What time do you go to bed?
Do you go to bed at the same time every day?
Do you ever have a nap during the day?
Do you think it is important to sleep?
Should older people sleep more than children?

Sharing

Are you comfortable sharing stuff with others?
What was the last thing you remember you shared with someone?
What is your personal opinion on sharing?
Should children share food in school?
Is technology a hindrance towards this virtue of sharing?

Social Media

Which social media websites do you use?
How much time do you spend on social media sites?
What kind of information about yourself have you put on social media?
Is there anything you don’t like about social media?

Nature

Do you think being eco-friendly is important?
Are you a user of natural products or artificial products?
How has nature changed from the past 10 years?
According to you, would nature be better or worse in the next 10 years? Why?

Crowded Places

Is your home town a crowded place?
Do you prefer crowded places or remote places?
Crowded places are not hygienic, do you think so?
Do you think it is safe to accompany children to crowded places?

Pets

What kind of pets do you like?
Do you have a pet at home/ would you like to have a pet at home?
Do you think pets provide us with security?
Children and pets are considered equally at home. What is your opinion?

Festivals

Tell me about the most important festival in your country?
What special food and activities are connected with this festival?
What do you most enjoy about it?
Do you think festivals are important for a country? [Why?]

Good luck and prepare well!

AskLearning