IELTS Speaking Practice 20 Test 01
Practise Part 1 questions, a Part 2 cue card and Part 3 discussion questions with sample answers.
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Introduction and Interview
Answer familiar questions naturally and directly.
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Shenzhen, in southern China. It’s a fast-moving city, but I grew up in a quieter residential area, so it still feels very familiar to me.
What do you like most about your hometown?
What I like most is the convenience. Public transport is good, there are plenty of places to eat, and I can usually find whatever I need without travelling very far.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, quite a lot. There are more apartment buildings and shopping areas now, and the transport system has expanded. Some older streets I remember from childhood have disappeared.
Do you learn things on social media?
Yes, quite often. If I want to learn something quickly, I’ll watch a short video or follow an account that explains the topic in a simple way.
What kind of educational content do you watch?
Mostly English-learning videos, basic technology tips, and short explanations about business or personal finance. I prefer content that teaches one clear idea rather than trying to cover too much.
Do you think social media is a good learning tool?
It can be, as long as you check who created the content. Social media is convenient for learning small things, but I wouldn’t trust every video without checking another source.
Do you own any camping equipment?
Yes, I have a small tent, a sleeping bag, and a portable light. I don’t camp very often, so I’ve only bought the basic things I actually need.
What camping equipment is most useful?
For me, a good sleeping bag is probably the most useful. Even if the weather is fine, it’s difficult to enjoy camping if you’re cold or uncomfortable at night.
Do you think camping needs a lot of preparation?
Yes, especially if you’re going somewhere remote. You need to check the weather, bring enough food and water, and make sure you have basic safety equipment before you leave.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you visited a charity event
- What the event was
- Where it took place
- What you did there
- How it made you feel
One charity event I remember clearly was a weekend fundraising fair organised by a local community centre in Shenzhen. The goal was to raise money for children from low-income families who needed school supplies. It took place in a public square near a shopping area, so quite a lot of people stopped by during the day. I went with two friends because one of them was already volunteering there. We helped set up a small second-hand book stall in the morning, and later I spent a few hours selling books and explaining the project to visitors. There were also food stands, simple games for children, and a small stage where local students performed music. I remember that the atmosphere was cheerful rather than serious, which made people more willing to join in. By the end of the event, our book stall had sold most of its items, and the organisers announced that they had reached their fundraising target. I felt tired because we had been standing for hours, but I was also genuinely pleased. It was nice to see that a fairly ordinary community event could bring people together and produce a practical result.
Is this experience still important to you now?
Yes, it is. I don’t think about it every day, but it made me more willing to support small local charity activities when I come across them.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
How can young people be encouraged to take part in charity work?
Young people are more likely to get involved when charity work feels practical and social rather than like an obligation. Schools can introduce local projects, while charities can offer short volunteering opportunities that fit around study or work. Social media can also help by showing exactly where the money or effort goes. If young people can see a clear result, such as books being delivered to a school, they may feel their contribution actually matters.
Why are charity events important for communities?
Charity events can connect people who might otherwise have very little contact with one another. They raise money or collect useful items, but they also make local problems more visible. For example, a community fundraiser for elderly residents may encourage neighbours to notice people who need regular support, not just donate once. In that sense, the event can create stronger relationships as well as provide financial help.
Why is helping others important in society?
Helping others matters because society works better when people don’t think only about themselves. Governments and organisations provide formal support, but everyday help between neighbours, friends, or even strangers can solve smaller problems much faster. It also creates trust. Of course, people can’t help everyone all the time, but a culture where people are willing to offer reasonable support makes communities feel safer and less isolated.
Do people today help others as much as in the past?
It’s difficult to compare because the way people help has changed. In the past, people in smaller communities may have known their neighbours better and offered more face-to-face help. Today, some people are more isolated, but technology makes it easier to donate, organise fundraising, or support someone online. So I wouldn’t say people care less; the forms of help are simply more varied now.
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