IELTS Speaking Practice 19 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 large, modern city, and I’ve lived there for most of my life, so I know the area quite well.
What do you like most about your hometown?
I like how convenient it is. The public transport is efficient, there are lots of restaurants and shops, and it’s easy to find something to do even quite late in the evening.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, definitely. There are more high-rise buildings and metro lines now, and some older neighborhoods have been redeveloped. The city feels busier and more polished than it did when I was younger.
Do you like reading comics?
Yes, occasionally. I don’t read comics every week, but I enjoy them when I want something light and visual, especially after a long day at work.
Did you read comics as a child?
Yes, quite a lot. I used to borrow comic books from classmates, and I especially liked funny adventure stories because they were easy to follow and very entertaining.
Why do people enjoy comics?
I think comics combine stories and pictures in a very accessible way. They’re quick to read, and the artwork can make characters and emotions more memorable than plain text.
Do you often give presentations?
Not very often, but I sometimes give short presentations at work when our team shares results or explains a new process. They’re usually quite informal.
Are you nervous when presenting?
A little, especially in the first minute. Once I start speaking and see that people are listening, I usually relax and focus more on the content.
What makes a presentation successful?
For me, a successful presentation is clear, well organised, and not too long. Good examples also help because they make the main points easier for people to understand and remember.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you received a suggestion that worked
- Who gave you the suggestion
- What it was
- How you applied it
- Why it worked well
A useful suggestion I received came from a colleague at work when I was preparing a short presentation for our team. I had put a lot of information on each slide because I was worried I might forget something important. My colleague looked at the draft and suggested that I remove most of the text and keep only a few key points on each slide. She also told me to explain the details in my own words instead of reading from the screen. I decided to follow her advice because she gives presentations more often than I do. I simplified the slides, added one or two clear examples, and practised the talk several times without looking at a script. On the day, the presentation felt much easier. I could make eye contact with people, and I didn’t lose my place because the slides acted as simple reminders. Afterwards, my manager said the explanation was clear and easy to follow. The suggestion worked because it made me focus on communicating rather than trying to fit every detail onto the screen. Since then, I’ve used the same approach whenever I need to present something at work.
Would you recommend this experience to your friends?
Yes, I would. It was simple advice, but it made a noticeable difference, and I think it could help anyone who tends to put too much information into presentations.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
Why do people often ask others for suggestions?
People often ask for suggestions because another person may have experience they don’t have. Advice can save time, reduce uncertainty, and help someone see options they hadn’t considered. For example, if a person is choosing a course or applying for a job, someone who has already been through that process can point out practical details. Of course, people still need to make their own decisions, but suggestions can give them a useful starting point.
Why do some people ignore good suggestions?
Sometimes people ignore good suggestions because they’re too attached to their own plan or they feel that accepting advice means admitting they were wrong. There can also be a trust issue. Even useful advice may be rejected if it comes from someone the person doesn’t respect. In other cases, people understand the suggestion but simply don’t want to make the effort required to follow it, especially if changing their habits feels uncomfortable.
Do young people accept advice more easily than older people?
Not necessarily. Young people may be more open to new ideas in some areas, especially technology or education, but they can also be very confident in their own opinions. Older people may resist advice if it conflicts with long-established habits, yet experience can also make them better at recognising useful guidance. I think personality matters more than age. Some people naturally listen carefully, while others prefer to learn through their own mistakes.
Why is it important to stay open-minded when people give advice?
Staying open-minded is important because advice can reveal something we’ve missed. We don’t have to accept every suggestion, but listening carefully gives us more information before making a decision. It also prevents pride from getting in the way of improvement. For example, feedback from a colleague might feel uncomfortable at first, but if it helps someone work more effectively, rejecting it immediately would be a lost opportunity. Open-mindedness allows people to judge the idea rather than just react to the person giving it.
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