IELTS Speaking Practice 15 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 Chengdu, in southwest China. I grew up there and lived there until I finished school, so I still feel very connected to the city.
What do you like most about your hometown?
I like the relaxed atmosphere most. There are lots of small restaurants and parks, and people don’t seem to rush as much as they do in some bigger cities.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, quite a lot. There are more metro lines, shopping areas and modern apartment buildings now. Some older streets have disappeared, which is convenient in some ways but also a little sad.
Do you often have visitors to your home?
Not very often, maybe once or twice a month. Usually it’s a close friend or a relative rather than someone I don’t know well.
What do you do when you have visitors?
I normally make some tea, prepare snacks and just chat with them. If they stay for a while, we might order food or watch something together.
Do you prefer visiting others or having visitors?
I slightly prefer visiting others because I don’t have to prepare my apartment beforehand. Still, having close friends over can feel more relaxed because we can stay as long as we want.
Are streets well-lit at night in your area?
Yes, most of the main streets are quite bright at night. Smaller lanes can be darker, but the roads near shops and residential buildings are generally well-lit.
Do you feel safe walking at night?
Usually, yes. My neighborhood stays fairly busy until late, and there are lights and security cameras around. I’m still more careful if I’m walking alone after midnight.
Do you think street lights are important?
Definitely. Good street lighting helps drivers see pedestrians and makes people feel safer. It also makes public spaces more usable in the evening, especially in residential areas.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you visited a friend’s home
- Whose home you visited
- Where it was
- What you did there
- Why you remember this visit
One visit I remember clearly was when I went to my friend Daniel’s apartment for the first time last winter. He had recently moved to a new place on the other side of the city, so a few of us went there on a Saturday evening. His apartment wasn’t very large, but it felt warm and comfortable, and he had decorated it with photos from trips we had taken together. We spent most of the evening cooking. Daniel wanted to make hot pot, so everyone brought something, like vegetables, meat or drinks. None of us were especially good cooks, but that actually made it more fun because we kept making small mistakes and laughing about them. After dinner, we played a card game and talked for hours about work, old classmates and plans for the next year. I remember the visit because it was one of those simple evenings that turned out to be really enjoyable. We weren’t doing anything expensive or exciting, but everyone was relaxed and fully present. I also hadn’t seen two of the friends for several months, so it felt like a small reunion. By the time I left, it was quite late, but I was in a very good mood.
Do you often think about this person?
Yes, quite often. We still message each other regularly, and because we’ve known each other for years, many everyday things remind me of him.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
Why is visiting other people’s homes important in building relationships?
Visiting someone’s home can make a relationship feel more personal because you see a part of their everyday life that you wouldn’t normally see in a café or office. People often talk more openly at home as well. For example, sharing a meal or meeting someone’s family can create a stronger sense of trust. Of course, not everyone likes having guests, so the value of home visits also depends on personality and culture.
Are hospitality customs the same in all cultures?
No, they can be very different. In some cultures, guests may be offered a large meal and are expected to stay for quite a long time, while in others a short visit with coffee is completely normal. There can also be different rules about shoes, gifts or whether guests should help clean up. These customs usually reflect wider ideas about privacy, respect and family life, so visitors need to pay attention rather than assume their own habits are universal.
Do people feel more comfortable meeting at home or outside?
It depends on the person and the situation. Close friends may feel more comfortable meeting at home because it’s private, quiet and easy to relax. On the other hand, people who don’t know each other well often prefer a café or restaurant because it feels more neutral and requires less preparation. Outside venues are also easier when nobody wants to cook or clean. So comfort is partly about the relationship, not just the location.
How can hosting people strengthen friendships?
Hosting gives people a chance to spend unhurried time together. When someone prepares food, makes space for a guest or plans an activity, it shows care and effort, and that can make the other person feel valued. It can also create shared memories that strengthen a friendship over time. However, hosting shouldn’t become a competition. If people feel pressured to make everything perfect, the visit can become stressful instead of enjoyable.
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