IELTS Speaking Practice 13 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 Hangzhou, in eastern China. I grew up there, and I still visit my parents regularly, so it feels very familiar even though the city has changed a lot.
What do you like most about your hometown?
What I like most is the balance between city life and nature. There are busy shopping areas, but you can also walk by the lake or find a quiet park quite easily.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, definitely. There are more metro lines, taller buildings and new shopping areas now. Some neighborhoods feel much more modern, although a few places I remember from childhood have disappeared.
How do you usually celebrate your birthday?
I usually keep birthdays fairly simple. I have dinner with my family or a few close friends, and sometimes we buy a small cake. I don't really enjoy making a huge event out of it.
Do you like birthday parties?
Small birthday parties can be fun, especially when I know everyone there. I don't enjoy very large ones as much because they can feel noisy and a little tiring after a while.
What was your most memorable birthday?
My eighteenth birthday is probably the most memorable. My parents surprised me with a short weekend trip, and two close friends joined us for dinner. I wasn't expecting anything special, so the surprise made it stand out.
Do you like shopping when traveling?
Yes, a little. I like looking around local markets or small independent shops because they often sell things that are different from what I can find at home.
What do you usually buy on trips?
I usually buy something small and easy to carry, such as postcards, local snacks or a simple souvenir. I rarely buy expensive items because I don't want to worry about luggage.
Do you think travel shopping is expensive?
It can be, especially in famous tourist areas where prices are sometimes higher. I usually compare a few shops first, and I avoid buying things just because they're displayed next to a popular attraction.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you watched a performance related to culture
- What performance it was
- Where you watched it
- What you liked about it
- What you learned from it
A cultural performance I remember well was a traditional Chinese opera show I watched in Suzhou about two years ago. I was there on a short trip with my cousin, and we noticed that a small theatre near our hotel had an evening performance. Neither of us knew much about the art form, but we decided to try something different. The theatre was quite intimate, so we could see the performers' costumes and facial expressions clearly. I especially liked the music and the way the actors used very controlled movements rather than ordinary conversation to show emotion. At first, I found the singing style unusual, and I couldn't understand every line, but there were short explanations in English and Chinese before each scene, which helped a lot. What surprised me most was how much meaning could be communicated through costume colors, gestures and music. Before that evening, I had thought of traditional opera as something mainly for older people. After watching it live, I understood why it has survived for so long. It made me more interested in local traditions, and later I read a little about the symbols used in the costumes. The experience was entertaining, but it also gave me a better appreciation of an art form I had previously ignored.
Would you recommend this experience to your friends?
Yes, I would, especially to friends who are curious about local culture. Seeing it live makes the costumes, music and atmosphere much easier to appreciate.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
How can performances help younger people understand tradition?
Performances can make tradition feel more concrete and memorable than simply reading about it. Young people can see the clothing, music, gestures and stories being used in a real setting, which helps them understand how a tradition actually feels. A good performance can also create curiosity, so they may later want to learn more about the history behind it. However, explanations are useful because some traditional symbols may be difficult to understand without context.
What is the difference between watching a cultural performance live and online?
Watching live creates a stronger sense of atmosphere because the audience shares the same space with the performers, and small details such as sound, movement and crowd reactions feel more immediate. Online viewing is more convenient and usually cheaper, and people can pause or replay difficult parts. It also gives access to performances from other countries. Still, I think live events are more emotionally engaging, while online versions are better for accessibility and learning at your own pace.
Why do some people find traditional art difficult to enjoy?
Traditional art often uses styles, symbols or stories that younger audiences haven't grown up with, so it can feel unfamiliar or slow compared with modern entertainment. People may also think they need special knowledge before they can enjoy it. Better introductions can help by explaining the background without making the experience feel like a lesson. I don't think traditional art needs to become completely modern, but audiences often need an easier way into it.
How can the arts remain relevant in modern life?
The arts can stay relevant by connecting with contemporary audiences without losing their core identity. For example, traditional performers can use modern venues, short online videos or collaborations with younger artists to introduce their work. Schools and public events can also expose people to different art forms early. At the same time, relevance shouldn't mean changing everything to follow trends. Some traditions are valuable precisely because they preserve a different style and pace from modern entertainment.
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