IELTS Speaking Practice 10 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?
I’m from a coastal city in eastern China. It’s fairly busy, but the area where my family lives is quieter and has a lot of older neighborhoods.
What do you like most about your hometown?
I like the food most, especially the small local restaurants. The dishes are familiar to me, and I can usually get a good meal without spending very much.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, definitely. There are more shopping centers and better public transport now. It’s more convenient than before, although some older streets have disappeared because of new development.
Do you like studying at home?
Yes, most of the time. I like being able to make tea, take short breaks, and study without having to travel anywhere, so it feels quite efficient.
Where do you usually study at home?
I usually study at a small desk in my bedroom. I keep my laptop, notebooks, and headphones there, and I try not to study in bed because I get sleepy.
What helps you focus when studying at home?
Putting my phone out of reach helps a lot. I also make a short list of what I need to finish, because otherwise I sometimes jump between different tasks.
Do you often go out at night?
Not very often. I sometimes meet friends for dinner in the evening, but I rarely stay out late because I usually have things to do the next morning.
What do you like to do at night?
I like going for a walk, getting something to eat, or sitting in a quiet cafe with friends. I’m not really interested in loud clubs or crowded bars.
Is nightlife popular in your city?
Yes, especially in the city center. There are restaurants, bars, late-night shops, and plenty of people outside until quite late, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you used a planner or to-do list
- What you planned
- How you used the planner/list
- Why it was helpful
- Whether you still use it and why
Last semester, I used a simple to-do list to organize a very busy week at university. I had two assignments due, a group presentation, and a part-time shift at the weekend, so I was worried I would forget something. On Sunday evening, I wrote everything down in a notebook and divided the larger tasks into smaller steps. For example, instead of writing finish presentation, I listed research, slides, practice, and a final check. Each morning, I looked at the list and chose three things that really needed to be done that day. I also crossed tasks out as I finished them, which was surprisingly satisfying. The list helped because I could see exactly what was left instead of trying to remember everything at once. It also stopped me from wasting time on small jobs when an important deadline was getting close. I finished everything on time, and I felt much calmer than I normally do during a busy week. I still use to-do lists now, although usually on my phone rather than in a notebook. I don’t plan every minute of my day, but having a short list keeps me focused and makes large tasks feel more manageable.
Is this experience still important to you now?
Yes, because it changed the way I handle busy periods. I still use the same basic idea whenever several deadlines arrive at the same time.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
How has technology changed the way people organize tasks?
Technology has made organizing tasks much faster and more flexible. People can now use calendars, reminders, shared project boards, and apps that automatically repeat regular tasks. It is also easier for teams to update each other without meeting in person. The downside is that people can end up using too many tools and checking notifications constantly. So technology can improve organization, but only if the system stays simple enough to actually use.
Do you think written plans are more effective than keeping things in mind?
Usually, yes. A written plan reduces the mental effort of remembering several things at once, and it makes priorities easier to see. It is especially helpful when a task has a deadline or several steps. However, writing down every tiny activity can become unnecessary and even stressful. For simple routines, keeping things in mind may be perfectly fine. I think written plans are most useful when life becomes busy or complicated.
Will self-management skills become more important in the future?
Yes, I think so. Many people now work or study with less direct supervision, especially when tasks are done online or from home. That means they need to manage time, distractions, and deadlines by themselves. Jobs are also changing quickly, so people may need to learn new skills without waiting for someone to guide them. Self-management will probably become more valuable because independence is becoming part of more types of work.
Why is self-management important in modern life?
Modern life gives people a lot of freedom, but it also gives them many distractions and competing responsibilities. Self-management helps someone decide what matters, use time sensibly, and keep commitments even when nobody is watching. It can reduce stress as well, because unfinished tasks are less likely to pile up. Of course, people still need support from others, but basic organization and self-discipline make everyday life much easier to handle.
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