IELTS Practice Speaking Questions & Sample Answers 08-04
Practice Part 1 questions, a Part 2 cue card, and Part 3 discussion questions, with sample answers on one page.
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Introduction and Interview
Answer familiar questions naturally and directly.
What are you studying?
I’m studying graphic design at college. My course includes drawing, digital design, typography, and some basic marketing, so we do both creative and practical projects.
Why did you choose this subject?
I chose it because I’ve always enjoyed visual work and making things on a computer. I wanted to study something creative that could also lead to practical job opportunities.
What do you find most challenging about your studies?
The hardest part is developing an original idea when a project has a very broad brief. Sometimes the technical work is easier than deciding what the design should actually communicate.
Do you like cold weather?
Not really. I prefer mild or warm weather because cold mornings make it harder for me to get out of bed and I don’t enjoy wearing several heavy layers.
How do you keep warm?
I wear a thick coat and usually drink something hot. At home, I keep the windows closed and use a small heater if the room becomes too cold.
Do you prefer cold weather or hot weather?
I prefer hot weather, although not extreme heat. I enjoy being outside more when it’s warm, and I find summer clothes much more comfortable than winter clothes.
Do you have a daily beauty routine?
Yes, but it’s very simple. I wash my face, use moisturizer, and put on sunscreen in the morning. I don’t use a large number of products.
How long does it take?
Usually about five or ten minutes. I keep it basic because I don’t want to spend a long time getting ready before classes in the morning.
Do you think routines help people feel confident?
Yes, if the routine makes someone feel clean and comfortable. I don’t think confidence should depend entirely on appearance, but feeling well prepared can improve your mood.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a sport you would like to try
- What the sport is
- How you first learned about it
- What equipment or skills it needs
- Why you want to try it
A sport I’d like to try is indoor rock climbing, especially bouldering. I first became interested in it after watching a friend post photos from a climbing gym. It looked challenging, but also much more social and accessible than climbing a real mountain. Later, I watched a few beginner videos and realized that you don’t need a huge amount of equipment to start. For bouldering, I’d mainly need climbing shoes and some chalk, and the gym provides the padded floor and marked routes. The main skills seem to be balance, grip strength, flexibility, and learning how to plan each movement instead of simply pulling yourself upward with your arms. I want to try it because normal gym workouts can feel repetitive to me. Climbing looks more like solving a physical puzzle, since every route requires a different approach. I’d probably be nervous about falling at first, even though the walls for beginners aren’t extremely high. I also know my arms would get tired very quickly. Still, I think that would be part of the fun. I’d like to go with my friend for a beginner session and see whether I enjoy it enough to make it a regular activity.
Do you often think about this experience?
Yes, occasionally. Whenever I see a climbing video or pass a climbing gym, I remember that I still want to try it properly.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
How can governments encourage people to take part in sports?
Governments can make sport easier to access by providing affordable public facilities, safe parks, cycling routes, and community programs. Cost is a major barrier for some people, so not every activity should require an expensive private gym membership. Public campaigns can help too, but facilities matter more than slogans. Schools and workplaces could also be encouraged to support physical activity. If exercise is convenient, safe, and close to where people live, more people are likely to take part regularly.
Why do some people enjoy trying new sports?
New sports can be exciting because they give people a fresh challenge and break the boredom of doing the same activity repeatedly. Some people enjoy learning new skills, while others like the social side of joining a class or trying something with friends. There is also a sense of achievement when you improve from being a complete beginner. Of course, personality matters. Some people enjoy unfamiliar situations, while others prefer activities where they already feel confident.
Why do some people enjoy physical challenges more than others?
Some people enjoy physical challenges because they like testing their limits and seeing measurable progress. Completing a difficult hike, lifting a heavier weight, or learning a demanding skill can give a strong sense of achievement. Personality and past experience probably matter as well. Someone who grew up playing sport may feel comfortable with physical discomfort, while another person may find it unpleasant. People also differ in whether they enjoy competition, risk, and pushing themselves outside their usual routine.
Should everyone try something challenging from time to time?
I think so, as long as the challenge is safe and realistic. Trying something difficult can show people that they are capable of more than they expected and can make normal problems feel less intimidating. The challenge doesn’t need to be extreme. It could be learning to swim, completing a long walk, or joining a beginner sports class. People have different health conditions and abilities, so the goal should be personal growth rather than proving something to other people.
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