IELTS Practice Speaking Questions & Sample Answers 07-04
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 business and marketing. Most of my classes cover things like consumer behavior, basic finance, branding and how companies communicate with customers.
Why did you choose this subject?
I chose it because I’ve always been interested in how businesses grow and why people choose one product over another. It also gives me several possible career options.
What do you find most challenging about your studies?
The most challenging part is managing different assignments at the same time. Some projects involve group work, while others require research, so I have to plan my week carefully.
Does your family have special recipes?
Yes. My family has a few dishes that we make for festivals and family gatherings. They’re not secret recipes, but everyone has a slightly different way of preparing them.
Have you learned any recipes from your family?
Yes, I learned how to make a simple braised chicken dish from my mother. I’m still not as good at it as she is, but I can cook it by myself now.
Do you think family recipes should be passed down?
Definitely. Recipes are a small part of family culture, and passing them down can keep memories and traditions alive. It’s also a nice reason for younger and older family members to cook together.
Do you keep clothes for a long time?
Yes, if they’re still in good condition. I don’t replace clothes just because they’re old, especially basic things like jackets or jeans that I still wear regularly.
What clothes do you never throw away?
I have an old jacket that I’ve kept for years because it was a gift from my father. I don’t wear it very often now, but I don’t want to throw it away.
Do you think people buy too many clothes now?
Yes, I think so. Cheap fashion and online shopping make it very easy to buy clothes impulsively. People sometimes own far more than they actually wear.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you helped to organize an event
- What event it was
- What your responsibilities were
- What difficulties you faced
- How successful the event was
A time I helped organize an event was last year when a student club at my college held a small career workshop. The idea was to invite a few graduates to talk about their first jobs and answer questions from current students. My main responsibility was coordinating the practical details. I helped book a classroom, confirmed the schedule with the speakers, prepared a simple registration form, and worked with two other students to arrange signs and seating on the day. I also had to send reminder messages because some students registered quite early and might otherwise have forgotten about the event. The biggest difficulty was that one speaker cancelled the evening before because of a work emergency. We couldn’t find a replacement at such short notice, so we adjusted the schedule and gave the remaining speakers a little more time for questions. We were worried that the event would feel too short, but the discussion actually became more relaxed and interactive. In the end, around sixty students attended, which was more than we expected. The feedback was positive, especially about the question-and-answer session. I was tired afterward, but I felt proud because the event showed me how much small details and good communication matter when several people are working toward the same result.
Is this experience still important to you now?
Yes, because it was one of the first times I had real responsibility for an event. I learned a lot about planning and handling last-minute changes.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
Why are organizational skills important when planning events?
Organizational skills help turn a general idea into something that can actually happen. An event involves timing, people, equipment, money and sometimes unexpected changes, so someone needs to keep track of the details. Good organization also reduces stress for the team because everyone knows their responsibilities. Without it, even a creative event can fail because basic things like booking a venue or contacting participants are forgotten.
Do you think large events are harder to organize now than in the past?
In some ways, yes, because modern events can involve more technology, security requirements and higher expectations from audiences. Large events may need online registration, live streaming and constant communication across several teams. On the other hand, digital tools make planning easier because organizers can share schedules and updates instantly. So events may be more complex now, but people also have much better tools for managing that complexity.
Do some people naturally organize things better than others?
Yes, I think some people naturally notice details and enjoy making plans, while others prefer to deal with things as they happen. Personality probably plays a role, but organization is also a skill that can improve with practice. Someone who uses calendars, checklists and clear deadlines can become much more organized even if that wasn’t their natural strength at first.
Why is planning important in group activities?
Planning helps a group understand what needs to be done, who is responsible and when each task should be finished. That prevents duplicated work and reduces the chance that important tasks are ignored. It also makes problems easier to handle because the group has a clear starting point. Plans don’t need to be rigid, but having some structure usually makes cooperation more efficient.
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