IELTS Practice Speaking Questions & Sample Answers 06-03
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 do you do for work?
I work as an administrative assistant for a small trading company. I handle emails, organize documents and help different departments with routine office tasks.
What do you like about your job?
I like that the work is quite varied. I’m not doing exactly the same thing all day, and I get to work with people from several different parts of the company.
What skills are important in your work?
Organization and communication are both important. I also need to pay attention to details because a small mistake in a document or schedule can create extra work for several people.
Do you often feel lethargy?
Not very often, but I sometimes feel lethargic after several busy days or when I haven’t slept well. It usually happens more in the afternoon.
What causes lethargy?
Lack of sleep is the main cause for me. I also feel that way if I sit indoors for too long without moving or if I eat a very heavy lunch.
How do you overcome lethargy?
I usually take a short walk, drink some water and step away from my screen for a few minutes. If I’m genuinely exhausted, getting enough sleep is the only real solution.
How much TV do you watch?
Not much traditional TV, actually. I probably watch one or two hours a week, although I spend more time watching programmes through streaming services.
What kind of programmes do you like?
I like documentaries, travel programmes and crime dramas. I prefer shows that either teach me something interesting or have a story that keeps me curious.
Do you think people watch too much TV?
Some people probably do, but television isn’t the only issue now. People also spend hours on streaming platforms and short videos, so overall screen time may be a bigger concern.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you made a complaint
- Where you complained
- What the problem was
- How you complained
- What the result was
A complaint I remember making was about a pair of wireless earphones I ordered from an online electronics store. They arrived on time and looked completely normal, but the left earphone stopped working after only two days. I tried charging and resetting them several times, but nothing helped. I contacted the store through its online customer service system. I explained the problem clearly, included my order number, and uploaded a short video showing that only one side was producing sound. At first, I received an automatic reply with basic troubleshooting instructions, which was a little frustrating because I had already tried most of them. I replied again and asked for either a replacement or a refund. The next day, a customer service agent reviewed the video and approved a replacement. They sent me a prepaid return label, so I didn’t have to pay to send the faulty earphones back. A new pair arrived about a week later, and those worked perfectly. I was annoyed by the original problem, but I was satisfied with the final result because the company eventually handled it fairly. The experience also taught me to keep order details and take photos or videos when a product has a clear fault.
Do you often think about this experience?
Not really. I only remember it when I have a problem with an online purchase, but at the time it taught me how useful clear evidence can be.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
Do you think companies take customer complaints seriously enough?
It varies a lot between companies. Some businesses see complaints as useful feedback and respond quickly because they want to protect their reputation. Others seem more focused on closing the case than solving the customer’s actual problem. Large companies may also rely heavily on automated systems, which can make customers feel ignored. Taking complaints seriously is important because one unresolved issue can easily become public online.
Are people more willing to complain nowadays than in the past?
Yes, I think so. Online reviews, social media and customer service apps have made it much easier to complain and share evidence. People also know that public criticism can encourage a company to respond faster. In the past, complaining might have required a phone call or letter, so some customers simply gave up. The downside is that people can now post angry complaints before giving a company a reasonable chance to solve the issue.
Should customers know more about their rights?
Yes, because customers can’t protect themselves if they don’t know what they’re entitled to. Basic knowledge about refunds, warranties, contracts and misleading advertising helps people make better decisions and challenge unfair treatment. Businesses also benefit when expectations are clear. However, consumers need reliable information because rights differ between countries and situations, so advice found casually online may not always be accurate.
Will consumer expectations continue to rise in the future?
Probably, because people are becoming used to faster delivery, easier returns and instant customer support. Once one company offers a very convenient service, customers begin expecting similar standards elsewhere. Technology will probably push this further. However, expectations can become unrealistic if people demand immediate solutions to every problem. Businesses still have limits, so good service will require both efficiency and clear communication about what is actually possible.
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