IELTS Practice Speaking Questions & Sample Answers 04-01
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.
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is a fairly busy city in southern China. I grew up there, and most of my relatives still live nearby, so it always feels familiar whenever I return.
What do you like most about your hometown?
What I like most is the food. There are lots of small local restaurants, and I can still find the dishes I ate when I was a child.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, quite a lot. There are more apartment buildings, shopping centers and metro lines now. Some older neighborhoods have changed completely, so parts of the city feel much newer.
Do you get news online?
Yes, almost every day. I usually read news on my phone during breakfast or on the way to work because it’s quicker than buying a newspaper.
What news sources do you trust?
I trust well-known news organizations more than random accounts on social media. If a story seems surprising, I usually check whether several reliable sources are reporting the same thing.
Do you think online news is reliable?
Not always. Online news is convenient and fast, but false or exaggerated stories can spread very easily. I think people need to check the source before believing or sharing something.
Have you ever been infatuated with someone?
Yes, when I was younger. I once had a strong crush on someone at school, although I barely knew her well enough to call it anything serious.
How is infatuation different from love?
Infatuation feels much more intense and idealized. You may be attracted to someone without really knowing them, while love usually develops through trust, time and shared experiences.
Is infatuation a good feeling?
It can be exciting because it gives people a lot of energy and happiness. At the same time, it can be distracting if you think about the person constantly or imagine they’re perfect.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you tried to stop procrastinating
- What you procrastinated on
- Why you did it
- What you did to stop
- Whether it worked and why
A time I seriously tried to stop procrastinating was during my final year at college. I had a long research assignment due in about three weeks, but I kept delaying it because the task felt too large. Instead of starting, I would watch videos, clean my room or do easier homework. After wasting nearly a week, I realized I was creating a problem for myself. I decided to divide the assignment into very small tasks, such as finding five sources, writing one section and checking references. I also put my phone in another room for forty-minute study periods and used a simple checklist to track what I had finished. The first few days were difficult because I still wanted to avoid the harder parts, but seeing several small tasks crossed off made the project feel more manageable. It worked reasonably well. I finished the first draft two days before the deadline, which was unusual for me, and I had enough time to edit it properly. I still procrastinate sometimes, especially with boring tasks, but that experience taught me that starting is much easier when I stop thinking about the whole project and focus only on the next small step.
Would you recommend this experience to your friends?
Yes, I would. The method was simple and didn’t require any special tools, so I think it could help friends who also delay large tasks.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
How can people train themselves to stop delaying tasks?
People can train themselves by making tasks smaller and setting clear starting times rather than vague goals. It also helps to remove obvious distractions, such as putting a phone out of reach. Another useful habit is starting with just ten minutes of work, because beginning is often the hardest part. Over time, repeated routines can make action feel more automatic and reduce the temptation to delay.
Does technology make procrastination worse?
Yes, definitely. Phones and computers provide endless entertainment, so people can switch from work to videos, messages or social media within seconds. Notifications also interrupt concentration even when someone intends to work. However, technology can also help through calendars, focus apps and reminders. The real issue is whether people control the tools or allow the tools to control their attention.
How can people become more productive without feeling stressed?
People can become more productive by setting realistic priorities instead of trying to do everything at once. Short breaks, clear working hours and enough sleep usually improve concentration more than simply working longer. It also helps to leave some free time in the schedule because unexpected tasks will appear. Productivity should mean finishing important work efficiently, not staying busy every minute of the day.
Why do good work habits matter in daily life?
Good work habits make daily life more predictable and reduce last-minute stress. If people plan tasks, keep useful routines and finish small responsibilities on time, they have more mental space for important decisions. These habits also build trust at work because colleagues know they can rely on you. Even simple routines can save a lot of time when they are repeated consistently.
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