IELTS Practice Speaking Questions & Sample Answers 07-01
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 medium-sized city in southern China. It’s not as busy as places like Shanghai, but it has everything I need and feels quite familiar to me.
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 get a really good meal without spending much money.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, quite a lot. There are more apartment buildings, shopping centers and new roads now. Some older neighborhoods have disappeared, so the city feels much more modern than before.
Do you visit libraries?
Yes, sometimes. I don’t go every week, but I visit one when I need a quiet place to read or concentrate on something.
What do you use libraries for?
I mainly use libraries for reading and studying. I also like browsing the shelves because I sometimes find interesting books that I wouldn’t search for online.
Are libraries still important today?
Yes, I think so. Not everyone has a quiet place to study at home, and libraries also give people free access to books, information and a calm working environment.
Are you a confident person?
I’d say I’m reasonably confident, but it depends on the situation. I’m comfortable talking to people I know, although I can still feel nervous in completely unfamiliar situations.
What makes you feel confident?
I feel most confident when I’m well prepared. For example, if I understand a task and know what I want to say, I’m much less likely to feel nervous.
Do you think confidence changes with age?
Yes, I think it can. People often become more confident after gaining experience, although some may also become more cautious because they understand risks better.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a piece of furniture you like in your home
- What it is
- Where it is in your home
- How often you use it
- Why you like it
A piece of furniture I really like is the armchair in my living room. I bought it about two years ago after moving into my current apartment. It sits beside the window, near a small floor lamp, so it’s probably the most comfortable corner of the whole place. I use it almost every day, especially in the evening. After work, I usually sit there for a while, check my phone, read something, or just listen to music. At weekends, I sometimes stay there much longer with a cup of coffee. It’s also where I sit when I call my family because the area is quiet and I can relax. What I like about the chair is that it’s comfortable without being too large. The back supports me properly, and the fabric is soft but easy to clean. I also like its simple design because it matches the rest of my living room and doesn’t make the space feel crowded. It isn’t an expensive or unusual piece of furniture, but I’ve become quite attached to it. For me, it’s connected with relaxing at home, so I notice immediately when someone else is sitting in it.
Do you often think about this experience?
Not very often, because it’s just part of my everyday home life. Still, I do appreciate it whenever I sit down after a tiring day.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
Why do some people spend a lot of money on decorating their homes?
Some people see their home as a reflection of their personality, so they’re willing to spend a lot on furniture, lighting or decoration. Others simply spend more because they stay at home a lot and want the space to feel pleasant. There can also be a social element, because people may want visitors to be impressed. Of course, spending heavily only makes sense if it fits someone’s budget.
Do you think comfort is more important than appearance in home design?
Yes, in most cases I think comfort should come first because people actually have to live in the space every day. A beautiful sofa that is uncomfortable isn’t very useful. That said, appearance still matters because a pleasant environment can affect mood. Ideally, good home design should balance the two rather than treating comfort and appearance as completely separate choices.
Why do some people prefer simple homes while others like decoration?
It mainly comes down to personality and lifestyle. Some people feel calmer in a simple space with fewer objects, while others enjoy displaying photos, artwork or items they’ve collected. Family habits can influence this too. Someone who grew up in a highly decorated home may find a minimalist room cold, whereas another person may see the same room as peaceful and easy to maintain.
Should homes be designed more for practicality than beauty?
Generally, yes, because a home needs to support everyday life. Storage, comfortable furniture, good lighting and easy cleaning can matter more than purely decorative features. However, practicality doesn’t mean a home has to look boring. People can choose useful items that also look attractive, so the best design usually combines function with enough personal style to make the place feel welcoming.
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