IELTS Practice Speaking Questions & Sample Answers 09-04
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 psychology at university. I’m in my second year, so most of my courses currently cover basic areas like development, memory, social behavior, and research methods.
Why did you choose this subject?
I chose it because I’ve always been curious about why people behave differently in similar situations. I also wanted a subject that combines scientific research with everyday human behavior.
What do you find most challenging about your studies?
Research methods are the hardest part for me, especially statistics. I enjoy reading about psychological ideas, but analyzing data takes more concentration and practice.
Have you visited an animal shelter?
Yes, once. I visited a local shelter with a university volunteer group, and we helped clean some areas, prepare food, and spend time with the dogs.
Would you adopt a pet from a shelter?
Yes, I would. I think adopting from a shelter is a good option because many animals already need homes, although I’d only do it if I had enough time and space.
Do you think shelters need more support?
Definitely. Shelters need money, volunteers, foster homes, and public awareness. They do a lot of work that people don’t see, especially caring for sick or abandoned animals.
Do you believe in kismet (fate)?
I’m not sure I believe in fate completely. I think chance affects our lives, but our decisions and effort also shape what happens, so I’m somewhere in the middle.
Has kismet played a role in your life?
Maybe in small ways. I’ve met people by chance who later became important friends, but I usually see that as coincidence rather than proof that everything was planned.
Is kismet a comforting belief?
It can be. Believing that some events have a purpose may help people accept things they can’t control. I just wouldn’t want that belief to stop someone from taking responsibility for their choices.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you exercised regularly
- What exercise you did
- Why you started
- How you kept the habit
- What benefits you noticed
A time I exercised regularly was during my first year at university. I had become quite inactive because I was spending long hours studying and sitting in my room, so I decided to start jogging three times a week. I didn’t have an ambitious goal. I simply wanted more energy and a reason to get outside. At first, I could only jog for about fifteen minutes before I felt tired, so I alternated between running and walking. I usually exercised in a park near campus in the early evening. To keep the habit, I chose fixed days and laid out my sports clothes before leaving for class in the morning. I also tracked each run on my phone, which made the gradual improvement easy to see. After about two months, I could run for around thirty minutes without stopping. The biggest benefit was actually mental rather than physical. I slept better and felt less restless after studying for several hours. I also became more disciplined about my schedule because exercise had a regular place in my week. I don’t run as consistently now, but that period showed me that a simple routine is easier to maintain than an extreme plan that depends on motivation every day.
Do you often think about this experience?
Yes, occasionally. I think about it when I become inactive, because it reminds me that even a simple routine can improve how I feel.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
Do you think modern life leaves enough time for physical activity?
For many people, probably not. Modern life often involves long working hours, commuting, study, family responsibilities, and a lot of time spent sitting in front of screens. Exercise can easily become the first thing people remove from a busy schedule. At the same time, not all physical activity requires a gym or a full hour. Walking, cycling, or short home workouts can fit into daily life if cities and workplaces make those options practical.
Why is it difficult for some people to exercise regularly?
One reason is that the benefits are gradual, while the effort is immediate. After a tiring day, resting on the sofa feels more attractive than exercising, even if someone knows exercise is good for them. Cost, lack of safe spaces, health problems, and family responsibilities can also make it harder. Some people start with unrealistic plans and quit quickly. A smaller routine that fits their lifestyle is often more sustainable than trying to exercise intensely every day.
Can regular habits improve both physical and mental well-being?
Yes. Regular habits reduce the number of decisions people have to make, so healthy behavior becomes easier to continue. A consistent sleep schedule, exercise routine, or meal pattern can support physical health, while habits such as taking breaks and maintaining social contact can help mental well-being. The effect of one day may be small, but repeated behavior adds up. Of course, routines should still be flexible enough to change when someone’s circumstances change.
How does self-discipline help people stay healthy?
Self-discipline helps people follow healthy choices even when they don’t feel motivated at that moment. For example, someone may plan to exercise after work but feel tired when the time comes. Discipline helps them start anyway rather than waiting for perfect motivation. It also matters with sleep, food, and medical routines. However, discipline works better when the environment supports it, so making healthy choices convenient is often more effective than relying on willpower alone.
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