IELTS Speaking Practice 12 Test 01
Practise Part 1 questions, a Part 2 cue card and Part 3 discussion questions with sample answers.
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Introduction and Interview
Answer familiar questions naturally and directly.
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Nanjing, in eastern China. I grew up there and my parents still live there, so I go back whenever I have a few days off.
What do you like most about your hometown?
I like the mix of history and modern life. There are old city walls and traditional areas, but there are also modern shopping districts, cafés and a very convenient metro system.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, quite a lot. The metro network has expanded, new apartment buildings have appeared, and some older neighborhoods have been renovated. Traffic is still busy, but getting around is easier now.
Do you use maps when traveling?
Yes, almost always. I normally use a map app on my phone to check routes, travel times and nearby places, especially when I’m visiting a city for the first time.
Do you prefer asking locals or using an app?
I usually use an app because it’s faster and I can see the whole route. If the directions are unclear, though, I’m happy to ask a local person for help.
Have you ever been lost on a trip?
Yes. I once took the wrong exit from a train station in Osaka and walked in the opposite direction for about twenty minutes. I eventually noticed because the landmarks didn’t match my map.
Is public transport comfortable in your city?
Most of the time, yes. The metro is clean and air-conditioned, and the buses are generally fine. It becomes much less comfortable during the morning and evening rush hours.
What makes it uncomfortable?
Overcrowding is the biggest problem. When the train is packed, there’s very little personal space, and standing for a long journey can be tiring, especially after work.
What improvements would you like?
I’d like more frequent services during rush hour and clearer information when there are delays. Better ventilation on crowded buses would help as well, particularly during the summer.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you felt motivated
- When it happened
- What motivated you
- What you did because of it
- How long the motivation lasted
One time I felt especially motivated was at the beginning of last year, when one of my close friends completed his first half marathon. I had been complaining that I felt tired after work and wasn’t exercising regularly, so seeing him finish something that required months of training made me want to change my routine. A few days later, I downloaded a simple running plan and started going out three evenings a week. At first, I could only run for about fifteen minutes before I needed to slow down and walk. Instead of giving up, I kept a record of each session and tried to improve very gradually. After around two months, I could run five kilometers without stopping, which felt like a huge achievement at the time. My strongest motivation lasted for about three or four months. After that, the excitement became less intense, but by then running had already become part of my weekly routine. I still don’t train as seriously as my friend, and I’ve never entered a half marathon, but I exercise much more consistently than before. What I remember most is that seeing someone I knew succeed made the goal feel realistic rather than abstract. It showed me that progress could come from ordinary, repeated effort.
Is this experience still important to you now?
Yes, it is. It changed the way I think about exercise, and I still use the habit of setting small, realistic goals instead of expecting immediate results.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
What usually motivates people to work hard?
People are motivated by different things, but money, recognition, personal pride and a sense of progress are common reasons. The strongest motivation often comes when people can see a clear connection between their effort and something they genuinely value. For example, someone may work hard to support their family rather than simply to impress a manager. External rewards can help, but they usually work better when the person also finds some meaning or satisfaction in the work itself.
Why do some people lose motivation more quickly than others?
Some people depend heavily on excitement or quick results, so when progress becomes slow, their motivation drops. Others may set goals that are too ambitious and feel discouraged when they cannot reach them immediately. Stress, poor sleep and a lack of support can also reduce motivation. I think people who focus on routines rather than mood tend to continue longer because they do not need to feel inspired every time they start a task.
Should children learn more about self-discipline at school?
Yes, but it should be taught through everyday responsibilities rather than long lectures. Children can learn self-discipline by managing homework, keeping track of deadlines, taking care of shared materials and completing tasks before receiving a reward. These habits help them understand that not everything enjoyable happens immediately. Schools should still be flexible, though, because children develop at different rates. The aim should be to build independence, not simply make students obey rules without understanding them.
Can daily habits reduce the need for motivation?
Yes, definitely. Habits reduce the number of decisions people have to make, so they can continue an activity even when they do not feel particularly motivated. Someone who always studies after dinner or exercises every Monday, Wednesday and Friday eventually treats the activity as part of normal life. Motivation is still useful for starting or changing a routine, but habits are often what keep it going. That is why consistency can be more reliable than waiting to feel inspired.
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