IELTS Speaking Practice 14 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 Hangzhou, in eastern China. I grew up there, and most of my family still lives there, so I go back whenever I have a long enough break.
What do you like most about your hometown?
The scenery is probably my favorite thing. There are lakes, hills and plenty of trees, so even though it's a busy city, there are still many places where you can slow down.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, quite a lot. The metro system has expanded, new neighborhoods have appeared, and some areas feel much more crowded than before. At the same time, many older scenic areas have been preserved.
Do you often feel wistful?
Not very often, but it happens sometimes when I think about people or places from the past. It's usually a quiet feeling rather than something that makes me very upset.
What makes you wistful?
Old photos make me wistful more than anything else. If I see pictures from school or family trips, I start remembering what life was like then and how quickly things changed.
Is wistfulness a positive emotion?
I think it can be positive in small amounts. It reminds you that certain experiences mattered to you. But if someone spends too much time looking backwards, it can stop them enjoying the present.
Do you like getting fresh air?
Yes, definitely. If I've been indoors for several hours, going outside for even ten minutes makes me feel more awake and less restless.
How often do you go outside for fresh air?
Usually at least once or twice a day. I walk to a nearby park after lunch when I can, and in the evening I sometimes take a longer walk around my neighborhood.
Do you think fresh air helps people feel better?
Yes, I do. Fresh air and a change of surroundings can clear your head, especially after working or studying indoors for a long time. Even a short walk can improve my mood.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you spent time near water (river, lake, sea)
- Where it was
- Who you were with
- What you did there
- Why it was relaxing or fun
One time I really enjoyed being near water was last autumn, when I spent an afternoon at West Lake in Hangzhou. I went there with two friends I had known since school. We hadn't met for several months, so we decided to choose somewhere familiar where we could walk and talk without making a complicated plan. We started near the eastern side of the lake and slowly walked along the path by the water. The weather was cool but sunny, and there were fewer tourists than in summer. We stopped a few times to take photos, bought some tea from a small shop, and later sat on a bench facing the lake for almost an hour. What I liked most was that nobody was in a hurry. We talked about work, family and some funny things that had happened when we were younger. The water was very calm, and watching the boats move slowly across it made the whole afternoon feel peaceful. I remember going home feeling much lighter than I had in the morning. It wasn't an exciting trip, but it reminded me that I don't always need entertainment to enjoy myself. Sometimes a quiet place, good weather and people I know well are enough.
Would you recommend this experience to your friends?
Yes, I would. It's an easy and inexpensive way to spend time together, and the combination of walking, water and conversation can be very relaxing.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
What activities do people usually enjoy in places near water?
People usually choose activities that match the type of place. At a beach, they might swim, play games, sunbathe or try water sports. Around lakes and rivers, walking, fishing, cycling and having picnics are common. Some people simply sit and enjoy the view because water can create a calmer atmosphere. The important thing is that these places offer both active and quiet forms of leisure, so different age groups can enjoy them in different ways.
How can pollution affect people’s enjoyment of natural water areas?
Pollution can completely change the experience because people may no longer feel safe swimming, fishing or even sitting nearby. Bad smells, plastic waste and dirty water also destroy the natural beauty that attracts visitors in the first place. Over time, fewer people may come, and local businesses can suffer as well. There is also a psychological effect: it's difficult to relax in a natural area when the signs of environmental damage are obvious everywhere.
Should governments provide more public spaces for leisure?
Yes, especially in dense cities where many people live in small homes. Public parks, riverside paths, sports areas and community gardens give residents somewhere to exercise, meet others or simply get away from traffic. These spaces can improve quality of life without requiring people to spend money. Of course, governments also have to maintain them properly. Building a park is not enough if it later becomes unsafe, dirty or difficult for older and disabled people to use.
What kinds of places are most suitable for relaxation?
Places with some distance from heavy traffic are usually best, especially if they have trees, water or open views. People tend to relax more when they aren't constantly surrounded by noise and advertising. Comfort also matters, so benches, shade, clean toilets and safe walking paths can make a big difference. That said, relaxation is personal. Some people prefer a quiet park, while others feel more relaxed in a lively café or sports center with friends.
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