IELTS Speaking Practice 14 Test 02
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.
Do you live in a house or an apartment?
I live in an apartment with my older sister. It's not very large, but it's close to my office and a metro station, so it's convenient for both of us.
What’s your favorite room in your home?
My favorite room is the living room because it gets the most natural light. I usually read there on weekends, and my sister and I often watch films there in the evening.
Would you like to move to a different place in the future?
Yes, maybe in a few years. I'd like a slightly quieter apartment with a small balcony, but I wouldn't want to move too far from public transport or the city center.
Are you usually punctual?
Yes, I'm usually a few minutes early rather than exactly on time. I don't like rushing, so I normally leave home with some extra time in case the traffic is bad.
How do you feel when people are late?
If it's only five or ten minutes, I don't mind much, especially if they send me a message. I get annoyed when someone is very late and gives no explanation.
Is punctuality important in your culture?
Yes, although it depends on the situation. Being on time is expected for work, appointments and formal meetings. Friends are sometimes more flexible, but arriving extremely late would still be considered rude.
Do you take selfies?
Occasionally, but not every day. I mainly take selfies when I'm travelling or when I'm with friends and we want a quick picture together.
When do you usually take selfies?
Usually during trips, at concerts or when I visit somewhere with a nice view. I rarely take one just because I'm sitting at home or going through a normal workday.
Do you think people take too many selfies?
Some people probably do, especially if they feel they need to document everything. I don't think taking selfies is a problem by itself, but it can become distracting if people care more about the photo than the experience.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you enjoyed silence
- Where you were
- Why it was silent
- What you did in the silence
- Why it felt good
A time I really enjoyed silence was during a short trip to a mountain village about two years ago. I went there alone for a weekend because I had been working long hours and wanted a break from the city. My guesthouse was near the edge of the village, and early on Sunday morning I walked up a small trail behind it. There was almost no traffic, and because it was still quite early, I didn't meet anyone else on the path. When I reached a viewpoint, I sat on a large rock for maybe forty minutes. I could hear a few birds and some wind in the trees, but apart from that it was incredibly quiet. I didn't listen to music or check my phone. I just looked at the hills and drank some coffee I had brought with me. What felt good was the contrast with my normal routine. At home I'm surrounded by messages, traffic and people talking, so my attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. In that quiet place, I felt like my mind finally slowed down. I wasn't trying to solve any problems or plan the week ahead. By the time I walked back, I felt rested in a way that sleeping late doesn't always achieve.
Is this experience still important to you now?
Yes, it is. Since then, I've tried to create short periods without my phone or background noise, especially when work has been stressful.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
Should governments do more to protect quiet public spaces?
I think they should, at least in areas where noise has become a serious problem. Cities need lively commercial spaces, but people also need parks, libraries and residential areas where constant noise is controlled. Governments can use zoning rules, traffic restrictions and limits on late-night construction to protect those places. The aim shouldn't be to make cities silent, which is unrealistic, but to give residents some choice. Without quieter spaces, people who are sensitive to noise have nowhere to escape it.
Why are noisy environments common in cities?
Cities concentrate a lot of activity in a small area. Traffic, construction, restaurants, public transport and large numbers of people all create sound throughout the day. Modern lifestyles also extend activity later into the night, so there may be less of a natural quiet period than in the past. In some places, poor planning makes it worse because homes are built very close to busy roads or entertainment districts. Noise is partly unavoidable, but better urban design can reduce unnecessary exposure.
Will quiet time become more valuable in the future?
Probably, because people are surrounded by more notifications, screens and background information than before. As work and entertainment become more digital, truly uninterrupted time may start to feel rare. I think some people will deliberately look for quiet cafés, parks, retreats or even phone-free periods to recover their attention. On the other hand, not everyone experiences quiet as relaxing. Some people are more comfortable with music or conversation around them, so its value will still depend on personality.
What is the difference between physical rest and mental rest?
Physical rest means reducing demands on the body, such as sitting down after exercise or getting enough sleep. Mental rest is more about giving the brain a break from decisions, worries and constant stimulation. You can have one without the other. For example, someone might lie on a sofa for an hour while answering work messages, so their body is resting but their mind isn't. Ideally, people need both, especially after long periods of stress or intense work.
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