IELTS Speaking Practice 17 Test 03
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.
What do you do for work?
I work in customer support for an online retail company. Most of my day involves answering questions, checking orders, and helping customers solve delivery or product problems.
What do you like about your job?
I like the problem-solving side of the job. It’s satisfying when someone starts out confused or frustrated and I can give them a clear answer or practical solution.
What skills are important in your work?
Clear communication is probably the most important skill. You also need patience, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm when several customers need help at once.
How often do you eat at restaurants?
Maybe once or twice a month. I eat at home most of the time, but I enjoy going to a restaurant when I’m meeting friends or want something different.
What kind of restaurants do you like?
I like small local restaurants with simple food and reasonable prices. I’m especially fond of noodle shops, barbecue places, and restaurants where dishes are easy to share.
Do you prefer eating at home or at a restaurant?
Most of the time I prefer eating at home because it’s cheaper and quieter. Restaurants are better when I want to socialise or try food that I can’t cook myself.
Do you prefer tea or coffee?
I prefer coffee, especially in the morning. Tea is nice in the evening, but coffee helps me feel more awake when I start work.
How often do you drink it?
Usually one cup a day, sometimes two if I’m particularly tired. I try not to drink it late in the evening because it can affect my sleep.
Do people in your country often meet for tea or coffee?
Yes, very often. Cafés are common meeting places, especially in cities, and people also drink tea together at home, in restaurants, or during family gatherings.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you had a long conversation on a trip
- Who you talked with
- Where you were
- What you talked about
- Why it was memorable
I had a surprisingly long conversation during a train trip from Shenzhen to Guangzhou. I was travelling alone for a work-related appointment, and an older man was sitting next to me. At first we only exchanged a few polite comments because he asked whether the seat beside me was free for his bag. Later, the train stopped for a while because of a signal problem, and we started talking properly. He told me he had worked in manufacturing for more than thirty years and was now semi-retired. We talked about how cities in southern China had changed, how young people choose jobs, and how technology had affected everyday work. I told him about my customer support job and some of the things I was trying to learn outside work. What made the conversation memorable was that we had very different backgrounds, but the discussion never felt awkward. He didn’t lecture me, and I didn’t feel that I had to agree with everything he said. We just exchanged experiences. By the time the train reached Guangzhou, nearly an hour had passed. I left feeling that travel can sometimes create conversations that probably wouldn’t happen in normal daily life.
Is this experience still important to you now?
Yes, because it reminded me to be more open to unexpected conversations. I don’t talk to every stranger, but I’m less likely to dismiss the possibility now.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
How has technology affected face-to-face conversation during journeys?
Technology has probably reduced some face-to-face conversation during journeys because people can spend the whole trip using phones, headphones, or laptops. In the past, boredom may have encouraged passengers to talk more. On the other hand, technology also gives people something to discuss, and it helps travellers stay connected with friends while away. I don’t think conversation has disappeared; people simply have more alternatives when they don’t feel like talking.
What can people learn from conversations during travel?
Travel conversations can expose people to experiences outside their normal social circle. Someone might speak with a local resident, another traveller, or a person from a very different profession and hear opinions they wouldn’t encounter at home. These conversations can teach practical information about a place, but they can also challenge assumptions. Even a short discussion can make a journey feel more personal because the traveller connects with someone rather than only observing the surroundings.
What topics usually lead to meaningful discussion?
Meaningful discussions often come from topics that connect to people’s real experiences, such as family, work, personal goals, difficult decisions, or changes in society. The topic itself doesn’t have to be serious, but both people need to care about it. Meaningful conversation also requires listening. If everyone is simply waiting to speak, even an important topic can stay superficial. Sometimes a simple question becomes meaningful because someone gives an honest answer.
Is it easier to talk openly with strangers or with close friends?
It depends on the subject. Strangers can sometimes be easier to talk to because there’s less fear of being judged later, especially if you know you may never meet again. People may admit worries or opinions that they hide from family. However, close friends provide trust and context, so they can understand deeper issues more accurately. I think strangers can encourage unexpected honesty, while close friends are usually better for emotionally important conversations.
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