IELTS Speaking Practice 20 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 customer questions, checking orders, and helping solve delivery or product problems.
What do you like about your job?
I like the problem-solving side of it. It feels satisfying when a customer starts out frustrated and I can give them a clear solution instead of just passing the issue to someone else.
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 the same time.
Do you borrow books from others?
Sometimes. I mainly borrow books from friends or coworkers when they recommend something and already have a copy, especially if I’m not sure I want to buy it.
Do you return borrowed books on time?
Yes, I try to. I usually keep borrowed books on my desk so I don’t forget about them, and I return them as soon as I finish reading.
Do you prefer borrowing or buying books?
I generally prefer buying books that I know I’ll use again. For novels or books I’m just curious about, borrowing makes more sense because it saves money and space.
Do you receive deliveries often?
Yes, fairly often. I order household items and sometimes groceries online, so I probably receive a delivery once or twice a week.
What do you usually get delivered?
Usually practical things such as cleaning products, snacks, phone accessories, or other small household items. I rarely order expensive products for delivery.
Have you ever had problems with deliveries?
Yes. I once had a parcel marked as delivered even though it hadn’t arrived. It turned out the courier had left it at the wrong building, but fortunately I got it back later.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a time you had to wake up early
- When it happened
- Why you needed to wake up early
- What you did that morning
- How you felt about it
One time I had to wake up extremely early was when I travelled to Guangzhou for a one-day training session organised by my company. The train itself wasn’t especially early, but I needed time to get to the station, pass the security check, and find the right platform, so I set my alarm for about 4:45 in the morning. I’m not naturally an early riser, so getting out of bed was probably the hardest part. I took a quick shower, made some coffee, and ate a small breakfast even though I wasn’t very hungry. Then I booked a taxi to the station because the metro hadn’t started running yet. The streets were unusually quiet, which felt strange because I normally see the city when it’s already busy. Once I got on the train, I relaxed a little and listened to music instead of trying to work. I was sleepy for the first part of the morning, but the training was useful and I was glad I arrived on time. Still, by the time I got home that evening, I was completely exhausted and went to bed much earlier than usual.
Would you recommend this experience to your friends?
I’d recommend the trip itself, but not the 4:45 start. If possible, I’d tell my friends to travel the night before and get proper sleep.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
Do you think modern lifestyles make it harder for people to wake up early?
Yes, in some ways. Many people work late, use their phones at night, or have entertainment available at any hour, so there’s less pressure to follow an early schedule. Long commutes can make the problem worse because people arrive home late but still want some personal time before sleeping. On the other hand, flexible working hours can help some people. Modern life makes late nights easier, but people still have some control over their habits.
What habits can help people maintain a healthy daily schedule?
A regular bedtime and wake-up time can make a big difference, even on weekends. It also helps to prepare things the night before, such as clothes, breakfast, or a work bag, because that reduces stress in the morning. People should also limit caffeine late in the day and avoid staying on their phones in bed. The main point is consistency; changing the schedule dramatically every few days makes a healthy routine much harder to maintain.
Why are healthy sleep habits important?
Healthy sleep is important because it affects both physical energy and mental performance. When people regularly sleep too little, they may find it harder to concentrate, control their mood, or make good decisions. Over time, poor sleep can also affect general health. One bad night isn’t a disaster, but if tiredness becomes normal, it can reduce someone’s quality of life and make even simple daily tasks feel more difficult.
Should parents manage children’s sleep routines more carefully?
Yes, especially for younger children, because they may not understand how much sleep they need and can easily stay up for games or videos. Parents can set reasonable bedtimes and keep devices out of the bedroom at night. However, the approach should change as children get older. Teenagers need some independence, so parents should explain the reasons for a routine rather than simply controlling every minute of their evening.
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