This IELTS Speaking Practice Test has 3 Sections. In Part 1, you will be asked questions for 4- 5 minutes about Handwriting by your examiner. In Part 2, you will be given a cue card for a monologue of 2 minutes based on the topic Describe Something You Don’t Have Now But Would Really Like To Own In The Future, followed by more in-depth questions for another 4-5 minutes in Part 3. Overall, the speaking test takes 15 minutes.
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Handwriting
Q. Do you usually write by hand?
A. Not really anymore. These days, I find myself typing a lot on computers and texting on my phone, so I rarely use paper and a pen anymore. That said, I still have to jot down notes in class because laptops are not allowed. I think it’s a pain, really.
Q. Do you think handwriting will be replaced by computers?
A. Well, you know, in this day and age, modern technologies have largely marginalised handwriting, and you don’t see people writing by hand as much as they did in the past. However, some things still need to be handwritten. For example, you should always handwrite a wedding invitation to show respect to the guests.
Q. Is it still necessary to keep handwriting?
A. Definitely. I think it’s important to teach young kids to handwrite. I think handwriting exercises really do wonders for their cognitive
development. For example, my brother, who has really beautiful handwriting, is a brilliant kid.
Q. What impression does a person’s handwriting have on other people?
A. I think handwriting can speak volumes about somebody’s personality. For example, if you have neat handwriting, people tend to think that you are a good-hearted person. On the other hand, if your writing is unintelligible, they may think badly of you. It’s quite an antiquated way of thinking, I guess.
Q. Can we tell someone’s personality from their handwriting?
A. For me, yes, it does speak volumes. A person with neat, legible handwriting is usually organised and goal-oriented. On the other hand, a person with poor penmanship is more likely to be clumsy and to have an unorganised, happy-go-lucky personality.
Vocabulary
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Jot Down: To write something quickly or briefly.
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Marginalised: Treated as less important or pushed to the edge of society or activity.
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Cognitive: Related to mental processes such as thinking, learning, and understanding.
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Speak Volumes: To show or express something very clearly without needing many words.
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Unintelligible: Impossible or very difficult to understand.
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Antiquated: Old-fashioned and no longer suitable for modern times.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card
Describe something you don’t have now but would really like to own in the future
You should say:
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What is it?
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When would you like to (= want to / hope to) buy it?
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How long have you wanted to buy this?
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Explain why you would like to buy this.
Sample Answer
Owning a one-bedroom apartment of my own has been at the top of my wish list for quite a long time. Like many people, I have various things I would love to buy in the future, but having my own home is by far my most important goal.
I hope to achieve this dream by the time I turn 30. Although property prices are quite high and it may seem a little ambitious, I believe setting long-term goals gives me motivation and direction in life. I have always been an independent person, so the idea of moving out of my parents’ house and building a life of my own truly excites me.
In fact, I have wanted to buy a small apartment ever since I graduated from college. Recently, I have started looking at condos located slightly outside the city centre. Even though commuting to work might take longer, prices there are far more affordable, making this goal more realistic and achievable.
Owning my own flat would mean a great deal to me. First of all, I would have the freedom to decorate and design the space according to my personal taste and lifestyle. In addition, I would enjoy greater privacy and independence. I could invite friends over, host small gatherings, or simply relax in my own space without feeling like I am disturbing anyone. Most importantly, purchasing my own apartment would symbolise maturity and responsibility. It would show my parents—and myself—that I am capable of standing on my own feet and managing my life confidently.
For me, buying an apartment is not just about owning property; it represents independence, stability, and a significant personal achievement.
Vocabulary
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Ambitious: Having a strong desire and determination to achieve something that may be difficult.
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Independent: Able to live or act without relying on others.
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Commuting: Travelling regularly between home and work or school.
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Affordable: Reasonably priced; not too expensive.
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Achievable: Possible to successfully accomplish.
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Symbolise: To represent or be a sign of something.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q. Do you think it is good to preserve old buildings?
A. I think it depends on whether the building is truly worth preserving. For example, historical monuments and heritage sites should definitely be protected because of their cultural and historical significance. However, if a building is simply old, unattractive, and has no particular importance, then I don’t think there is a strong reason to preserve it.
Q. Are buildings now better than those in the past? Why?
A. In some ways, yes, but in other ways no. Modern buildings usually offer better facilities and are fully equipped with modern amenities. Many have lifts, security systems, and convenience stores nearby, so people don’t have to travel far to get what they need. However, modern construction can also be harmful to the environment. The building process and daily operation often produce waste and heat, which contribute to pollution and global warming.
Q. Do you think the government should invest money in preserving old buildings?
A. If the buildings are truly important to the country, then yes, the government should invest in preserving them. When they are well-maintained, they can attract tourists and generate income. This revenue can then be used to support their maintenance and preservation.
Q. What are the differences between residential buildings in cities and those in rural areas?
A. There are clear differences between urban and rural housing. In cities, residential buildings are usually constructed vertically because land is expensive and limited. In contrast, houses in rural areas are often one-storey homes that feel more spacious and comfortable. City homes are typically compact and built with modern materials, whereas rural houses often use local materials such as stone and timber and reflect traditional architectural styles.
Q. What kind of buildings will people live in 50 years from now?
A. In 50 years, I believe people will live in smarter and more environmentally friendly homes. Houses will likely have solar panels on the roofs, and smart systems will automatically control lighting and temperature. There will also be increasing demand for affordable, fast, and sustainable housing solutions.
Vocabulary
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Preserve: To protect something and keep it in its original or existing condition.
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Heritage Sites: Places that have historical or cultural importance.
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Amenities: Useful facilities or services provided in a building or area.
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Contribute to: To help cause or bring about something.
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Vertically: In an upward direction; built upwards rather than spread out.
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Sustainable: Able to continue for a long time without causing harm to the environment.
