This IELTS Speaking Practice Test has 3 Sections. In Part 1, you will be asked questions for 4- 5 minutes about Television by your examiner. In Part 2, you will be given a cue card for a monologue of 2 minutes based on the topic Describe A Subject That You Did Not Like In The Past, But Now You Like It, followed by more in-depth questions for another 4-5 minutes based on the cue card in Part 3. Overall, the speaking test takes 15 minutes.
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Q1. How popular is watching television in your country?
A. Watching television is still quite popular in my country, although online streaming platforms are becoming increasingly common. Many families watch TV together in the evening, especially for news and entertainment programs. It remains an important source of information and relaxation for people of all ages.
Q2. Tell me about the types of programs that are generally on television in your country.
A. There is a wide range of programs available. These include news broadcasts, reality shows, dramas, talk shows, sports events, and educational programs. In recent years, talent shows and daily soap operas have gained significant popularity among viewers.
Q3. Why do people like watching television?
A. People enjoy watching television because it provides entertainment and helps them unwind after a long day. It is also a convenient way to stay informed about current events. Additionally, some programs are educational and allow viewers to learn new things in an engaging way.
Q4. Do you think state or private television is better?
A. I believe both have their advantages. State television is often more reliable for national news and official information. On the other hand, private channels usually offer more diverse and entertaining content because they compete for higher ratings.
Q5. What effects can watching television have on children?
A. Television can have both positive and negative effects on children. Educational programs can improve their knowledge and language skills. However, excessive screen time may affect their physical health, concentration, and social interaction. Therefore, parental supervision is very important.
Vocabulary
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Streaming Platforms: Online services that allow people to watch video content over the internet.
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Broadcasts: Programs that are transmitted on television or radio.
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Talent Shows: Competitions where participants demonstrate their skills, such as singing or dancing.
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Engaging: Interesting and able to hold attention.
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Reliable: Trustworthy and accurate.
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Parental Supervision – The act of parents monitoring or guiding their children’s activities.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card
Describe A Subject That You Did Not Like In The Past, But Now You Like
You should say:
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What it was
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When you studied the subject
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Why didn’t you like it before
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And explain why you have an interest in it now.
Sample Answer
When I was in high school, I studied a wide range of subjects, including history. To be honest, I wasn’t interested in it at all at first. The main reason was my teacher’s teaching method, which I found extremely boring.
He rarely explained the lessons in an engaging way. Instead, he simply copied words, facts, and figures from the textbook onto the board and asked us to write everything down. After that, we were told to memorise all the information if we didn’t want to get a low score. There was no discussion or storytelling, just endless note-taking and memorisation. This approach made my classmates and me feel frustrated and unmotivated, and we gradually developed a negative attitude toward the subject.
However, my perspective changed as I grew older. One day, I watched a film about Vietnamese history, which told the story of King Ly Cong Uan relocating the capital from Ninh Binh to Hanoi over a thousand years ago. The movie was engaging and emotionally powerful, and it helped me realise that history is not just about dry facts and dates. Instead, it is full of meaningful stories, important decisions, and cultural developments.
After watching that film, I began reading more historical articles and watching documentaries. Gradually, I developed a genuine interest in history. Now, I see it as an important subject that helps me better understand my country’s heritage and how the past has shaped the present.
I believe the Ministry of Education should consider adjusting the school curriculum and training teachers to make history lessons more interactive and inspiring. Without such improvements, many students may continue to view history as a dull and difficult subject, just as I once did.
Vocabulary:
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Engaging: Interesting and able to keep your attention.
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Memorisation: The act of learning something by heart.
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Frustrated: Feeling upset or annoyed because something is difficult or unfair.
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Perspective: A particular way of thinking about or understanding something.
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Heritage: The history, traditions, and cultural background of a country or group.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q1. What courses/subjects do you think will be added in your high school?
A. Rather than adding more subjects, I believe many of the existing ones will become electives. Students in my country already study too many compulsory subjects, most of which they are not genuinely interested in. When I was in school, I had 13 mandatory subjects, and to be honest, I can hardly remember what I learned in half of them. Giving students more freedom to choose would probably make learning more effective and meaningful.
Q2. What courses/subjects will be helpful in future work?
A. I think foreign languages and intercultural communication will be extremely valuable in the future job market. As the world becomes increasingly globalised, being able to speak at least one foreign language can significantly improve employment opportunities. In addition, understanding cultural norms and communication styles can help prevent misunderstandings and improve collaboration in international workplaces.
Q3. What do students do after school in your country?
A. Many students attend extra classes after school, often taught by their own teachers or private tutors. Academic competition is quite intense, so extra lessons are common. If they don’t have additional classes, students usually spend time hanging out with friends before going home for dinner and completing their homework.
Q4. Do you think students should choose subjects they like?
A. Yes, to some extent. I believe core subjects such as Mathematics and at least one foreign language should remain compulsory because they provide essential skills. However, subjects like Music and Art could be optional, allowing students to focus more on areas that align with their interests and career goals.
Q5. What role should the teacher have in the classroom?
A. A teacher should act as a mentor and guide rather than just a lecturer. They should create a positive and supportive learning environment that encourages both academic achievement and personal growth. By making the classroom a safe and welcoming space, teachers can help students feel valued and motivated to engage actively in their studies.
Q6. Can students in your country choose their favourite subjects?
A. No, students generally cannot choose their subjects freely. The curriculum is determined by the Ministry of Education, and all students are required to follow it. From my experience, almost every student dislikes at least one subject. Unfortunately, some subjects that students are genuinely interested in are not even offered in schools.
Vocabularies
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Electives: Optional courses that students can choose according to their interests.
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Compulsory: Required by rules; mandatory.
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Globalised: The process of countries becoming more connected culturally, economically, and socially.
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Collaboration: Working together with others to achieve a common goal.
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Mentor: Someone who guides, advises, and supports another person’s learning or development.
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Curriculum: The set of courses and subjects taught in a school or educational program.
