This IELTS Speaking Practice Test has 3 Sections. In Part 1, you will be asked questions for 4- 5 minutes about Money 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 Method To Save Money, 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
Money
Q1. How much money is enough?
A. Well, it’s hard to answer this question as there is no exact measurement to say whether money is enough or not. It’s up to the perspectives and goals of different people. Some people want to earn more money to save up, but others just need a certain amount to sustain their lives.
Q2. Why do people care too much about money?
A. I think the reason is simply that money equals power. The more money you have, the more things you can do, the more influence you have over people. No one refuses power, so that’s why they give priority to money. Also, people just want to keep up with the Joneses.
Q3. Is money important to you?
A. Absolutely. I can buy things with money and give presents to my family with my own money. It makes my life more meaningful. It’s a motivation to push me forward and make me work harder to enhance my life. For me, money is just never enough, and if I’m satisfied with what I earn, I’ll fall behind with my fellows.
Q4. What do people in your country save money for?
A. I suppose it’s up to different purposes. While the young save money for travel or tuition, the elderly tend to keep it for health services and their kids. However, young people have a greater desire than seniors, so they often spend beyond their savings.
Vocabualry
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Perspective: A particular way of thinking about or understanding something.
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Sustain: To maintain or support something over time.
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Influence: The power to affect or change someone or something.
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Priority: Something considered more important than other things.
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Enhance: To improve or make something better.
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Tuition: Money paid for education or training.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card
Describe A Method To Save Money
You should say :
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What is the method?
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When did you start to use it?
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How did you know it?
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and explain why it is helpful
Sample Answer
I’m not very good at saving money, and I tend to buy things without thinking carefully. I’ve realised that it’s difficult to save without a clear goal, so I set specific savings targets to motivate myself when making financial decisions. Visiting Japan has always been my biggest dream, but I’ve had to postpone it many times due to a lack of money.
I used to try saving on my own, but I often overspent and ended up with nothing left at the end of each month. Eventually, I asked my mom to manage my savings since she’s much better at controlling expenses. She acts like my personal accountant, helping me balance my spending. She also advises me when I go shopping to make sure I don’t overspend.
We made an agreement: whenever I withdraw a certain amount of money, I must save double that amount. This strategy works really well for me because my savings increase every month. Now, I always ask myself whether a purchase is truly necessary or if I should save the money for future needs. Over time, I’ve noticed that I’m setting aside more money each day. I stick to my budget and avoid spending on unnecessary items. This saving method makes me feel financially secure and proud of myself.
Vocabulary:
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Considering: Thinking carefully about something before making a decision.
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Postponed: Delayed or arranged for something to happen at a later time.
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Overspent: Spent more money than you planned or could afford.
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Withdraw: To take money out of a bank account or savings.
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Set Aside: To save money for a particular purpose in the future.
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Financially Secure: Having enough money to live comfortably without worrying about financial problems.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q1. What do you think about money?
A. Money can do many things, both good and bad. It allows us to have freedom and a wide variety of choices. Money gives us confidence and the desire to work harder so we can have a better life. You can decide where and how you want to live when you have a good income. When you do not have much money, your choices are limited. However, everything comes with a price. Having a lot of money doesn’t mean people won’t run into problems. Most people fail to strike a balance between earning money and enjoying it, so they work day and night. They believe they’ll be happier if they have lots of money. However, for most people, such a time never comes, and they die unhappy and dissatisfied.
Q2. Can human beings live without money?
A. It’s true that money isn’t the most important thing in this world, but it’s irreplaceable in our lives. If the world were a completely free place with no expenses and people could own anything they want without money, they would no longer go to work. There would be no motivation, and people would work unproductively. Money stimulates people to overcome obstacles so they can enjoy their achievements to the fullest. Besides, people with money have a voice in society, and it’s a strong encouragement to anyone.
Q3. In your opinion, why do many people derive pleasure from spending money?
A. Spending money is definitely the most satisfying feeling ever. People can buy things they’ve long waited for to please themselves. Buying something new will make their day and stimulate them to work harder. The money spent isn’t necessarily on oneself but also on loved ones. It makes us feel good, so we will spend more money next time.
Q4. Who do you think saves more money, men or women?
A. Well, it’s hard to say. Men’s biggest risk is their egos. They need to brag about their possessions and how much money they’ve earned, so they end up spending more money. Women tend to save money and spend it when they really need it. However, there are still exceptions when women manage money worse than men. That’s why there is no strong evidence that men or women save more money.
Q5. Which do you think is better for the economy of a country or area, people saving money or people spending money?
A. It’s such a tricky question. I guess for any economy, saving is entwined with spending. When people buy things, they contribute money to stores so they can pay salaries. The government also benefits from that as it’ll gain tax revenue. If people save money, only banks have an advantage, allowing them to invest or set up new businesses. An ideal economy is one in which saving and spending are balanced. It’s a rule for any economy in the world.
Q6. Do you think the government should let people know how it spends money?
A. Well, actually, I don’t really care about this issue. I think the government has its own reason not to publicise everything. It can be state secrets, so the authority wants to keep it private. However, if the government were to go public with how much it spends, it would gain the public's trust and assure them that their money is invested properly.
Vocabulary
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Significant: Important or meaningful in a noticeable way.
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Guarantee: To promise or ensure that something will happen.
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Motivation: The reason or drive that makes someone want to do something.
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Stability: A state of being steady, secure, or not likely to change suddenly.
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Revenue: Income or money that a business or government receives.
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Transparency: Openness and honesty in sharing information, especially by an organisation or government.
