This IELTS Speaking Practice Test has 3 Sections. In Part 1, you will be asked questions by your examiner for 4-5 minutes about Collecting Unusual Items. In Part 2, you will be given a cue card for a monologue of 2 minutes based on the topic Describe An Unusual Item That You Would Like To Collect, 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
Collecting Unusual Items
Q1. Do you collect anything?
A. Yes, I do collect a few things, although I wouldn’t call myself a serious collector. I mainly keep small items like postcards and bookmarks that I pick up during travel or from friends. I like them because they remind me of different places and experiences. Over time, it has become more of a personal memory collection rather than a hobby I actively pursue.
Q2. Why do people like collecting things?
A. I think people collect things for emotional and psychological reasons. Some do it for nostalgia, as objects can remind them of special moments in life. Others collect items as a hobby or even as an investment. For many, it also provides a sense of satisfaction and identity, because their collection reflects their personality and interests.
Q3. Did you collect anything when you were a child?
A. Yes, when I was a child, I used to collect stickers and colourful stationery items. It was very popular among my friends at school, and we often exchanged them. At that time, it felt exciting to build a collection, even if it was something very simple. Looking back, it was more about fun and social interaction than the items themselves.
Q4. What kind of things do people usually collect in your country?
A. In my country, people collect a wide range of items depending on their interests. Some common collections include coins, stamps, and traditional artefacts. Younger people often collect things like sneakers, action figures, or even digital items such as NFTs. It really depends on personal preference and financial capacity.
Q5. Do you think collecting things is a good hobby? Why?
A. Yes, I believe it can be a good hobby if it is done in a balanced way. Collecting helps people stay engaged and learn more about specific topics or cultures. It can also improve patience and attention to detail. However, it can become problematic if it turns into an obsession or takes up too much space and money.
Q6. Have collecting habits changed over time?
A. Yes, definitely. In the past, people mostly collected physical items like coins, stamps, or books. But now, with technology, digital collecting has become more common, such as online game items or virtual assets. Also, modern collectors often share and display their collections online, which was not possible before.
Vocabulary
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Actively: In an energetic and deliberate way; with regular effort.
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Nostalgia: A sentimental feeling of happiness or sadness when remembering the past.
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Satisfaction: A feeling of pleasure or achievement when something is fulfilled.
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Artefacts: Objects made by humans, often with historical or cultural importance.
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Capacity: The ability or financial power to do something.
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Obsession: An unhealthy or excessive interest in something.
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Virtual: Existing in digital form rather than physically.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card
Describe An Unusual Item That You Would Like To Collect.
You should say:
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What is the item?
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How would you get it?
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Why is it unusual?
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and explain why you are interested in collecting it.
Sample Answer
An unusual item I would like to collect is vintage handwritten letters, especially those written during the early to mid-20th century.
I would mainly get them from antique bookstores, estate sales, flea markets, and verified online auction platforms that deal in historical documents. I would also try to build contacts with collectors or families who are willing to sell old personal letters. Over time, I would focus on building a small but carefully selected collection rather than buying randomly.
This item is unusual because handwritten personal letters have almost disappeared in the modern digital era. Today, people mostly use emails or instant messaging, so handwritten communication has become rare. Another reason is that each letter is completely original, reflecting the writer’s handwriting, emotions, and context of that specific moment, which cannot be replicated.
I am interested in collecting them because they offer a direct connection to the past in a very personal way. Unlike books or printed documents, letters feel intimate, as if I am reading someone’s real thoughts and emotions. I am also interested in history, and through these letters, I can understand how people lived, communicated, and expressed themselves in earlier times. Overall, I find this hobby meaningful because it combines history, human emotions, and storytelling in a very authentic form.
Vocabulary
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Vintage: Old and from a previous era, often valued for style or quality.
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Antique: A very old object that has historical or collectable value.
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Estate Sales: Sales of personal belongings, usually after someone dies or moves.
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Verified: Confirmed as real, accurate, or authentic.
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Authentic: Genuine and not fake or copied.
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Intimate: Very personal and emotionally close.
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Replicated: Copied or reproduced exactly.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q1. Why do some people prefer collecting unusual or rare items instead of common ones?
A. People prefer unusual or rare items because they want something that stands out and feels more personal. Rare objects often carry a sense of uniqueness and exclusivity, which makes the collection more satisfying. It also gives collectors a feeling that they own something not many others have, which increases emotional and sometimes social value.
Q2. Do you think collecting things is more about passion or investment?
A. In most cases, it starts as a passion rather than an investment. People usually collect items because they are emotionally attached to or interested in a specific theme. However, over time, some collections may gain financial value, especially if the items are rare or historical. So, it can become both passion and investment, but passion usually comes first.
Q3. How has technology changed the way people collect things?
A. Technology has completely changed collecting habits. Earlier, people mainly collected physical items like stamps or coins, but now digital collections are becoming popular, such as online game items or NFTs. Technology has also made it easier to buy, sell, and showcase collections globally through online platforms and social media.
Q4. What difficulties do collectors usually face?
A. Collectors often face challenges such as high prices, difficulty finding rare items, and the risk of buying fake products. Storage can also be a problem, especially for large or delicate collections. In addition, maintaining and organising a collection requires time, effort, and sometimes specialised knowledge.
Q5. Do you think collecting things can reflect a person’s personality? How?
A. Yes, it often reflects personality very clearly. For example, someone collecting vintage letters may be interested in history and emotions, while someone collecting modern gadgets may be more tech-oriented. A collection usually shows a person’s interests, values, and even their lifestyle choices.
Q6. Will physical collections become less popular in the future? Why?
A. Yes, I think physical collections may become less common because digital alternatives are growing rapidly. People prefer convenience and space-saving options, which digital collections offer. However, physical collections will still exist, especially for items that have historical, artistic, or emotional significance.
Vocabulary
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Rare: Something that is not common and is difficult to find.
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Exclusivity: The quality of being limited or available only to a few people.
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Emotional Attachment: A strong personal feeling of connection towards something.
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Digital Collections: Items collected and stored in electronic or online form.
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Platforms: Online systems or websites used for buying, selling, or sharing things.
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Delicate: Easily damaged or needing careful handling.
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Reflect: To show or represent something clearly, such as personality or feelings.
