IELTS Speaking Practice Test 87 with Sample Answers

Key Highlights

IELTS Speaking Part 1
IELTS Speaking Part 2
IELTS Speaking Part 3

This IELTS Speaking Practice Test has 3 Sections. In Part 1, you will be asked questions by your examiner for 4-5 minutes about the topic of Internships and Early Career Experience. In Part 2, you will be given a 2-minute cue card for a monologue on the topic "Describe A Job Opportunity You Seriously Considered," 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

Internships And Early Career Experience

Q1. Have you ever done an internship?

A. Yes, I have had internship experience, and I found it quite valuable. It gave me an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real working environment and develop practical skills that are difficult to learn in a classroom. It also helped me understand what employers expect from young professionals. In addition, it improved my confidence and gave me a clearer idea of the career path I wanted to pursue.

Q2. What do you think about unpaid internships?

A. I think they can be beneficial in certain situations because they provide work experience and industry exposure. However, I don't believe unpaid internships should become the norm. Not everyone can afford to work without earning an income, so paid opportunities are generally fairer and more accessible. While experience is valuable, I think people's time and effort should also be recognised appropriately.

Q3. Why do many young people accept unpaid internships?

A. Many young people see them as a stepping stone to future employment. They hope to gain practical experience, build professional networks, and strengthen their CVs In competitive industries, some students feel that internships are necessary to stand out from other job applicants. They often view them as an investment in their long-term career development.

Q4. Would you be willing to work without pay to gain experience?

A. It would depend on the circumstances. If the internship offered valuable training, mentorship, and strong career prospects, I might consider it for a short period. However, I don't think working without compensation is sustainable in the long run, especially for students who have financial responsibilities. Ideally, internships should provide both learning opportunities and some form of financial support.

Q5. Do you think internships are important for students?

A. Yes, absolutely. Internships allow students to gain firsthand experience of the workplace and bridge the gap between education and employment. They can also help students discover whether a particular career path is suitable for them before they commit to it fully. This can save a lot of time and help them make more informed career decisions.

Q6. Should governments regulate unpaid internships?

A. To some extent, yes. Governments should ensure that interns are treated fairly and that companies do not exploit them as a source of free labour. At the same time, regulations should still allow organisations to offer meaningful training opportunities. The goal should be to create a balance between learning and fair treatment. Clear guidelines could also prevent companies from misusing internship programmes simply to reduce labour costs.

Vocabulary

Theoretical: Based on ideas rather than practical experience
Exposure: Experience of something new
Accessible: Easy for people to obtain or participate in
Stepping-stone: Something that helps achieve a larger goal
Mentorship: Guidance from a more experienced person
Compensation: Payment or reward for work
Exploit: To unfairly take advantage of someone

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Cue Card

Describe A Job Opportunity You Seriously Considered

You should say:

What the opportunity was
When you heard about it
What attracted you to it
And explain why you considered it seriously

Sample Answer

One job opportunity that I seriously considered was an internship with a digital marketing company during my university years.

I first heard about it through my college career portal. The company was looking for interns to assist with social media campaigns, content creation, and market research. Although the internship was unpaid, it promised hands-on experience and the chance to work closely with experienced professionals.

What attracted me most was the opportunity to gain practical exposure. At that time, most of my knowledge came from textbooks and classroom discussions. I wanted to understand how marketing strategies were actually developed and implemented in a professional environment. The company also had a strong reputation, which made the position even more appealing.

I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about whether I should accept the offer. On the one hand, the experience would have strengthened my CV and helped me build valuable industry connections. On the other hand, the fact that it was unpaid made the decision more difficult because it required a significant time commitment.

After carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages, I realised that the learning opportunities outweighed the drawbacks. Even though the internship did not provide financial compensation, it offered something equally valuable at that stage of my life—experience. I believed that the skills and professional contacts I gained could benefit me in the future.

Looking back, I think that opportunity taught me an important lesson. Sometimes the immediate reward is not the most important factor. Certain experiences can provide long-term benefits that are difficult to measure in monetary terms.

Overall, it was a memorable decision because it made me think seriously about the balance between earning money and investing in personal and professional development.

Vocabulary

Internship: A temporary work experience position
Exposure: Experience of a particular field or activity
Implemented: Put into action
Appealing: Attractive and interesting
Commitment: Dedication of time and effort
Outweighed: Were more important than
Monetary: Related to money or finances

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Q1. Why is work experience becoming increasingly important for young people?

A. Work experience has become more important because employers often look for practical skills in addition to academic qualifications. In today's competitive job market, having relevant experience can help candidates stand out from other applicants. It also demonstrates that a person can adapt to a professional environment and work effectively with others. For many employers, experience is evidence that someone can apply knowledge in real-world situations.

Q2. Do you think university education alone is enough to prepare people for work?

A. Not entirely. Universities provide valuable theoretical knowledge and help students develop critical thinking skills, but they cannot fully replicate a real workplace. Internships, part-time jobs, and practical projects allow students to gain firsthand experience and understand workplace expectations. Ideally, education and practical experience should complement each other.

Q3. Why do some companies offer unpaid internships?

A. There are several reasons. Some organisations genuinely believe they are providing training and mentorship rather than employment. However, other companies may use unpaid internships as a way to reduce labour costs. While internships can be beneficial, I think employers should ensure that interns receive meaningful learning opportunities instead of simply performing routine tasks.

Q4. Should all internships be paid?

A. In most cases, yes. Interns contribute their time, effort, and skills, so some form of compensation seems fair. Paid internships are also more accessible because they allow students from different financial backgrounds to participate. If internships remain unpaid, talented individuals may miss valuable opportunities simply because they cannot afford to work without an income.

Q5. How do internships benefit employers?

A. Internships can be beneficial for employers because they allow companies to identify promising talent before offering permanent positions. Interns often bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and enthusiasm to the workplace. In addition, internship programmes can help organisations build a strong pipeline of future employees who are already familiar with the company culture and work processes.

Q6. Do you think career choices are more difficult today than in the past?

A. Yes, I believe so. Modern students have access to a much wider range of career options than previous generations. While this creates exciting opportunities, it can also make decision-making more challenging. New industries and professions are emerging rapidly, so young people often feel pressure to choose a path that will remain relevant in the future. As a result, many individuals spend more time exploring different options before settling on a career.