Home ›IELTS Speaking Topics
IELTS Speaking is an 11–14 minute interview in three parts: short questions about familiar topics (Part 1), a talk of up to two minutes from a cue card (Part 2) and a discussion of more abstract questions linked to that card (Part 3). This library collects common topics for every part, each with sample answers written to band 9 and tips on what the examiner rewards.
| Part | Length | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 — Introduction and interview | 4–5 minutes | Answer short questions about yourself and familiar topics |
| Part 2 — Cue card | 3–4 minutes | Prepare for one minute, then talk for up to two minutes about the topic on the card |
| Part 3 — Discussion | 4–5 minutes | Discuss more abstract questions linked to the Part 2 topic |
Part 1 opens with work or study and where you live, then moves to everyday subjects such as hobbies, food, weather, technology, travel and daily routine. Answers of two or three sentences are expected.
Yes. The question bank is refreshed in cycles, commonly reported as January, May and September, and many topics return across cycles in slightly different wording, so practising common topics is worthwhile.
No. Examiners are trained to recognise memorised answers and they are marked down. Use sample answers for ideas, vocabulary and structure, then answer in your own words.
Yes. The Speaking test is identical for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.