Recent IELTS Speaking Questions: May 2023 Edition

Question 1: IELTS Speaking Questions on Childhood

Part 1

• Do you go to the cinema sometimes?

I go to watch a movie once or twice a month or whenever I have time. I book tickets to my favorite actor's movie and just head to the cinema hall. It not only gives me some relaxation but also allows me a breather from my hectic schedule

• How often do you go there?

As I said, I prefer going to the cinema theatre once or twice a month. I usually go with my friends and sometimes my family members also accompany me. We all have a lot of fun and the entire day is spent like a picnic.

• What movies do you like to watch?

I love to watch suspense thrillers and action movies. However, since I accompany my family sometimes, I watch family dramas and romantic films as well. Therefore, I end up watching movies of different genres.

• What did you enjoy watching when you were younger?

I always preferred watching action movies as they kept my curiosity piqued until the end. I have watched almost all of the Bollywood action movies of Sunny Deol. Moreover, films like Border and LOC which are based on patriotism have always been on the top of my list.

• How has your taste in movies changed over the years?

To be very honest, not much has changed in my preferences when it comes to films as I always loved to watch action-packed films since my childhood. Even now, the same kind of content fascinates me.

Part 2

Talk about the toy you liked playing with as a child. Please tell me:

• What it was
• When you got 
• Who gave it to you

Toys play an integral role in the formative years of a child. They help in developing emotions in children.

During my childhood, my favorite toy was a cat. It was actually a soft toy gifted to me by my father. He bought it for me when he returned from one of his business trips. I vividly remember it was packed in a beautiful pouch. This cat had creamy white fur and I felt like a kid in a candy store upon receiving it.

As far as I remember, my parents did not always treat me with a lot of toys, so when I received this fur cat, it became my most cherished possession. I would play with it the whole day and even talk my heart out to it. Not only that, I would tell it bedtime stories too. Moreover, I would keep it clean and tidy and treat it like a human being. My mom used to bathe the cat for me, to keep it clean, hygienic, and safe for me to touch and play with.

Moving on, as I look back, when my sister was growing up, she played with the same toy and she always looked extremely delighted and fond of this cat.

Till date,  I have this toy in my closet as the most valuable memory from my childhood.

Therefore, I believe that these rare childhood possessions never fade away from a person’s mind and soul and I thank my parents for this memorabilia.

Part 3

• Why do you still remember that toy?

Unlike most other parents, my parents gifted me toys on rare occasions as they felt that I should not be spoiled and should always learn to value things. Therefore, when I got this fur cat, I remember I was over the moon and would spend the entire day with it. This is why I still have it so fresh in my memory. At that time, we were made to learn to play with limited toys unlike the children of today who have a room full of playthings. Also, we were taught to respect our belongings no matter what. For instance, apart from this fur cat, I hardly remember any other soft toy that I possessed at that time so it was not a very ordinary thing for me.

• What should parents consider before buying toys for their children?

I believe that age and safety are the most crucial factors that parents keep in mind while buying toys for their young ones. Moreover, they also arrange for toys that keep their children engaged. For instance, many working parents look for productive toys that can keep their wards glued to them instead of spending time on screens. To explain, I have noticed that these days working mothers do not want their children to watch TV all day so they make it a point to order productive toys for them. To illustrate, one of my friends who works as a digital marketing professional buys toys like fish catching, jungle animal sets, stacking toys, chess, doctor, and kitchen sets.

• Apart from toys, what other household items do children usually play with?

Children love to play with several things at home such as cushions, pillows, boxes,  or even fiber cups and mugs. Additionally, young ones love to play with dough and make various shapes of birds or animals with it. This helps them to learn to identify shapes easily and also keeps them busy for a long time.

• Why do parents buy toys for their children?

I think parents mostly aim to keep their children engaged and involved in play activities while purchasing toys for them. Also, small children are so creative that parents buy them coloring kits, building blocks, or puzzles which help to nurture the creativity of the smaller ones. Nowadays, working parents always find items such as story books, chess boards, building blocks, and games that involve identifying names of animals, birds, etc. which keep their small ones away from screens.

Question 2: IELTS Speaking Questions on Old People

Part 1

• Do you use a mobile phone?

Yes, I do. I currently own a cell phone from the Samsung company that suits my needs. It has a great camera as well as good inbuilt memory. I can store everything in it starting from my to-do list and notes, to my e-books. It helps me to organize myself.

• When did you buy your first phone?

My very first phone, as I vividly remember, was gifted to me by my parents after I started my first year of college as I had to travel from my house to college daily and that phone was extremely useful for me to communicate with them, as well as my friends. It was one from the Motorola company which was the latest model at that time. It wasn’t like the fancy and pricey models that we get these days but it served the purpose well.

• Do you use text messages?

In this era of WhatsApp messages, I sometimes use text messages for communication, particularly when I cannot have access to somebody over WhatsApp. In fact, there are many individuals who are not on Whatsapp and text messages are handy to communicate with them. 

• What are the benefits of text messages?

Text messages are cost-effective and can be sent even without an internet connection. They are also faster than any other mode of messaging. When a person’s number does not exist on WhatsApp, a text helps a lot as the last and only resort. In places where internet coverage is zero, a normal message can be relied upon.

Part 2

Talk about the skills you learned from an older person you know. Please tell me

• Who the person was?
• What have you learned and how?
• Whether it was difficult or not?

I think older people are the most experienced and well-versed in a lot of things that we, as youngsters, are sometimes not able to understand. Today, I would like to talk about a culinary skill that I learned from my grandfather, as he is a great cook and loves to cook a plethora of dishes, which I relish a lot.

I was never into cooking before, until the day when I went to my grandfather’s house to spend my summer holidays. I can still recall, it was a dull afternoon and I was just lazing around on the couch when suddenly, my grandfather called out to me from the kitchen and asked me for some help there. The rich aroma of the food was mouth-watering, and I asked him, out of excitement, if he could teach me what he was cooking. He instantly said yes, and enlightened me with the spices and other ingredients used in it, such as clove, turmeric, and red chili powder along with some healthy and fresh green vegetables. I really enjoyed learning this skill under his guidance, because, unlike others, he was quite patient with every mistake that I made and made sure that I did not repeat them.

This seemed too complex initially, but gradually it became child's play for me as Grandpa's teaching skills were amazing.

Since then, I have developed a keen interest in cooking, and, not only do I do it for myself but I also love to feed others, on special occasions, with the handmade delicacies that I got to learn from him. It was a jubilant experience for me to be able to not only learn this vital skill but also to spend some good quality time with him. I will always be grateful to my grandfather for teaching me and helping me master this important life skill.

Part 3

• Do the things children learn in school differ from their grandparents?

Even if schools impart quality education to learners,  senior citizens can bestow their wisdom upon their grandchildren in many other ways. They can teach them useful life values like patience, empathy, and sympathy towards everyone and to treat all individuals as equals.  Moreover, by living with seniors, kids can master the art of helping, as our grandparents require a lot of help at home. When the young ones observe their own parents assisting the older members of the house, they themselves develop this habit and feel that it is the right thing to always extend a helping hand to others.

• What kind of help do senior citizens need from young people

Youngsters can help the senior citizens in many ways. For instance, they can help them to remember to take their medicines on time, take them for a walk, or simply just assure them that they are there to help them in any way possible. Furthermore, a grown-up teenager can accompany their granny to the clinic for routine checkups and help them with whatever the doctor advises them to follow. Children can also take their grandparents for walks in the park where they can relax and get a change from the daily home environment. To add on, the mind of senior citizens becomes like a child and their young grandchildren can just comfort them by spending some quality time with them.

• What benefits do the aid-giver and the aid-receiver get from interacting with each other? 

There is the possibility of a strong bond being built up between the two. In other words, if a person who is giving help spends more time with the one who receives help, the former would understand the latter's emotions better and would also be able to perceive situations in other circumstances and become a better helper. For instance, when a person continuously looks after someone, they understand the different aspects like behavioral changes and how they would react in certain circumstances, which would help the helper to avert an unwanted situation.

On the other hand, the help receiver can emotionally rely on somebody and can also open up about their needs.

• Do you believe in helping older ones you do not know? Why?

I think I would always love to extend a helping hand to those whom I do not know if I am able to. To elaborate, this can happen if I am travelling by train and if a senior person needs my help to board or deboard the train, if anyone asks for information about the next stop, or simply if a person asks me about the directions to some place, I would assist strangers.

Question 3: IELTS Speaking Questions on Concentration

Part 1

• Do you enjoy visiting street markets?

Yes, I do love to head out to street markets as I can buy some amazing items there. Household items, stationery, items for personal use like clothes, shoes, bags, scarves, and even household items are available at dirt-cheap rates. What's more, I can even bargain and get better deals.

• Do you enjoy shopping in the mall or street market?

To be honest, I prefer the street markets as they have everything and also at reasonable prices. Although we need to beware of pickpockets, I look forward to shopping in these bazaars as they have almost all sorts of items ranging from kitchen appliances to toys.

• What kind of things do people usually buy in the street market?

People normally look for things to decorate their houses such as flower vases or door mats. Moreover, other items like clothes, shoes, and stationery are also bought from these markets. Basically, these places have everything from A to Z.

• Are there many street markets in your nation?

Yes, there are a good number of street markets in India as the public normally likes to shop there for their daily essentials. For instance, the Gariahat market in Kolkata and the Sarojini market in Delhi are good places for everything ranging from clothes to handbags and shoes.

• Would you like to go to the street market abroad? Why?

Definitely, I would love to. The street markets in Thailand are famous amongst the visitors and they sell so many things ranging from jewellery to accessories and clothes for all age groups.

Part 2

Talk about something you do that can help you concentrate on study/work. Please tell me

• What it is
• How it helps you concentrate
• When you do it
• Explain how you feel about it.

These days there are ample distractions like laptops and mobile phones that prevent us from focusing on what we want to or are trying to do.

I faced the same issue of not being able to concentrate for a prolonged period of time. No matter how hard I tried, I was never able to do an activity for more than an hour. Therefore, I started to practise yoga which involves a number of breathing exercises. I followed this practice for quite a long time to experience the results and I was happy to actually feel the outcome. I could sit uninterrupted and do my work for hours without any kind of distraction

I normally practice yoga in the early morning hours, that is from 6 to 7 am because, at that time, there is silence all around and I can do this activity without the fear of getting any work calls. 

Apart from this, meditation is also something that helps me immensely. I meditate for around 30 minutes daily before sleep and make sure that I cut off from all kinds of gadgets such as mobile phones. In fact, there are times when there is too much on my plate and I feel anxious. In such situations, I just disconnect from everything and meditate for just 10 minutes because it calms me down and I am in a better frame of mind to focus and complete my work.

I feel extremely amazed and happy at the change that I have adopted for the betterment of myself. Moreover, I feel that it is essential for an individual to indulge in some self-care in this era of fast-paced lifestyles and hectic work schedules.

This is an activity that has helped me to concentrate on my work.

Part 3 

• Why is it more difficult for teenagers to concentrate these days than in the past?

I think that in the current times, technological advancements are having detrimental effects on teenagers as they are totally distracted from their studies due to video games, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Moreover, due to these, most youngsters are obsessed with social media and as a result, they fail to concentrate on their studies or any kind of productive work these days. For example, when they sit down to study, they are constantly distracted by notifications from their social media accounts and they tend to start scrolling through FB, Instagram, etc. It therefore becomes a barrier for them.

• Do you believe that technology will harm children's ability to concentrate? 

Technology can adversely affect a child's ability to focus. Further, because of it, they can also drift apart from their near and dear ones. When children have mobile phones in their hands they can barely concentrate or perform a task for a longer period of time. That is the reason why several recognized sports coaches prohibit their students from using their mobile phones while training them at their academy or while preparing them for any kind of tournament. This enhances their overall productivity.  

• What types of jobs require high concentration at work?

There are a lot of occupations that I can think of, especially the ones that require more focus and attention to detail. However, if I have to choose one, it would be accountants, whose main goal is to ensure the accuracy of financial records. In other words, their job is centered around details, mostly having to do with maths. They meet with clients, make sure tax documents are correct, and have training in evaluating the financial operations of an organization.

• Can exercise help people improve concentration?

Exercise has a proven effect on both the mind and the body. A daily workout, even if it is for 30 minutes, helps one rejuvenate and elevate concentration levels. These days many yoga practitioners are propagating that daily exercise helps in increasing concentration levels, hence greater productivity amongst individuals. Furthermore, better health, which is a result of daily exercise like yoga, helps improve posture and confidence.

Question 4: IELTS Speaking Questions on Time

Part 1

• Do you live in an apartment/house?

I live in a 2-storey apartment which is located in the heart of the city. I am fortunate that I live in close proximity to the airport, railway station, hospital, market, and even a school.

• How long have you lived there?

I have been living here for 15 years now. We shifted here after its construction was complete. This house was built by my father.

• What is your favorite room? Why?

My favorite room in the house is my own room where I can unwind and relax. I attend all my work calls here, practice yoga in the morning and it is my own private space where I spend a lot of my time.

• Can you describe the view from the window of your room?

The window of my room overlooks the backyard which has a huge garden. My mom has planted various veggies there as she loves gardening. There is also a small pond where the young children can dip their legs in a playful mood.

• Are you planning to stay there in the future?

I think I am going to stay here for a good amount of time as it is well connected with all kinds of facilities required to lead a comfortable life. Moreover, it is our own house so I see no reason to shift unless we go in for new accommodation.

• What kind of housing would you like to have in the future?

I think my ideal house is going to be surrounded by greenery as, since my childhood, I have seen my mom always creating a small garden near her and doing organic farming. 

Part 2

Describe a time when you were very busy. Please tell me

• When it happened
• Where you were
• What you did
• Explain why you were very busy.

In this fast-moving era, I don't think that there is anyone who does not run out of time, like me. So today I am going to talk about a time when I was completely engaged. 

So, it was my sister's engagement and I was busy with my official commitments. There was an important meeting related to a new deal at the office, which coincided with the family function. 

I was in my hometown and was responsible for making all the arrangements for the engagement and had to coordinate with the event managers, day in and day out. Simultaneously, I also had to send periodical reports to my clients. This became too hectic for me but at the same time, I was fastidious about both my commitments.

I remember this time I was doing multi-tasking. Moreover, I worked late at night for my presentation and also catered to all the requirements of my family members as I had to help them with shopping and other preparations.

In the end, I managed everything well and the result was amazing. Everything turned out to be perfect at my sister's engagement and my company cracked the deal successfully. I was on cloud 9 as both my family and my managers were pleased with my performance.

Part 3

• Are you often busy?

Yes, I would say that I am quite busy as I work from home so I have to shoulder my office work as well as household responsibilities. Moreover, I just like the idea of being occupied with something or the other. It gives me a sense of accomplishment when  I am able to complete all the tasks on my to-do list which include daily exercising, cleaning up my house, organizing my workstation, and reading a few pages of a book.

• What are the pros and cons when people keep busy?

In my opinion, the biggest advantage of being busy is that one is engaged and doing something productive, which leads to being motivated always whereas the downsides of being tied up are less family time or no time for oneself or for holidays. Moreover, health issues also pop up when a person has very little time to give to himself or herself.

• What type of stressful things do people experience at work?

Work pressure is itself stressful and a person can feel completely drained out because of it. Apart from this,  politics at work or loose talk can lead to mental stress at the workplace. Not only this, but daily long hours of commuting to and from the office can aggravate one’s stress levels.

• Do you think children should learn by playing games or under pressure?

I believe if young ones play of their own free will instead of owing to external force, they will learn and imbibe better. Children in their formative years learn better than later in their life. Furthermore, I have a strong belief that young minds learn what they see. Therefore, if parents or the other elders spend time playing different games with them, they will also imbibe this habit and in the future, they will give a lot of importance to these activities. For instance, playing can involve everything such as outdoor games, swimming or just doing indoor fun activities like playing chess or coloring.

Question 5: IELTS Speaking Questions on Ambition

Part 1

• Do you like your hometown? Why?

I belong to Kolkata. I was born and brought up in this city and I love it as it has an old-world charm as well as the city vibe. It was the commercial capital of the East India Company and therefore, has various attractions like museums and the most famous, Victoria Palace. Also, the city's nightlife is worth mentioning as it offers good places to chill.

• Do you think this is the right place to grow up? Why?

Yes, definitely, it is a great place for bringing up children as it has quality educational institutions such as schools and colleges. One of India’s top colleges, St. Xaviers is located here and students from all over the country come to pursue their graduation here.  It also has good places for tourist attractions such as amusement parks and zoos for children like Nicco Park, Science City, and the Alipore Zoo.

• How could your hometown be improved?

I think that the quality of the roads is dismal. After every monsoon, they are in a pathetic condition, full of potholes. I therefore think that the roads can do with a complete overhaul. Further, the metro connectivity can be extended to the suburbs to facilitate easy commutes.

• Has your hometown changed a lot since childhood?

Yes, it has. The public transport system has undergone a complete change. More facilities like private taxis as well as e-rickshaws have been introduced. Schools have increased and many big restaurants have also come up. Also, better health facilities like hospitals and government dispensaries have opened up.

• Will you be moving away from your hometown?

The only reason for which I will leave Kolkata is the opportunity to move and settle abroad. Otherwise, I can never dream of bidding goodbye to this city as my roots belong to this place.

Part 2

Describe an ambition that you haven't achieved. Please tell me

• What is it?
• What did you do?
• Why haven't you achieved it?
• Explain how you felt about it.

We all have ambitions in our lives, and we leave no stone unturned to achieve them. However, despite working hard, we sometimes fail to achieve our goals.

Recently, I faced a situation in which, despite putting in my most sincere efforts, I couldn’t achieve my ambition

It has been my dream to give a surprise holiday to my parents as they have always wanted the best for me and never deprived me of anything that I desired.

I desired to take them to their dream destination which is Jammu and Kashmir. Since my growing up years, I have noticed their eyes sparkle with just pictures of various valleys in Kashmir. They have a common love for hill stations, especially this place in India, but due to tensions because of terrorists, they never had the courage to head there for a tour. Moreover, I too love the hills and this place has always been on my bucket list. Our hearts always desired to go to Kashmir and experience the serenity of the valley.

Therefore, I landed a job a few years ago after completing my education and my parents were enthralled by my achievement. Without their knowledge, I saved for this surprise but unfortunately, the Covid pandemic hit us and the entire world was locked down.

Consequently, as stepping out was completely prohibited and there was also an uncertainty about normalcy, I had to drop this plan as I could not risk my parents' life.

Initially, I was down in the dumps due to this failure, but I am sure that in the near future, the plan will materialize and I will be able to surprise my parents with a trip to their favorite destination.

Part 3 

• What ambitions do children usually have?

In childhood, young ones watch a lot of content on TV so I think that they aim to be a doctor or something more exciting like a diver or an astronaut. They always desire to try out new adventures and also think about how cool it would be to be able to fly or go deep down into the ocean. Their innocent minds are always curious to know about new happenings around them as they watch news that relates to spacecraft launches around the globe.

• Why don't some people have dreams?

I think people who are sleep-deprived will not have any dreams or those who already have a lot on their plate to do. A tired and worn-out person would just go straight to bed and doze off to sleep so they might not dream. Sometimes, a relaxed mind also does not attract any dreams. Moreover, many people might also not always go into a deep slumber and therefore may not dream.

• Why are some people so enthusiastic about their work?

In my opinion, people who are always zealous about their work must have a trigger factor that keeps them constantly motivated. That work can be their passion or their well-paying source of income as these days a fat salary is what everybody aims to achieve to fulfill their desires. Sometimes, people might work only to keep themselves occupied so that it gives them a feeling that they are utilizing their time productively.

• How do people balance work and life?

Work-life harmony can be achieved by drawing lines in one's mind. If one can prepare oneself mentally that beyond the work hours, there would be no further discussion of work or personal life won't be overhyped during office hours, I think a good parity between both work and personal life can be achieved.

How have people's goals changed over the last decade?

I think earlier people aimed to achieve good health and that was the primary concern of individuals. Material wealth was given less importance and people used to spend more time with their near and dear ones. Moreover, traveling was nowhere near a hobby.

In recent times, however, youngsters prefer to earn more and attain a good lifestyle. Additionally, people nowadays love to travel and explore the world instead of staying at home.

Question 6: IELTS Speaking Questions on Famous People

Part 1

• How often do you dream?

I dream only occasionally. By the time I hit the sack, I am so tired that I sleep like a log and hence, dreams are very rare. If at all I do, it's about daily affairs, like work.

• Do you remember your dreams when you wake up early?

Yes, I do and for a few minutes, I keep thinking about them as if they were reality. Then I get busy with my usual daily chores.

• Are you interested in dreams? Why?

I am quite interested in dreams and sometimes I try interpreting my own dreams.  That’s because  I am aware that there is supposed to be an underlying meaning to various types of dreams and it is an undeniable fact that a person dreams of what he or she thinks about most of the time.

• How do you start your day?

I wake up at around 7 a.m. and after completing my daily chores, I  get down to work at 8:30. Since I work from home, my day starts early, normally with some important meetings. 

Part 2 

Talk about a famous person you like. Please tell me

• Who is the person?
• How do you know him/her?
• What is he/she famous for?
• Explain why you like him/her.

My nation has produced several famous personalities in various fields.

Sudha Murthy is a woman whom I admire a lot. She is an educator and social worker along with being the chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. Born in a Kannada-speaking family, both her parents were working. She pursued her engineering studies at a time when she was the only female in a college that consisted of only male students. 

She has established many orphanages and has contributed to rural development.

She started her career as an engineer when there were very few women who stepped out to carve out a niche for themselves, especially in the field of engineering. Furthermore, she was the first female engineer to work at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company. She is a visiting professor at a renowned college and has also taught at Christ University.

She has several accolades to her name, two of them being from the Government of India, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. 

Murthy has penned several books in English and Kannada, which include novels and technical books.

She has made a mark in society and is seen to be one of the strong personalities of our nation as she has inspired millions with her contribution to society at large.

Adding on, her hobby is reading and thus she is a well-informed individual. She believes that a person who has all the luxuries in life but doesn’t have a library is a poor person.

Although she is well-to-do and from an affluent family, I have always observed her as the most down-to-earth personality who connects with people at all levels. Moreover, she leads a simple life with her family. 

Part 3

• When celebrities lose their fame, how do you think it affects them?

As we all know, gaining popularity is something everyone enjoys; losing it also hits hard. It hurts when a celebrity who was once given huge attention loses it all. It takes a toll on their mental health and eventually affects their overall health. For example, when the superstar of Bollywood, Mr. Rajesh Khanna, faced a downfall in his career, he could not bear it and thus landed himself in emotional turmoil. He secluded himself from all others and chose to live the life of a total recluse. He slipped into depression and also faced several health issues during his final years.

•  What do you think about celebrity children, do they have a good place in society?

Nepotism is the talk of the town these days and the audience has developed a certain dislike for a few star kids. Having said that, many celebrity children have also garnered attention for the right reasons such as their achievements and hard work. For example, the famous Indian actor, late Irrfan Khan's son Babil, is winning hearts for his captivating performances. On the other hand, Aryan Khan, son of actor Shahrukh Khan is famous for all the wrong reasons such as indulging in drugs.

•  What are the benefits of being children of famous parents?

There are several perks of being a star kid. These children always have an upper hand in society as they get VIP treatment everywhere they go. Apart from that, they enjoy a lavish lifestyle and all the luxury that money can buy. To elaborate, the children of Mr. Amitabh Bachan, a famous Bollywood actor, are known only because of him and they have lived a comfortable life since childhood.

• What type of people are most popular in your country?

The list is long. Actors, singers, and others who belong to the entertainment industry are so well known. Moving on, sportspersons such as Sachin Tendulkar, a famous cricketer, also known as the God of cricket have been idolized by Indians. Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni are the other cricketers who are also people’s favorites. Moving on, media personalities such as Barkha Dutt and Faye D'souza have also made their place in people's minds.

In this high-tech era, content creators and many YouTube personalities are also gathering a lot of public attention. Gaurav Taneja and Sourav Joshi are a few names from this field who are known for their vlogging skills.

• What do you think of nepotism among celebrities?

That's a hot topic these days. Nepotism is on trend as famous people are promoting their children in every way possible. Film actors leave no stone unturned to launch their kids into the film industry.

There are ample examples of star kids like Jahanavi Kapoor who is the daughter of late superstar Sridevi, Suhana and Aryan Khan, children of Shahrukh Khan, and so on.

Furthermore, a highly influential actor, Salman Khan has always used his power in the entertainment industry to make or break people’s careers. He makes news when he launches actors, who are relatives of famous established celebrities, under his banner.

Question 7: IELTS Speaking Questions on Gadgets

Part 1

• Do you like your job?

Yes, I am very fond of my job. I had been looking for this kind of work for a very long time. I work remotely as a spoken English instructor. It's an area of interest that also helps me to maintain a good work-life balance; I am able to look after my family along with my work. 

• Are you feeling stressed often?

No, I am not experiencing any stress currently. I have a comfortable job with extremely convenient timings. Also, I am able to take care of my household chores and my family very well. Moreover, I also get ample time to focus on both, my health as well as my hobbies.

• How do you relieve stress?

Whenever I get stressed, I try to distract myself by talking to my close ones whom I trust to seek correct advice from, in any situation. However, sometimes, I just throw myself into an interesting web series on one of the OTT platforms like Netflix as it is the best mode of entertainment and relaxation for me when I am stressed.

• Do you do any physical exercises or activities?

Yes, I go for a walk regularly and I often enjoy going to an open gym near my house. I try to spare at least half an hour daily for some physical activity as it not only keeps me physically fit but is also good for my mental health.

Part 2

Describe any equipment that you use at home. Please tell me

• What is it?
• What do you use it for?
• How often do you use it?
• Explain why it is important to you.

The simplest technique to have hair that is sleek and silky is to use straighteners or stylers. They can get rather hot, so it's crucial to use them sparingly to avoid damaging your hair. My hair straightener is my favorite piece of home equipment. It is purple in color and carries the Philips trademark. Not only does it function superbly, but it is also portable. It is the most useful item if I want to change up my appearance and remodel how I look. It comes in handy when I need to straighten my hair. My hair is quite rough, frizzy, and wavy because of which it needs to be straightened out whenever I step out with friends and family, or for any special event

. However, I only use it for important occasions since overheating hair damages it.  I prefer to straighten my hair at home since I believe that salons overdo it. 

My hair straightener is an essential piece of equipment that I carry with me even when I travel. I have seen that straighteners work better on dry hair. It's recommended to let hair dry naturally or with a hair dryer after washing before using the straightener on it. Wet hair can be styled using hair stylers, although they often don't appear to work as effectively or heat up as much. They don't provide the same gloss as a blow dry, for sure. If you want, you can also use a pre-straightening product to get better results. 

Let me explain how it is used. Divide your hair into strands. Beginning at the roots, place one strand onto the plate of the straightener. Close the plates, then gently move it down your hair toward the ends. For the greatest results, it's ideal to gently straighten the lengths of your hair for around 6 seconds rather than continuously moving the plates through it. This technique should fetch you the best result.

Part 3 

• What other useful gadgets do you have at home?

Smart homes need smart devices and I too use a lot of technology at home. Some specific gadgets that I find to be pretty handy include an Alexa, a water tank alert, a smartwatch, a digital scale, and a portable fan that anyone could use when out and about in the sweltering heat. I believe that any normal home can be converted into a smart home, using all these smart devices like smart lights, switches, and doorbells which also make our lives easier.

• Do you think that youngsters are more comfortable with modern equipment rather than senior citizens? Why?

Yes, I believe that today's younger generation is better than the older generation at using the latest technology. This could be attributed to the fact that older people have spent their entire lives in a particular way, and adjusting to new things is not always that simple. In addition, it depends on the individual's interests, which is why we also frequently see elderly people using social media and other technology to play games and listen to music these days.

• These days many factories use machines and automated equipment instead of manual labour. Is it beneficial for the environment?

While automation is affecting people’s livelihoods, I believe that it is definitely a much faster and cleaner way of getting work done with minimum waste and a self-cleaning mechanism. The usage of automation and machines is good for the environment as it can produce effective results with negligible byproducts or pollutants. Workers who can work with machines are more productive than those without them; this reduces the manufacturing cost and therefore, the price of goods, which makes the consumers feel richer. As a result, consumers spend more, which is good for the economy as well.

Question 8: IELTS Speaking Questions on Patience

Part 1

• What would you do to relax?

I prefer to watch online series on OTT platforms as a break from my hectic life. Unfortunately, I usually get time for it only on the weekends. It helps me to distract myself from all the obstacles I am currently facing in my life. Relaxation is a state of mind and our minds deserve to rest once in a while. Once rested, I can keep myself going for the rest of the week, with work and all my other personal responsibilities as well.

• Do you think sports are the best way to relax?

Well, it depends on the choices of people. If someone is interested in sports and finds it relaxing to participate in such activities, then irrespective of how much physical effort one needs to put in, that person will feel relaxed after indulging in sports activities as he/she gets a break from real life. On the other hand, if someone finds sports least interesting, it will be a punishment for that person to be dragged into such activities.

• Do you think the holidays are a great time for you to relax?

Yes, taking time off work is good for my physical and emotional health. Vacationers have reduced levels of stress, a lower risk of heart disease, a more positive view of life, and greater determination to accomplish their goals. I think holidays are an amazing opportunity for everyone to enjoy their hobbies and interests with their loved ones and so it is for me as well. I love to go on trips with my family and friends as well as visit my parents during the holidays.

• Do you think students need more time to relax?

Yes, I think students who study in the higher classes and particularly those who have entered their tertiary education have never-ending busy schedules and they could really use some time for a breather so that they can perform even better after rejuvenating themselves. Nowadays, most schools expect students to complete a lot of homework and assignments that prevent them from engaging in some of their favorite hobbies. Additionally, some parents push their kids to excel which leaves them with no time to relax. Such kids could definitely do with some time to unwind.

Part 2

Talk about a time you had been waiting for something special that would happen. Please tell me

• What did you wait for?
• Where did you wait?
• Why was it special?
• Explain how you felt while you were waiting.

Nobody likes waiting, but if someone wants something special then that person has to be patient. I have waited numerous times for many different things in my life, but I would like to talk about a moment when waiting for something essential and important was really challenging for me. There is no denying that significant events give our lives color. Everyone enjoys exceptional items and presents, but since they cannot be given out every day, people must wait for a while. I had always dreamt about buying my husband his favorite car as his birthday present. It was an expensive car and a bit out of my budget but a couple of months before his birthday, I found out that there was an offer going on where the minimum down payment had been reduced by quite a significant margin. Along with that, to make things smoother for me, the rate of interest for car loans had also gone south. It looked like the stars were aligned to make it happen. My down payment was also ready. I had the required amount with me to bring our dream car home. I wanted to buy the car not only because my husband wanted it but also because I am into fancy luxury cars. It was a very special feeling when we finally got the car home as we both had worked very hard for it and it was a dream come true. The car was the gift for which we had waited patiently for a very long time. It will therefore always be a special moment that we will cherish for years to come.

Part 3 

• What are some of the things that people usually have to wait for?

Most of the population of India belongs to the middle class which means people have to work hard to earn their livelihood. People have different dreams like traveling abroad, buying a house, a car, and other luxuries, which give them happiness. People often wait for the marriages of their loved ones, immigration to foreign countries, better job opportunities, and other such dreams to come true. In addition, people often wait for someone to apologize, for their bosses to notice their efforts at their workplaces, for loved ones to recover from illnesses, and many more things that give them a sense of fulfillment and purpose in life.

• Who behaves better while waiting, children or adults?

I think usually grown-ups behave better while waiting even though patience is a virtue that is hardly found in anyone nowadays. But, to maintain their social status and to set an example for the next generation, people behave well and showcase their manners while repressing their true feelings. Children struggle to cope with even little setbacks. For them, dealing with annoying circumstances like waiting in line or being teased by another kid is extremely difficult. If they are denied what they want, they quickly explode in wrath. Even the most impatient adults respond to life's ups and downs in a more calm and collected manner. They are better equipped than kids to maintain their composure even in the most trying circumstances. 

• Do you think people are less patient now than before?

Yes, these days people have become more impatient due to many factors like the constant pressure of competition in all aspects of life, work-related stress, and expectations of family, friends, and society. People have been growing more irritable, unhappy, frustrated, and impatient with each passing year. People get impatient when another person is doing better than them and when they want to complete all their tasks in less time but are unable to do so.

• What are the positive and negative consequences of waiting for society?

Sometimes waiting can provide us with time to process a loss or to figure out better opportunities in life. However, a great opportunity can vanish if the right action is not taken at the appropriate time. Another benefit is that it can help people learn patience. They must have the ability to control their impatience while remaining courteous when they have to wait in line for an extended period of time. But it can also have the unfavorable impact of making individuals highly aggressive. Not everyone has the ability to control their anger.

Question 9: IELTS Speaking Questions on Education

Part 1

• What do you like most about where you live?

I currently reside on the outskirts of Karnal, which is a serene and cultured city in Haryana. It has advanced infrastructure along with historical importance. Though it's considered an outlying suburb, it is a picturesque city that provides all the amenities of bigger cities like showrooms of branded goods, eminent educational institutions, elite restaurants, and hotels. It has highly paid and well-educated inhabitants dwelling in it.

• Do you have any friends there?

Yes, I have plenty of friends in this city despite the fact that I have been staying here for a very short time. All my neighbors are not only gregarious but also well-mannered and helping in nature. We relish festivals and celebrate one another’s small as well as significant achievements together.

• Do you know any famous person from the area where you live?

Well, as I am new to this place and I  belong to a middle-class society, I am not really acquainted with any prominent personalities around my residence. But everybody knows the world-famous javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, who became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Olympic track and field events. He hails from Panipat which is near my city.

• Do you intend to live in this area in the future?

Yes, I have become quite fond of this place in a very short span of time. So, I believe I will continue to put up here as long as possible. The best part about this place is that it has all the facilities available nearby. It surprises me that after living in metropolitan cities for many years since my childhood, I find comfort in the bosom of this small tranquil city.

Part 2

Talk about something you do that can help you focus on work/study. Please tell me

• What is it?
• How does it help you concentrate?
• When do you do it?
• Explain how you feel about it.

I recently realized that due to my hectic schedule which includes household responsibilities and office work, I have not been sleeping enough. I mostly jump through hoops in order to manage both my beloved obligations. As a result, I started to wear off due to fatigue and never-ending work. Then I found out that according to some studies, a good night's sleep alters both the structure and function of the brain. Getting enough sleep has been shown in studies, to enhance people's emotional control and attention. In the past, to help me concentrate on my crucial activities, I experimented with a number of relaxation methods, like listening to music, reading a newspaper, spending some time watching news channels, and working out, to name a few. But sleeping well is what calms both my body and mind and gives me more positive energy to work with. In addition, it encourages present-moment concentration and mindfulness and makes it easy for me to let go of unpleasant feelings. So, I decided to take care of myself by sleeping in between my working hours when my little one was at school. It helps me to clear my head and re-boosts my energy, which in turn helps me concentrate better at my job and keep myself together till the late evening hours. I never gave much importance to sleep and self-care but I have now realised how imperative it is to prioritise these things over the rest. Now, whenever I find any free time, instead of watching my favorite series and shows on OTT platforms or scrolling through social media, I prefer to take a nap and I believe that it is the best therapy anyone can get for the tranquillity of one’s mind and rejuvenating oneself physically.

Part 3

• Do you think people should pay for secondary education? Why?

Yes, I feel people should invest their time and money in education. Everyone should study as much as they can. It is understandable that not everyone is economically stable and some people hesitate to put money into their secondary education but what they need to understand is that they are not only funding their college or university studies but their future as well, since knowledge is the only thing that would stand by them against all odds and throughout life, in all kinds of circumstances.

•  Is it good or bad for people to get free secondary education in the future?

I believe that It’s not the cost of education that matters as much as the quality and content of it, whether paid or unpaid. Irrespective of whether a student bags a scholarship in a renowned and prestigious educational institution or whether they pay a full fee in exchange for gaining education, I think that both of them will get an equal standard of learning irrespective of how much they have paid, but it’s definitely an advantage if one can get a waiver on the fee.

• What kind of gifts do companies usually give to their customers?

It depends from company to company. All companies have their respective budgets for all types of activities. Some companies believe in gifting trendy things and gadgets to their employees depending on their level of achievement whereas, some provide shopping coupons to the employees as rewards. Also, some companies are generous enough to give various gifts like sweets, dry fruits, and other eatables to all their employees on special occasions like Diwali and Christmas.

• Why do consumers like to receive gifts from companies?

All individuals, irrespective of their income level, plan their budgets as they have many financial commitments. So, even if they do not receive a very expensive complimentary present, a small token of appreciation can also give them a sense of appreciation and value. It is always good to receive attention. Customers show their loyalty to a brand with their consistency and trust, and in exchange, all they expect is a little expression of gratitude from the brand owners as well.

Question 10: IELTS Speaking Questions on Local News

Part 1

• Do you like barbecue parties?

Yes, I love barbecue parties to the core. Sitting out in the open with my friends on winter evenings, under the beautiful sky and the aroma of raw food slowly cooking over flames makes it just perfect for a small get-together. This is the leisure time fun that I wish I could have over and over again.

• How often do you eat barbecue food?

I usually eat barbecue food at barbecue parties in winter and normally, it happens 2-3 times a month. I often enjoy barbecue starters at wedding functions as well, as winter is the wedding season in my country.

• Do you invite your friends or family to barbecue parties?

Yes, my family is very fond of barbecue parties. Not only do they provide a dose of laughter at such parties, but they also make my day as we spend quality family time together. 

• What dishes do you like to cook on a barbecue?

Honestly, cooking is not my cup of tea, but I don't mind trying my hand at barbecuing because it is a relatively simpler method of cooking with very few ingredients. All we need is a few spices, vegetables like cauliflowers, potatoes, capsicum, and of course chicken, for the non-vegetarians. 

Part 2 

Talk about local news that people are interested in. Please tell me

• What was the news?
• Where did you hear or read the news?
• Who was involved?
• Explain why people were interested in it.

People are often interested in watching or reading news about sports, entertainment, major changes taking place around the world and in one's own country, and most importantly about prominent proceedings in their local area. I enjoy reading the news, whether it is on my phone or from a newspaper, first thing in the morning. It is crucial, in my opinion, to be informed about what is going on in society. Politics, sports, health, celebrities, and crime are the topics covered in most of the newspapers that we read, and most people find news about crime to be interesting. Today, I would like to talk about a particular local event that created quite a stir in my locality. A few months back, a local journalist Aakrashan Uppal got arrested for exposing corruption in the revenue office. It was breaking news that was heard and watched by most of the residents of my locality, on several social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I watched it on a YouTube channel run by another local journalist. The news headline was, “Local journalist involved in a heated argument with the district revenue officer”. Many high-profile people and officials in high positions were involved in the scam. People got angry because the journalist was at the receiving end despite highlighting the corruption in the local revenue office. The news became a topic of discussion in every household. The case was resolved by the authorities after three months. Later, the condemned journalist was released from prison as people held demonstrations outside the buildings of the officials. It was sad to know that he had to be admitted to the hospital due to the torture and trauma that he faced after getting arrested.

Part 3 

• Why do most people like to read local news?

People can often relate to local news more because they are better informed about people, places, and situations in their vicinity. Local media allows the average citizens caught up in their day-to-day lives to stay connected with what's going on in their community and keeps them aware of the good and bad in their surroundings. 

• Why do people prefer local news rather than international news?

People are able to relate to the events happening locally rather than international events, both at an emotional and physical level. Local news affects the psyche of people more than an international event happening far away. This kind of information has an immediate impact on people’s lives and hence, they feel the need to keep themselves aware of events happening in their surroundings. To illustrate, if a blood donation camp is organized close by, they might want to do their bit by donating blood. Or, if they know about a local festival, it is easier for them to participate in it.

• How do people get the news?

People these days rely heavily on social media platforms to get all kinds of news. Social media giants like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook make it easy for news broadcasters to publish the news and share it with the public quickly and easily. However, some people still prefer traditional newspapers to get their daily dose of the news. Internet-based websites/portals, television, and the radio are other sources of information regarding events happening in the world, in one’s own country and locality.