High-Frequency IELTS Speaking Questions You Must Practice in 2025

These are the types of questions that appear again and again in real exams — across Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

In this guide, you'll learn why these recurring questions matter, how to prepare for them, and what to expect on test day. Whether you're aiming for Band 7, 8, or 9, mastering these question types is a key step to achieving your target score.

Why High-Frequency IELTS Speaking Questions Matter

The IELTS Speaking test may feel unpredictable, but in reality, the exam follows familiar patterns. Many test-takers report that the same core topics and question styles reappear year after year. Practicing with these frequently asked questions helps you:

• Speak more fluently and naturally

• Reduce hesitation and filler words

• Prepare relevant vocabulary in advance

• Build structured, confident responses

Most importantly, knowing what to expect removes anxiety — a major factor that can affect your performance.

What Are the Most Common IELTS Speaking Topics?

IELTS Speaking questions cover a wide range of personal and general topics that test your ability to express opinions, describe experiences, and discuss abstract ideas.

Here are the most common themes in all three parts of the test:

• Technology

• Education

• Work and Daily Life

• Travel and Holidays

• Health and Fitness

• Environment

• Food and Cooking

• Hobbies and Free Time

• Friends and Family

• Cities and Neighborhoods

Each topic can appear in Part 1 (short answers), Part 2 (long turn/speech), or Part 3 (discussion-based). Your goal is to prepare high-quality, natural responses for each theme — not memorize scripts.

High-Frequency IELTS Speaking Questions (2025)

Here’s a list of commonly asked IELTS Speaking questions that you should definitely practice. These reflect patterns from real exams in recent years and are expected to continue showing up in 2025.

NAME

1.Who gave you your name?

2.Does your name have any particular (or special) meaning?

3.Do you like your name?

4.In your country, do people feel that their name is very important?

5.Would you like to change your name?

6.Is it easy to change your name in your country?

7.Who usually names babies in your country?

8.Do you have any special traditions about naming children?

9.What names are most common in your hometown?

My name is Akira, which means "bright" or "clear intelligence." My parents chose this name hoping I would be insightful and bright-minded. Looking back, I think they placed quite high expectations on me with such a meaningful name!

Despite the pressure, I truly cherish my name and wouldn't change it for anything. While Akira isn't uncommon in Japan, the specific kanji characters my parents chose make it unique. It's become a fundamental part of who I am.

Names hold special significance in Japanese culture. Many people believe a well-chosen name can influence one's destiny and bring good fortune. Some even consult professional name-givers (seimeisha) or change their names later in life for better luck in business or personal matters.

Traditionally in Japan, both parents participate in naming their child, though grandparents might offer suggestions too. Many families consider the number of brush strokes in the kanji characters, believing certain numbers bring good fortune. Others choose names based on the season of birth or meaningful words from classical Japanese literature.

Nicknames are also quite common in Japan. For girls, names ending with "-chan" like Miki-chan or Saki-chan are popular and convey cuteness or beauty. For boys, names with "-kun" such as Taro-kun or Kenta-kun often express hopes for strength or leadership. Some parents even use nicknames like "Kei-chan" (clever one) or "Yuu-kun" (courageous one) to express their aspirations for their children's personalities.

STUDY/WORK

Do you work or are you a student?

Is that a popular subject in your country?

What are the most popular subjects in your country?

Why did you choose that university?

What are your favourite classes/ courses/ subjects at university?

I'm currently a student at a High School. Im studying A’ Levels in order to go to a university in Britain.

At my school we really focus on the science subjects and English. Since most students will apply to a foreign University

In my opinion business is probably the first choice for most students. Nearly everyone wants to be rich so they think that majoring in business would help them achieve this goal. I guess the second most prevalent subject would be computing. You know many students like to play computer games so there is no doubt that people are into that subject.

I would love to go to Manchester University – I have an offer for that university right now but of course I need to get a good IELTS score.

HOMETOWN

1.What's (the name of) your hometown (again)?

2.Is that a big city or a small town?

3.Please describe your hometown a little.

4.How long have you been living there?

5.Do you like your hometown?

6.Do you like living there?

7.What do you like (most) about your hometown?

8.Is there anything you dislike about it?

9.Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?

Well, my hometown is the city of Barcelona, which is a vibrant Mediterranean city with an extraordinary blend of modern innovation and ancient history—it's a magnificent place to live. The weather there is quite pleasant all year round; in winter the temperatures are quite mild, but in summer it can be quite hot with that characteristic Mediterranean humidity.

Although Barcelona has been developing rapidly in recent years, attracting tech companies and expanding its urban boundaries, it remains a profoundly Catalan city with a rich cultural heritage of which its citizens are incredibly proud.

I believe that as a tourist destination, Barcelona should preserve its unique characteristics to continue attracting visitors. The architecture of Antoni Gaudí, the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Las Ramblas all give the city its special charm. In addition, the food here is extraordinary. You can taste authentic tapas, fresh seafood paella, and local specialties like pa amb tomàquet that simply can't be replicated elsewhere. In sum, I believe my hometown is definitely worth a visit.

I was born and raised there, so I have lived there for about 19 years.

Well, my hometown, Barcelona, has gained international recognition not only for its architectural treasures and hosting the 1992 Olympic Games, but also for its complex history within Spain, including its role during the Spanish Civil War and as a centre of Catalan identity and culture.

ACCOMMODATION

1.What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?

2.Do you live in a house or a flat?

3.Who do you live with?

4.How long have you lived there?

5.Do you plan to live there for a long time?

6.(If you answer you haven't lived there long) What's the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past?

7.Can you describe the place where you live?

8.Which room does your family spend most of the time in?

9.What do you usually do in your house/flat/room?

10.Are the transport facilities to your home very good?

11.Do you prefer living in a house or a flat?

12.Please describe the room you live in?

13.What part of your home do you like the most?

We live in a pretty spacious apartment in Jakarta. I live on the 8th floor of a high-rise, and its size about 120 square metres. It is a fairly nice place. Our apartment has six rooms - one living room, one kitchen, two bathrooms and another two bedrooms. All of them are well decorated and furnished. There is a big bookshelf beside my brother’s room so that my brother can easily get books to read. In addition, we have a big balcony outside so that we can enjoy eating dinner and having tea there.

My family spend most of their time in the living room. We like to sit around on a set of comfortable sofas there and chat with each other or watch TV. But when I am free, I prefer to read alone in my room.

I live with my mum and dad and my brother. Our apartment is pretty big so there is enough space for everyone. We bought the apartment four years ago. And my brother is in the school near my home, so we won't intend to move in the future.

We sometimes go out by car because it is not convenient to take a taxi in that area, and it takes nearly 30 minutes to walk to the nearest subway station. So generally speaking, it is not good to go out without a car.

WEATHER

1.What's the weather like today?

2.What kind of weather do you like (best)? (Why?)

3.What's your favourite weather? (Why?)

4.What do you usually do during your favourite weather (or season)?

5.What's the weather (usually) like in your hometown?

6.Do you like that weather (or, that kind of climate)? (Why? /Why not?)

7.How often is the weather good in your hometown?

8.What did you do the last time the weather was good?

9.Are there any bad points about the weather in your city?

10.What is the typical weather in your country like?

11.Have there been any changes in the weather over the past few years?

12.Does the weather ever affect what you do?

13.How does the weather affect people (or, you)? (If yes, how?)

14.How do you feel when the weather is cloudy?

15.Do you always pay attention to the weather forecast?

16.Can you give any examples of unusual weather?

17.Do you like snow? (Why?)

18.Would you prefer to live in a place that has just one, warm season that lasts the whole year or a place with different seasons?

19.Do people in Korea play the same sports in different seasons of the year?

It's really freezing today. If I didn't have to take the IELTS, I would prefer to stay at home. Actually, I prefer the gentle days of early fall because then it's neither too hot nor too cold. What's more important to me is that this weather is perfect for photography as the light is so soft. During these times, I like to go out with my camera to capture photos around Gyeongbokgung Palace or along the Han River.

In my hometown of Seoul, we experience four very distinct seasons. Our springs are beautiful with cherry blossoms lining the streets, but they're quite short. Summers are extremely hot and humid with the monsoon season (jangma) bringing heavy rains. Fall is breathtaking with colorful foliage in mountains like Bukhansan, while winters are quite harsh and dry.

The challenging thing about Seoul's weather is how extremely cold the winters get. When the Siberian winds blow in, temperatures can drop to -15°C or lower. We get decent snowfall, and children often build snowmen or have snowball fights in parks like Olympic Park. I always enjoy seeing families sledding at small hills around the city.

Although Korea is a relatively small country, the weather patterns vary between regions. Jeju Island in the south has a milder climate, while northern regions near the DMZ experience harsher winters. Unfortunately in recent years, summers have become increasingly unbearable with record-breaking heat waves. These changes are primarily due to climate change. During these extreme weather days, I prefer to work at home with the air conditioner running constantly, and sometimes I'll even sleep on a traditional bamboo mat to stay cooler.

Yes, Seoul faces serious fine dust problems, especially in spring when yellow dust blows in from China's deserts. I always keep a watchful eye on air quality apps. Checking the fine dust levels has become part of my daily routine, just like checking the weather forecast.

As for unusual weather, climate change has really become a critical issue in Korea. The increasing temperatures are causing more severe typhoons that affect our southern coastal regions, particularly cities like Busan and Jeju. We're also experiencing more unpredictable weather patterns and urban flooding during the summer monsoon season.

If I had to choose between consistent weather year-round or four distinct seasons, I'd definitely choose Korea's four seasons because each has its own unique beauty and cultural traditions. Springtime cherry blossom festivals, summer water activities, autumn leaf viewing, and winter snow scenes—I would get bored if it was the same all year.

In spring and fall, when the temperature is most pleasant, Koreans love hiking in mountains like Seoraksan or Jirisan—hiking is practically our national pastime! In summer, people enjoy water activities at beaches like Haeundae or along the Han River, as well as camping in forests like Gangwon Province. But in winter, despite the cold, many Koreans still enjoy outdoor activities like skiing at resorts in Pyeongchang or ice fishing festivals in Hwacheon. Of course, there's always the option to enjoy indoor jimjilbang (Korean saunas) to escape the cold!

Punctual

1.Do you think its Important to be on time?

2.How do you feel when others are late?

3.Are you, yourself, late very often?

4.How do you feel when you are late?

5.How do you think you could be on time?

6.Do you wear a watch?

7.When does time SEEM to move fast, and when does it SEEM to move Slowly?

8.If you could go back in time, what would you do differently?

Yeah, I think it definitely is, because it's basic good manners to be on time for things. You know, I think you'd agree it's pretty rude to keep people waiting, and so it kind of gives a bad impression about that person.

Well I guess it kind of depends, because I mean, if there's a good reason for being late, you know, like getting stuck in traffic, then I will not really mind that much. But you know, if the person does not really have any excuse and it's simply because they could not be bothered to arrive on time, then I suppose I might feel a bit annoyed.

If yes:

Yeah, I am. And I know it's a bad habit, but for some reason, no matter how hard I try, I always seem to end up being late for things!

If no:

No, I would not say I am. You know, most of the time I'm pretty good with being on time for things, because I always make a quite big effort not to be late.

I feel pretty bad, especially if I've kept the other person waiting for a long time. So if I know I’m gonna be late, I will always try to let the person know in advance, you know, like send them a text message or something, so at least they know when to expect me.

I guess the best thing to do would be to always allow lots of time to get anywhere. So for example, if it normally takes me, say, half an hour to get to the city centre, then I should probably leave home about an hour before I need to get there.

If yes:

Yeah I do - you can see it right here!

If no:

No I do not, because I do not think it's really necessary to wear a watch anymore. You know, if I wanna know the time, I'll just look on my mobile!

Well, I think most people would agree that time moves fast when you're having fun. A prime example would be when playing computer games, cos I mean,

whenever I play online with my friends, it always seems that only an hour or two has passed, but in actual fact, it's probably been four or five hours!

And time normally goes slowly when you're bored or simply just not enjoying yourself. For example, I remember at school, some of my classes felt like they would never end, when in fact they were just, like, 45 minutes long!

That's a good question. What would I do differently? Um … ok well first of all, if I could go back in time, I would definitely spend more time practicing the piano, because you know, I never really practiced that much when I was younger, and I kind of regret it now, because I'd love to be able to play the piano well

TELEVISION

1.How much TV do you (usually) watch?

2.What's your favourite TV programme?

3.Did you watch much TV when you were a child? (How much?)

4.What (types of) programmes did you watch when you were a child?

5.Do you think television has changed in the past few decades?

6.(Possibly) Do you think television has changed since you were a child?

7.Has television changed your life in any way?

I seldom watch TV. I only turn on the TV to watch a football match on weekends. That is once a week. I am a big fan of football so I watch a lot of football matches. It's exciting and entertaining to see how players push their limits to win the games. I also enjoy watching movies, especially when I connect my computer to the TV screen and watch movies in High Definition from my bed; it is really enjoyable at night.

Lately I have tried to watch BBC programmes, because they are all in English and it can improve my listening for my IELTS exams.

Oh, yes, I really was a couch potato when I was younger. On weekends, when my parents went out to do other things, I was left alone at home with the TV all day long. Therefore, I became obsessed with various TV programmes, including the adverts. I can still remember my favourite cartoons like Transformers, Tom and Jerry, Dragon Ball, etc, which I watched all through my childhood.

Yes, as the techniques have advanced in these years, the TV has also developed a lot. They have become thinner and clearer to be exact. I remember those old TV screens were made with a plasma panel, making the whole TV heavy and big. Then LCD technology and the LED display came out making the TV thinner and lighter so we can enjoy brighter and clearer programmes.

I believe that watching TV has benefited me in some way, as well as bringing me some detrimental consequences. Watching TV programmes had enabled me to broaden my horizons as I was born and raised in a small county and there were many places and things I had no opportunities to experience. But the TV had helped me to see them. But spending too much time in front of TV also made me

addicted to it and unfortunately harmed my eyes. So I’ve had to wear glasses since middle school

MUSEUM

1.Are there many (or, any) museums in your hometown?

2.Do you think museums are useful for visitors to your hometown/country?

3.Do you often visit a museum?

4.Did you go to any museums when you were a child?

5.When was the last time you visited a museum?

6.Do you think museums are important?

7.Do you think it's suitable for museums to sell things to visitors?

There are a lot of museums in Nanjing because Nanjing has a central place in the history of China. It allows the local residents to know more about their traditions and historical celebrities.

I go to the museums a lot, when I go to a new place, I'll find the local museums that have unique collections. The museum I visited last time was the Victoria and Albert Museum located in the heart of London. It is a public institution featuring British and international art and design objects like textiles, fashion pieces, sculptures and some historical artifacts.

Museums are really important in protecting, preserving, propagating and researching numerous human treasures. Once the antiques are in museums, they are permanently out of circulation, which means the public can see them.

Yes, the reason is that generally, most museums are non-profit organisations, and these goods make up a large part of their income, except for the tickets of course, and also partly because these items are closely related to the theme of the museums, which cannot be bought in other bookstores or shops.

HOLIDAYS

1.What public holidays do you have in your country?

2.Do people in your country celebrate Christmas?

3.Do you like public holidays?

4.Which public holidays do you like the most?

5.What did you do during the last public holiday?

6.What do other people in your country usually do on public holidays?

7.What would you like to do during then next public holiday?

8.Do you think public holidays are important?

9.Do you think there should be more public holidays in your country?

We celebrate a lot of public festivals in my country. I am sure you know about the Spring Festival which is the most important one. In addition, we get together with our family for the Mid- Autumn Day and the National Day.

Yes, there are so many people in my country, it's really hard to say, and probably most people tend to go shopping with families or friends to take advantage of the sales in the shops, but personally speaking, I am afraid we don't celebrate Christmas like the way people do in Western countries.

Yes, I am fond of holidays. The main thing is that on these days, I don't have to work and have plenty of time to relax and also I will have more quality time with my family.

I believe my favourite public holiday would be National Day because I get at least seven days to go travelling and also it's the best time to get around, the weather is neither too cold nor too hot, and the foliage of trees will have turned yellow or red, which is very pretty.

It's kind of hard to say but people that I know around me tend to go shopping with their families or friends to take advantage of the sales in the shops, but maybe for others, they probably will stay at home to relax.

I believe public holidays are rather important and there should be more of them in my country. The main factor is that people really need to unwind without any distractions after tiring work and also public holidays can dramatically boost consumption, as goods in the shops will be sold at a discount during these days.

FILM

1.Do you like to watch films?

2.Do you prefer foreign films or local films?

3.How often do you go to a cinema or watch a movie?

4.Do people like to go to a cinema to watch a film?

5.What kinds of movies do you like best?

6.What was the first film that you watched?

I'm really into watching films because some films are very entertaining and provoking. I sometimes go to cinema with my friends and family to enjoy our leisure time in the weekends.

Well, if I had to choose between the two, I would probably choose foreign films, especially Bollywood films because most of them are vibrant and entertaining, with lots of talented dancers and are often incredible musical spectacles; whereas you know, Australian films are usually more understated, so they are not as visually dynamic as their Indian counterparts.

I go to cinema to watch movies from time to time. Normally if I’m not busy with my work, I’ll check out the movies to see whether there are any movies that attract me; but if I have lots of things on my hands, I'll probably focus on my work.

It's kind of hard to say but people that I know tend to like watching movies in the cinema, but maybe for others, they just prefer to stay at home and watch TV programmes

As for me, I like drama films the best because sometimes they just tell simple but warm and heartfelt stories with provoking and often emotional endings which touch me a lot.

The first film that I watched was the Lion King many years ago in the cinema with my parents. What I can remember now is the terrific animation and the amazing soundtrack. I particularly liked the song Can You Feel the Love Tonight that I knew it was produced by Elton John. And I've learned lessons from this movie. It is about living up to our responsibilities, no matter how hard it is.

LEISURE TIME

1.What do you do in your spare time?

2.What do you do to relax?

3.How do you usually spend your evenings?

4.What do you usually do after work/after classes?

5.Do you prefer to stay at home in the evenings or do you prefer to go out?

6.Do you think modern lifestyles give people enough time for leisure?

7.Do you think people today have more time to relax than in the past?

8.Do you think it's important for people to have leisure time?

9.Do old people and young people spend their leisure time in the same way?

10.What do you think are the good points and the possible bad points about having leisure time?

11.How do people in your country spend their holidays?

12.Do you like to travel in your holidays?

13.If you had a child, what leisure places would you go to with your child?

Well, I enjoy driving around in my spare time. I always drive my car with my friends or family out to the countryside during the weekends to relax. I feel that driving not only enables me to go where I want to at any time, but I can also make my own itineraries and discover the stunning places that others may not find.

Normally, I'll hang out with my friends because I want to relax, but after being a father, I spend more time at home with my kid, telling stories to him or playing games with him.

If I had to choose between the two, I'll probably spend more time at home with my kid, telling stories to him or playing games with him, whereas, hanging out with friends will reduce my quality family time with my son.

Oh, definitely not, you know, a modern lifestyle brings people more convenience, however, in this modern fast paced society the fierce competition makes more people spend more time at work, resulting in less quality time with family and friends.

Yes, definitely. After a tiring week, people really need to relax. Apart from earning money, I still need to enjoy my family time, hang out with friends to socialise and travel around to experience different lifestyles.

Well, between the two, old people are fond of a slow-pace of life compared to young people, for example, old people enjoy walking in the garden or chatting with old friends, on the contrary, young people are fond of energetic activities such as football and hiking in the mountains.

Well, it's kind of hard to say but people that I know around me tend to hang out with friends for dinner, but maybe for others, they will probably go shopping with family in the shopping malls to enjoy themselves.

Well, I'm really into taking my kid travelling around to the natural places around here during the weekends to relax. Although travelling to other places is really time consuming, I still like going out because I believe that staying close to the nature can cultivate people' s mental development

How to Practice These Questions Effectively

1. Record Yourself: Practice answering the questions aloud and record your responses. Focus on fluency, grammar, and pronunciation.

2. Use a Timer: For Part 2 questions, time yourself for 1-minute preparation and a 2-minute answer.

3. Get Feedback: Use an IELTS tutor, language exchange partner, or AI-based speaking apps to receive corrections.

4. Review Band 9 Sample Answers: Understand how high-level candidates use advanced vocabulary, organized ideas, and natural phrasing.

5. Use the IELTS Band 9 System: For complete Speaking prep, sample answers, and topic-wise breakdowns, we recommend the IELTS Band 9 Bundle.

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Final Tips for IELTS Speaking Success

• Practice with realistic, high-frequency questions

• Focus on sounding clear, confident, and natural

• Avoid memorized answers — the examiner will notice

• Build topic-based vocabulary in advance

• Record and review regularly to track progress