IELTS speaking topics 2021 | Score 8+ using these 5 answering tips

When you search ‘IELTS Speaking topics 2021’ on Google, you will find a lot of articles sharing lists of IELTS Speaking topics that students were asked recently. Apparently, examiners ask questions on these topics only for a few months, until they are changed again.

But a closer look at the IELTS Speaking test tells us that you can never predict what topic you might have to speak on during the IELTS test. This is why it is best to remember that the IELTS Speaking test measures your English-language speech and skills, rather than your knowledge of a subject. With this in mind, let’s take a look at a few IELTS speaking topics and start practicing for the test right away!

IELTS Speaking: What to keep in mind

Before you start looking at IELTS speaking topics 2021, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Like the IELTS Speaking format, duration, scoring, and more-

1. The IELTS Speaking test takes place either before or after your written IELTS exam
2. According to the IELTS Speaking format, your test will consist of 3 parts – Introduction, Speaking on cue, and Discussion with the examiner
3. The duration of this test can be anywhere between 11 and 14 minutes
4. Your English speaking skills are measured through 4 criteria, including Pronunciation, Grammar Range & Accuracy, Fluency & Coherence, and Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
5. Your IELTS speaking score will range from 0 to 9 and reflect your overall performance during the Speaking section of the IELTS

 

IELTS Speaking Part 1

The first of the IELTS Speaking test comprises an Introduction and an Interview, where the examiner will ask you simple questions about your everyday life. Like your hometown, your family, working, studying, writing, reading, etc.

IELTS Speaking topics Part 1

Some of the common IELTS Speaking topics Part 1 are-

1. What is your most favorite place to visit in your country?
2. How much time do you spend with your family?
3. Do you like shopping? Why or why not?
4. Are you satisfied with the way you got educated?
5. What is your aim in life?
6. What do you do in your free time?
7. Do you like eating out?
8. What kind of music do you listen to?
9. Tell me about an interesting animal you like.
10. Is it easy for you to remember people’s names?

IELTS Speaking Part 2

In the second part of the IELTS speaking test, you will have to select a random cue card containing a topic. You will have 2 minutes to prepare your answer and another 2 to share your thoughts. This card will also list out a bunch of points to cover as you talk.

Also, once you’re done speaking, the examiner may ask you a few more questions.

IELTS Speaking topics Part 2 

Some of the common IELTS Speaking topics Part 2 are-

1. Describe your favorite singer or actor
   You should say:
   >who he or she is
   >what his or her personality is like
   >how you know about this person
   >explain why he or she is your favorite

2. Describe a line that you remember from a poem or song
   You should say:
   >what is is
   >what poem is it from
   >how you know about it
   >how you feel about it

3. Describe a puzzle you have completed (jigsaw, crossword puzzle)
   You should say:
   >what it is like
   >how easy or difficult it is
   >how long it takes you to solve
   >explain how you feel about it

4. Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public
   You should say:
   >where it was
   >how others reacted to it, and
   >explain how you feel about it

5. Describe a successful small business that you know about
   You should say:
   >what business it is
   >what this business does
   >how you know about this business
   >explain why you think this business is successful

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test focuses on the same cue card you had picked during Part 2 of the test. Only this time, instead of giving a monologue, you will have a conversation with the examiner about it. The purpose of this task is to test your ability to listen, form an opinion, and express your thoughts effectively.

IELTS Speaking topics Part 3 

Some of the common IELTS Speaking topics Part 3 are-

1. Describe a polite person you know
   You should say:
   >who the person is
   >how you know this person
   >what this person is like
   >explain why you think he or she is polite
   
   Part 3
   >How important is it to be polite in your culture?
   >What are some ways people show that they are polite in your culture?
   >Do you feel that people from cities are more polite than those from the countryside?
   >What do you think can make people more polite?
   
   
2. Describe a special hotel you have stayed in
   You should say:
   >where it is
   >what it is like
   >why you went there
   >and how you felt about it
   
   Part 3
   >What are some of the reasons why people stay in hotels?
   >What can influence people’s choices of hotels?
   >To what extent do the ratings of hotels influence people’s choices?
   >What’s the difference between the hotels in your country and those abroad?
3. Describe a toy you liked in your childhood
   You should say:
   >what kind of toy it is
   >when you received it
   >how you played with it
   >how you felt about it
   
   Part 3
   >How do advertisements influence children?
   >ShouId advertising aimed at children be prohibited?
   >What’s the difference between toys nowadays and those in the past?
   >Do you think children these days have too many toys?
   
   
4. Describe a time when you gave advice to someone
   You should say:
   >when it was
   >who you gave the advice
   >what the advice was
   >explain why you gave the advice
   
   Part 3
   >What types of advice do young people often need?
   >Is it good to ask for advice from strangers online?
   >What jobs often involve giving advice to others?
   >What are problems that might occur if you ask too many people for advice?
   
   
5. Describe a time you needed to use your imagination
   You should say:
   >when it was
   >why you needed to use imagination
   >how difficult or easy it was
   >explain how you felt about it
   
   Part 3
   >What school subjects are helpful for developing children’s imagination?
   >Do you think reading novels helps develop children’s imagination?
   >Do children have better imaginations than adults?
   >What kinds of jobs need imagination?

IELTS Speaking topics 2021: Strategies & tips to prepare

A major difference between TOEFL and IELTS is that, when it comes to TOEFL, you already know what type of questions will be asked. TOEFL gives you some liberty to create your own structure while preparing for the speaking section of the test.

The same is not true for IELTS, which tests your speaking and communication skills in person, as if you were in a real college setting.

Consequently, the strategies to nail the IELTS Speaking section are different-

1. Practice talking about the IELTS speaking topics 2021 every day for 30-40 minutes.
2. If you feel stuck or don’t think you hard the examiner right, ask your interviewer. It’s supposed to be a two-way conversation, not a monologue.
3. Elaborate as much as you can. Even if it’s a yes-no question, learn how to speak in detail about any given topic that may come to you.
4. Record yourself speaking as you practice, jot down the places where you feel you can improve, and work on these areas. You will hear yourself get better with time.
5. Focus on the points being tested during the test – fluency, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. While practicing, notice which ones you’re good at and which ones need improvement. This way, you will have a direction to work in.

Well! Now you know what the IELTS Speaking test looks like, what kind of questions might be asked, and how to prepare for them. So, what are you waiting for? Get started!

And if you get stuck or have any questions, you can drop a comment or simply reach out to us at iSchoolConnect. We’d be very happy to help!