IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
IELTS Speaking Test Sample # 101
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Test # 101
Part 1 Topic: 'Food and cooking'.
Part 2 Topic: 'Describe a house/apartment that someone you know lives in'.
Part 3 Topic: 'Different types of home' & 'Finding a place to live'.
Part One - Introduction & Interview:
[This part of the test begins with the examiner introducing himself or herself and checking the candidate’s identification. It then continues as an interview. In the interview, the examiner asks the candidate about his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.]
Topic: Food and cooking:
Q. What sorts of food do you like eating most? [Why?]
Answer: I mostly like to eat traditional food and anything that is healthy. In this regard, I prefer homemade food over fast food items. Some of my favourite food items are dates, fruits, fish, Kabsa, Maqluba, Shuwaa, vegetables and Khabees. Homemade food, our traditional food, fish, vegetables and fruits that I prefer are far better than fast food in terms of their food value and nutritional aspects. I believe eating habits take time to grow and for a long, I have tried to follow a good diet.
Alternative Answer: I really enjoy eating Italian and Asian food the most. Pasta dishes like lasagna or fettuccine are comfort food for me, and I also love sushi and ramen when I want something lighter but flavourful. I think I like these because they’re rich in taste, and there’s so much variety. Plus, they’re meals I usually associate with good memories - like dinners with friends or family.
Q. Who normally does the cooking in your home? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Well, my mother is in charge of preparing food and deciding the menu at our house. We have a housemaid who helps my mother with that. Sometimes my elder sister assists my mom in cooking but this is a very rare occasion as she is quite busy with her studies.
Alternative Answer: At home, it’s usually my mom who does the cooking, although I help out sometimes when I can. She enjoys it and is a great cook, so we’re kind of spoiled that way. I’ve started learning a few recipes myself, especially since I know I’ll need to cook more once I move out or live on my own.
Q. Do you watch cookery programmes on TV? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Cooking is not my passion and I rarely try to cook in real life. However, watching cookery programmes on TV is very interesting, at least to me. I often watch cookery TV shows like Baking With Julia, Daisy Cooks!, MasterChef, and World Class Cuisine and I like the way they present new menus and their excellent way of cooking. They have taken cooking to the next level and it seems like cooking is an art whenever I watch such a programme.
Alternative Answer: Yes, I do from time to time - especially shows like MasterChef or Chef’s Table. They’re entertaining, and I also pick up a few useful cooking tips. Watching talented chefs create amazing dishes is kind of inspiring, even if I don’t cook that often myself. It also gives me ideas for what to try the next time I’m in the kitchen.
Q. In general, do you prefer eating out or eating at home? [Why?]
Answer: I usually avoid eating outside and prefer to eat homemade food. Homemade food items have better taste and superior food values, and I enjoy my dinner with my family members more than eating in a restaurant or a bistro. Furthermore, restaurant foods are quite expensive in my country.
Alternative Answer: Honestly, I prefer eating at home most of the time. It’s more comfortable, healthier, and definitely easier on the wallet- especially for a student. That said, I do enjoy eating out occasionally, mostly for the social experience or when I want to try something new. But overall, nothing beats a home-cooked meal.
Part 2 - Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card:
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a house/apartment that someone you know lives in.
You should say:
- whose house/apartment this is
- where the house/apartment is
- what it looks like inside
and explain what you like or dislike about this person’s house/apartment.
[ You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Click here for the Sample Answer to this topic:
Part 3 - Detailed Discussion/ Two-way Discussion:
Discussion topics - Different types of home:
Q. What kinds of home are most popular in your country? Why is this?
Answer: In urban areas, high-rise buildings are the most common accommodation type for people in my country. Even though many of them like an independent two-storied bungalow, this is not affordable for all. Only rich people have such houses.
The villages have mud houses, and tent houses which look quite different and have a great traditional value in my country. With the modernisation and increasing population, many traditional houses are being replaced by high-rising modern buildings.
Alternative Answer: In my country, apartments and single-family houses are the most common types of homes. In urban areas, apartments are more popular due to space constraints and population density. They are typically more affordable and located near workplaces, schools, and public transport, making them ideal for working professionals and small families.
In contrast, in suburban and rural regions, detached houses are more common, as land is cheaper and more readily available. People in those areas value privacy, outdoor space, and a quieter lifestyle, which houses can offer more easily than apartments.
Q. What do you think are the advantages of living in a house rather than an apartment?
Answer: Houses are usually capacious, have spaces in front of them and offer better views than the apartments. A house owner can design the house the way he/she likes, expand it and change the architect on his/her wish. Moreover, a homeowner enjoys great freedom and access to fresh air and enough sunlight that the apartment dwellers often miss.
Alternative Answer: I believe living in a house comes with several advantages. One key benefit is space - houses generally offer more room both indoors and outdoors, which is ideal for families, especially those with children or pets. There’s also more privacy, as you don’t share walls or common areas with neighbours as you would in an apartment. Another benefit is freedom of customisation. Homeowners can renovate, extend, or landscape without the restrictions typically found in apartment complexes. For instance, someone might build a garden, install solar panels, or add an extra room - all of which are much harder to do in an apartment setting.
Q. Do you think that everyone would like to live in a larger home? Why is that?
Answer: I believe so. If people had a choice, almost everyone would love to live in a large house rather than an apartment.
An apartment is a minimum arrangement for a family to have some rooms to live in. It does not offer open space, facilities to have gardens, flower plants and a yard. The homeowners, on the contrary, can enjoy these facilities and have greater freedom which is unimaginable in an apartment.
Alternative Answer: While many people aspire to live in a larger home, I wouldn't say it's everyone’s goal. Larger homes offer comfort, status, and space, which is appealing - especially for those with growing families or who frequently host guests. However, some individuals, particularly minimalists or the elderly, may prefer smaller homes for the sake of convenience, lower maintenance, and energy efficiency. For example, a retired couple may downsize to a smaller flat to avoid the upkeep of a big property. So while size is attractive to many, it’s not always the most practical choice for everyone.
Finding a place to live:
Q. How easy is it to find a place to live in your country?
Answer: Well, it is moderately easier in a small town but quite difficult in a large city. Big cities are already struggling to accommodate a large number of people and proper housing is a problem for many. If someone does not have a large sum of money to spend on his accommodation per month, he will surely find it hard to arrange a nice place to live in.
Alternative Answer: Well, it really depends on the location and budget. In major cities, finding affordable housing can be extremely competitive due to high demand and limited supply. Rent prices are rising steadily, and waiting lists for decent apartments are common. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, it’s generally easier to find housing, and the cost is significantly lower. That said, the trade-off is often fewer job opportunities and less access to amenities. So while housing is available, the quality and affordability vary greatly depending on the region.
Q. Do you think it’s better to rent or to buy a place to live in? Why?
Answer: I think owning a house is far better than renting one. However, this varies from person to person and if the person wants to permanently settle in a place, he/she should think about purchasing a place rather than renting one. However, for a brief stay, renting is a better option, in my opinion.
Alternative Answer: That really depends on one’s financial situation and long-term goals. Buying a home is often seen as a good investment because it builds equity over time and gives people a sense of stability and ownership. It also protects against rising rental costs. However, renting offers flexibility and lower upfront costs, which is perfect for students, young professionals, or those who move frequently. For example, someone early in their career might prefer renting to avoid being tied down to one location. So both options have their advantages, depending on the stage of life someone is in.
Q. Do you agree that there is a right age for young adults to stop living with their parents? Why is that?
Answer: I do not think that someone should ever leave his/her parents permanently, at least I would never do that. However, it is quite logical that someone needs to leave his/her house for better education and job opportunities but this does not mean that someone has to decide it at a certain age.
But, if someone decides that he has lived with his parents for a long period of time and now the time has come for him to start living with his fiance or friends, that would be a different case. In my country, a boy or a girl leaves the house for higher studies and reunites with the family after she/he has a job.
Alternative Answer: I believe there’s no universal “right age,” but generally, young adults should aim to become independent in their early to mid-twenties. Living independently teaches important life skills - like budgeting, cooking, and time management - that are crucial for adult life. Having said that, cultural and economic factors play a big role. In some cultures, it’s common for children to stay with their parents until marriage. In other cases, high housing costs or student debt make it financially difficult to move out. So while independence is important, it should happen when a person is emotionally and financially ready, not just based on age.
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