IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
IELTS Speaking Test Sample # 102
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Test # 102
Part 1 Topic: "Names".
Part 2 Topic: "Describe a TV documentary you watched that was particularly interesting".
Part 3 Topic: "Different types of TV programmes" & "TV advertising".
Part One - Introduction:
[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 - Names:
Q. How did your parents choose your name(s)?
Answer: It is a tradition in our country that newly-become-parents discuss with relatives and friends about the names of the newborns. Many relatives suggest names and parents even search online for great names. As I heard from my father, he and my mom did the same. However, instead of searching online, as the internet was yet to be available back then, they bought a book that listed several hundred names for newborns. Finally, they took my grandmother's suggestion and named me Vida.
Alternative Answer: My parents told me they picked my name because they liked how it sounded and thought it suited both a child and an adult. Apparently, they had a shortlist, and my mom was the one who made the final call. It wasn’t named after anyone in the family - it was just something they both agreed on.
Q. Does your name have any special meaning?
Answer: Yes, the name has a nice meaning, at least to me and my parents! The word 'Vida', which is my first name, means 'dearly loved'.
Alternative Answer: Not really, at least not in a traditional or cultural sense. It’s more of a modern Western name without any deep symbolic meaning. But for my parents, it meant choosing something simple, easy to pronounce, and timeless, so I guess that’s meaningful in its own way.
Q. Is your name common or unusual in your country?
Answer: I don't think it is that rare as I have encountered several other girls in my life who share the same name. However, I would not say that the name 'Vida' is very common either.
Alternative Answer: I’d say it’s pretty common in my country. I’ve met a few other guys with the same name, especially when I was in school. It’s one of those names that’s been around for decades, so it doesn’t really stand out, but it’s familiar and easy to remember.
Q. If you could change your name, would you? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Definitely not. I love my name and the very sound of this name gives a special feeling in my heart and mind. I am "Vida" to my parents, relatives and friends, and I want to be it to the rest of the world for the rest of my life.
Alternative Answer: No, I wouldn’t change it. I’ve gotten used to it, and it feels like a part of my identity now. Plus, I’ve never really had any issues with it - it’s easy to spell, people don’t usually mispronounce it, and I’m comfortable with how it sounds.
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 TV documentary you watched that was particularly interesting.
You should say:
- what the documentary was about
- why you decided to watch it
- what you learnt during the documentary
and explain why the TV documentary was particularly interesting.
[ 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 - Two-way Discussion/ Detailed Discussion:
Discussion topics: Different types of TV programmes:
Q. What are the most popular kinds of TV programmes in your country? Why is this?
Answer: I guess the news, talk shows and TV series are some of the most popular TV programmes in my country. People love to get updates and most of the TV channels have some sort of news programmes. This is why people want to watch the news daily. Talks shows give insight into a pressing issue and bring many popular personalities to the programme and people love to watch what they have got to say. TV series are highly entertaining and have many genres, and viewers can always pick their favourite series based on their preferences. Personally, I like TV series and news programmes. Apart from that, some music and sports channels have gained huge popularity in recent days due to the fact that they are highly entertaining.
Alternative Answer: Well, in my country, the most popular types of TV programmes are dramas, reality shows, and news bulletins. Dramas, especially family-based serials or thrillers, are widely watched because they reflect relatable issues or provide escapism through compelling storylines.
Reality shows - like singing or cooking competitions - also attract large audiences due to their entertainment value and interactive nature, as viewers can often vote or participate. Moreover, news programmes remain popular among older generations who still rely on TV as their primary information source.
Q. Do you think there are too many game shows on TV nowadays? Why?
Answer: I think the number of sports and game shows is on the rise and it is interesting to notice that a good number of sports channels have gained tremendous followers these days. Game shows are entertaining and exciting and people love to watch their favourite sports team win a competition. Following the national team to compete on the international stage is a passion for many and the TV channels want to reach those audiences. Apart from that, quiz shows, game shows and other shows related to sports are also gaining popularity.
Alternative Answer: Yes, I do think game shows have become somewhat overrepresented on television. The reason for their popularity among producers is simple - they’re relatively inexpensive to produce and tend to generate high viewership. However, the sheer volume of similar formats can lead to content fatigue. For example, when every channel airs a variation of a quiz or talent contest, it becomes repetitive and lacks originality. That said, they do serve as light entertainment, which is why some people still enjoy them in moderation.
Q. Do you think TV is the main way for people to get the news in your country? What other ways are there?
Answer: I think TV is still the main source for people in my country to get news and updates on current events. With the increasing popularity of the Internet and social networking platforms, many young people opt for the Internet to get news. However, TV is still the main source of news for the whole nation.
Among other common sources for news, people rely on radio, newspapers and magazines. Obviously, a great proportion of people these days depend on the Internet for the latest news.
Alternative Answer: Yes, TV remains a major source of news, particularly for older adults and rural populations in my country. It offers a visual and often live presentation of current events, which can be more engaging than reading text. However, I’d say it’s no longer the primary source for younger generations. With the rise of smartphones and social media platforms like X, Facebook and YouTube, many people now consume news on-demand.
Discussion topics: TV advertising:
Q. What types of products are advertised most often on TV?
Answer: I would rather say what type of products and services are not on TV! From cosmetics, household appliances and car manufacturers to online stores, fast food chain shops, and real estate businesses all want their presence on TV to attract more people to their products and services. I personally believe beauty products and electronic products have the highest number of TV advertisements in our country, and whenever I turn on a channel, their adverts are there.
Alternative Answer: The most frequently advertised products on TV are consumer goods - things like soft drinks, fast food, toiletries, and household cleaning products. These items have a broad target audience and are often purchased regularly, so companies invest heavily in repeated exposure.
Additionally, during prime time, you’ll often see pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and financial services being advertised, especially in more urbanised areas. These ads are designed to appeal to middle and upper-income viewers who are likely to spend more on such products.
Q. Do you think that people pay attention to adverts on TV? Why do you think that is?
Answer: I think people pay attention to TV ads even after being constantly bombarded with those adverts. Sometimes people pay attention to those adverts willingly and sometimes unconsciously. I believe whenever someone has to pick a product from a store - which offers many different brands and manufacturers - people opt for the one they have noticed on TV. Besides, whenever someone is in front of a TV set, his eyes and ears concentrate on the things shown on the screen, and even though many of us are irritated with the number of adverts shown on TV, we have no alternatives if we want to watch our favourite programmes on TV.
Alternative Answer: Honestly, I think most people tend to ignore or tune out TV adverts unless something truly grabs their attention. With the rise of streaming platforms and on-demand services, audiences have become less patient with traditional commercial breaks. Having said that, well-crafted adverts - especially those that are funny, emotional, or visually striking - can still capture attention. For example, during major events like the World Cup or national festivals, people actually look forward to the high-budget adverts that are specially created for those occasions.
Q. How important are regulations on TV advertising?
Answer: I think adverts should go through a rigid screening before they are live on TV. The authority should ensure that an advertisement is suitable for the whole family, does not broadcast fake products or services and does comply with the advertisement policies of the country.
Alternative Answer: In my opinion, regulations on TV advertising are extremely important, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable audiences like children. Without oversight, companies could easily promote unhealthy food, misleading claims, or harmful stereotypes. For instance, many countries now ban tobacco and alcohol adverts on TV, and enforce strict rules on advertising to children. These regulations help ensure that content remains socially responsible and doesn't exploit viewers for commercial gain.
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