IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
IELTS Speaking Test # 121
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IELTS Speaking Test # 121
IELTS Band 8/9 level Speaking sample.
Part 1 Topic: "Travelling by plane".
Part 2 Topic: "Describe a person from your country who has won a prize, award or medal".
Part 3 Topic: "Rewards for children at school" & "Rewards for sportspeople".
Part 1 - 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 - "Travelling by plane"
Q. Have you travelled a lot by plane? [To where?/Why not?]
Answer: I wouldn’t say I’ve travelled a lot by plane, but I’ve taken a few trips here and there. I’ve flown to Malaysia once and also to the northern part of my country for a holiday. Most of my travel is local, though, so I usually take trains or buses unless it’s a long-distance trip.
Q. Why do you think some people enjoy travelling by plane?
Answer: Well, from my perspective, air travel feels fast, convenient, and exciting for many people. There’s something about soaring above the clouds and reaching your destination in just a few hours that makes the whole experience appealing. Plus, for some, it’s associated with business-class service, in-flight meals, and even a bit of glamour.
Q. Would you like to live near an airport? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Honestly, I don’t think I would. Airports are great for convenience, but living nearby usually means dealing with a lot of noise and traffic. The constant sound of planes taking off and landing would drive me crazy after a while. I'd much prefer a quieter neighbourhood even if it’s a bit farther away from the airport.
Q. In the future, do you think that you will travel by plane more often? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: I hope so! I’d love to explore more countries and new cultures, and air travel is the quickest way to do that. If my career allows me the flexibility and I can save up some money, I’d definitely take more international flights in the future. Travelling opens up your mind in amazing ways.
Part 2 - Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card:
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a person from your country who has won a prize, award or medal.
You should say:
- who this person is
- which prize, award or medal they received
- what they did to win this
and explain whether you think it was right that this person received this prize, award or medal.
[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 answer to this Cue Card Topic
Part 3 - Detailed discussion:
Discussion topic: "Rewards for children at school"
Q. What types of school prizes do children in your country receive?
Answer: In my country, schoolchildren typically receive prizes like certificates, medals, trophies, and sometimes even books or school supplies for academic excellence. Some schools also offer recognition for good behaviour, sports achievements, and attendance. From what I’ve seen, annual awards ceremonies are common, and they help motivate students to do their best in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Q. What do you think are the advantages of rewarding schoolchildren for good work?
Answer: There’s no doubt that rewards can be a powerful motivator for children. When students are recognised for their efforts, they feel valued and encouraged to continue performing well. It also sets a positive example for others. For instance, I remember one classmate who won a science fair prize, and after that, many of us got inspired to participate the following year. So it creates a ripple effect of motivation.
Q. Do you agree that it's more important for children to receive rewards from their parents than from teachers?
Answer: That’s an interesting question. I think both are important, but rewards from parents tend to feel more personal and emotionally meaningful. When a parent acknowledges a child’s effort, it builds a strong bond and boosts the child's self-esteem. On the other hand, recognition from teachers carries academic value and validates their performance publicly. Ideally, a balance between the two is best - one provides emotional encouragement, while the other promotes social recognition.
Discussion topic: "Rewards for sportspeople"
Q. Do you think that some sportspeople (e.g., top footballers) are paid too much money?
Answer: To be honest with you, yes - in many cases, top athletes earn far more than professionals in fields like education or medicine. But at the same time, I understand that sports is a huge entertainment industry, and athletes often have short careers. Their salaries are tied to ticket sales, sponsorships, and global TV rights. Still, the gap between what they earn and what other essential workers get paid does raise eyebrows.
Q. Should everyone on a team get the same prize money when they win?
Answer: Generally speaking, I think prize money should be distributed fairly across the team. Every member contributes in some way - whether they’re the captain or a substitute player. That said, I do believe bonuses or small extra rewards can be given to those who’ve made significant contributions. For example, if a player scores the winning goal in a final, a special mention or extra prize might be fair. But equal base rewards maintain unity and prevent jealousy among teammates.
Q. Do you agree with the view that, in sport, taking part is more important than winning?
Answer: I completely agree with that idea, especially when it comes to school or amateur sports. Participating in sport teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Winning is great, of course, but the real value comes from the experience itself. I remember joining a district-level badminton match and losing in the semi-finals, but the experience helped me grow in confidence and skill. So, yes - participating leaves a lasting impact, even more than winning sometimes.
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