IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
IELTS Speaking Test # 123
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Test # 123
IELTS Band 8/9 level Speaking sample.
Part 1 Topic: "Paying bills".
Part 2 Topic: "Describe some food or drink that you learned to prepare".
Part 3 Topic: "Young people and cooking" & "Working as a chef".
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 - "Paying bills"
Q. What kinds of bills do you have to pay?
Answer: I have to pay the usual monthly bills like electricity, water, internet, and my mobile phone bill. Occasionally, I also pay for subscription services like streaming platforms or cloud storage. These are pretty standard expenses for most people these days.
Q. How do you usually pay your bills - in cash or by another method? [Why?]
Answer: I usually pay my bills online using banking apps or mobile payment platforms. It’s just more convenient, and I can do it anytime without having to go to a physical location. Moreover, many service providers now encourage digital payments because they’re faster and more secure.
Q. Have you ever forgotten to pay a bill? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Yes, once or twice. It usually happens when I’m very busy or travelling. Thankfully, most apps send reminders, so it doesn’t happen often. One time, I forgot to pay the internet bill and got disconnected for a day - that was enough of a lesson!
Q. Is there anything you could do to make your bills cheaper? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: I think so. I could probably reduce electricity usage by being more mindful - like switching off lights and unplugging devices when not in use. Also, cutting down on online subscriptions I rarely use would save a bit. It’s just about developing smarter habits, and I think I should be more prudent about it.
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 some food or drink that you learned to prepare.
You should say:
- what food or drink you learned to prepare
- when and where you learned to prepare this
- how you learned to prepare this
and explain how you felt about learning to prepare this food or drink.
[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: "Young people and cooking"
Q. What kinds of things can children learn to cook?
Answer: Children can start with very basic dishes like boiled eggs, sandwiches, instant noodles, or pancakes. As they grow older, they can try more complex meals like pasta, simple curries, or baked items. From my perspective, cooking helps them develop life skills and boosts their confidence. For example, my younger cousin started with scrambled eggs, and now he can prepare a full breakfast spread all by himself!
Q. Do you think it is important for children to learn to cook?
Answer: Yes, I do believe that children should learn how to cook as it is an important skill. Learning to cook gives children independence and helps them understand the importance of nutrition and hygiene. It also teaches them patience and responsibility. In today’s world, where takeout food is so common, knowing how to cook is a valuable skill that promotes a healthier lifestyle. Even basic cooking can be empowering for them and for their future.
Q. Do you think young people should learn to cook at home or at school?
Answer: Ideally, both. At home, children can learn family recipes and pick up tips naturally while helping their parents. At school, they can get structured lessons, learn safety protocols, and try new cuisines. For example, a school might teach how to measure ingredients accurately or follow a step-by-step recipe, which can be difficult to master at home without guidance.
Discussion topic: "Working as a chef"
Q. How enjoyable do you think it would be to work as a professional chef?
Answer: I think it can be incredibly rewarding but also very demanding. On the one hand, chefs get to be creative, work with amazing ingredients, and bring joy to people through food. But the job also involves long hours, high stress, and physical exhaustion. For someone who’s passionate about cooking, though, it could be a dream career despite the challenges.
Q. What skills does a person need to be a great chef?
Answer: I believe that a great chef needs more than just cooking talent. Time management, teamwork, creativity, and attention to detail are all essential. They also need to stay calm under pressure, especially during busy service hours. I once saw a documentary where a head chef had to coordinate a kitchen with ten staff members and dozens of orders - it was like conducting an orchestra!
Q. How much influence do celebrity/TV chefs have on what ordinary people cook?
Answer: From my perspective, they have a massive influence. People watch their shows and get inspired to try new dishes or techniques. For example, after watching a popular chef make risotto, many of my friends gave it a go - even though they’d never cooked rice that way before. These chefs make cooking seem approachable and fun, and that motivates everyday people to experiment in the kitchen.
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