IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
IELTS Speaking Test # 124
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IELTS Speaking Test # 124
IELTS Band 8/9 level Speaking sample.
Part 1 Topic: "Science".
Part 2 Topic: "Describe a tourist attraction in your country that you would recommend".
Part 3 Topic: "Museums and art galleries" & "The holiday industry".
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 - "Science"
Q. Did you like studying science when you were at school? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Yes, I quite enjoyed it, especially biology. I was always curious about how the human body works and how nature functions. Science classes felt like a way to explore the world logically, although I must admit, I struggled a bit with physics!
Alternative Answer: The honest answer is - I did not hate science, but, I did not enjoy it much. I was more interested in arts and history. Perhaps this was due to the fact that I was good at drawing and was more fascinated by learning about past events and people who shaped the world we see today.
Q. What do you remember about your science teachers at school?
Answer: I remember them being very passionate and energetic. My biology teacher, in particular, made the subject come alive with stories and experiments. On the other hand, my chemistry teacher was quite strict, but she explained complex topics really clearly.
Q. How interested are you in science now? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: I’d say I’m still fairly interested. I like reading about scientific breakthroughs and watching documentaries. While I don’t study science formally anymore, I find it fascinating how much it shapes our modern lives, from medicine to space exploration.
Alternative Answer: Interestingly, science and scientific discoveries and inventions fascinate me now even though I was not very interested in science in my school. I often watch TV programmes and documentaries based on science and they intrigue me as much as history and arts do.
Q. What do you think has been an important recent scientific development? [Why?]
Answer: I think the development of mRNA vaccines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been hugely important. It has not only helped save millions of lives but also opened the door to tackling other diseases in the future using similar technology.
Alternative Answer: In my opinion, one such major breakthrough is the progress in quantum computing. The progress in quantum computing is really important. It has the potential to solve complex problems much faster than traditional computers, which could lead to major breakthroughs in medicine, cybersecurity, and environmental research.
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 tourist attraction in your country that you would recommend.
You should say:
- what the tourist attraction is
- where in your country this tourist attraction is
- what visitors can see and do at this tourist attraction
and explain why you would recommend this tourist attraction.
[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: "Museums and art galleries"
Q. What are the most popular museums and art galleries in ... / where you live?
Answer: In my country, some of the most popular museums include the National Museum and the Liberation War Museum. These attract both local and foreign visitors because they showcase our history, culture, and national identity. As for art galleries, places like the Gallery of Fine Arts are quite well-known for promoting contemporary and traditional art. These institutions help preserve cultural heritage and promote artistic talent.
Q. Do you believe that all museums and art galleries should be free?
Answer: That’s an interesting question. From my perspective, museums and galleries should be free, especially for students and local residents. They are educational spaces, and removing the entry fee would make them more accessible. However, I do understand that some places charge to maintain facilities or fund new exhibits. A balanced model - free for locals but a fee for tourists - might work well.
Q. What kinds of things make a museum or art gallery an interesting place to visit?
Answer: I’d say interactive exhibits, creative displays, and a strong narrative make a museum engaging. Good lighting, helpful guides, and hands-on activities can also enhance the visitor experience. For example, when museums let you try out old musical instruments or use virtual reality to explore historical sites, it becomes more than just looking at objects - it becomes an experience.
Discussion topic: "The holiday industry"
Q. Why, do you think, do some people book package holidays rather than travelling independently?
Answer: Generally speaking, package holidays are chosen for convenience. Everything - from flights to hotels and sometimes even meals - is arranged by the travel agency. For people who don’t want the hassle of planning or researching, it’s a stress-free option. For example, my parents always book package tours because they don’t feel confident managing bookings on their own. It is also far cheaper than travelling independently since the travel agency books flights, hotels and transportation in bulk.
Q. Would you say that large numbers of tourists cause problems for local people?
Answer: Yes, in some cases, they do. Overcrowding, rising prices, and environmental damage are common issues. In heavily visited cities, locals sometimes feel pushed out of their own neighbourhoods. For instance, in some old towns, local shops are replaced by tourist souvenir stores, which affects daily life. A huge influx of tourists also leads to a sharp increase in rent and food prices. Many landlords prefer short-term vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb, which reduces the availability of affordable housing for local residents. As a result, even essential workers like teachers or nurses struggle to live in the city centre. So, while tourism brings economic benefits, it absolutely needs to be managed carefully and sustainably to protect the interests of local communities.
Q. What sort of impact can large holiday resorts have on the environment?
Answer: The environmental impact can be significant. Large resorts often consume a lot of resources - water, electricity, and land. They may also contribute to pollution, disrupt local ecosystems, and produce large amounts of waste. For example, beach resorts that don’t manage their waste properly can harm marine life. That’s why sustainable tourism practices are becoming more and more important nowadays.
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