IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
IELTS Speaking Test # 127
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Test # 127
IELTS Band 8/9 level Speaking sample.
Part 1 Topic: "Cafés".
Part 2 Topic: "Describe a place you visited that has beautiful views".
Part 3 Topic: "The beauty industry" & "Beauty and culture".
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 - "Cafés"
Q. Do you have a favourite café? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Yes, there’s a small café near my university that I really like. It has a cosy atmosphere, good coffee, and soft background music. It’s also not too crowded, which makes it a great place to relax or read a book. I go there whenever I need a quiet break from everything.
Q. Do you often go to cafés by yourself? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: I do that from time to time. Especially when I want to get some work done or clear my head. Sitting alone in a café with a hot drink helps me think better, and the environment is usually more relaxed than at home or in a library.
Q. What do you think helps to make a café very popular? [Why?]
Answer: I think a mix of factors contributes to a café’s popularity - the quality of drinks and food, the ambience, the location, and how friendly the staff are. A café that offers free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a welcoming vibe will always attract regular customers, especially students and freelancers.
Q. Why do some people prefer cafés that are part of large chains, rather than small, local cafés?
Answer: That’s probably because chain cafés offer consistency. People know exactly what to expect in terms of menu and service, no matter which branch they go to. Also, chain cafés are often more spacious, with better amenities. But personally, I feel small cafés have more character and charm.
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 place you visited that has beautiful views.
You should say:
- where this place is
- when and why you visited it
- what views you can see from this place
and explain why you think these views are so beautiful.
[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: "The beauty industry"
Q. Do you agree that most beauty products are a waste of money?
Answer: To some extent, yes. Many beauty products make big promises that they can’t always deliver on. People often buy them because of clever marketing rather than actual need. Having said that, not all products are a waste. Some skincare items, like sunscreen or moisturiser, are genuinely useful. I think the issue is more about excessive spending on unnecessary items rather than the products themselves being entirely pointless.
Q. How does the beauty industry advertise its products so successfully?
Answer: The beauty industry knows how to tap into people’s emotions and insecurities. Advertisements often show idealised images of beauty, making people feel they need the product to look attractive or youthful. Social media influencers and celebrities also play a big role in making products look desirable. On top of that, the use of catchy slogans, sleek packaging, and “limited edition” tactics create urgency and boost sales.
Q. What do you think of the view that beauty products should not be advertised to children?
Answer: I completely agree with that view. Children are highly impressionable and may not fully understand the purpose of beauty products. If they are exposed to ads at a young age, it can lead to body image issues or pressure to look a certain way. It’s important to let children grow up with confidence in their natural appearance rather than being influenced by unrealistic beauty standards from a young age.
Discussion topic: "Beauty and culture"
Q. Why do many people equate youth with beauty?
Answer: That’s an interesting question. Culturally and historically, youth has been associated with health, vitality, and attractiveness. The media reinforces this idea by mostly featuring young, flawless models in advertisements and entertainment. As a result, people often link beauty with being young, even though beauty can exist at any age. This mindset is slowly changing, though, as more people embrace diversity and ageing gracefully.
Q. Do you think that being beautiful could affect a person's success in life?
Answer: Honestly, yes - to a certain extent. Studies have shown that attractive people are often perceived more positively and may be given more opportunities, especially in fields like media, sales, or hospitality. For example, someone with a pleasant appearance might have an easier time in a customer-facing job. However, long-term success depends on skills, character, and intelligence. So while beauty might open some doors, it’s not the only factor that matters in the long run.
Q. Why might society's ideas about beauty change over time?
Answer: Society’s definition of beauty often reflects cultural values, media trends, and even economic conditions. As these factors shift, so do beauty standards. For instance, in the past, being pale was fashionable because it meant you didn’t work outside. Later, tanned skin became popular as it was linked to leisure and travel. Nowadays, there’s more awareness of body positivity and inclusivity, so ideas about beauty are becoming broader and more diverse than ever before.
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