IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
IELTS Speaking Test # 128
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Test # 128
IELTS Band 8/9 level Speaking sample.
Part 1 Topic: "Maps".
Part 2 Topic: "Describe an occasion when you had to do something in a hurry".
Part 3 Topic: "Arriving late" & "Managing study time".
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 - "Maps"
Q. Do you think it's better to use a paper map or a map on your phone? [Why?]
Answer: I definitely prefer using a map on my phone. It’s convenient, always up to date, and it shows live directions with traffic updates. Paper maps are nice in theory, but they can be bulky and hard to read if you're in a rush or in the dark.
Q. When was the last time you needed to use a map? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Just last weekend, actually. I went to a new café in a part of the city I’m not very familiar with, so I used Google Maps. Without it, I probably would’ve gotten lost. It’s become second nature now to rely on phone maps.
Q. If you visit a new city, do you always use a map to find your way around? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Yes, almost always I do that. When I’m in a new city, I don’t want to waste time getting lost. Maps help me locate public transport, restaurants, or tourist spots quickly. I usually download an offline version just in case there’s no internet connection.
Q. In general, do you find it easy to read maps? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: I think I’m fairly good at it. I’ve gotten used to reading digital maps over time. But with paper maps, it can be tricky to orient yourself or estimate distances accurately. So yes for digital, not so much for traditional ones!
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 an occasion when you had to do something in a hurry.
You should say:
- what you had to do
- why you had to do this in a hurry
- how well you did this
and explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry.
[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: "Arriving late"
Q. Do you think it's OK to arrive late when meeting a friend?
Answer: It really depends on the situation and how close the friendship is. If it's just a few minutes and there’s a valid reason like traffic, most friends would be understanding. But if someone is habitually late, it shows a lack of respect for the other person’s time. Personally, I believe punctuality is a form of courtesy - even with friends - and it helps maintain trust and reliability in the relationship.
Q. What should happen to people who arrive late for work?
Answer: In a professional setting, repeated lateness shouldn’t be taken lightly. Initially, a verbal warning might be enough, but if it becomes a pattern, formal actions like written warnings or deductions in pay could be justified. Arriving late consistently can affect the whole team, especially in time-sensitive environments. However, employers should also look into the reasons - sometimes lateness is linked to personal or transport issues that could be solved with flexible hours or remote work options.
Q. Can you suggest how people can make sure they don't arrive late?
Answer: One way is to always plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. People should also factor in possible delays like traffic or bad weather. Setting alarms and reminders can help, especially if someone has a tendency to lose track of time. Another strategy is to prepare things the night before - like clothes, documents, or directions - so they’re not scrambling at the last minute. It's about creating habits that prioritise punctuality.
Discussion topic: "Managing study time"
Q. Is it better to study for long periods or in shorter blocks of time?
Answer: Most research supports the idea that shorter, focused study blocks are more effective. The Pomodoro technique, for instance, uses 25-minute sessions with breaks in between - and many students find it boosts concentration. Long study sessions can lead to fatigue and reduced retention. However, for subjects requiring deep focus like maths or science, longer periods might be useful occasionally. So it really depends on the task and the person’s learning style.
Q. What are the likely effects of students not managing their study time well?
Answer: Poor time management can lead to last-minute cramming, increased stress, and lower performance. It may also affect sleep and overall health if students constantly stay up late to finish work. Over time, this can harm their academic confidence. For example, I had a classmate who was really bright but always disorganised - and his grades started to drop because he couldn’t keep up with deadlines. Planning and consistency are essential for long-term academic success.
Q. How important is it for students to have enough leisure time?
Answer: Leisure time is absolutely vital, in my opinion. It helps students recharge, stay mentally healthy, and avoid burnout. Activities like sports, music, or just spending time with friends provide a much-needed break from academic pressure. Without this balance, students can become overwhelmed and even lose interest in their studies. In the long run, having time to relax actually improves productivity and focus.
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