IELTS Speaking Samples and Answers
IELTS Speaking Test # 129
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Test # 129
IELTS Band 8/9 level Speaking sample.
Part 1 Topic: "Sleep".
Part 2 Topic: "Describe a time when you met someone who you became good friends with".
Part 3 Topic: "Friends at school" & "Making new friends".
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 - "Sleep"
Q. How many hours do you usually sleep at night?
Answer: I try to get around seven to eight hours of sleep each night. That seems to be the ideal amount for me. If I sleep less than that, I usually feel groggy and find it hard to focus the next day.
Q. Do you sometimes sleep during the day? [Why/Why not?]
Answer: Occasionally, yes - especially if I’ve had a rough night or feel mentally drained. A short nap in the afternoon, like 20 to 30 minutes, really helps me recharge. But if I sleep too long, I find it hard to fall asleep at night.
Q. What do you do if you can't get to sleep at night? [Why?]
Answer: If I’m struggling to fall asleep, I usually read something light or listen to calming music. Scrolling on my phone tends to make it worse, so I avoid that. I think it's mainly stress or overthinking that keeps me awake sometimes.
Q. Do you ever remember the dreams you've had while you were asleep?
Answer: Yes, but only now and then. Some dreams stick with me clearly, especially if they are strange or emotional. But most of the time, they fade quickly after I wake up, which is pretty common I think.
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 time when you met someone who you became good friends with.
You should say:
- who you met
- when and where you met this person
- what you thought about this person when you first met
and explain why you think you became good friends with this person.
[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: "Friends at school"
Q. How important is it for children to have lots of friends at school?
Answer: I think it’s really important, especially in the early years of school life. Having lots of friends helps children build confidence, improve their communication skills, and feel emotionally supported. Friendships also encourage teamwork and reduce feelings of isolation. For example, I remember a classmate in primary school who was quite shy and rarely spoke up in class. But after joining a group activity and making a few close friends, his personality really blossomed - he became more engaged, started participating in class discussions, and even volunteered for group presentations.
Alternative Answer: In my opinion, the quality of friendships matters far more than the number of friends a child has. Even just one or two close, trustworthy friends can make a huge difference in a child’s happiness, confidence, and social development. Genuine friendships provide emotional security and a sense of belonging, which are crucial during the school years. For instance, I had a cousin who was never part of a large social group at school, but she had two very close friends who always supported her. They worked on school projects together, stood by each other during difficult times, and shared common interests. She felt completely secure and socially fulfilled, despite not having a big circle of friends.
Q. Do you think it is wrong for parents to influence which friends their children have?
Answer: That’s a tricky question in my opinion. In some cases, I think it’s justified - for instance, if a parent believes a particular friend is a bad influence. But generally speaking, children should be allowed to choose their own friends. It helps them develop independence and learn to judge people for themselves. If parents interfere too much, it might backfire and damage the trust between them and their child.
Q. Why do you think children often choose different friends as they get older?
Answer: I believe that’s a natural part of growing up. As children mature, their interests, personalities, and values change. They start seeking friends who match their new way of thinking or lifestyle. For example, someone who was once really into video games might become more interested in sports or academics - and they’ll naturally bond with people who share those interests. It’s part of personal development.
Discussion topic: "Making new friends"
Q. If a person is moving to a new town, what is a good way for them to make friends?
Answer: Joining local clubs, gyms, or interest-based groups is a great way to meet people, in my opinion. Attending community events, volunteering, or even participating in a local class or course can open the door to new friendships. These settings provide natural opportunities for conversation and connection. From my perspective, being approachable and open-minded also helps a lot when trying to make friends in a new place.
Q. Can you think of any disadvantages of making new friends online?
Answer: Yes, while online platforms are convenient, there are definitely some risks involved. It can be hard to know if someone is being truthful about who they are. There’s also the risk of scams, especially when people overshare personal information. Another issue is that online friendships may lack the depth and trust that come from face-to-face interactions. That said, many genuine friendships do form online - they just require more caution.
Q. Would you say it is harder for people to make new friends as they get older?
Answer: Yes, I believe that it is true. As people get older, their lives get busier with work, family, and other responsibilities. They have less free time and fewer social opportunities. Also, adults can be more cautious or reserved when meeting new people, unlike children who form friendships quite quickly. However, it’s still possible - it just takes more effort and intentionality.
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