IELTS Speaking Test # 133
Part 1 Topic: “Walking”
Part 2 Topic: “Describe a play or a film you have seen that you would like to see again with friends”
Part 3 Topic: “Theatre” & “Working as an actor”
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 – “Walking”
Q. How much walking do you do in your daily life?
Answer: I walk quite a bit on a daily basis, especially when I go out for errands or short trips nearby. I prefer walking over using transport for short distances because it helps me stay active and clears my mind. On average, I’d say I walk around 40 to 50 minutes a day. However, on some weekends, I go out to a park and walk for at least an hour.
Alternative Answer: To be honest, I don’t walk as much as I probably should. Most of my daily routine involves sitting, either working or studying. However, I try to go for a short walk in the evening whenever I get the time, just to stay somewhat fit. However, I am planning to walk at least an hour a day from the beginning of next month.
Q. Did you walk more when you were at school than now?
Answer: Yes, I actually did walk more when I was in school. When I was at school, I used to walk a lot more, mainly because I had to go to school on foot and also move around the campus frequently. I also walked to most of the short distances in my neighbourhood, and when I went to the shops to buy something. Now, my lifestyle is more sedentary, so I don’t get as much natural walking in my routine. However, I often try.
Alternative Answer: Not really, I think I walk more now than I did back then. At school, everything was quite structured, and I didn’t have much freedom to move around. These days, I consciously try to include walking in my routine to remain fit and healthy.
Q. What places are there to go for a walk near where you live?
Answer: There are a few nice places near my home where people can go for a walk. There’s a local park with greenery and walking paths, which is quite popular in the mornings and evenings. Besides that, there are quiet residential streets that are also suitable for a peaceful walk.
Alternative Answer: In my area, there aren’t many dedicated walking spots like parks, but people often walk along the roadside or near open fields. Some nearby lakeside areas are also becoming popular for walking, especially during the cooler parts of the day.
Q. Would you ever like to go on a walking holiday?
Answer: Yes, I would love to. A walking holiday sounds like a great way to explore nature and disconnect from daily stress. It would also be a healthier and more immersive travel experience compared to regular tourism. I think if I take such a walking holiday with my friends, it is going to be fun.
Alternative Answer: Well, I’m not sure if I’d enjoy a full walking holiday because it might be physically demanding. However, I wouldn’t mind including some walking activities as part of a broader trip, especially in scenic or mountainous areas.
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 play or a film you have seen that you would like to see again with friends.
You should say:
- what play or film you’d like to see again
- who you would go with
- what other people have said about this play or film
and explain why you would like to see this play or film again with friends.
[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 – Detail discussion:
Discussion topic: “Theatre”
Q. What are the most popular kinds of plays or shows at theatres in your country?
Answer: In my country, traditional and historical plays are quite popular, especially those that reflect cultural heritage. Comedy shows and modern drama performances also attract large audiences. Recently, musical theatre and experimental stage performances have started gaining attention among younger viewers. If we consider the movie theatre, they are hugely popular among the young audience who love to watch the latest movies, especially action and thriller movies.
Alternative Answer: I think comedy and social drama are the most popular genres because they are entertaining yet relatable. People often prefer shows that reflect everyday life or social issues, as they feel more connected to them. However, the type of theatre that becomes popular often depends on the age and location of the audience.
Q. How easy is it to get tickets to the theatre?
Answer: I would say it depends on the popularity of the show. For regular performances, tickets are usually easy to get, especially if booked in advance. However, for well-known productions or special events, tickets can sell out quickly. With the convenient online booking system, this is getting easier day by day.
Alternative Answer: These days, it has become easier to get theatre tickets because of online booking systems. People can reserve seats in advance without much hassle, although last-minute tickets can still be difficult to find for popular shows. So, if anyone wants to watch a random show, they can just book it online on the same day of the show. But if it is a popular show, I would advise booking at least a week ago, as the demand for such shows is often huge.
Q. Do you think theatres need to do more to attract younger audiences?
Answer: Yes, I believe they should do more to attract young audiences. Younger people are more drawn to digital entertainment, so theatres need to modernise their content and marketing strategies. In my opinion, incorporating technology, interactive elements, and relatable themes could make theatre more appealing to them.
Alternative Answer: I think some improvements would certainly help. Offering student discounts, promoting shows on social media, and adapting contemporary stories could naturally attract more young audiences.
Discussion topic: “Working as an actor”
Q. What do you think attracts people to working as an actor?
Answer: Many people are attracted to acting because it allows them to express themselves creatively. It also offers fame, recognition, and sometimes financial rewards. The idea of becoming someone else and telling stories can be very appealing. As young people watch their favourite actors and actresses enjoy financial rewards and fame, they often want to be like them.
Alternative Answer: I think passion plays a big role. People who enjoy performing and being in the spotlight are naturally drawn to acting. Additionally, the influence of celebrities and the media often inspires young people to pursue this career. Apart from that, fame and money could be two important aspects that attract young people to become actors and actresses.
Q. What are some of the qualities that a person needs to have if they want to become an actor?
Answer: In my opinion, an actor needs strong communication skills, confidence, and emotional intelligence. They should also be adaptable and able to understand different characters deeply. Persistence is equally important because success in this field often takes time. From the surface, we think that an acting career is easy. However, this is not the case. Strong commitment, passion and natural talents often make the difference in an acting career.
Alternative Answer: I believe talent is quite important for someone to become an actor or actress. Apart from talent, discipline and patience are crucial qualities. Actors often face rejection, so resilience is necessary. Good memory and the ability to work under pressure are also very important.
Q. Can you think of any disadvantages of working as an actor?
Answer: Yes, one major disadvantage is job insecurity. Work opportunities can be irregular, and success is not guaranteed in this sector. We often look at the fame and success of renowned actors and actresses. However, there are many who, despite their talents and dedication, do not achieve success. Additionally, actors often have to deal with public scrutiny and a lack of privacy. Whenever they go and whatever they do, they are always in the public eye and subject to criticism.
Alternative Answer: I think the most severe disadvantage of being an actor or actress is being scrutinised for everything they do. This lack of privacy and personal space is often depressing and agonising. Another drawback is the demanding lifestyle. Long working hours, frequent travel, and high pressure can be exhausting. It can also be difficult to maintain a stable personal life in such a profession.