IELTS Speaking Test # 134
Part 1 Topic: “Fruit”
Part 2 Topic: “Describe a time when you changed a plan you had made”
Part 3 Topic: “Planning with others” & “Career choices”
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 – “Fruit”
Q. What’s your favourite fruit?
Answer: My favourite fruit is mango because of its sweet taste and rich flavour. I especially enjoy eating it during the summer when it’s fresh and juicy. It’s also quite versatile, as it can be eaten on its own or used in desserts and drinks.
Alternative Answer: I would say bananas are my favourite fruit. They’re convenient, affordable, and available all year round. I often eat them as a quick snack because they’re both filling and nutritious.
Q. Are there any kinds of fruit that you don’t like eating?
Answer: Yes, I’m not particularly fond of fruits that are too sour, like raw tamarind or certain types of berries. I find their taste a bit overwhelming. I generally prefer fruits that are naturally sweet and easy to eat.
Alternative Answer: To be honest, I’m quite open to trying different fruits, but I don’t really enjoy those with a very strong smell, like durian. The taste might be fine, but the smell puts me off.
Q. Do you like eating cooked food that has fruit in it?
Answer: Yes, I do enjoy certain dishes that include fruit, especially desserts like apple pie or mango pudding. The sweetness of the fruit often adds a unique flavour to the dish. However, I don’t usually prefer fruit in savoury meals.
Alternative Answer: Not really, I generally prefer fruits in their natural form. When fruits are cooked, I feel they sometimes lose their freshness and original taste. So I tend to avoid dishes that mix fruit with cooked meals.
Q. Where’s the best place to buy fruit where you live?
Answer: The best place to buy fruit in my area is the local market, where vendors sell fresh produce at reasonable prices. The fruits there are usually freshly sourced, so the quality is quite good. Supermarkets are also an option, but they tend to be more expensive.
Alternative Answer: I think supermarkets are the best option because they offer a wide variety of fruits in a clean and organised environment. Although the prices can be slightly higher, the quality and hygiene standards are usually better.
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 changed a plan you had made.
You should say:
- what your original plan was
- why you changed it
- what new plan you made
and explain how you felt about changing your plan.
[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: “Planning with others”
Q. What kinds of plans do friends make together?
Answer: Friends usually make a wide range of plans together, such as travelling, attending events, or simply meeting for social activities like dining out. These plans often depend on shared interests and availability. For example, a group of friends might plan a weekend trip or organise a small gathering to celebrate a special occasion. Such plans help strengthen their relationships and create lasting memories.
Alternative Answer: In many cases, friends tend to make spontaneous plans, such as going to the cinema or hanging out at a café. However, they may also plan long-term activities like vacations or group projects. The nature of these plans often reflects how close the friends are and how frequently they meet.
Q. Do you think it’s better to discuss future plans with friends or with family?
Answer: I think it depends on the type of plan. For personal or career-related decisions, discussing them with family is often more beneficial because they tend to offer practical advice and long-term perspectives. On the other hand, friends can provide emotional support and relatable opinions, especially for lifestyle choices. For instance, someone might consult their family about choosing a university but discuss travel plans with friends.
Alternative Answer: In my opinion, both are equally important but serve different purposes. Family members usually provide guidance based on experience, while friends often share similar interests and viewpoints. Therefore, a balanced approach, where both perspectives are considered, can lead to better decision-making.
Q. When making plans for the future, is it important not to copy friends?
Answer: Yes, I believe it is quite important. While friends can influence our decisions, blindly copying them may lead to unsuitable choices. Every individual has different strengths, interests, and goals. For example, choosing a career just because a friend has chosen it might result in dissatisfaction later. Therefore, people should make independent decisions while still considering others’ opinions.
Alternative Answer: To some extent, it’s natural to be influenced by friends, especially during adolescence. However, relying entirely on their choices can limit personal growth. It’s better to evaluate one’s own priorities and make informed decisions rather than simply following others.
Discussion topic: “Career choices”
Q. When people are choosing what to study, how important is it that their course should lead directly to a career?
Answer: I think it is quite important, especially in today’s competitive job market. Many students prefer courses that offer clear career prospects because they want financial stability and job security. For example, degrees in fields like medicine, engineering, or IT often lead directly to specific professions. However, this should not completely overshadow personal interests, as long-term satisfaction also matters.
Alternative Answer: While having a direct career path can be beneficial, I don’t think it should be the only factor. Some fields, like arts or humanities, may not lead to a specific job immediately, but still offer valuable skills. In such cases, flexibility and adaptability become more important than a predefined career route.
Q. Why is it a good idea to get some work experience before deciding on a future career?
Answer: Gaining work experience allows individuals to understand the practical aspects of a job, which cannot be learned through theory alone. It helps them assess whether a particular career suits their skills and interests. For instance, an internship can reveal the day-to-day responsibilities of a profession, enabling better career decisions. This reduces the risk of making the wrong choice later.
Alternative Answer: Work experience also helps develop essential soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. These skills are valuable regardless of the career path someone chooses. Therefore, early exposure to the working environment can be highly beneficial.
Q. How easy do you think it is for people to change from one career to another?
Answer: I would say it varies depending on the individual and the field they are moving into. In some professions, especially those requiring specialised training, switching careers can be quite challenging. However, in more flexible fields like business or technology, it is relatively easier. For example, someone with digital skills can often transition into different roles with some additional training. Overall, while it is possible, it requires effort, adaptability, and sometimes further education.
Alternative Answer: In today’s world, changing careers has become more common due to evolving job markets and new opportunities. Online courses and skill-based training have made it easier for people to switch paths. However, it still involves risks and uncertainty, so careful planning is necessary.