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10 Common Topics to Prepare for the Speaking Test

Preparation for Each Test

Test 1: Hometown

Part 1 Practice:

  • "What’s your hometown like?"
    Sample Answer: "My hometown is a small city called [Your Town]. It’s quiet and surrounded by mountains, which I love. The people are friendly, but there aren’t many job opportunities."
  • Try: "What’s changed in your hometown recently?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe a place in your hometown that you like.

  • Sample Answer: "I’d like to talk about a park in my hometown. It’s near the river, with lots of trees and benches. I often go there to read or walk with friends. I like it because it’s peaceful and reminds me of my childhood."
  • Practice: List 4 points (What, Where, What you do, Why).

Part 3 Practice:

  • "Why do some people prefer small towns?"
    Sample Answer: "Some people like small towns because they’re less stressful than cities. Life is slower, and you feel closer to nature. However, others might find them boring."
  • Try: "How might hometowns change in the future?"

Test 2: Studies/Work

Part 1 Practice:

  • "What do you do—study or work?"
    Sample Answer: "I’m a student studying biology. I enjoy it because I love learning about nature, though the exams can be tough."
  • Try: "What’s your favorite part of your studies/work?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe a job or subject you’d like to study or do.

  • Sample Answer: "I’d love to be a graphic designer. I heard about it from a friend who works in advertising. It needs creativity and computer skills. I’m interested because I enjoy art and making things look beautiful."
  • Practice: Prepare a 1-minute response aloud.

Part 3 Practice:

  • "How important is job satisfaction?"
    Sample Answer: "Job satisfaction is very important because it keeps you motivated. For example, if you enjoy your work, you’re happier than if you just chase a high salary."
  • Try: "How might technology change jobs?"

Test 3: Family/Friends

Part 1 Practice:

  • "How often do you see your family?"
    Sample Answer: "I see my family every day since I live with them. We eat dinner together, which I really enjoy."
  • Try: "What do you do with your friends?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe a friend or family member you admire.

  • Sample Answer: "I’ll talk about my older sister. She’s my best friend and very hardworking. She’s a nurse and always helps people. I admire her because she’s kind and never gives up."
  • Practice: Focus on “Why you admire them.”

Part 3 Practice:

  • "How do friendships differ from family relationships?"
    Sample Answer: "Friendships are based on choice, so you pick people with similar interests. Family ties are stronger but can feel more obligatory."
  • Try: "How might family structures change?"

Test 4: Hobbies/Free Time

Part 1 Practice:

  • "What do you do in your free time?"
    Sample Answer: "I like watching movies or playing soccer with friends. It helps me relax after studying."
  • Try: "Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe a hobby you enjoy.

  • Sample Answer: "My hobby is photography. I’ve been doing it for two years. I take pictures of nature on weekends. I enjoy it because it’s creative and calming."
  • Practice: Time yourself for 2 minutes.

Part 3 Practice:

  • "How do hobbies affect a person’s life?"
    Sample Answer: "Hobbies reduce stress and give you something to look forward to. For instance, painting can make you feel accomplished."
  • Try: "Will people have more free time in the future?"

Test 5: Travel/Holidays

Part 1 Practice:

  • "Do you enjoy traveling?"
    Sample Answer: "Yes, I love traveling! It’s exciting to see new places and try different foods."
  • Try: "What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe a holiday you enjoyed.

  • Sample Answer: "I went to the beach last summer with my family. We swam and ate seafood every day. It was fun because we all relaxed together."
  • Practice: Use past tense accurately.

Part 3 Practice:

  • "How does travel impact the environment?"
    Sample Answer: "Travel can harm the environment, like with airplane emissions. But it also teaches people to care about nature if they see it up close."
  • Try: "What role will sustainable travel play?"

Test 6: Technology

Part 1 Practice:

  • "How often do you use technology?"
    Sample Answer: "I use it all the time—my phone for chatting, studying, everything. I couldn’t live without it!"
  • Try: "What’s your favorite piece of technology?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe a piece of technology you find useful.

  • Sample Answer: "I’ll talk about my laptop. I use it for school and watching videos. I learned to use it in high school. It’s useful because it saves time."
  • Practice: Explain “Why it’s useful.”

Part 3 Practice:

  • "How has technology changed communication?"
    Sample Answer: "It’s made it faster with apps like WhatsApp, but some say it’s less personal than face-to-face talks."
  • Try: "What new technology might we see?"

Test 7: Food/Cooking

Part 1 Practice:

  • "What’s your favorite type of food?"
    Sample Answer: "I love spicy food, especially noodles. It’s exciting to eat!"
  • Try: "Do you enjoy cooking?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe a meal you enjoyed preparing or eating.

  • Sample Answer: "I made pizza with my friends last month at home. We added lots of cheese and laughed a lot. It was great because we worked together."
  • Practice: Include sensory details (taste, smell).

Part 3 Practice:

  • "How has food culture changed in your country?"
    Sample Answer: "People eat more fast food now because it’s quick, but traditional dishes are still popular at home."
  • Try: "What might influence food trends?"

Test 8: Environment

Part 1 Practice:

  • "Is the environment a concern where you live?"
    Sample Answer: "Yes, there’s some air pollution from cars, but we’re trying to use more public transport."
  • Try: "What do you do to help the environment?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe something you do to help the environment.

  • Sample Answer: "I recycle plastic and paper. I do it at home every week. I started because I saw a documentary about pollution. It helps reduce waste."
  • Practice: Emphasize “How it makes a difference.”

Part 3 Practice:

  • "How can governments encourage environmental protection?"
    Sample Answer: "They could give tax breaks for solar panels or fine companies that pollute. Education helps too."
  • Try: "What environmental challenges might we face?"

Test 9: Shopping/Fashion

Part 1 Practice:

  • "Do you enjoy shopping?"
    Sample Answer: "Sometimes—I like buying clothes, but I hate crowded malls."
  • Try: "What do you usually shop for?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe something you bought that you really like.

  • Sample Answer: "I bought a jacket from a local store. It’s blue and warm. I chose it because it fits perfectly, and I love wearing it in winter."
  • Practice: Focus on “Why you like it.”

Part 3 Practice:

  • "Why do some people prefer online shopping?"
    Sample Answer: "It’s convenient—you can shop anytime, and prices are often lower. But you can’t try things on."
  • Try: "How does fashion influence people?"

Test 10: Health

Part 1 Practice:

  • "How do you keep yourself healthy?"
    Sample Answer: "I try to eat vegetables and walk every day. It’s simple but works for me."
  • Try: "Is exercise important to you?"

Part 2 Practice (Cue Card):
Describe a time when you felt very healthy or fit.

  • Sample Answer: "Last year, I trained for a 5K run. I ran three times a week and felt strong and energetic. It was great because I slept better too."
  • Practice: Use positive adjectives (e.g., “energetic”).

Part 3 Practice:

  • "How does modern life affect people’s health?"
    Sample Answer: "It’s stressful with long work hours, and fast food is everywhere. But technology like fitness apps can help."
  • Try: "What can improve public health?"
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