3 October 2026 — IELTS Speaking samples
PART 1 — HOMETOWN
1. Where is your hometown?
I’m from Chennai, on the southeast coast of India. It’s a pretty big city, but there are still plenty of quiet neighbourhoods tucked away from the busy parts. I’ve grown up around the heat, traffic and beaches, so it feels completely familiar to me.
2. Is it a big or small place?
It’s definitely on the larger side, with people coming in from all over the country. Some areas are incredibly busy, while others feel surprisingly peaceful. I actually like that mix because you get a bit of everything.
3. What do you like most about your hometown?
Probably the food and the overall atmosphere. There are so many little restaurants and local food places that you could eat somewhere different every day. I also love being close to the sea because it gives the city a completely different feel.
4. Is it a good place for young people to live?
I’d say so, especially if they enjoy having plenty of options around them. There are colleges, cafés, shopping areas, entertainment and lots of career opportunities. The traffic can be a headache, though, so that’s probably the biggest downside.
5. Do you still live there?
I do, and I’ve never really felt the need to move away permanently. I know the city inside out by now, including all the little shortcuts and places most tourists never hear about. It’s become home in every sense of the word.
6. Would you like to go back in the future?
Definitely, even if I end up living somewhere else for a while. I think I’d always want to come back because so many personal memories are tied to the place. There’s something comforting about returning to somewhere that feels completely familiar.
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PART 1 — SUNGLASSES
1. Do you wear sunglasses?
Quite often, especially when I’m out during the day. The sunlight can be pretty harsh where I live, so they’re useful rather than just being a fashion accessory. I usually keep a pair in my bag so I don’t forget them.
2. When do you usually wear them?
Mostly when I’m driving or spending time outdoors. If I’m walking around in bright sunshine, I’ll automatically reach for them. I find it much easier on my eyes, particularly in the middle of the afternoon.
3. What type of sunglasses do you like?
I prefer simple ones with a fairly classic shape. I’m not really into anything too flashy or covered in logos. If they look good, feel comfortable and actually protect my eyes, I’m happy.
4. Do you think sunglasses are necessary?
I think they’re pretty useful, especially in places with strong sunlight. They make it easier to see when it’s really bright and can protect your eyes from excessive exposure. I wouldn’t call them absolutely essential for everyone, though.
5. Are sunglasses popular in your country?
Yes, they’re very common, particularly during the hotter months. You see people wearing them while driving, shopping or just walking around. For younger people, I think they’re partly practical and partly a fashion thing.
6. Do you prefer branded or normal sunglasses?
I’m more interested in the quality than the name on them. If a reasonably priced pair looks good and does the job, I don’t see much point in paying a fortune for a brand. I’d rather spend that extra money on something else.
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PART 1 — POLLUTION
1. Is pollution a big problem in your city?
It can be, particularly because of traffic and construction. On some days the air feels noticeably heavier, especially when there’s a lot of congestion. You don’t always notice it when you’re used to it, but the difference is obvious after spending time somewhere cleaner.
2. What are the main causes of pollution there?
I’d say vehicle emissions are one of the biggest contributors. Construction work, dust and waste also add to the problem. When several of these things happen at the same time, the air quality can become pretty unpleasant.
3. How has pollution changed in recent years?
I think people have become much more aware of it, even though the problem hasn’t disappeared. There’s more discussion about cleaner transport, recycling and reducing waste. At the same time, rapid development has created its own environmental challenges.
4. Do you think people are aware of this issue?
More than they used to be, definitely. People talk about air quality, plastic waste and climate change much more openly now. The problem is that knowing about an issue and actually changing your habits are two completely different things.
5. What can be done to reduce pollution?
Public transport needs to become more convenient so people have a genuine alternative to private vehicles. Better waste management and stricter controls on construction would help as well. Most importantly, authorities and ordinary residents both need to play their part.
6. Do you think individuals can make a difference?
Absolutely, although one person alone obviously can’t solve the whole problem. Simple choices like using less plastic, avoiding unnecessary car journeys and recycling can add up when millions of people do them. Individual action also encourages others to follow suit.
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PART 2 — AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS
The first thing that comes to mind is an evening I spent with a few close friends a couple of months ago. We hadn’t planned anything particularly exciting, but somehow it turned into one of those nights you remember for ages.
We met at a small restaurant near the beach because one of my friends had just finished an important project at work. We initially thought we’d have dinner and head home, but obviously that didn’t happen! We ended up sitting there for much longer than we expected, just chatting about work, relationships, old school memories and completely random things.
After dinner, we decided to walk along the beach for a while. It was fairly late, so it was quiet, and the weather was surprisingly pleasant. We bought some ice cream from a little shop and sat outside talking and laughing. At one point, one of my friends told an embarrassing story from college, and we absolutely lost it. I don’t think I’ve laughed that much in ages.
What made the evening special wasn’t really where we went or what we did. It was the fact that nobody was in a hurry. We weren’t checking the time or worrying about work the next morning. We could just switch off and enjoy each other’s company.
I remember going home feeling genuinely relaxed. It was such a simple evening, but sometimes those are the best ones. There was no big plan or expensive activity — just good food, great company and plenty of laughs. That’s probably why it has stuck in my mind.
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PART 2 — A NATURAL PLACE YOU ENJOY VISITING
A place that immediately comes to mind is a quiet beach on the outskirts of the city. It isn’t one of those famous tourist spots packed with visitors. It’s much more peaceful, which is exactly why I enjoy going there.
It’s roughly an hour from where I live, depending on the traffic, and I usually go there with my family when we need a break from our normal routine. I don’t visit every week or anything, but whenever I feel like I’ve had enough of the noise and busyness of city life, it’s one of the first places I think about.
There isn’t a huge list of things to do there, and that’s actually part of the appeal. We usually walk along the beach, sit somewhere quiet, have some snacks and just talk. Sometimes I’ll take pictures or simply sit there and watch the waves.
What I really enjoy is the feeling I get when I’m there. The sound of the water is incredibly calming, and there’s something about looking at a wide open stretch of sea that puts things into perspective. Even if I’ve had a stressful week, I usually feel much lighter after spending a few hours there.
I also like the fact that it doesn’t feel overly commercialised. There aren’t loads of shops, loud music or crowds everywhere.
For me, it’s basically an escape button. Whenever city life starts getting a bit too much, spending some time there helps me slow down and clear my head.
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PART 3 — NATURE AND SCENES
1. Why do you think people are drawn to natural places?
In my view, one of the main reasons is that natural environments provide an escape from the constant pressure of modern life. People spend so much time surrounded by traffic, screens and buildings that being somewhere open and peaceful can be mentally refreshing. For example, someone working in a busy office might feel considerably more relaxed after spending a weekend in the countryside.
2. How do natural places benefit people’s health?
They can benefit both physical and mental well-being. Outdoor environments encourage people to walk, exercise and spend less time sitting indoors, while peaceful surroundings can reduce stress. If people regularly spend time in parks or near the sea, they may also develop healthier routines simply because they have an appealing place to be active.
3. Do you think natural scenery is more important now than in the past?
I’d say it has become more important because modern lifestyles are increasingly urban and technology-driven. People are surrounded by artificial environments for most of the day, so natural scenery provides a much-needed contrast. In the past, people generally had more direct contact with nature as part of everyday life, whereas today many individuals have to make a deliberate effort to find it.
4. Why are some natural places becoming less attractive to visitors?
One major factor is environmental damage caused by excessive tourism. When too many visitors leave rubbish, damage vegetation or disturb wildlife, the area gradually loses its original appeal. Another issue is commercial development, because hotels, shops and other facilities can sometimes destroy the peaceful atmosphere that attracted people in the first place.
5. What can be done to protect natural environments?
Authorities should introduce clear limits on construction and visitor numbers in particularly sensitive areas. At the same time, there should be proper waste-management systems and meaningful penalties for people or businesses that damage the environment. Education is equally important because long-term protection is difficult if visitors don’t understand why certain rules exist.
6. Do you think cities should have more green spaces? Why?
In my view, it should. Urban parks and gardens give residents somewhere to exercise, relax and spend time outdoors without having to travel far. They can also improve the overall quality of life by reducing the sense of overcrowding. For instance, even a small public park between apartment buildings can give local residents a place to walk or simply get some fresh air.
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3 October 2026 — IELTS Speaking Set 2
PART 1 — HOBBY
1. Do you have a hobby?
I do, actually. I’m quite into drawing, especially simple pencil sketches and colouring when I have some free time. I find it surprisingly relaxing because I can completely switch off while I’m doing it.
2. What is it?
Mostly drawing and experimenting with different art materials. Sometimes I’ll do a simple pencil sketch, and other times I’ll play around with markers or colours. I don’t take it too seriously; I mainly do it because I enjoy the process.
3. How did you become interested in it?
It started quite casually. I saw some simple drawings online and thought I’d have a go myself. Obviously, my first few attempts were nowhere near as good, but I enjoyed it enough to keep practising.
4. How often do you do it?
It depends on how busy I am. If I have a relatively quiet evening, I might spend an hour drawing, but sometimes I don’t touch my art supplies for weeks. I prefer keeping it flexible rather than turning it into another responsibility.
5. What do you like most about this hobby?
Probably the fact that it gives me a proper break from screens and everyday responsibilities. I can sit down with a pencil and just focus on what I’m doing. There’s also a nice sense of satisfaction when a drawing actually turns out well.
6. Is it easy to maintain this hobby nowadays?
I think so, because you don’t need much space or expensive equipment. Even a basic notebook and a few pencils are enough to get started. The difficult part is actually finding uninterrupted time when life gets busy.
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PART 1 — EGO
1. What does the word “ego” mean to you?
To me, it’s basically the way someone sees their own importance or abilities. A little self-confidence can be healthy, but when someone constantly needs to prove they’re better than everyone else, that’s when it becomes a problem.
2. Do you think it is important to have ego?
I think having some confidence is important, but I wouldn’t say people need a huge ego. You should know your strengths without looking down on others. In fact, being secure enough to admit your mistakes is probably a much better quality.
3. In what situations do people show ego?
It tends to come out when people feel challenged or criticised. For example, someone might become defensive if a colleague points out a mistake at work. You sometimes see it in competitive situations too, especially when people really want to prove themselves.
4. Do you think ego can be a positive thing?
To a certain extent, yes. A strong sense of self-belief can push someone to take risks and aim higher. The problem starts when confidence turns into arrogance and the person stops listening to other people.
5. How can people control their ego?
I think self-awareness is the biggest thing. People need to recognise when they’re becoming defensive and learn to listen instead of immediately trying to prove themselves right. Having honest friends or family members around can help too because they’ll usually tell you when you’re going overboard.
6. Is ego more common in young people or older people?
I wouldn’t necessarily link it to age. You can meet extremely humble young people and incredibly arrogant older ones. I think personality, upbringing and life experiences have much more influence than someone’s age.
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PART 1 — BEST FRIEND
1. Do you have a best friend?
I do, and we’ve been close for quite a long time. We don’t necessarily speak every single day, but whenever we do catch up, the conversation just picks up where it left off.
2. How long have you known your best friend?
We’ve known each other for several years now. We first became close through a shared interest, and gradually the friendship became much stronger. At this point, there’s a lot of history between us.
3. What kind of person is your best friend?
She’s incredibly easy-going and probably one of the most dependable people I know. She’s also the kind of person who’ll tell me the truth even when it isn’t what I want to hear. I actually value that quite a lot.
4. What do you usually do together?
Nothing particularly fancy, to be honest. We might go out for coffee, grab something to eat or just sit somewhere and talk for hours. Sometimes the simplest plans turn into the most enjoyable ones.
5. Why do you think this person is your best friend?
I think it’s mainly because I can completely be myself around her. There’s no pressure to impress her or pretend everything is perfect. We’ve seen each other through good and bad times, so there’s a lot of trust there.
6. Do you think it is easy to make a best friend nowadays?
Making friends is probably easier because people have so many ways to connect, especially online. But developing a really close friendship takes time and trust. You can meet dozens of people without necessarily finding one you genuinely click with.
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PART 2 — A LONG-TERM GOAL YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE
One long-term goal I’d really like to achieve is becoming much better at drawing. I’ve always enjoyed art, but I’d love to reach a point where I can sit down with a pencil or some markers and create something that actually looks impressive.
It’s important to me because drawing is something I genuinely enjoy, rather than something I’m doing because I have to. I also think it would be nice to have a creative skill that I can keep developing over the years.
So far, I’ve started practising simple sketches and basic shading. I’ve also experimented with acrylic markers and different styles. I’m still very much learning, though. Some drawings turn out surprisingly well, while others make me wonder what on earth I was trying to create!
The biggest challenge is probably consistency. When I’m busy, drawing is one of the first things I put aside. Another problem is that I can get impatient when something doesn’t look the way I imagined it.
Going forward, I’d like to practise regularly, even if it’s only for twenty or thirty minutes at a time. I’d also like to follow some structured tutorials and gradually move from simple sketches to more detailed drawings.
I’m not expecting to become a professional artist or anything. I’d just like to look back after a year or two and genuinely see a difference.
For me, the goal is less about being perfect and more about becoming confident enough to create something I’m actually proud of.
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PART 2 — AN OLD PERSON YOU ADMIRE
An older person I really admire is my grandfather. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to, partly because of everything he’s experienced and partly because of the way he deals with life.
I’ve known him obviously since I was a child, and I’ve always enjoyed listening to his stories. He grew up in a very different time, when life was much simpler in some ways but also considerably more difficult. He had to work hard from a young age and take responsibility for his family.
What impresses me most is that he never complains about those difficult years. Instead, he talks about them almost casually, as if they were simply part of life. He’s incredibly patient and practical, and whenever someone in the family has a problem, he usually has a sensible perspective to offer.
One thing he’s achieved that I really respect is building a stable life for his family despite having very little to begin with. He worked for many years, saved carefully and made sure his children had opportunities that he hadn’t had himself.
I also admire his attitude towards people. He doesn’t judge someone simply because they’re different from him. He tends to listen first and give advice only when it’s actually needed.
I think that’s what I’ve learned most from him: you don’t need to be loud or successful in a flashy way to earn people’s respect.
He’s taught me that patience, consistency and treating people well can matter much more in the long run.
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PART 3 — GENERATIONS AND DIFFERENCES
1. Why do you think there are differences between generations?
In my view, the main reason is that people grow up under completely different social and technological conditions. Someone who grew up without the internet naturally developed different habits from someone who has had a smartphone since childhood. Economic conditions, education and cultural expectations also shape the way each generation thinks.
2. Do you think younger and older generations understand each other well?
To some extent, but there can definitely be a communication gap. Older people may struggle to understand the speed at which younger people communicate and use technology, while younger individuals may not always appreciate the experiences that shaped their parents or grandparents. Spending more time together can reduce that gap considerably.
3. How have the values and attitudes of young people changed compared to older people?
Younger people generally seem more open to discussing topics such as mental well-being, personal identity and work-life balance. Older generations often placed greater emphasis on stability, financial security and traditional responsibilities. Neither approach is necessarily better; they simply reflect different circumstances and priorities.
4. What are the advantages of living in a multi-generational society?
One major benefit is that different age groups can learn from one another. Older people can pass on practical knowledge and life experience, while younger individuals can introduce new technology and contemporary ideas. This exchange can strengthen families and communities because people gain perspectives they might not encounter otherwise.
5. Do you think technology has increased the gap between generations?
In some respects, yes. Technology changes so rapidly that younger people often adapt much faster, while older individuals may feel left behind. However, I wouldn’t say technology is entirely responsible because it can also bring generations closer through video calls, messaging and shared online activities.
6. How can different generations learn from each other?
The most effective approach is probably simply spending more time together and actually listening. Younger people can help older relatives understand new technology, while older people can share experiences and practical lessons that aren’t easily learned from a screen. If both sides approach the relationship with curiosity rather than judgement, there’s a lot to gain.
