Sample IELTS Speaking Topics

YOU
Describe yourself.
FAMILY
Describe your family?
Do you have a large or small family?
How much time do you spend with your family?
What do you like to do together as a family?
Do you get along well with your family?
Are people in your country generally close to their families?
WORK
What do you do?
What are your responsibilities?
How many hours do you work each day?
Do you enjoy your work?
Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?
If you could change your job or profession, what would you do?
Describe the process of getting a job in your country.
Describe the company or organization you work for.
What is your position?
What do you like about your job?
What do you dislike about your job?
EDUCATION
Describe your education.
What kind of school did you go to as a child?
Did you go to a co-educational school?
What was your favourite subject as a child?
Who was your favourite teacher?
What is the education system like in your country?
Do you think your country has an effective education system?
STUDIES
What are you studying now?
What is your area of specialization?
HOMETOWN
Describe your hometown.
Whats special about it?
Where is your hometown located?
Is it easy to travel around your hometown?

 What is it known for?

What do people in your town do?
What are the main industries in your hometown?
What problems face your hometown?
What languages are spoken in your hometown?
What are the advantages of living in your hometown?
What are some problems faced by your hometown?
Compare your hometown with another city.
What are some environmental problems faced by your hometown?
WEATHER
Whats the weather like in your country?
Does the weather affect your mood?
How do rainy days make you feel?
Whats your favourite season of the year?
What do you like to do when its hot?
What do you usually do in the winter?
How many seasons does your country have?
HOME
Describe your home.
What kind of building do you live in?
How long have you lived there?
WEDDING
Have you ever been to a wedding?
Whose wedding was it?
Where was it held?
What clothes do people wear?
Describe the wedding ceremony.
What sort if gifts do people buy for the bridal couple?
What kind of clothes did the bride and groom wear?
TRAVEL
Do you like to travel?
What kind of places have you visited in your life?
Which place would you really like to visit? Why?
Whats the best place youve ever visited?
COMPUTERS
Do you think computers help society?
Do you think computers are bad for health?
How do you think computers have changed the world?
INTERNET

 Do you use the Internet much during the day?

What do you usually do on the Internet?
What are some advantages of the Internet?
What are some disadvantages?
Do people in your country use the Internet a lot?
Do you do any shopping on the Internet?
EMAIL
Do you send and receive email regularly?
Who do you usually communicate with?
How often do you check your email?
Do you think writing email has strengthened or weakened peoples writing skills?
What are some disadvantages of email?
FRIEND
Describe a friend.
How long have you known each other?
What do usually do together?
What do you like the most about him / her?
How often do you see each other?
PLACE
Describe a place you like to go.
Why is this place special to you?
When did you first visit this place?
Where is this place located?
What language is spoken here? Do you speak this language?
SMOKING
What do you feel about smoking in public places?
Do you think smoking should be banned in peoples homes?
MARRIAGE
What is the attitude toward marriage in your country?
Do most young people plan on getting married in your country?
What are some of the advantages of marriage?
What are some of the disadvantages?
Is the divorce rate high in your country?
Do you think people should be allowed to get divorced?
HOBBIES
Do you have any hobbies?
What are some of your hobbies?
When did you first develop this hobby?
What are some of the advantages of having a hobby?

 How much time do you spend on your hobby?

FILMS
Do you enjoy watching movies?
Whats your favourite film?
Who are your favourite acto
FILMS
Do you enjoy watching movies?
Whats your favourite film?
Who are your favourite actors?
How often do you watch films?
SHOPPING
Do you enjoy shopping?
How do you feel about shopping?
Do you like shopping on the Internet?
Do you have any favourite stores?
What dont you like about shopping?
Which is the most popular place to shop in your hometown?
SPORTS
Do you like sports?
Do you enjoy watching sports?
Do you enjoy participating in any sports?
Which sports are most popular in your country?
Whats your favourite sport/
When did you first become interested in sports?
How often do you participate in sports?
What equipment do you need for your favourite sport?
FOOD
What are some of your favourite foods?
What foods are popular in your country?
What are some of the famous dishes of your country?
Do you enjoy cooking?
FESTIVAL
Whats the most important festival in your country?
How do people celebrate this festival?
What special food is associated with this festival?
What special activities are associated with this festival?
What do you enjoy most about this festival?
Do you think festivals are important for a society?
TELEVISION

Do you watch television a lot?

What do you usually watch on television?
How many hours of television do you usually watch?
What are the most popular shows in your country?
What kind of shows do you like to wat

40 New Practice Topics for iBT TOEFL Speaking Part 1

Here is a list of 40 new topics that you might find useful if you are preparing for Part 1 of the iBT TOEFL Speaking section. These are all
Independent topics of the "open choice" / personal experience or opinion type.
1. Who is your best friend? Describe this person and say why he/she is your best friend.
2. What is your favorite place to visit on weekends? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite place to go.
3. What is your happiest childhood memory? Describe it and give reasons to explain why it is your happiest memory.
4. What is your most important possession? Describe it and say why it is so important.
5. Talk about a person in your life who has inspired you. Describe the person and explain why you found him/her inspirational.
6. Where do most like to go to eat out? Describe this place and say why you like it most.
7. Talk about an important national holiday in your home country. Describe it and explain why it is important.
8. What is your favorite book or movie? Describe it and say why it is your favorite.
9. Who do you feel close to in your family (or extended family)? Describe this person and say why you feel close to him/her.
10. Where is a good place to have fun in your city or town? Describe this place and explain why it is fun.
11. Talk about an experience in your life that made you feel embarrassed. Describe it and say why it was embarrassing.
12. What was your favorite subject at school? Describe it and explain why this subject was your favorite one.
13. Who is an important person in your country? Describe this person and explain why he/she is important.
14. Talk about an interesting tourist attraction you have been to. Describe it and say why it was interesting.
15. Talk about a time when you experienced success. Describe the experience and say why it was a success for you.
16. What is your favorite style of clothing? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite.
17. Name a person whom you truly admire. Describe the person and say why you admire him/her.

18. Think of a place that makes you feel relaxed and peaceful. Describe it and explain why it is relaxing and peaceful for you.
19. Talk about a difficulty you have overcome in your life. Describe the experience and say why it was difficult to overcome.
20. What is your most useful study aid? Describe it and explain why it is useful in helping you to study.
21. Talk about a teacher who had a positive influence on you. Describe this person and explain why he/she was so influential to you.
22. Where is your favorite place to study? Describe this place and say why it is a good place for you to study.
23. Talk about a positive experience with learning or using English. Describe the experience and say why it was a positive one.
24. What is your favorite kind of food? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite.
25. Name a famous or influential figure who has inspired you. Describe this person and say why he/she has been inspirational to you.
26. Which place has fond memories for you? Describe this place and explain why it is memorable to you.
27. When have you been happily surprised by something? Describe the experience and say why the surprise was a happy one for you.
28. Describe a resource that helped you to do something better than before. Describe it and explain why it was helpful to you.
29. Describe a person from your countrys history. Why do you think this person was important?
30. Where would you like to go to spend a vacation? Describe this place and say why you would like to holiday there.
31. Talk about something you and your family enjoy doing together. Describe it and explain why you all enjoy it.
32. What is your favorite recreational activity? Describe it and say why you enjoy doing it.
33. Who is the most intelligent person you know? Describe the person and say why you think he/she is intelligent.
34. Where would you most like to live? Describe this place and explain why you would like to live there.
35. What is your favorite season of the year? Describe the season and explain why you like it so much.
36. What custom from your home country are you most fond of? Describe the custom and explain why you are fond of it.
37. Which person are you most likely to go to with a personal problem? Describe this person and say why you would go to him/her in particular.
38. Name a place in your country you would recommend others to visit. Describe this place and explain why you would recommend it.
39. Talk about an event from the past that you would like to relive. Describe the original event and say why you would like to relive it.
40. What is your favorite way of getting around? Describe it and explain why it is your favorite means of transportation.

English Conversation Topic 1

Talking about adventure in English
Conversation Starters
Life can sometimes be rather boring. We need more adventure, whether real or in our imaginations! Discuss adventures using the English questions below. You
might need to use conditional verbs for questions 4 or 5.
1. Do you like to watch adventure movies?
2. Do you consider yourself to be an adventurous person?
3. What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
4. Would you say that learning English is a kind of adventure?
5. Could you say that life is a kind of adventure?
Discussion Questions
Use the questions below to have deeper conversations on the topic. Be sure to use conditional verb tenses in English when you are talking about things that are
not quite real!
1. If you had a great adventure, who would you like to have it with?
2. Do you think your idea of adventure is the same as your parents ideas and your grandparents ideas?
3. Which of these things should be part of an adventure - danger, romance, travel, discovery, or treasure? Can you think of any other things?
4. Where would you like to go for an adventure a jungle, a desert, a small island or a city?

English Conversation Topic 2

Talking about advertising
Conversation Starters
Choose some questions below that interest you and ask your friends. If you are studying by yourself, think about how you would answer these questions, using
full sentences as much as possible.
1. Why are there so many advertisements on TV, radio, in magazines, etc.?
2. Do you ever enjoy watching advertisements on TV? (If yes, what do you enjoy about them?)
3. What kinds of advertisements attract your attention?
4. What is the most memorable advertisment you have ever seen?
5. What is one funny advertisement you have seen? (Describe it.)
6. What products in your country use very serious TV advertisements?
7. What products in your country use funny TV advertisements?
8. Which celebrities have you seen in advertisements?
9. Do any advertisements in your country try to shock viewers?
10. How are radio ads, magazine ads and TV ads different from each other?
Discussion Questions
Ask these questions to your friends and be ready to continue the conversation by asking follow up questions.
1. What makes an advertisement effective?
2. Have you ever bought a product because of advertising? (If so, why?)
3. What do you think of ads that are aimed at children?

4. Can famous celebrities in ads make people want to buy a product?

5. Do you think beer and cigarette companies should be allowed to advertise? Why or why not?
6. Why do some companies use celebrities in their ads?

English Conversation Topic 3

Talking about air travel
Conversation Starters
Choose some questions below that interest you and ask your friends. If you are studying by yourself, think about how you would answer these questions, using
full sentences as much as possible.
1. Do you ever travel by plane?
2. Do you enjoy travelling by airplane? Why or why not?
3. How old were you the first time you flew?
4. Were you afraid the first time you were on an airplane?
5. What was the longest flight you have taken?
6. Do you prefer window seats or aisle seats?
7. What do you like to do during long flights?
8. Can you sleep on an airplane?
Discussion Questions
Ask these questions to your friends and be ready to continue the conversation by asking follow up questions.
1. What are the advantages of traveling by airplane? What are the disadvantages?
2. Do you know someone who is afraid of flying in an airplane?

3. What advice can you give to someone who is afraid of flying?

4. Would you like to be a pilot? What might be some of the requirements for the job?
5. Would you like to be a flight attendant? Why might it be a good job? Why might it be a challenging job?
6. What are some ways that airlines could improve the flying experience for passengers?

English Conversation Topic 4

Talking about alcohol
Conversation Starters
Alcohol is the most common "drug" in the world. It comes in many forms beer, wine, along with whiskey and other "hard" liquors. Some people drink alcohol
every day, others never drink it even once in their whole lives. Discuss drinking (or not drinking) alcohol with your partner, starting with the questions below. If
you are studying by yourself, think about how you would answer these questions, using full sentences as much as possible.
1. Do you like to drink alcohol? Why or why not?
2. Do you think alcohol is addictive?
3. Do you know how much alcohol is in beer?
4. Do you know how much alcohol is in whiskey?
5. Do you know anyone who is an alcoholic? (a person who drinks too much)
Discussion Questions
Here are more challenging questions on the topic of alcohol. Ask these questions to your friends and be ready to continue the conversation by asking follow up
questions.
1. How can someone stop being an alcoholic?
2. Do you think we should try to make alcohol illegal? What might be the result if we did?
3. Why do some people drink too much alcohol?

4. Do you think alcohol is the same as a drug?

5. At what age should it be legal to drink alcohol?

English Conversation Topic 5

Talking about animals
Conversation Starters
Humans are a kind of "animal". We share this world with many other animals. Use the English questions below to discuss the animal world. Start with the
questions below. If you are studying by yourself, think about how you would answer these questions, using full sentences as much as possible.
1. Do you consider yourself an animal lover?
2. Are you afraid of snakes or spiders?
3. Is there a zoo near your home? How often do you go there?
4. Have you ever been to a farm? What animals can you see on a farm?
5. Is there an animal that is the symbol of your country?
6. Do you eat meat? Why are some people vegetarians who never eat meat?
7. Is there any kind of meat you would not eat? Why not?
8. Are there animal rights groups in your country? What do you think of them?
Discussion Questions
Here are more challenging questions on the topic of animals. Ask these questions to your friends and be ready to continue the conversation by asking follow up
questions.
1. What do you think is the most interesting animal in the world?
2. Do you think it is acceptable to keep wild animals in a zoo? Why might some people be against zoos?
3. Do you think it is okay to test cosmetics on animals?

4. How do you feel about the use of animals for medical research?
5. What do you think of people who wear fur coats?
6. Do you think animals have "souls" (spirits)?

English Conversation Topic 6

Talking about annoyances
(things that bother us or annoy us)
Conversation Starters
In today's world there are so many things that might annoy us. There's so much traffic, so many people in our cities, so much noise all around us. In addition, we
are busy with our work and with our families. Have a discussion in English using the questions below as a starting point. If you are studying by yourself, think
about how you would answer these questions, using full sentences as much as possible.
1. What are some things that can annoy you?
2. Are you annoyed more by noisy things or by inconvenient things?
3. Do people who are impolite bother you?
4. Does it annoy you when shop assistants try to sell you something that you don't need?
5. How do you feel when someone cuts in front of you in a line (a queue)?
6. Are you annoyed when someone interrupts you while you are speaking?
Discussion Questions
Here are more challenging questions on the topic of annoyances. Ask these questions to your friends and be ready to continue the conversation by asking follow
up questions.
1. Do you think we are so busy in today's world that small things annoy us more than in the past?
2. What can we do to deal with so many annoyances in today's world?
3. What is the most annoying thing you have to deal with at work? What can you do about it?

4. What annoys you most about learning English? Is it verb tenses, or articles, or something else?
5. Do you know anyone who is annoyed quite often? What advice could you give such a person?

English Conversation Topic 7

Talking about arguments in English
Conversation Starters
Arguing in any language can be necessary but it can also be unpleasant. Discuss various aspects of arguing in English, using the questions below to get started.
1. Do you enjoy arguing?
2. What kind of people enjoy arguing?
3. What kind of people hate arguing?
4. Do you get along with people who are argumentative? (people who argue a lot)
5. Are you good at persuading other people?
6. Are you easily persuaded by other people?
7. Have you ever participated in a debate at school? If so, describe your experience.
Discussion Questions
Use the questions below to have deeper conversations about arguing in English.
1. What are some controversial topics that people like to argue about. Why do people argue about these topics?
2. What suggestions can you give to help people win an argument?
3. What suggestions can you give to someone who wants to avoid an argument?
4. How can we cool someone off if they are arguing too violently?
5. What are some good strategies to use in a formal debate?

English Conversation Topic 8

Talking about art in English
Conversation Starters
Use the questions below to have basic English conversations about art and artistic ability.
1. Do you have any artistic talent?
2. Can you draw or paint pictures well?
3. Do you know anyone who is a good artist? What kind of art can they produce?
4. Do you enjoy going to museums and looking at paintings or sculptures (shapes cut from stone)?
5. What kind of art do you like most?
6. Who are some famous artists that you have heard of?
7. Do you have a favorite painting? If so, describe it and explain why you like it.
Discussion Questions
Have more serious English conversations about art by using the open-ended questions below.
1. Do you think music and dancing are forms of art? Explain why or why not.
2. Do you think of cartoons and comics as art? Again, explain!
3. Do you think graffiti (writing on city walls) is art? Why or why not?
4. Do you think website design is a serious art?
5. What do you think our world would be like without art?
6. Do you think governments should spend money on art and museums, or should art only be promoted by private citizens?

English Conversation Topic 9

Talking about Australia in English
Conversation Starters
Australia, the biggest island in the world, is a fascinating country. Share your knowledge of Australia with your friends by using the English questions below to
start conversations.
1. What is Australia most famous for?
2. Do you think kangaroos and koalas are cute?
3. Why is Australia called the land down under?
4. What do you know about Australian culture?
5. Do you know which sports are most popular in Australia?
Discussion Questions
You can have deeper conversations about Australia with these questions. If you don't know much about Australia, then talk about what you imagine.
1. Do you think you would you like living in Australia?
2. What do you know about Australian geography?
3. Can you describe any Australians you have met? If you have never met an Australian, what are your impressions from TV, news or movies?

English Conversation Topic 10

Talking about basketball in English
Conversation Starters
The quality of international basketball has improved dramatically in recent years with professional players from around the world going to North America to
compete. Use the questions below to start conversations about basketball in English.
1. Are you interested in basketball?
2. Why do you think basketball is popular in the world?

3. Do you have a favorite basketball player?

4. Have you ever played basketball? Did you enjoy it?
5. What does NBA stand for? (What does each letter mean?)
Discussion Questions
You can have deeper conversations about basketball with these questions. If you don't know much about basketball, then talk about its popularity.
1. Can short people be good basketball players? Why or why not?
2. Do you think we should make a basketball league for short people only?
3. Are there any basketball players from your country in the NBA?
4. What skills are needed to play basketball well?
5. What are some strategies teams use to be more successful?

English Conversation Topic 11

Talking about beaches in English
Conversation Starters
Going to the beach is lots of fun! There are so many things to do there. Use the questions below to have conversations in English about going to the beach.
1. Do you live near the sea? Where is the nearest beach to your home?
2. What kind of things do people do at the beach?
3. Have you ever been to a beach?
4. How often do you go to the beach?
5. What do people wear to the beach?
6. What beach activity do you enjoy the most, swimming, sunbathing, boating, surfing, playing sports or collecting seashells?

Discussion Questions
For further practice in English, talk about more serious topics concerning problems related to beaches. Use the discussion questions below or think of your own
questions.
1. What can we do about dangers at the beach, such as jellyfish, sharks or strong undercurrents?
2. Why do you think sunblock (or "sunscreen") is important? What are the dangers in not using sunblock?
3. What can be done about pollution at the beach?
4. So many people like to visit beaches, so that beaches become too crowded. Do you think people should have to pay an entrance fee to go to the beach in the
future?
5. Have you ever gone to a nude beach, where nobody wears any clothes at all? If not, would you be interested in going to one?

English Conversation Topic 12

Talking about birthdays in English
Conversation Starters
In many countries, a person's birthday is one of the biggest days of the year. Discuss birthdays in English, starting with the questions below.
1. In which month is your birthday?
2. How do you celebrate your birthday?
3. Are birthday cakes a tradition in your country?
4.Generally, how are birthdays celebrated in your country?
5. Have you ever been to a "surprise party"? Do you think such parties are interesting?
Discussion Questions
Discuss your opinions about birthdays using the questions below or think of your own English questions.
1. What is the best birthday present you have ever received? Why?

2. Do you think we should celebrate birthdays with a party? Why or why not?
3. Do you think your date of birth can affect your personality?

English Conversation Topic 13

Talking about books in English
Conversation Starters
Books play a big part in our education, not only in English. Have a conversation about books starting with the questions below.
1. How often do you read books?
2. Do you like to go to bookstores? Why or why not?
3. What kinds of books do you like to read?
4. What was an interesting book that you have read recently?
5. Have you ever read a whole book in English?
Discussion Questions
Use the English questions below to have deeper discussions about books.
1. Can you imagine what life would be like without books?
2. If you wrote a book, what would you write about?
3. If you could only have one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
4. Do you think the Internet will make books disappear?
5. Why do some people not enjoy reading?

English Conversation Topic 14

Talking about celebrities in English
Conversation Starters
Celebrities seem to lead a "charmed" life. They are rich, famous and so popular. Discuss celebrities in English, starting with the questions below.
1. Have you ever seen or met a famous person? What did you do or say?
2. Who are some of the most famous people in the world right now?
3. Are there any famous people you would like to meet? Who?
4. What are the advantages (good points) and disadvantages (bad points) of being a celebrity?
5. Do you think people who are rich and famous are better than the average person?
Discussion Questions
Discuss your opinions about celebrities using the questions below or think of your own English questions.
1. If you could spend one whole day with a famous person, who would you spend the day with?
2. Do you think famous people are happy? Explain your answer.
3. Would you be happier or more unhappy if you were famous?
4. How would your life change if you suddenly became famous?

English Conversation Topic 15

Talking about charities in English
Conversation Starters
Poor people sometimes need help. One way to offer our help is through groups or organizations. Using the English questions below, start an English discussion
about ways to help poor people through charitable groups.
1. Do you know any famous charities (groups that help other, less fortunate people)?

2. Have you ever given money to a charity such as the Red Cross, the World Wildlife Fund, or Green Peace?
3. Do you know any other registered charities?
4. What problems do such charities deal with?
5. Is there a "homeless shelter" (a place for homeless people to sleep and get food) in your hometown?
Discussion Questions
Use the English questions below to discuss the bigger issue of giving money to beggars.
1. Do you give money to beggars or homeless people? Why or why not?
2. If you give money to beggars or homeless people, about how much do you give?
3. How do you know if a beggar is a real beggar?
4. Do you think it's acceptable for children to work late at night selling flowers and singing?
5. Who should pay to help the poor, individuals or government organizations?
6. Some people think charity encourages some people to be lazy. Do you agree or disagree?