Big Step English · IELTS Speaking

Model Answers
& Resources

Parts 1, 2 & 3 · Band 7–9 content

Test Marking Lessons Topics Vocabulary
Overview
The Speaking Test
Part 1

Introduction

4–5 minutes · ~12 questions

Everyday topics about you — home, family, hobbies, work. Short answers with a reason or example.

Part 2

Long Turn

3–4 minutes · 1 min prep

A cue card with bullet points. Prepare for one minute then speak for two. Aim to fill the full two minutes.

Part 3

Discussion

4–5 minutes · abstract questions

Wider questions linked to Part 2. Give opinions, justify them, and show you can discuss complex ideas.

Assessment
Marking Criteria
25%

Fluency & Coherence

Smooth, connected speech. Logical flow. Avoid memorised scripts.

25%

Lexical Resource

Range and accuracy of vocabulary. Collocations and topic-specific words.

25%

Grammatical Range

Variety of structures. A few errors are fine if communication stays clear.

25%

Pronunciation

Clarity of speech. Stress, rhythm and intonation — not accent.

Practice
Lessons & Model Answers
What do you like to do in your free time?
I tend to unwind by reading — mainly non-fiction. I find it completely switches my mind off after a long day. At weekends I also enjoy going for walks when the weather allows.
Have your hobbies changed as you've grown older?
Absolutely — they've changed quite considerably. As a teenager I was obsessed with video games, but these days I lean more towards outdoor activities. I think as you get older, you naturally gravitate towards things that are good for your health.
Do you prefer hobbies alone or with others?
It really depends on the activity. For reading I prefer to be alone — I need full concentration. But for sport or cooking I find it much more enjoyable with other people. So I'd say I'm fairly flexible in that regard.
What do you like most about where you live?
What I appreciate most is the sense of community. My neighbourhood has a very close-knit feel — local shops remember your face and there are always events going on. It's quite different from the anonymity you often feel in big cities.
Would you prefer to live in a city or the countryside?
Honestly, I'm torn between the two. I love the convenience and energy of city life, but I also romanticise the countryside — the peace, clean air, and a slower pace. If I could work remotely, I'd probably choose a small town.
Has your hometown changed much recently?
A great deal, actually. There's been quite a lot of development — new apartment buildings, shopping centres. In some ways it's improved the local economy, but the town has definitely lost some of its original character.
Model Answer — Band 7–8

The person I'd like to talk about is my former high school teacher, Mr. Rahman, who taught literature for over 20 years. I met him when I was about 15, and he left a lasting impression on me.

What set him apart from other teachers was his genuine passion for his subject. He had the ability to make a 500-year-old poem feel completely relevant to modern life, which is no easy feat. He also treated every student as intellectually capable, which was incredibly empowering.

In terms of impact, I believe he was directly responsible for my love of reading. I ended up studying English at university. Without his influence, I think my life would have taken a completely different direction.

Model Answer — Band 7–8

I'd like to talk about a skill I picked up about six months ago — video editing. I'd always wanted to make short films, but I never really got around to learning it properly until my work required it.

I learned mainly through online tutorials and a lot of trial and error. It was overwhelming at first — so many tools I didn't recognise. But by spending an hour a day practising, I slowly started to get the hang of it.

Looking back, it's one of the most transferable skills I've developed. I now edit personal travel videos too, which feels like a great return on the time I invested.

Has technology made people more or less social?
I think it's genuinely both. Technology has allowed people to maintain relationships across vast distances. But there's growing evidence that heavy social media use correlates with loneliness, especially in young people. Those who use it to supplement real-world relationships tend to benefit; those who use it as a substitute often struggle.
Will technology eventually replace most jobs?
To a significant extent, yes — and it already has in some sectors. But I think the more interesting question is which jobs. Roles involving creativity, empathy, and complex human judgment are harder to automate. The real challenge is ensuring people have access to education that helps them adapt to this shift.
Does education prepare young people well for real life?
Not entirely. Most systems are still geared towards academic performance — exams and university entry. But there's a real gap between what schools teach and what life actually requires: financial literacy, conflict resolution, critical thinking. I'd argue schools need to fundamentally rethink their curriculum.
Should university education be free?
I can see both sides. Free higher education could level the playing field considerably and produce a better-educated workforce, which benefits society broadly. On the other hand, it's an enormous financial burden on governments. A hybrid model — free access for lower-income students, income-based repayment for others — might be the most realistic solution.
Preparation
Topic Library

Click any topic to see sample examiner questions and key vocabulary.

Part 1 Everyday personal topics
Sample Questions
    Key Vocabulary
      Part 2 Cue card long-turn topics
      Cue Card Bullet Points
        Key Vocabulary
          Part 3 Abstract discussion themes
          Sample Questions
            Key Vocabulary
              Language
              Vocabulary
              Opinion PhraseWhen to use it
              I'd argue that…Strong, formal opinion opener
              To some extent…Partial agreement or balanced view
              That said, however…Natural way to introduce a contrast
              It hinges on…Formal way to say "it depends on"
              I can see both sides…Showing balanced, considered thinking
              It's worth noting that…Adding an important or overlooked detail
              The crux of the issue is…Cutting to the main point
              At the end of the day…Natural way to summarise or conclude
              Change & Trend LanguageExample use
              a shift in…"a shift in attitudes towards work"
              a surge in…"a surge in online shopping"
              on the rise"mental health issues are on the rise"
              increasingly…"people are increasingly aware of…"
              rapidly evolving"a rapidly evolving landscape"
              unprecedented"an unprecedented level of change"
              correlates with"screen time correlates with anxiety"
              a growing concern"it's becoming a growing concern"