Big Step English

Topic Library

IELTS Speaking

Click any topic to open a full lesson — sample questions, vocabulary, and idioms.

Part 1 Everyday personal topics

Part 1

Sample Questions

Vocabulary

Idioms & Phrases

Part 2 Cue card long-turn topics

Part 2

Cue Card Points

Vocabulary

Idioms & Phrases

Part 3 Abstract discussion themes

Part 3

Sample Questions

Vocabulary

Idioms & Phrases

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

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.

Model Answer — Band 7–8

The person I'd like to talk about is my former high school teacher, Mr. Rahman. 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 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, my life would have taken a completely different direction.

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. But I think the more interesting question is which jobs. Roles involving creativity, empathy, and complex 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. 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. 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.

Language

General Vocabulary

Opinion Phrase	When 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 Language	Example 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"

Introduction

Long Turn

Discussion

Fluency & Coherence

Lexical Resource

Grammatical Range

Pronunciation

Hobbies & Free Time

Hometown & Where You Live

Describe a Person Who Inspires You

Technology & Society

Education

Professional Speaking

Written Communication

Business Concepts