IELTS Speaking sample answers for Parts 1, 2 and 3

These IELTS Speaking sample answers show what fuller, natural answers can look like in each part of the test. The questions and answers were written by Stride as study models: they aren't real past test questions, they haven't been marked by an examiner, and they don't carry a band score. Use them to see technique — then answer the same questions in your own words.

Part 1 sample answers

Part 1 lasts 4–5 minutes and covers familiar topics. A good answer replies directly, then adds one detail.

Do you prefer mornings or evenings?

“Definitely evenings. I'm slow to get going in the morning, but by about seven at night I've finished work and I can actually enjoy myself — I usually cook something or go for a walk if the weather's decent.”

Why it works: a clear answer straight away, then a reason and a concrete example, in natural spoken language.

How often do you use public transport?

“Almost every day, actually. I take the bus to work because parking in the city centre is expensive, and to be honest I quite like having twenty minutes to read on the way.”

Why it works: answers the frequency question, gives a reason, and adds a personal detail without drifting off topic.

Is there a skill you'd like to learn?

“I'd love to learn to swim properly. I can stay afloat, but that's about it, and since I'm planning a holiday by the sea next year, it feels like the right time to take some lessons.”

Why it works: a specific answer, a contrast with the present (“I can stay afloat, but…”), and a future reason.

Part 2 sample answer

In Part 2 you get one minute to prepare, then speak for up to two minutes.

“I'd like to talk about a small coastal town I visited about three years ago with two old friends from university. It's on the coast, about two hours from where I live, and we went in early autumn, just after the summer crowds had left.

We didn't plan much, which turned out to be the best part. We spent the mornings walking along the cliffs — there's a path that runs right along the edge of the bay — and in the afternoons we'd find a café and just sit and talk for hours. One evening the owner of the little guesthouse we stayed in invited us to a local music night, which was completely unexpected and probably the highlight of the trip.

The reason I'd like to go back is partly the place itself — it's quiet, the views are beautiful and everything is within walking distance — but mostly it's the feeling I had there. Life was very busy at the time, and those few days were the first time in months that I'd properly switched off. I think if I went back now, I'd try to stay longer, maybe a whole week, and I'd like to bring my family so they could see why I keep talking about it.”

Why it works: every prompt on the card is covered in order; the story of the music night makes the answer specific; and the final prompt (why) gets the most development, mixing reasons with a feeling and a future plan.

Part 3 sample answers

Part 3 lasts 4–5 minutes and discusses broader questions linked to the Part 2 topic. Give a view, explain it, and add an example or a contrast.

Why do people like to revisit places they have been to before?

“I think it's mostly about familiarity. When you go somewhere new there's always some stress — you don't know where anything is — whereas going back somewhere you liked feels safe. That said, I think some people revisit places for emotional reasons, because they connect the place with a happy period of their life.”

Why it works: an opinion, a reason with a comparison (“whereas…”), and a second perspective introduced with “That said”.

Do you think tourism has more advantages or disadvantages for small towns?

“It depends on how it's managed. On the positive side, visitors bring money and jobs, which can keep a small town alive. But if there are too many tourists at once, housing can become expensive for local people and the place can lose the character that attracted visitors in the first place. So I'd say the advantages win, but only if there are limits.”

Why it works: weighs both sides with clear signposting (“On the positive side… But…”) and ends with a balanced conclusion.

Now practise your own answers

Answer these questions aloud yourself, with a one-minute timer for Part 2, and record your answers. Stride's Speaking practice gives you an estimated band and feedback on the four criteria — Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.

For more on technique, read our IELTS Speaking tips.

Related guides

• IELTS Speaking tips for Parts 1, 2 and 3
• IELTS vocabulary by topic
• IELTS grammar lessons for Writing and Speaking
• IELTS Writing sample answers: Task 1 and Task 2 model answers