Full template bodies, expert tips, and scoring notes for every IELTS General task
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Speaking Part 1 — Introduction
This template helps you answer questions about your current work or study situation, providing essential details and a brief explanation.
Well, currently I'm WHAT YOU DO. It involves MAIN RESPONSIBILITY/ACTIVITY, and I've been doing that for DURATION. What I find most interesting about it is DETAIL/REASON FOR ENJOYMENT.
Use this template to express your feelings and give reasons for them when asked about liking or disliking your work or studies.
Yes, I'd say I OPINION ON WORK/STUDY it quite a lot. Mainly because REASON 1. On top of that, REASON 2.
This template helps you discuss your aspirations and future intentions related to your career or education.
Looking ahead, my plan is to FUTURE PLAN. I'm really keen to do this because MOTIVATION. Hopefully, that will lead to EXPECTED OUTCOME.
This template helps you describe a past job or study experience, focusing on what you did and why it was memorable.
I remember my first PAST EXPERIENCE TYPE was when I WHEN IT HAPPENED. I worked as a ROLE and my main duties involved MAIN DUTIES. It was a really ADJECTIVE experience because REASON FOR IT BEING MEMORABLE.
This template helps you describe your favorite hobby, explaining what it is and why you enjoy it.
My favorite hobby is YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY. I've been doing it for DURATION. I really enjoy it because REASON 1 and also REASON 2.
Use this template to explain when and how you began a particular hobby.
I started THE HOBBY around WHEN YOU STARTED. I was CIRCUMSTANCE/AGE at the time. I got into it because REASON FOR STARTING 1, and REASON FOR STARTING 2.
This template helps you discuss whether you do hobbies alone or with others, and why.
Most of my hobbies, like HOBBY EXAMPLE 1, I tend to do ALONE/WITH OTHERS. However, for HOBBY EXAMPLE 2, I always prefer to DO WITH OTHERS/DO ALONE. I find that BENEFIT/REASON.
This template allows you to talk about how your hobbies have changed over time or what new hobbies you'd like to try.
My hobbies have CHANGED/STAYED THE SAME quite a bit over the years. When I was younger, I used to OLD HOBBY. Now, I'm more into CURRENT HOBBY. In the future, I'd really like to try NEW HOBBY because REASON FOR NEW HOBBY.
For questions about your most liked food or cuisine.
My absolute favorite food is TYPE OF FOOD, without a doubt. I love it because REASON 1, and also REASON 2. It's a dish I could eat HOW OFTEN.
For questions about how often you cook or if you enjoy cooking.
To be honest, I COOKING FREQUENCY. I usually prepare TYPES OF MEALS because REASON 1. I enjoy it when CONDITION FOR ENJOYMENT.
For questions about your typical meal schedule or habits.
Generally speaking, I usually have NUMBER main meals a day. I typically eat breakfast at BREAKFAST TIME, then lunch around LUNCH TIME, and finally dinner at DINNER TIME. My routine is usually DESCRIPTION OF ROUTINE.
For questions about dining at restaurants or cafes.
I enjoy eating out FREQUENCY. My favorite type of restaurant is TYPE OF RESTAURANT because REASON 1. The last time I ate out was WHEN YOU ATE OUT.
A template for discussing your general approach to travel, including frequency and motivation.
Yes, I REALLY ENJOY TRAVELING. I try to travel HOW OFTEN YOU TRAVEL, usually because I love REASON 1 and also REASON 2.
A template for describing your preferred types of travel destinations and why you like them.
I'm particularly fond of TYPE OF DESTINATION, mainly because I enjoy REASON 1 - ACTIVITY/ATMOSPHERE. A great example would be SPECIFIC EXAMPLE, where you can REASON 2 - BENEFIT/EXPERIENCE.
A template for describing the typical weather or climate in your hometown or country.
Well, in my hometown, we generally experience GENERAL CLIMATE/SEASONAL PATTERN. For example, SEASON 1 is usually CHARACTERISTIC 1, while SEASON 2 tends to be CHARACTERISTIC 2. I suppose it's quite OVERALL IMPRESSION.
A template for discussing your preferred weather conditions and what you like to do in them.
Personally, I find PREFERRED WEATHER TYPE to be the best. I particularly like it because REASON FOR PREFERENCE, which allows me to ACTIVITY 1 and also ACTIVITY 2.
Short answers about familiar everyday topics in the opening phase of the test.
DIRECT ANSWER — Give a clear, immediate answer. e.g. "I currently work as a [JOB in PLACE." or "I'm originally from CITY, but I've been living in CURRENT LOCATION for about TIME."]
EXTENSION — Add a detail, reason, or habit. e.g. "I've been doing this for [NUMBER years and I find it ADJECTIVE because REASON."]
For describing your hometown generally.
I come from YOUR HOMETOWN NAME, which is located in GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. It's a TYPE OF PLACE, e.g., bustling city, quiet town of about POPULATION SIZE people, and it's particularly known for MAIN ATTRACTION/FEATURE 1 and MAIN ATTRACTION/FEATURE 2.
For talking about what you appreciate or don't appreciate about your hometown.
What I really appreciate about YOUR HOMETOWN NAME is POSITIVE ASPECT 1. I also love its POSITIVE ASPECT 2. However, one thing I'm not so keen on is NEGATIVE ASPECT, primarily because REASON FOR NEGATIVE ASPECT.
For talking about how your hometown has evolved over time.
Oh, YOUR HOMETOWN NAME has changed quite a bit, especially over the last TIME PERIOD. The most noticeable change is MAJOR CHANGE 1, which has definitely impacted IMPACT 1. Also, MAJOR CHANGE 2 has become much more prominent, for better or worse.
For talking about future plans related to your hometown or its future development.
Well, I think YOUR HOMETOWN NAME will continue to PREDICTED DEVELOPMENT, largely due to REASON 1. As for me, I currently YOUR CURRENT LIVING SITUATION and I plan to FUTURE PLAN FOR LIVING, because REASON FOR FUTURE PLAN.
Speaking Part 2
Talk about a journey that left a strong impression on you.
I'd like to describe a memorable journey I took to DESTINATION. This happened WHEN IT HAPPENED, and I was with WHO YOU WERE WITH. The main reason for this trip was REASON FOR JOURNEY. I remember we travelled by MODE OF TRANSPORT and the journey itself took about DURATION OF JOURNEY. During the journey, I particularly enjoyed ENJOYABLE ASPECT 1. We also experienced ENJOYABLE ASPECT 2. What made it truly memorable was MAIN REASON FOR MEMORY. Looking back, this journey was really special because IMPACT/FEELING. It taught me LESSON LEARNED/INSIGHT. I would definitely WISH TO REPEAT/RECOMMENDATION.
Talk about a specific situation or event where you gained a significant insight or understanding.
I want to talk about an experience where I learned a valuable lesson. This happened WHEN IT HAPPENED, when I was YOUR AGE/STAGE OF LIFE. The situation was BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SITUATION. I was initially feeling INITIAL FEELING about it. The main challenge was THE CHALLENGE. I tried to handle it by WHAT YOU DID. However, something unexpected happened, which led to CONSEQUENCE/TURNING POINT. That's when I realised THE LESSON LEARNED. This experience was significant because WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT. It really changed my perspective on AREA OF CHANGE. Now, I always try to HOW YOU APPLY THE LESSON.
Talk about an occasion when you engaged in a new activity or experience for the first time.
I'd like to talk about a time I tried something completely new. This was THE NEW ACTIVITY, and it happened WHEN IT HAPPENED. I was encouraged to try it by WHO ENCOURAGED YOU. Before this, I had always thought YOUR PREVIOUS BELIEF/FEELING. My initial reaction was INITIAL FEELING ABOUT TRYING. The first step involved FIRST STEP/ACTION. During the experience, I found CHALLENGE/SURPRISE 1 and also CHALLENGE/SURPRISE 2. The most memorable part was MOST MEMORABLE PART. After trying it, I felt FINAL FEELING. It was a valuable experience because WHY IT WAS VALUABLE. Now I feel CURRENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS ACTIVITY.
Talk about an event that happened suddenly and surprised you.
I'm going to describe an unexpected event that happened recently. It took place WHERE IT HAPPENED about WHEN IT HAPPENED. I was with WHO YOU WERE WITH, and we were WHAT YOU WERE DOING. Suddenly, THE UNEXPECTED EVENT OCCURRED. My immediate reaction was YOUR IMMEDIATE REACTION. We had to WHAT YOU DID NEXT. The most surprising thing was MOST SURPRISING ASPECT. It turned out that RESOLUTION/OUTCOME. Looking back, this event made me realise LESSON/INSIGHT. It was memorable because WHY IT WAS MEMORABLE. It definitely added some EMOTION/ADJECTIVE to my day.
Speaking Part 3 — Discussion
Use this template to discuss the positive and negative aspects of a particular topic, common in Part 3 questions asking about 'pros and cons' or 'benefits and drawbacks'.
Well, I think there are certainly pros and cons to TOPIC. On the one hand, a major advantage is ADVANTAGE 1, and this is because EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE 1. However, on the flip side, a significant drawback would be DISADVANTAGE 1. This is largely due to EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE 2. So, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but OVERALL FEELING/SUMMARY.
This template helps you describe someone you look up to, focusing on their qualities and impact.
I'd like to talk about NAME OF PERSON, who I greatly admire. This person is RELATIONSHIP TO YOU and I've known them for DURATION OF KNOWING THEM. They are particularly admirable because of their PRIMARY ADMIRABLE QUALITY, which truly stands out. Another thing I appreciate about them is their SECONDARY ADMIRABLE QUALITY. For instance, I remember when SPECIFIC EXAMPLE SHOWING QUALITIES. This interaction or quality has really impacted me by HOW THEY IMPACTED YOU. Overall, I feel very fortunate to know someone like them.
This template guides you to talk about someone who imparted a valuable lesson, focusing on the lesson and the circumstances.
I'm going to describe NAME OF PERSON, who taught me a really important lesson. This person is RELATIONSHIP TO YOU and I first met them WHEN YOU MET THEM. The crucial lesson they taught me was THE LESSON LEARNED, which was particularly significant because WHY THE LESSON WAS IMPORTANT. This happened when CIRCUMSTANCES OF LEARNING THE LESSON. After learning this, I felt HOW YOU FELT and it has since influenced how I HOW IT IMPACTED YOUR LIFE/ACTIONS.
This template helps you discuss a public figure you'd like to meet, focusing on their achievements and your reasons for wanting to meet them.
I'd love to describe NAME OF FAMOUS PERSON, a famous individual I'd really like to meet. This person is known for AREA OF FAME/ACHIEVEMENT and has achieved SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENT/CONTRIBUTION. My main reason for wanting to meet them is PRIMARY REASON, and I'm particularly interested in SPECIFIC TOPIC/QUESTION. If I had the chance to spend some time with them, I would absolutely ask them about WHAT YOU WOULD ASK/DISCUSS. I believe meeting them would be YOUR EXPECTED FEELING/OUTCOME.
This template helps you talk about a close personal relationship, focusing on their personality and shared experiences.
I'd like to describe NAME OF PERSON, who is a very close RELATIONSHIP, e.g., friend/cousin of mine. I've known them for DURATION OF KNOWING THEM, ever since HOW YOU MET/KNEW THEM. What I love most about their personality is their PRIMARY PERSONALITY TRAIT, and they are also incredibly SECONDARY PERSONALITY TRAIT. We often SHARED ACTIVITY/EXPERIENCE together, which I always enjoy because REASON FOR ENJOYING IT. They bring a lot of POSITIVE FEELING/CONTRIBUTION to my life, and I truly value our QUALITY OF RELATIONSHIP relationship.
This template helps you describe a public place you enjoy visiting, focusing on its features, activities, and personal reasons for liking it.
I'd like to talk about NAME OF PLACE, which is located LOCATION. It's essentially a TYPE OF PLACE. What strikes me most about it is PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 1. Also, it has PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 2. People usually go there to ACTIVITIES PEOPLE DO. I particularly enjoy SOMETHING YOU DO THERE because REASON FOR ENJOYING ACTIVITY. I feel EMOTION/ATMOSPHERE when I'm there. Overall, it's a POSITIVE ADJECTIVE place that WHY YOU LIKE IT PERSONALLY.
This template helps you describe a historical or otherwise interesting building, covering its appearance, history, and why it left an impression on you.
I'd like to talk about NAME OF BUILDING, which is located in LOCATION. It's a TYPE OF BUILDING, known for its ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE 1. The building itself looks quite OVERALL APPEARANCE. It has a SPECIFIC DETAIL that really catches the eye. The history behind it is HISTORICAL FACT/SIGNIFICANCE. When I visited, I remember WHAT YOU DID/SAW THERE. What made it particularly interesting was REASON FOR INTEREST. It really gave me a sense of EMOTION/IMPRESSION.
This template helps you describe a beautiful natural place, focusing on its geographical features, the activities one can do there, and the feelings it evokes.
I'd like to talk about NAME OF PLACE, which is a TYPE OF NATURAL PLACE located LOCATION. It's truly a ADJECTIVE spot. The most striking feature is NATURAL FEATURE 1. You can also see NATURAL FEATURE 2. The atmosphere there is always ATMOSPHERE ADJECTIVE. People usually visit to ACTIVITY 1 or ACTIVITY 2. I remember PERSONAL MEMORY/EXPERIENCE. It's a place where I feel EMOTION because REASON FOR EMOTION. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys TYPE OF ACTIVITY.
This template helps you describe a place you frequently visit, explaining what it is, where it's located, what you do there, and why it's a regular part of your life.
I'd like to talk about NAME OF PLACE, which is a TYPE OF PLACE located LOCATION. I usually go there FREQUENCY OF VISIT, and I've been visiting for DURATION. What I typically do there is MAIN ACTIVITY. It has a very ATMOSPHERE/VIBE feeling, and I particularly like SPECIFIC FEATURE/ASPECT. The reason I enjoy going there so much is because REASON 1. Also, it offers BENEFIT/ADVANTAGE. It's become a SIGNIFICANCE TO YOU place for me.
This template helps you describe a memorable gift you received for IELTS Speaking Part 2.
I'd like to talk about a GIFT ITEM I received. It was given to me by WHO GAVE IT TO YOU on the occasion of OCCASION. I remember feeling really INITIAL REACTION. Physically, it's a DESCRIBE APPEARANCE/FEATURES. What makes it so special to me is WHY IT'S SPECIAL. It often reminds me of MEMORY/FEELING. I still use it HOW OFTEN/WHERE YOU USE IT and it continues to bring me EMOTION/BENEFIT.
This template helps you describe a common object you use daily for IELTS Speaking Part 2.
Today I want to describe my ITEM NAME. It's something I literally use every single day. Visually, it's a DESCRIBE APPEARANCE/FEATURES. I originally got it HOW YOU ACQUIRED IT. I usually use it WHEN/WHERE YOU USE IT for tasks like EXAMPLES OF USE. It's become indispensable because WHY IT'S IMPORTANT. Without it, my daily routine would be NEGATIVE IMPACT. I really appreciate its POSITIVE ATTRIBUTE and can't imagine my life without it now.
This template helps you describe an old object with family history for IELTS Speaking Part 2.
I'd like to talk about an old object from my family, which is a OBJECT NAME. This item has been with us for ITS HISTORY/AGE. It was originally owned by ORIGINAL OWNER AND RELATIONSHIP. In terms of appearance, it's a DESCRIBE APPEARANCE/CONDITION. What makes it particularly interesting is UNIQUE FEATURE/STORY. Its significance to our family lies in ITS SIGNIFICANCE. We keep it WHERE IT IS KEPT and it serves as a reminder of WHAT IT REPRESENTS.
This template helps you describe a desired object you wish to own for IELTS Speaking Part 2.
If money were no object, I would absolutely love to buy a OBJECT NAME. This particular item is a DESCRIBE APPEARANCE/FEATURES. I first became aware of it HOW YOU DISCOVERED IT. The main reason I want it is WHY YOU WANT IT. I imagine I would use it for WHAT YOU WOULD DO WITH IT. It would significantly POSITIVE IMPACT. Owning it would make me feel EMOTION/SATISFACTION, and I really hope to have it someday.
This template helps you describe a special celebration or event you attended.
I'd like to tell you about WHAT THE EVENT WAS. This particular celebration took place WHEN AND WHERE IT HAPPENED. I was there with WHO YOU WERE WITH. What made it so special was WHY IT WAS SPECIAL. I remember clearly A SPECIFIC MEMORY. Overall, it was an incredibly FEELING experience.
This template helps you describe a difficult situation or challenge you faced and how you handled it.
I'd like to talk about WHAT THE CHALLENGE WAS. This happened WHEN AND WHERE IT HAPPENED. At the time, I felt quite HOW YOU FELT. The main problem was SPECIFIC DIFFICULTY. To overcome it, I decided to WHAT YOU DID TO SOLVE IT. In the end, THE OUTCOME. Looking back, I learned a lot about WHAT YOU LEARNED.
This template helps you describe a situation where you received significant help from someone.
I'd like to talk about a time when WHO HELPED YOU really came to my aid. This happened when WHAT THE SITUATION WAS. I remember feeling quite YOUR INITIAL FEELING. WHAT THEY DID was incredibly helpful. It made a huge difference because REASON IT WAS HELPFUL. I was extremely grateful for THEIR KINDNESS/EFFORT. This experience taught me WHAT YOU LEARNED.
This template helps you describe an accomplishment you are proud of and how you achieved it.
I'd like to discuss WHAT THE ACHIEVEMENT WAS. This happened WHEN AND WHERE IT HAPPENED. To achieve this, I had to WHAT YOU DID TO ACHIEVE IT. It required a lot of EFFORT/QUALITIES NEEDED. When I finally succeeded, I felt incredibly HOW IT FELT. This achievement was significant because WHY IT WAS SIGNIFICANT.
This template helps you describe a personal goal or ambition you have for the future, covering what it is, why it's important, and the steps you'll take.
I'm going to talk about a future plan, which is to YOUR GOAL. This goal is really important to me because REASON FOR IMPORTANCE. To achieve this, I plan to FIRST STEP. After that, I will SECOND STEP. And finally, I aim to FINAL OUTCOME OR LONG-TERM PLAN.
Use this template to describe an event or celebration you are planning, detailing what it is, who will be involved, and the arrangements you intend to make.
I'd like to talk about an event I'm planning, which is TYPE OF EVENT. I'm organizing this for WHO IT'S FOR. My main plan is to MAIN ACTIVITY PLANNED. Regarding the details, I intend to FIRST ARRANGEMENT and also make sure to SECOND ARRANGEMENT. I'm really looking forward to EXPECTED FEELING OR OUTCOME.
This template helps you describe a trip or holiday you are planning, covering the destination, companions, activities, and preparations.
I'm excited to tell you about a trip I'm planning. I'm hoping to go to DESTINATION WHEN YOU PLAN TO GO. I'll be going with WHO YOU'LL TRAVEL WITH. While I'm there, I really want to MAIN ACTIVITY PLANNED. I also plan to SECOND ACTIVITY PLANNED. Before I go, I need to IMPORTANT PREPARATION.
This template guides you in describing a new skill you intend to learn, explaining what it is, why you want to acquire it, and the steps you will take.
I'd like to describe a new skill I'm planning to learn, which is THE SKILL. I've always wanted to learn this because REASON FOR LEARNING. My plan to learn it involves FIRST STEP TO LEARN. Then, I intend to SECOND STEP TO LEARN. Ultimately, I hope to DESIRED OUTCOME OF LEARNING.
A template for talking about a useful, hands-on skill you have developed.
I'd like to talk about NAME OF SKILL. This is something I HOW/WHEN YOU LEARNED IT. I remember SPECIFIC MEMORY/EXAMPLE OF LEARNING. The reason I find it so useful is because BENEFIT 1. Plus, it also helps me BENEFIT 2. Overall, it's a skill I'm very glad to have developed, and it impacts my life by IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE.
A template for discussing a significant accomplishment that you are proud of.
I'd like to describe NAME OF ACHIEVEMENT. This happened WHEN AND WHERE IT HAPPENED. I had to CHALLENGE/EFFORT INVOLVED. What made it special was REASON FOR PRIDE. It taught me LESSON LEARNED. I often look back on it as IMPACT ON YOU, and I think it helped me become HOW IT CHANGED YOU.
A template for talking about your ability in a language, other than your native one.
I want to talk about my ability to speak NAME OF LANGUAGE. I started learning it WHEN YOU STARTED LEARNING. My main motivation was REASON FOR LEARNING. I've found that MAIN DIFFICULTY. However, the best part is MAIN BENEFIT/ENJOYMENT. I'm still working on AREA FOR IMPROVEMENT, but I really enjoy SPECIFIC ACTIVITY IN THE LANGUAGE.
A template for discussing your ability to effectively solve problems, often in a work or academic context.
I'd like to discuss my skill in NAME OF PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILL. This is something I've developed over PERIOD OF TIME/EXPERIENCE. I often apply it when CONTEXT/EXAMPLE OF USE. A specific time I used it was SITUATION/PROBLEM. The outcome was POSITIVE RESULT. I believe this skill is crucial because IMPORTANCE OF SKILL, and it has really benefited my AREA OF LIFE.
1–2 minute monologue on a cue card topic with 1 minute preparation time.
OPENING HOOK — Start with an engaging sentence rather than reading the cue card aloud. e.g. "Of all the things I could talk about, this particular one stands out clearly in my mind."
COVER BULLET 1 FROM CUE CARD — Address the first prompt point with a clear sentence and brief detail.
Discussing how a general trend or aspect of life has evolved over time, focusing on the differences and reasons for change.
Well, I think ASPECT has definitely changed quite a bit. In the past, PAST SITUATION/BEHAVIOR. But now, PRESENT SITUATION/BEHAVIOR. I believe this is mainly due to REASON 1, and also REASON 2.
Explaining how modern developments, especially technology, have transformed a specific area of life from past to present.
Comparing TOPIC from the past to the present, the biggest difference is probably MAIN DIFFERENCE. Decades ago, PAST METHOD/CHARACTERISTIC. However, with DEVELOPMENT/INNOVATION, we now see PRESENT METHOD/CHARACTERISTIC. This has led to IMPACT/CONSEQUENCE.
Discussing how broader societal or lifestyle trends have changed over time, highlighting the causes and effects.
It seems to me that AREA OF LIFE has undergone significant changes. Historically, people used to PAST HABIT/BELIEF. But these days, there's been a clear shift towards PRESENT HABIT/BELIEF. This might be because of EXPLANATION/CAUSE and its effect on IMPACT ON PEOPLE.
Discussing both the positive and negative aspects of how something has changed over time, offering a balanced perspective.
On the whole, when we compare ASPECT then and now, I'd say there are both POSITIVE/NEGATIVE implications. In the past, PAST ADVANTAGE/DISADVANTAGE. However, the current situation brings PRESENT ADVANTAGE/DISADVANTAGE. So, it's a bit of a mixed bag, depending on PERSPECTIVE/FACTOR.
Discussing several reasons that lead to a particular situation or phenomenon.
Well, I think PHENOMENON is often caused by several factors. One significant cause is PRIMARY CAUSE. Beyond that, another factor contributing to this is SECONDARY CAUSE. And we can't forget FURTHER CAUSE, which also plays a role.
Examining the various impacts or outcomes resulting from a specific trend or event.
Regarding TREND/EVENT, I'd say it leads to a few key effects. Immediately, we see IMMEDIATE EFFECT. In the longer term, it often results in LONG-TERM EFFECT. Furthermore, we could consider the NEGATIVE/POSITIVE EFFECT that arises.
Explaining how one action or situation triggers a sequence of subsequent events or changes.
It seems to me that INITIAL CAUSE often sets off a chain reaction. This initially leads to FIRST EFFECT. Subsequently, this then causes SECOND EFFECT. Ultimately, the overall impact is ULTIMATE IMPACT.
Extended analytical discussion linking personal topics to broader social themes.
DIRECT POSITION — Give your view on the broader question right away.
"Personally, I think POSITION because CORE REASON."
Identifying a social or environmental problem, discussing its root causes and significant effects, and proposing potential solutions.
When we talk about PROBLEM, I think it's crucial to understand its origins. The root cause often lies in ROOT CAUSE. This then leads to a major effect such as MAJOR EFFECT. To address this, a potential solution could be POTENTIAL SOLUTION.