SPEAKING

Here’s a comprehensive IELTS Speaking Part 1 Guide with different topics, sample questions, and Band 9 model answers for each type of topic.

1. Hometown

Q: Can you describe your hometown?
A:
"I’m from Bengkalis, a charming island town in Riau Province, Indonesia. It's known for its beautiful coastline, peaceful atmosphere, and delicious seafood. Although it's relatively small, the community is tight-knit, and the rich cultural traditions, especially during Eid celebrations, make it feel vibrant. Despite its simplicity, I find it comforting and full of warmth."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Charming island town – Kota pulau yang menawan

• Tight-knit community – Komunitas yang erat

• Rich cultural traditions – Tradisi budaya yang kaya

2. Work/Study

Q: What do you do for a living?
A:
"I currently work as a data analyst and educational researcher. My role involves interpreting large datasets and conducting research on technology-enhanced learning, particularly in the context of AI in education. I enjoy it because it allows me to merge my passion for data science and education. It's a challenging yet rewarding career path, as I get to make data-driven decisions that contribute to meaningful improvements in education."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Interpret large datasets – Menafsirkan kumpulan data besar

• Technology-enhanced learning – Pembelajaran berbasis teknologi

• Data-driven decisions – Keputusan berbasis data

3. Hobbies/Free Time

Q: What do you usually do in your free time?
A:
"In my free time, I enjoy reading research articles and playing football. I also like experimenting with new educational apps, especially those that use AI, to see how they can enhance student engagement. On weekends, I often play futsal with friends to unwind. It’s a great way to stay active and improve my teamwork skills."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Experiment with new apps – Mencoba aplikasi baru

• Enhance student engagement – Meningkatkan keterlibatan siswa

• Unwind – Bersantai

4. Food

Q: What is your favorite type of food?
A:
"My favorite type of food is Indonesian cuisine, particularly rendang, which is a traditional beef dish slow-cooked with spices. I love its rich, savory taste and tender texture. Every bite reminds me of home and the cultural heritage it represents. When I’m abroad, I often cook Indonesian food to stay connected to my roots."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Slow-cooked with spices – Dimasak perlahan dengan rempah-rempah

• Savory taste – Rasa gurih

• Cultural heritage – Warisan budaya

5. Travel

Q: Do you like traveling? Why or why not?
A:
"Yes, I absolutely love traveling. It’s not just about visiting new places but also about experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and gaining new perspectives. My favorite trip was to Japan, where I attended an international conference. I enjoyed exploring the local cuisine and historic sites. Traveling broadens my horizons and makes me more adaptable and open-minded."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Gain new perspectives – Mendapatkan perspektif baru

• Broadens my horizons – Memperluas wawasan saya

• Historic sites – Situs bersejarah

6. Daily Routine

Q: What is your typical day like?
A:
"My typical day starts early in the morning. I usually begin with a short workout, followed by reading research papers over breakfast. I spend the majority of my day working on data analysis projects and collaborating with my team online. In the evenings, I often dedicate time to learning new coding techniques or practicing my IELTS skills. I believe that maintaining a structured routine helps me stay productive and balanced."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Short workout – Latihan singkat

• Structured routine – Rutinitas terstruktur

• Stay productive and balanced – Tetap produktif dan seimbang

7. Technology

Q: How important is technology in your daily life?
A:
"Technology plays an integral role in my daily life. I use various tools, from educational platforms to data visualization software, to accomplish my work. Additionally, I rely on my smartphone for communication, research, and learning. For example, I often use AI-powered language tools like ChatGPT to enhance my language skills. In this digital era, technology is indispensable for both professional tasks and personal development."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Integral role – Peran penting

• Data visualization software – Perangkat lunak visualisasi data

• AI-powered tools – Alat berbasis AI

8. Health and Fitness

Q: Do you think it is important to stay fit? Why?
A:
"Absolutely! Staying fit is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Regular exercise helps me stay energized and focused throughout the day. Moreover, it helps in reducing stress, especially during busy research projects. I also believe that a balanced diet and staying hydrated are just as important as regular workouts. Fitness is not just about appearance; it’s about maintaining a healthy lifestyle."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Physical and mental well-being – Kesejahteraan fisik dan mental

• Stay energized and focused – Tetap bertenaga dan fokus

• Balanced diet – Pola makan seimbang

9. Books and Reading

Q: Do you enjoy reading? What types of books do you like?
A:
"Yes, I enjoy reading, especially research papers, self-improvement books, and novels. Reading helps me stay informed and inspired. My favorite type of book is educational non-fiction, as it provides me with insights into different academic disciplines. For instance, I recently read a book on generative AI and its impact on education, which broadened my understanding of how technology shapes learning."

Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Stay informed and inspired – Tetap mendapat informasi dan inspirasi

• Educational non-fiction – Non-fiksi edukatif

• Broaden my understanding – Memperluas pemahaman saya

Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1:

1. Be confident: Speak clearly and avoid long pauses.

2. Add details: Even for simple questions, give reasons, examples, or short stories.

3. Use collocations and synonyms: Avoid repeating the same words—use phrases that fit naturally.

4. Avoid memorized answers: Focus on structuring your response naturally and fluently.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Guide (Cue Card)

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card and have 1 minute to prepare your answer. You need to speak for 1 to 2 minutes. This part tests your ability to speak fluently, structure your ideas, and use descriptive language.

Structure for Part 2 Answer:

1. Introduction: A brief opening to introduce your topic.

2. Details: Explain the points from the cue card clearly and provide supporting details.

3. Conclusion: Summarize your points and give your personal opinion or reflection.

Sample Cue Cards and Band 9 Model Answers:

1. Describe a person who has inspired you

You should say:

• Who the person is

• How you know this person

• What qualities this person has

• And explain how this person has inspired you

Model Answer (Band 9):
*"One person who has inspired me greatly is my academic advisor, Professor Yang. I first met him during my master's studies, where he taught courses on digital learning and educational technology. His passion for research and his dedication to mentoring students have left a profound impression on me.

What sets him apart is his innovative thinking and humility. Despite his many achievements, he remains approachable and always willing to guide students in their research journey. His ability to balance academic excellence with empathy is something I admire deeply.

Professor Yang inspired me to pursue a career in education technology research. His encouragement gave me the confidence to present my work at international conferences, something I once thought was beyond my reach. His influence continues to shape my approach to lifelong learning and professional growth."*

2. Describe a memorable trip you have taken

You should say:

• Where you went

• Who you went with

• What you did there

• And explain why it was memorable

Model Answer (Band 9):
*"One of the most memorable trips I’ve taken was to Japan for an international conference last year. I traveled with my wife, Intan, and we spent a week exploring both academic and cultural experiences.

The conference was held in Tokyo, and I had the opportunity to present my research on game-based learning and generative AI. It was a rewarding experience to share ideas with scholars from around the world. After the conference, we visited Kyoto, where we admired the stunning temples and cherry blossoms.

What made this trip unforgettable was the perfect balance between professional growth and personal enjoyment. It deepened my appreciation for Japanese culture and gave me a sense of achievement in my academic journey."*

3. Describe a skill you have learned that is useful

You should say:

• What the skill is

• How you learned it

• Why it is useful

• And explain how you use it in your daily life

Model Answer (Band 9):
*"A useful skill I have learned is data analysis. I developed this skill during my master's program, where I frequently worked on research projects involving large datasets. I learned how to use various tools like Python, SQL, and Tableau to clean, interpret, and visualize data effectively.

This skill is incredibly useful because data analysis plays a crucial role in making informed decisions, whether in academia or business. For instance, when working on my thesis, I used data analysis to identify trends and draw meaningful conclusions from survey responses.

In my daily life, I also apply this skill in personal projects, such as tracking my IELTS study progress. Being proficient in data analysis has not only enhanced my research capabilities but also improved my problem-solving and critical thinking skills."*

4. Describe an important decision you made

You should say:

• What the decision was

• When you made it

• Why you made it

• And explain how you felt about it

Model Answer (Band 9):
*"One important decision I made was to pursue a career in educational technology research. I made this decision after completing my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, during which I discovered my passion for teaching and digital innovation.

At the time, I felt uncertain because it was a significant shift from my original field of study. However, I realized that education, especially through technology, had the potential to make a meaningful impact.

Looking back, I’m grateful I took this path because it has opened up numerous opportunities for me, such as presenting at international conferences and developing learning platforms. It was a challenging but rewarding decision that has shaped my personal and professional growth."*

Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 2:

1. Use Transition Words:

   • "To begin with," "Moreover," "What’s more," "In conclusion."

2. Describe with Details:
   Add descriptive details (e.g., “historic temples,” “peaceful atmosphere”).

3. Tell a Story:
   Share your experience as a story to make your speech engaging.

4. Stay Calm and Keep Speaking:
   Even if you forget a point, keep talking and add related details.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Formulas for Structured Responses

To achieve fluency and coherence in your Part 2 response, you can use various formulas to organize your thoughts and speak confidently. Here are some popular formulas with examples for each:

1. PPF (Past, Present, Future)

This formula helps you structure your answer chronologically:

• Past: Describe what happened before.

• Present: Explain the current situation.

• Future: Talk about any future plans or expectations.

Cue Card Example:

Describe a skill you have learned that is useful.
Model Answer (using PPF):

• Past:
  "In the past, I didn’t know much about data analysis. During my undergraduate studies, I mainly focused on civil engineering concepts without digging into data processing."

• Present:
  "Now, I’ve gained strong data analysis skills after completing my master's degree, where I used tools like Python and Tableau to handle research data. These skills are now crucial for my role as a researcher, where I work with large datasets daily."

• Future:
  "In the future, I plan to enhance my expertise in machine learning to complement my data analysis skills. This will help me tackle more complex data-related projects and potentially expand my career prospects."

Key Transition Phrases:

• "In the past," "Currently," "At present," "In the future," "I hope to..."

2. PRE (Point, Reason, Example)

This formula is simple and effective for explaining your ideas:

• Point: State your main idea.

• Reason: Explain why this is important.

• Example: Give a supporting example.

Cue Card Example:

Describe an important decision you made.
Model Answer (using PRE):

• Point:
  "One important decision I made was to pursue a master's degree in educational technology."

• Reason:
  "The reason I made this decision was that I wanted to deepen my understanding of how technology can enhance learning. I was passionate about creating innovative educational solutions."

• Example:
  "For example, during my master's, I worked on a project involving digital game-based learning, which led to my presentation at an international conference in Japan. This opportunity boosted my confidence and confirmed that I made the right choice."

Key Transition Phrases:

• "The main point is..." "This is important because..." "For example..."

3. SPE (Situation, Problem, Effect)

This formula works well for describing situations where challenges or issues arise:

• Situation: Explain the context or background.

• Problem: Describe the challenge or issue.

• Effect: Explain the outcome or impact.

Cue Card Example:

Describe a time when you helped someone.
Model Answer (using SPE):

• Situation:
  "Last year, I was working as a mentor for undergraduate students at my university."

• Problem:
  "One of the students was struggling with writing their thesis due to difficulties in organizing data."

• Effect:
  "I guided them on how to structure their analysis and use data visualization tools. Eventually, they completed their thesis successfully and expressed their gratitude for my help."

Key Transition Phrases:

• "The situation was..." "The challenge was..." "As a result..."

4. OREO (Opinion, Reason, Example, Opinion Restated)

This formula is perfect for cue cards that require personal opinions:

• Opinion: State your opinion clearly.

• Reason: Give a reason to support your opinion.

• Example: Provide a relevant example.

• Opinion Restated: Conclude by restating your opinion.

Cue Card Example:

Describe a place you would like to visit.
Model Answer (using OREO):

• Opinion:
  "I would love to visit Switzerland."

• Reason:
  "The reason is that Switzerland offers stunning natural landscapes, such as the Alps, and I’ve always dreamed of experiencing its serene environment."

• Example:
  "For instance, I saw photos from a friend’s trip where they hiked in the Swiss mountains and enjoyed the crystal-clear lakes. It looked like an unforgettable experience."

• Opinion Restated:
  "That’s why I believe Switzerland would be the perfect destination for me to relax and recharge."

Key Transition Phrases:

• "In my opinion..." "The reason is..." "For instance..." "That’s why I think..."

5. IDEA (Introduce, Describe, Explain, Add details)

This formula helps you build detailed and descriptive answers:

• Introduce: State the main idea.

• Describe: Provide descriptive details.

• Explain: Explain the significance or purpose.

• Add Details: Add any relevant additional information.

Cue Card Example:

Describe a memorable event you attended.
Model Answer (using IDEA):

• Introduce:
  "One memorable event I attended was my graduation ceremony."

• Describe:
  "It was held at my university’s main hall, which was beautifully decorated with flowers and banners. All the students wore traditional academic gowns, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement."

• Explain:
  "This event was significant to me because it represented the culmination of years of hard work and dedication."

• Add Details:
  "Additionally, it was a proud moment for my family, who traveled from my hometown to attend the ceremony and celebrate with me."

Key Transition Phrases:

• "This was a memorable event because..." "Additionally..." "It represented..."

Practice Cue Card:

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying in school.
You can practice using any of the above formulas to structure your response and I can provide feedback!

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Guide (Discussion Questions)

In Part 3, you will have a discussion with the examiner about broader and more abstract topics related to the Part 2 cue card. The examiner will test your ability to express opinions, analyze ideas, and provide justifications. This part lasts 4-5 minutes.

Formulas for IELTS Speaking Part 3:

1. PRE (Point, Reason, Example) – Great for explaining your opinion.

2. ABC (Answer, Balance, Conclude) – Useful for balanced discussions.

3. SPE (Situation, Problem, Effect) – Ideal for describing scenarios or challenges.

4. OREO (Opinion, Reason, Example, Opinion Restated) – Works well for giving opinions.

Sample Topics, Questions, and Band 9 Model Answers:

1. Topic: Education

Q: Do you think online learning will replace traditional classroom learning in the future?
Answer (using ABC):

• Answer:
  "In my opinion, while online learning has many advantages, it is unlikely to completely replace traditional classroom learning."

• Balance:
  "Although online platforms offer flexibility and access to global resources, they cannot fully replicate face-to-face interaction and the sense of community found in physical classrooms. Additionally, some subjects, such as nursing or engineering, require hands-on practice, which is difficult to simulate online."

• Conclude:
  "Therefore, I believe the future of education will likely involve a hybrid approach that combines the best of both online and offline learning."

Advanced Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Face-to-face interaction – Interaksi tatap muka

• Hybrid approach – Pendekatan campuran

• Hands-on practice – Latihan praktik langsung

2. Topic: Environment

Q: What can individuals do to help reduce environmental damage?
Answer (using PRE):

• Point:
  "Individuals can take several steps to reduce environmental damage."

• Reason:
  "For example, small lifestyle changes such as reducing plastic usage, conserving energy, and using public transportation can significantly lower their carbon footprint."

• Example:
  "In my case, I have started using reusable shopping bags and limiting single-use plastic products, which has reduced the amount of waste I produce."

Advanced Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Carbon footprint – Jejak karbon

• Reusable products – Produk yang dapat digunakan kembali

• Environmental awareness – Kesadaran lingkungan

3. Topic: Technology

Q: How has technology changed the way we communicate?
Answer (using OREO):

• Opinion:
  "Technology has completely transformed the way we communicate."

• Reason:
  "Modern tools like social media, video calls, and instant messaging allow people to connect in real time, regardless of distance."

• Example:
  "For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I used Zoom and WhatsApp to stay in touch with my family back in Indonesia, which made me feel connected despite being far away."

• Opinion Restated:
  "Therefore, I believe technology has made communication more accessible and efficient, although it has also reduced some face-to-face interactions."

Advanced Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Real-time communication – Komunikasi waktu nyata

• Instant messaging – Pesan instan

• Accessible and efficient – Mudah diakses dan efisien

4. Topic: Health and Fitness

Q: Why do some people find it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Answer (using SPE):

• Situation:
  "Many people struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle due to their hectic schedules and daily responsibilities."

• Problem:
  "For example, long working hours and family commitments can limit their time for exercise and preparing nutritious meals. Fast food becomes a convenient option but leads to unhealthy habits."

• Effect:
  "As a result, they often experience weight gain, fatigue, and other health issues. To counter this, it’s important to raise awareness about time management and healthy eating habits."

Advanced Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Hectic schedules – Jadwal yang padat

• Nutritious meals – Makanan bergizi

• Raise awareness – Meningkatkan kesadaran

5. Topic: Culture and Tradition

Q: Do you think cultural traditions are still important in modern society?
Answer (using PRE):

• Point:
  "Yes, I believe cultural traditions remain important in modern society."

• Reason:
  "They provide a sense of identity and belonging, helping people stay connected to their roots."

• Example:
  "For example, in Indonesia, the Eid al-Fitr celebration strengthens family bonds and reminds people of the importance of compassion and gratitude."

Advanced Vocabulary & Collocations:

• Sense of identity and belonging – Rasa identitas dan kebersamaan

• Cultural preservation – Pelestarian budaya

• Strengthen family bonds – Menguatkan ikatan keluarga

Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 3:

1. Give balanced answers:
   Acknowledge both sides of an issue to show critical thinking.
   Example:
   "While social media has improved global communication, it can also lead to misinformation and privacy concerns."

2. Use comparisons and contrast:
   Add depth by comparing ideas:
   "In contrast to traditional mail, emails and messages are instant and cost-effective."

3. Use linking phrases to connect ideas:

   • "On the one hand... on the other hand..."

   • "Similarly..."

   • "However..."

4. Expand with examples:
   Include real-life examples to support your point:
   "For instance, when I was studying abroad, technology helped me stay in touch with my family in Indonesia."