IELTS Speaking interview questions
Questions IELTS Speaking boards really ask, and what they listen for. Then sit a realistic AI interview board that follows up on your answers.
Basic questions
- Do you work, or are you a student?
- Describe your hometown.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- Do you prefer mornings or evenings? Why?
- What kind of music do you enjoy?
- How do you usually travel to work or school?
- What is your favourite season, and why?
- Do you enjoy cooking? Why or why not?
Practical questions
- Describe a person who has influenced you. Say who they are, how you know them, and why they matter.
- Describe a place you would like to visit, and explain why.
- Describe a skill you learned recently and how you learned it.
- Talk about a book or film that made you think.
- Describe a time you helped someone.
- Some people prefer studying alone, others in groups. Which do you prefer, and why?
- Describe a memorable journey you have taken.
- Describe a piece of technology you use every day.
What the board wants to hear
Strong answers usually touch on:
fluencycoherencevocabularygrammarpronunciationexamplereasonopinioncomparecontrasthoweverfor instancein my experienceon the other handadvantagedisadvantage
- Answer with a real example: the situation, what you did, and the result, ideally with a number.
- Keep each answer to about a minute; make your main point in the first two sentences.
- Expect follow-ups. Board members probe every claim and cross-question each other's topics.
Ready for the tough questions?
Hard and extreme questions are only asked live, so you can't memorise them. Nexus asks them by voice, follows up, and gives you a score, your mistakes and a stronger answer for every question.
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