Band 8.0 Sample Answers for 33 Topics of IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Part 1/2 – Sing, Walking, Newspaper and magazine, Activity near water, Books, Photography, Weekends

The IELTS Speaking Module is designed to assess your English Language Speaking Skills. To ensure a good score in the IELTS Speaking Module, you must study and practice the common Speaking Question types. Below is a sample Speaking Module with responses. By studying the sample answers, you can have a reference to begin drafting your own Speaking section answers.

Speaking Part 1

Singing

1 Can you sing?

Yes indeed, I can. While my voice is not perfect, I can sing well enough to impress people at a party!

2 Do you like to sing?

I absolutely love singing. Although I just discovered my singing ability like 3 or 4 years ago and it’s definitely not perfect, but singing to me is just to enjoy music, you know. Often when I’m into a song, I can’t help myself singing it day and night.

3 When do you like to sing?

I sing whenever I feel like, when I’m bored or when I’m happy. And since I’m not a so-called performer, most of the time I sing for myself.

4 How often do you sing now?

Well as I already mentioned, to me singing is all about enjoying myself, so unless that song is so amazing, or my voice is so surprisingly incredible on that day that I can keep singing for hours, otherwise I definitely can go a day without any singing.

5 What kinds of music do you like to sing?

I must say it depends on my mood. If I’m so down, singing some songs which bring back some past memories could make me feel somehow released, and on the days when I’m so motivated, so energetic, I would sing the songs that are full-of-hope and sunshine and dreams. Yeah, so you can tell that I don’t stick with a certain kind of music.

6 Is it difficult to sing well?

Indeed. Unless you have a beautiful voice as a Gift from God, or you at least have gained yourself some basic knowledge about notes, vocal ranges and beat, etc., that it’s easier for you to go further in your singing career, otherwise yes, singing well would be a huge challenge.

7 Do you want to be a singer?

Well, from what I’ve known, being a singer is not easy at all. It’s not just about performing, but it’s also involved interaction with fans and other colleagues. Based on what I’ve known about showbiz, and even the music industry in general, I think that is not a place for me.

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Walking

8 Do you like walk?

Walking is unavoidable especially when you live on campus. You go to school on foot, you go buy food on foot, you walk here and there everyday. There are days that my legs actually killed me. Although I should think of it like exercise, but to be honest, I think I’m too old for everyday-walking now.

9 Do you like to walk on your own or with others?

Say if I’m in a hurry definitely I just walk or run as fast as I can, no time for chit chat right? But even when there’s a plenty of time, walking is ideal to calm myself down, breath in some fresh air and enjoy the world outside in silence. So I think I’m more into walking on my own.

10 Would you say that your city is a good place for walking?

Walking is not as popular as it used to be in Ho Chi Minh City, as more and more people prefer riding a motorbike. So currently there are fewer parks or walking areas. Moreover, walking under such hot weather with heavily polluted air is definitely not a good idea. So I would not recommend my city as a good place for walking.

Liking this article? Then don’t forget to check out:

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• Sports Vocabulary IELTS
• Work Vocabulary IELTS
• IELTS Pronunciation Guide
• Common English words in IELTS Speaking

Newspaper and magazine

11 Do you often read newspapers?

Newspaper is actually not interesting to me. Although the information provided is updated and official, the boring black-and-white theme and small-sized font of daily newspaper appeared to be uncomfortable for me to read.

12 When do you like to read?

Unlike newspaper, I’m a fan of magazines. I’d like to keep myself updated with a wide variety of information that is offered by magazines. A colorful magazine specialized for young adults is definitely a good choice for me after work, or even when I’m on the go.

13 Do you prefer to read local news or international news?

I think local news is more preferable for me. I’m the type of person who cannot digest too much information that is brought about by international news. And the topics are often far from my concern. So I guess I like to narrow my area of concern down to something local.

14 Which is more popular in the place where you live, newspapers or magazines?

In terms of popularity I think newspaper is the winner. The content of magazines are more specific to a group of people while that of newspapers is more general for everyone regardless of age, gender and occupations. Newspaper wins also thanks to its price. The paper material and printing quality of magazine make them two to three times more expensive compared to newspaper, thus newspaper is way more affordable.

15 Do many people today read newspapers?

As I’ve mentioned before newspaper is more approachable in terms of content and more affordable in terms of price. Hence, nowadays, people of all age, gender or occupations love reading newspaper.

16 In the future, do you think more people than today will read magazines, or fewer people?

Personally I think less people will read magazines, as the material and printing is becoming more and more expensive. In addition, because the content is becoming highly specific for only a small group of the community, meaning that the information provided is not widely helpful, thus I think in the future not many people will continue reading magazines.

17 Do you think newspapers will be very important to you in the future?

Although it’s not my taste, I must say that newspaper is now important to me. The information is highly official and reliable at a reasonable price. I think I should spend more time on reading newspaper from now on.

Activity near water

18 How much time have you spent by the ocean?

Since I live inland, not much. But my family and I always go to a beach destination for our summer holidays.

What activities would you do if you were spending some leisure time at a beach or near the ocean?

Obviously I’d first take some picture. The oceans looks stunning at any time to me. Then I’ll go swimming. There’s no such thing more relaxing than deepening myself under the water. Then probably I’ll build some sandcastle or just lie down and enjoy the fresh air.

19 Why do some people like water sports?

The first reason I could think of is because of the water. It’s fresh, it’s cool and it’s calming. Water is even believed to have the capability of easing our mind, which might explain why people love swimming. Besides, when it comes to diving, surfing or canoeing, the story is totally different. Extreme sports under the water bring about unforgettable experiences with the nature.

20 Do you think the government should invest money in developing facilities for water sports?

Since I’m not a fan of water sports, what I know about the current problem of facilities is actually limited. But personally, I think it depends on whether that type of water sports worths investing in. If it serves for practice for national or international competitions, definitely upgrading should be allowed.

21 Do you think that human activity is posing a threat to the oceans of the world? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling on the ocean?

There are indeed a large number of human activities that have serious impacts on the oceans, namely fishing, shipping, oil spillage and tourism. Some of the consequences remain unsolved for many years. Combining with other activities taking place on land, human nowadays are continuously destroying the nature.
There is such a wonderful world under the sea that almost every human desires to discover. Travelling is a good mean to kick-start. However, a number of accidents have taken place. Therefore, travellers’ safety is one of the top concerns.

22 Do you think it’s important for children to learn how to swim?

It is extremely important for children to learn swimming. A number of accidents have taken place over the past few years due to parents’ unawareness. Thus, children need to be taught to swim so they can protect themselves.

23 Do you think it’s best for a child to be taught to swim by a parent or by someone else?

Of course the child should be taught by his parents. Unless they also don’t know how to swim that they should need a guide for help. However, they should also be there with their son to encourage him or protect him.

Books

24 How often do you read?

As a final year student I spend most of my time on reading, especially textbooks and other reference books that my lecturers recommend in the reading list. I’m also a fan of novels or fictions, but only during summer break that I have time to read them.

25 Do you have many books at home?

Totally. I’m a bookaholic to be honest. I enjoy going to annual book fairs where they usually run big sales to get lots of books without much worries ‘bout the price. Since my parents are also book-nerds, I think the number of books we have is even enough to open a bookstore.

26 Do Vietnamese people do enough reading?

If you mean reading something meaningful and realistic, I must say it’s not enough. The young generation are too into technology that I don’t think they have time for reading. Plus, publishing nowadays is not as strictly selective as it used to be, thus the young mostly read a number of books which indeed have no value at all, compared to Les Miserable, Gone with the wind, Jane Eyre, etc.

27 What kind of people like reading and what kind of people don’t like reading very much?

From my point of view, I think book-nerds are those who prefer putting themselves into the character’s shoe, you know, they wanna interact with the story, the characters on their own way. Some of them love to imagine how the story is supposed to continue while some keep wondering what they would do if the drama suddenly happened in their real life. Those who do not like to read are either too busy with their life that they even can’t remember the characters’ names, or they prefer listening, I mean, they have someone read the story and tell them the ending only.

Photography

28 Do you like to take photographs? Why?

If it was 3 to 4 years ago the answer is a big no. But now it has become one of my hobbies and I’m actually thinking of learning more about it. I had no idea what I can do with my iPhone until I learn to make use of its wonderful camera as well as some miracle apps. Unlike some people, I indeed want my photos to look unique, lively and somehow professional.

29 Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people take your photos? Why?

It would be way more comfortable taking photo myself, as I can see crystal-clear how ridiculous my face expression looks like or if there’s something clinging on my hair or stucking between my teeth. And in case it’s a scenery photo, I can apply the techniques I’ve learned to produce stunning photos.

30 How long have you liked taking photographs?

Just recently. As a final year student, I no longer can spend hours on drawing, reading or singing. Only photography which is far more instant suits me best now. And as I enjoy my life on this campus, for example the road I walk to school everyday, the sunset, the rainbow, the trees, so photography is the best way to store my memories.

31 In what situations do you take photographs?

As I’ve mentioned, I love capturing every moment I have here, so I take photos when I and my friends hang out, when I participate in social activities of the university and meet amazing people. However, when it comes to practice for professional photography, I prefer taking photos of scenery and foods.

32 What kind of photos do you like to take? Why?

Foods and scenery are definitely my inspiration. I just can’t sit still when beautiful breakfasts and stunning landscape keep appearing on my Instagram everyday. What is more, it is my natural instint that helps me to go find the simple uniqueness of my university, namely the sunset, the lake, the trees and flowers and show people how beautiful my university is. However, I’m not good at taking photos of people so activities or street-life is not my style.

33 How (why) did you become interested in photograph?

The situation was quite all of a sudden. I posted some scenery photos I took randomly on Instagram and received lots of compliments, even from those whom I’m not following. Then I realized I should develop this skill, you know, should take it seriously to keep on the good work. And the more I learn about it, the more passionate I become.

34 How often do you take photographs?

Not too often I must say. Since I really don’t like posting boring photos with the same object all the time, so timing is everything. I believe my guts will know exactly when and how I should flick to produce high-quality photos.

35 Do you prefer to take pictures of people or of scenery?

I think I’m gonna go for taking scenery photos. As a beginner, things like the human facial expression, the part that needs focus, the harmonization between them and their surroundings are quite advanced for me. I really can’t make the person in my photo become lively as I do with the scenery. So yeah, scenery is safer and more enjoyable.

36 Who do you take photos of?

Although I’m not good at taking photos of people, I do take selfies with new friends whom I met when I join in social activities. To me it’s more like a reminder or something to look back, reminding me that yeah, this time last year I went out, I met amazing people and had lots of fun.

37 How do you keep your photos?

Printing the photos out, making an album or sticking them on the wall for decoration sound so common and also interesting. But I don’t think photos worth that much time and budget, unless what I captured is apparently important to me, otherwise I only keep them in my iPhone.

38 Do you keep your photographs on your computer?

I don’t think I need to. Firstly because my memory is somewhat similar to gold-fish memory, storing in different devices would drive me crazy. Plus, my iPhone has large memory storage so I think I won’t need computer for storage.

39 Are there any photos on the walls of your house?

Since my parents love decorating our house, putting photos nicely on the walls of my house is an essential part of their decoration style. Some photos go with frame or plastic cover, some are sticked directly onto the wall in heart-shaped. However, I don’t like seeing my face grinning everywhere in the house so I told them to let me decorate my room on my own.

40 Do you frame (or have you framed) any of your photos? yes, which?& why?

Although I don’t usually print my photos out, I think I would store some photos of me with my high school friends or me with my family. And framing is good at preventing scratching and long-term storage, so this probably a good alternative beside albums.

41 Do you prefer to send postcards to people or to send photos that you took yourself? (Why)

Firstly, the postcards are made of thicker paper, which makes it way more convenient for long-term storage as well as decoration. Also the process of sending and receiving postcards appeared to be simplier and faster compared to photos. For those reasons I think I would prefer sending postcards.

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Weekends

42 What do you do in your spare time?

Because I’d prefer staying at home so I spend my spare time for my hobbies. Usually I’ll start by turning on some music. If I have plenty of time, I’ll get straight to dancing or drawing. Otherwise, if it’s just a quick break, social network would definitely a good choice.

43 When do you spend time with your family?

Since my parents go to work for a whole day, I and my younger brother has classes everyday, so we only meet to have dinner in the evening. Although we’re busy with our own schedule, we try to maintain the family-dinner as regularly as possible, so having dinner with my family has apparently become a habit.

44 What do you usually do on weekends? What did you do last weekend?

Weekends are my pamper days, if I don’t have to go to the supermarket to fill my fridge or meet my friends. Of course the first thing I’ll do every weekend is to oversleep as long as I could. Though I stay at home, weekends don’t get me away from work. However, I can spend more time to chill out. I’d like to cook myself a big yummy meal and watch some TV while eating. The it’s time for hobbies. I’d probably practice dancing for a while or go online chatting with my friends a bit longer. And when the night comes after planning what to do next week, I’ll give myself some treatment and go to bed early.

45 What do other people in your hometown (or in your country) usually do on weekend?

As far as I’m concerned, people in Vietnam have a number of things to do on weekends. They can go shopping. They can play sports or they can have drink with their friends at some nice coffee shops. Due to the weather condition, most people prefer getting outdoor during nightime.

46 What are you going to do next weekend?

I don’t have any actual plan for weekends to be honest. If I’m free and the weather is nice, probably I’d have a drink and chit chat with my friends, since we don’t see each other often during weekdays. Otherwise I’ll just stay home, continue with my work and enjoy myself.

46 Do you think it is important to make the most of your weekend?

I absolutely agree with this idea. Call me a workaholic but to me weekend is a perfect time for revising and planning ahead for the incoming week. With final-year students, our weekends are no different from weekdays except for no classes. I think we had better get familiar with it and try to make use of our weekends.

47 Do you feel that weekends now are more important to you than when you were a child?

Yes, weekends or day-offs have become so important to me this year. Classes take away so much time that we barely have time for self-study or revision, not to mention taking care of ourselves. Back then I was of course more relaxed. There were no pressure, no deadlines and I had my parents take care of me.

Vocabulary

• Colleagues: a person with whom one works in a profession or business.
  Eg: She is my sister’s colleague 
• vocal ranges: Vocal range is the range of pitches that a human voice can phonate. Its most common application is within the context of singing, where it is used as a defining characteristic for classifying singing voices into voice types.
  Eg: Her vocal range is very high
• Ideal: satisfying one’s conception of what is perfect; most suitable.
  Eg: She wants the ideal dress for her wedding
• black-and-white theme: (of a photograph, film, television programme, etc.) in black, white, shades of grey, and no other colour.
  Eg: Black-and-white theme is very classy for halloween.
• Stunning: very attractive
  Eg: Her earrings are stunning.
• Reasonable: affordable
  Eg: You will get it at the market for a reasonable price
• Surfing: Surfing is a surface water sport in which an individual, a surfer, uses a board to ride on the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore.
  Eg: She went for surfing
• Nerds: a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious.
  Eg: Ram is teased by his brother for being called a nerd.
• Uniqueness: Different from others
  Eg: Every person’s uniqueness is their asset
• Convenient: fitting in well with a person’s needs, activities, and plans.
  Eg: Buying groceries is not convenient at the malls
• Pamper: Taking extra care
  Eg: She pampers her dog well
• Self-study: studying by your own
  Eg: She is doing self-study

For Part 2/2, you can read at “Band 8.0 Sample Answers for 33 Topics of IELTS Speaking Part 1 (September-December 2016)- Part 2/2”.