IELTS Speaking Actual Test in the UK – August 2017 & Model Answers

Preparing for your IELTS Speaking test can actually feel a bit like you are stepping into a conversation you know is important, but you aren’t that sure about how it will unfold. But the good news is that once you get to understand the structure of each of the tasks in it, the Speaking test becomes even more predictable and much easier to learn! 

IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Music

Check out this IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic and our expert- written sample answers below!

When do you listen to music?

Well, music is essential to human in the whole world so I’m no exception. I usually listen to cheerful music when I need motivation while sad music is my preference if I’m in a bad mood.

How much time do you spend listening to music every day?

As I’ve mentioned I prefer working in silence. To put it simply, no music is allowed during my working hours. After a long day at school, I probably want to chill out for like half an hour with music to help me stay energetic so I can get back to work later.

Where do you listen to it?

Almost everywhere, except for classroom. It’s the golden era of mobile devices, everyone carries earphone and phone with them all the time, music, therefore, is on their fingertips.

Where do you listen to it?

I listen to music almost everywhere, except for the classroom. It is actually the golden era of mobile devices, and everyone carries earphones and a phone along with them. Hence, music can always be there for them aton their fingertips.

What kind of music do you usually listen to?

I usually tend to listen to pop and jazz music. This is because they both have a catchy melody and smooth rhythm. At times, I do switch to acoustic- type music when I really want to listen to something calmer. It actually depends on my mood and what I am doing at that particular moment.

Who is your favorite singer or musician?

My most favorite singer is Charlie Puth. I am a big fan of his voice, and I also feel that his songs feel genuine and emotional. I love the way he pens down meaningful lyrics and also performs with just his piano. All of his songs are highly relatable to me in most of the cases.

Have your music tastes changed since you were a child?

Of course, yes. My personal music tastes have changed a lot over the years. As a kid, I mostly listened to whatever my parents played and children’s songs. But now, I have started exploring many genres and choose the kind of music based on my own personality.

Do you like to listen to live music performances?

Definitely, I love and enjoy live music since it feels more energetic and exciting. The atmosphere of these live shows is entirely a different experience from listening at home. You can clearly feel the crowd’s energy, and the music feels more real.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Marriage

Sample Answer

I am at the age when each of my friends started to tie the knot with their beloved ones, which reminds me how grown up we all are but at the same time is a true blessing. Weddings have always made me dreamy because you can feel that love is in the air. One of the most beautiful and intimate weddings I’ve ever attended was Anna’s, my classmate in high school.

I knew her from high school and she was a true embodiment of traditional women: feminine, delicate, caring and wholeheartedly devoted and I had no doubt her wedding would be the same the minute I received the invitation. It came as no surprise that the reception hall was completed covered with the pastel pink color, from many bouquets of roses, balloons, table cloths and other decorations. It should have looked like a 6-year-old birthday party, on the contrary, that light and feminine color surprisingly created a delightful and congenial atmosphere for the wedding. There were not too many people at the wedding because the groom and bride wanted to keep it simple, yet intimate and meaningful, which I couldn’t agree more. The ceremony was so emotional when the couple took an oath and exchanged wedding rings that I could have sworn I saw tears shined in their eyes. The whole ballroom erupted in endless applause and whistles when the groom landed a passionate kiss on his woman’s lips as the pastor announced them as husband and wife – one of the most magnificent moments I’ve ever witnessed and Anna could easily be the most beautiful and happiest bride I’ve ever seen in a glamorous baby pink gown and bohemian hairstyle. I also met a couple of friends in high school which made me feel like we were having a reunion and it was great to know after all those years, we could still talk and share this special moment together.

Vocabulary for Cue Card

• Tie the knot: get married
  Eg: After 5 years of being in a relationship, John and Rose decided to tie the knot in December. 
• Blessing: something good that you feel very grateful or lucky to have
  Eg: The old man gave his blessings to the newly married couple. 
• In the air: noticeable all around; becoming prevalent
  Eg: The graduates cheerfully throw their caps up in the air. 
• Bouquet: a collection of flowers, cut and tied together in an attractive way
  Eg: We gave a bouquet of flowers to the chief guest. 
• Congenial: pleasant, friendly, and enjoyable
  Eg: The management members of the institute had a congenial relationship with the students. 
• Erupt: suddenly explode with a lot of noise as people start laughing/shouting
  Eg: There was a silence until the children erupted in laughter. 

IELTS Speaking Part 3 - Marriage

How do you think of the perfect age for marriage?

I have had countless debates with my friends and we have different ideas regarding when is the ideal age to get settled. I, together with some girls, agree that it should be above 30 for both men and women while others flatly contradict us by saying people should get married as soon as possible even though they have nothing. Some may find it too late to tie a knot at the age of 30 but I cannot see the point of living together with more bills to pay and more mouths to feed without having a career and stable income, which is one of the most common reason for separation among married couples.

Why has the divorce rate increased over time in modern life?

It’s noteworthy that the divorce rate in modern life is far higher than it used to, which is not a positive trend to look forward to. Reasons for such separations vary depending on irreconcilable families’ issues which could be a financial problems, disagreement on how to raise their children, or worse, infidelity.

How has the concept of marriage changed in your country over the past few decades?

I guess marriage today has become far more flexible and individualized when we compare this to the past of my country. During the earlier times, people often married young and they were forced to follow traditional roles. Currently, many couples decide and get married later in life to prioritize both of their career developments first. Moreover, I also think that people view marriage more as a partnership between them.

Do you think marriage is still important for people today?

Yes, I think that marriage is still important for most people, but they do not necessarily feel that it is an essential one. Some people see it as a meaningful commitment and that it provides them with emotional security and a proper social recognition. While some others feel that a good relationship does not actually require a legal certificate. Hence, I would say a marriage’s importance really depends on a person’s values rather than societal expectations.

Do you think divorce is becoming more common? Why?

Yes, actually divorce is definitely more predominant today. I believe this is partly true because people these days are more aware of their rights and are less willing to stay in a long-term unhealthy relationship. The social stigma has also decreased, which in turn made it easier for people to decide onmake thethat decision of divorce. At the same time, their modern lifestyle can create a stressful situation, just like their financial pressure or work-life imbalance, which mostly leads to a marital conflict between partners. 

What qualities are important for a successful marriage?

I believe that trust, communication, and mutual respect are essential for a successful married life. Moreover, couples need to be willing to understand each other’s situation and easily come to a common ground. Shared goals are also a matter of importance as they help both the partners move in the same direction. Lastly, a good sense of humor and patience can go a long way and make it easier to overcome everyday challenges.

Vocabulary For Speaking Part 3

• Settled: if you have a settled way of life, you stay permanently in one place or job or with one person
  Eg: The old man got settled in New York to look after his only grandson. 
• Irreconcilable: can’t find a way to become friendly again after disagreement.
  Eg: The couple filed for divorce under the grounds of Irreconcilable differences. 

Also check: 

• IELTS Speaking preparation tips
• Study in United Kingdom / Study in UK
• Linking words for IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking recent actual test
• Sports Vocabulary IELTS
• Work Vocabulary IELTS
• IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions with Answers
• Idioms for IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Pronunciation Guide
• Common English words in IELTS Speaking
• Ough words