In today’s post we are covering IELTS Speaking questions and answers on the topics of Your Studies, Bags, Expensive Gifts and Money. The questions were shared by a student who took IELTS in Pakistan. The answers below show a good way to respond to these questions.
NEW! In this podcast episode you can watch the video and LISTEN to all the questions and answers. It’s great to improve your pronunciation, intonation and overall fluency!
Watch and listen in the video, or read the model answers below:
Speaking test
Part 1 (Interview) Questions & Answers
1. Do you work or study?
I’m studying at the moment. I’m in the fourth year of my degree, so basically, I’m almost done.
2. What subject do you study, and why did you choose it?
I chose to major in environmental science. I guess I have always been passionate about nature and conservation, so this just seemed like a natural fit for me. Basically, I want to understand the natural world better and, hopefully, make a difference in protecting our environment.
3. Do you enjoy your courses?
I do, and even more than I thought I would! It’s true that some subjects are tougher than others, but I have had the privilege to study under some of the world’s most renowned experts in this field which makes up for these challenging courses.
4. Do you carry a bag with you when you go to university?
I do, and it’s usually just my laptop bag with a few snacks for the day. There is really no need to carry any hard copy books in this day and age.
5. What did you carry in your bag when you went to primary school?
Oh, this question really takes me back! I was one of those kids that always had tons of stationary and huge pencil boxes. I always kept my books neat and tidy, and my prized possessions were my pack of colour gel pens and scented erasers.
6. What type of bag do you take with you when you go on holidays?
Strangely enough, I hardly pack anything except the bare essentials. I just bring along a small carry-on bag. The main reason why is actually a bit funny though! I never have to overpack, because I always travel with my elder brother, and his luggage usually includes everything you could possibly need on holiday.
Part 2 (Cue Card) Question & Answer
Talk about an expensive gift you would like to give to someone. You should say
– what the gift would be
– who you would give it to
– when you would do it
and explain why you would like to give that person an expensive gift.
Answer
I’ve been saving up for a while to give my mom a luxury spa getaway package in a very pricey beach resort. The package includes a stay at a 5-star hotel, along with massages, saunas, facials and many other pampering treatments that I’m sure she’ll love.
The reason for me choosing this particular gift for my mom is quite special. For as far back as I can remember, my mom has always put everyone else’s needs before her own. Even as a kid, I remember that she would hardly ever buy nice things for herself, but she always made sure that we had the best of everything. So, I would like for her to feel like the queen that she is. She definitely deserves to experience a little luxury for a change.
This mini getaway would also be a way to spend some much-needed quality time with my mom and sister. It’s a shame we barely see each other these days, because we all live in different cities.
I plan on surprising mom on her birthday, which is coming up in about two months. My sister and I have arranged for a small get together with some of her closest friends, and I guess that’ll be the perfect time to tell her about our trip.
It’s just a small way to thank her for being the most amazing mom. I suspect she’ll be a bit shocked by how expensive the gift is! But I also know that there is no amount of money that can repay for all that she’s done for us.
Part 3 (Discussion) Questions & Answers
1. What is the value of money to you?
To me, money represents stability and security. I grew up in a poor household, so I have experienced firsthand what life without a lot of money is like. I know that it’s not everything life is about, but having money means that you can do or buy things that you enjoy without having to stress about finances.
2. Where do people learn the value of money, at home or in school?
Well, it’s a bit of both, actually. We learn about how to manage expenses from our parents, but at school and at home we also learn about the way money works and how it can be used. Even something as simple as using your pocket money to buy sweets from the school tuckshop can teach a child how to manage their money and how to use it wisely.
3. Do you think children should be taught how to manage money?
Yes, and I wish I was taught these things in school. Managing money is an essential life skill that will help children to be more responsible in the future.
4. Is it important for people to learn to save money?
Yes, I think so, because life is unpredictable and if people knew about the best ways to save money, then their savings could act as a safety net in case of any unfortunate circumstances, like losing their job or medical emergencies.
5. How much of its budget should a country spend on education and health?
Well, I am not an expert, but I think that a big part of the budget should be shared by both sectors. In my view, countries that prioritise education are always the ones that prosper in terms of economy and in all other areas as well. I guess I would say that around 30 percent of the country’s budget should be allocated to the health and education sectors. However, I should add that allocating money isn’t the only thing. Development in these sectors also depends on the proper management of the funds.
6. Should a country spend money on arts?
Most definitely, because Art is more than just entertainment. It plays a pivotal role in fostering creativity and brings people from all walks of life together. It can also be a medium to represent our culture and traditions to the world, so there should be some investment in all forms of art.
7. What is the effect of Art on the young people of your country?
I think the younger generation have done wonders in the world of art. They are masters at using different mediums like music, painting and even acting to express themselves and their new ways of thinking. Engaging in these different forms of art has led to a more vibrant and powerful generation that can think creatively and critically.
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