IELTS Speaking Topics Part 1, 2 & 3 (Latest 2025) with answers and tips!

Summary: Are you wondering, "How to talk for 2 minutes in IELTS?" or “What are the most common IELTS Speaking topics in 2025?” You’re not alone. In fact, these are some of the top-searched queries by test takers every month. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest IELTS Speaking topics 2025, provide IELTS Speaking questions and answers, and guide you on how to handle Part 1, Part 2 (cue cards), and Part 3 with confidence.

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What is the IELTS Speaking test format?

The IELTS Speaking test is the same for both Academic and General Training and is conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner. The duration is 11–14 minutes and is divided into three parts:

Learn about IELTS Speaking Questions - Part 1, 2 and 3

There are three parts to a Speaking Test:

Why is it hard to speak for 2 minutes in IELTS? Well, it’s not!

Many test takers ask:

• "How can I speak 2 minutes in IELTS?"

• "How to start Part 2 in IELTS Speaking?"

• "Can I speak slowly in IELTS?"

Speaking for 2 minutes is not that challenging because, it’s just like having conversation with your friends, the only difference is you speak in English. It’s important for you to stay fluent, relevant, and organised. But don’t worry! We’ll show you how.

Latest IELTS Speaking topics with answers (2025 edition)

Here’s a list of the most common IELTS peaking topics across all parts, including cue cards 2025.

1. IELTS Speaking part 1 questions – Introduction

These include personal and everyday topics:

Q. What do you do in your free time?

A: I enjoy reading biographies and cycling in the evening to stay active.

Q. Do you work or study?

A: I currently work as a digital marketing analyst for an e-learning company.

Q. Where do you live?

A: I live in Ahmedabad, a fast-growing city in western India.

2. IELTS Speaking part 2 – Cue cards 2025 (Speak for 2 minutes)

These IELTS Speaking cue cards 2025 are trending now:

Cue Card 1: Describe a person who inspires you

A: One person who truly inspires me is my grandmother. She didn’t have much formal education, but she’s one of the wisest and strongest people I know. She raised four children, managed the household, and supported the entire family with so much patience and love.

What really inspires me is how she stays positive even during tough times. I remember when my father lost his job—everyone was stressed, but she kept us calm, saying, “This too shall pass.” That kind of strength left a deep impression on me.

Even now, in her 70s, she wakes up early, cooks for everyone, and takes care of her plants. She finds joy in simple things and always teaches us to be kind, strong, and grateful. Her life has taught me that true success lies in character, not achievements. She’s my role model.

Cue Card 2: Describe a place you want to visit

A: A place I really want to visit is Japan. I’ve always been fascinated by its mix of tradition and technology. The idea of walking through cherry blossom parks in spring and exploring ancient temples in Kyoto sounds magical to me.

At the same time, I’d love to visit Tokyo to see its tech hubs, anime culture, and futuristic gadgets. I also enjoy Japanese food, like sushi and ramen, so trying authentic dishes would be a dream come true.

I admire the Japanese values of discipline, respect, and cleanliness. I think visiting Japan would not just be a vacation but a learning experience. It’s definitely at the top of my travel bucket list.

Cue Card 3: Describe a hobby you’ve recently started

A: Recently, I started photography as a hobby. It began casually with my phone camera, but over time I got really interested in capturing different moments—like sunsets, street scenes, or even close-ups of flowers.

Photography has changed the way I observe things. I now notice small details I used to ignore, like patterns in leaves or shadows on buildings. It’s a peaceful and creative activity that helps me relax after work.

I also share my photos online, and the positive feedback keeps me motivated. I’ve even started learning editing tools to improve my pictures. It’s a fun, meaningful hobby that I plan to continue.

3. IELTS Speaking part 3 – Follow-up questions

These are opinion-based and require deeper thought.

Q: How can people stay calm during a IELTS Speaking test?

A: Practicing regularly, breathing deeply, and treating the examiner like a friend can help reduce anxiety.

Q: What happens if I don’t speak for 2 minutes in IELTS?

A: There’s no penalty but speaking for less time may affect your fluency and coherence score.

Q: How to score 7 or above in IELTS Speaking?

A: Use varied vocabulary, stay on topic, speak clearly, and provide examples. Practice is key.

Most Common IELTS Speaking Topics 2025

Here are some common IELTS Speaking topics that often come up in the test:

1. Personal information:

• Introduce yourself (name, occupation, where you're from)

• Talk about your family

• Describe your hometown

2. Hobbies and interests:

• Discuss your favourite leisure activities

• Talk about sports you enjoy or follow

• Share your hobbies and why you like them

3. Education and work:

• Describe your current or past studies

• Talk about your job or future career plans

• Discuss your favourite subjects and why you like them

4. Travel and tourism:

• Describe a memorable trip you've taken

• Talk about a place you would like to visit and why

• Discuss the importance of travel and its benefits

5. Technology and media:

• Talk about your favourite websites or apps

• Discuss the influence of social media

• Share your opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of technology

6. Environment and conservation:

• Discuss environmental issues and their impact

• Talk about steps to protect the environment

• Share your opinion on sustainable living

7. Health and fitness:

• Discuss the importance of a healthy lifestyle

• Talk about your exercise routine or favourite sport

• Share your opinion on junk food and its effects

8. Culture and traditions:

• Talk about a traditional festival in your country

• Discuss the importance of preserving cultural heritage

• Share your opinion on globalisation and its impact on culture

9. Social issues:

• Discuss poverty and its causes.

• Talk about the impact of immigration on society.

• Share your opinion on gender equality.

10. Future plans and aspirations:

• Talk about your goals and ambitions

• Discuss your plans for further education

• Share your opinion on the importance of setting goals

Remember, these are just some common topics, and the actual questions may vary. It's essential to practice speaking about a wide range of subjects to be well-prepared for the IELTS Speaking test.

Practice with these common questions with answers for IELTS Speaking topics

Here are some more common IELTS Speaking topics along with sample answers for all three parts:

IELTS Speaking topic Part 1: Introduction and General questions

Ques 1: What's your name?

Ans: My full name is John Smith.

Ques 2: Can I see your ID?

Ans: Sure, here's my passport.

Ques 3: Where are you from?

Ans: I'm from London, England.

Ques 4: Do you work or study?

Ans: I work as a software engineer in a tech company.

Ques 5: What do you like to do in your free time?

Ans: In my free time, I enjoy reading books and playing the guitar.

IELTS Speaking topic Part 2: Cue card (Describe a specific topic)

Ques 1: Describe a memorable holiday you have had.

Ans: One of my most memorable holidays was in Manali, India. Situated in Himachal Pradesh, it is known for its stunning landscapes, tranquil valleys, and thrilling adventure activities. The snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and the flowing Beas River created a picturesque setting. Exploring attractions like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley, I enjoyed breathtaking views, snow activities, and paragliding. Discovering the local culture, visiting the Hadimba Temple, and strolling through the vibrant Mall Road were highlights. Manali also served as a gateway to nearby destinations like Kullu and Manikaran, where I enjoyed river rafting and hot springs. It was an unforgettable holiday filled with natural beauty, thrilling adventures, and cultural experiences.

Ques 2: Talk about a person who has inspired you.

Ans: One person who has been a great source of inspiration for me is my grandmother. She has overcome numerous challenges in her life and has always maintained a positive attitude. Her resilience and determination have taught me the value of perseverance. She has also instilled in me the importance of kindness and empathy towards others. Whenever I face difficulties, I think of her strength, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward.

IELTS Speaking topic Part 3: Discussion and follow-up questions

Ques 1: How important is it to travel and experience different cultures?

Ans: Traveling and experiencing different cultures is highly important as it broadens our perspectives and deepens our understanding of the world. It allows us to appreciate diversity, learn from different traditions, and break down stereotypes. Moreover, it fosters cultural exchange and promotes mutual respect among people from different backgrounds. Overall, traveling enriches our lives and contributes to personal growth.

Ques 2: What are the benefits of learning a foreign language?

Ans: Learning a foreign language has numerous benefits. Firstly, it improves communication skills and enables effective interaction with people from different cultures. Secondly, it enhances cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving. Additionally, it opens up job opportunities in an increasingly globalised world. Lastly, learning a foreign language promotes cultural appreciation and fosters a deeper understanding of other societies. It's a valuable skill that broadens horizons and enriches personal development. Remember to personalise your answers and provide specific examples from your own experiences whenever possible. Practice speaking aloud and focus on fluency, coherence, and accuracy. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

Studying different IELTS topics for the Speaking test helps you build vocabulary, develop ideas, enhance fluency and coherence, and increase your preparedness for a variety of subjects. It is an effective strategy to improve your performance and increase your chances of achieving a higher score on the IELTS Speaking test.

Why practice multiple IELTS Speaking topics?

• Familiarity: Know what to expect

• Vocabulary boost: Learn topic-specific words

• Confidence: Speak clearly even on surprise topics

• Fluency: Speak smoothly and without hesitation

• Better scores: More relevant examples and ideas = higher band

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FAQs: Answering real IELTS Speaking queries