IELTS Speaking topics for 2026: Part 1, cue cards and Part 3

Cue card

Describe a person you admire.

You should say:

• •who this person is
• •how you know them
• •what they have done
• •and explain why you admire them

Part 3 · role models and the qualities societies value in people

• What qualities do people in your country admire most in others?
• Do young people today have different role models from their parents?
• Should famous people be expected to behave as role models?

Cue card

Describe a person who helped you when you needed it.

You should say:

• •who the person was
• •what you needed help with
• •how they helped you
• •and explain how you felt about their help

Part 3 · helping others and community support

• Do people help each other less than they used to?
• Why do some people find it hard to ask for help?
• Should schools teach children to volunteer?

Cue card

Describe a famous person you would like to meet.

You should say:

• •who the person is
• •how you know about them
• •what you would say to them
• •and explain why you would like to meet them

Part 3 · fame and celebrity culture

• Why are people so interested in the lives of celebrities?
• Is being famous mostly a good or a bad thing?
• Should the media respect the privacy of famous people?

Cue card

Describe an older person you know and respect.

You should say:

• •who the person is
• •how you know them
• •what you talk about together
• •and explain why you respect them

Part 3 · older people and the generations

• Do young people and old people spend enough time together in your country?
• What can young people learn from the older generation?
• Should older people continue working if they want to?

Cue card

Describe a time you spent with a child.

You should say:

• •who the child was
• •what you did together
• •how long you spent together
• •and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 · childhood and bringing up children

• Is childhood today different from when your parents were young?
• Should children spend more time outdoors?
• Who has more influence on a child, parents or teachers?

Cue card

Describe a teacher who has influenced you.

You should say:

• •who the teacher was
• •what they taught
• •what was special about them
• •and explain how they influenced you

Part 3 · teaching and education

• What makes someone a good teacher?
• Will teachers be replaced by technology one day?
• Should teachers be paid more in your country?

Cue card

Describe a neighbour you know.

You should say:

• •who they are
• •how long you have known them
• •what they are like
• •and explain whether you think they are a good neighbour

Part 3 · neighbourhoods and community life

• Do people know their neighbours as well as they used to?
• What makes a neighbourhood a good place to live?
• Why do some people prefer not to know their neighbours?

Cue card

Describe a person who is very good at their job.

You should say:

• •who the person is
• •what their job is
• •how you know about their work
• •and explain why you think they are good at it

Part 3 · work and job satisfaction

• What makes people good at their jobs?
• Is job satisfaction more important than salary?
• Why do some people change jobs often?

Cue card

Describe a quiet place you like to go to.

You should say:

• •where it is
• •how often you go there
• •what you do there
• •and explain why you like it

Part 3 · noise, stress and finding peace in modern life

• Why is it hard to find quiet places in cities?
• Do people need silence to think well?
• Is modern life more stressful than life in the past?

Cue card

Describe a city you have visited that you liked.

You should say:

• •where it is
• •when you went there
• •what you did there
• •and explain why you liked it

Part 3 · cities and urban life

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?
• Why do so many people move to cities?
• What problems will cities face in the future?

Cue card

Describe a house or apartment you would like to live in.

You should say:

• •where it would be
• •what it would look like
• •who you would live there with
• •and explain why you would like to live there

Part 3 · housing and where people live

• Is it better to rent or to own a home?
• Why is housing so expensive in many cities?
• Do people prefer houses or apartments in your country?

Cue card

Describe a park or garden you enjoy visiting.

You should say:

• •where it is
• •what it looks like
• •what people do there
• •and explain why you enjoy it

Part 3 · green spaces and the environment in cities

• Why are parks important for city life?
• Do people use parks differently now than in the past?
• Should cities spend money on parks or on housing?

Cue card

Describe a shop you like to go to.

You should say:

• •what the shop sells
• •where it is
• •how often you go there
• •and explain why you like it

Part 3 · shopping habits and consumerism

• How has shopping changed in the last ten years?
• Will small shops survive against online retailers?
• Do people buy too many things they do not need?

Cue card

Describe a restaurant you enjoyed going to.

You should say:

• •where it is
• •what kind of food it serves
• •who you went with
• •and explain why you enjoyed it

Part 3 · eating out and food culture

• Why do people eat out more than they used to?
• Is fast food a problem in your country?
• How is food culture in your country changing?

Cue card

Describe a tourist attraction in your country you would recommend.

You should say:

• •what it is
• •where it is
• •what people do there
• •and explain why you would recommend it

Part 3 · tourism and its effects

• What are the benefits of tourism for a country?
• Can tourism damage the places people visit?
• Why do people like to visit famous places?

Cue card

Describe a place in the countryside you have visited.

You should say:

• •where it is
• •when you went there
• •what you did there
• •and explain how you felt about the place

Part 3 · rural life compared with city life

• Why do people leave the countryside for cities?
• Is life in the countryside better for children?
• How is rural life changing in your country?

Cue card

Describe a gift you received that you liked a lot.

You should say:

• •what it was
• •who gave it to you
• •what the occasion was
• •and explain why you liked it so much

Part 3 · giving and receiving

• Why do people give gifts?
• Has gift-giving become too commercial?
• Is it better to give money or a present?

Cue card

Describe a piece of clothing you like to wear.

You should say:

• •what it is
• •where you got it
• •when you wear it
• •and explain why you like it

Part 3 · fashion and clothing

• Why do people follow fashion?
• Is fashion more important to young people than to older people?
• Do clothes tell us anything about a person?

Cue card

Describe a photograph you like.

You should say:

• •what is in the photo
• •who took it
• •when it was taken
• •and explain why you like it

Part 3 · photography and images in daily life

• Why do people take so many photographs today?
• Are photographs a good way to keep memories?
• Is it a problem that photos can be changed so easily?

Cue card

Describe something you bought recently that you were pleased with.

You should say:

• •what it was
• •where you bought it
• •why you bought it
• •and explain why you were pleased with it

Part 3 · spending and buying decisions

• Why do people sometimes regret what they buy?
• Are people more careful with money now than in the past?
• How do advertisements influence what people buy?

Cue card

Describe a piece of technology you find useful.

You should say:

• •what it is
• •how you use it
• •how often you use it
• •and explain why it is useful to you

Part 3 · technology in daily life

• How has technology changed the way people communicate?
• Are people too dependent on technology?
• Should there be limits on how much time children spend on screens?

Cue card

Describe a toy you had as a child.

You should say:

• •what it was
• •who gave it to you
• •how you played with it
• •and explain why it was special to you

Part 3 · play, toys and childhood

• Are the toys children play with today very different from the past?
• Do children need expensive toys to be happy?
• Is it important for children to play with other children?

Cue card

Describe a painting, sculpture or other piece of art you like.

You should say:

• •what it is
• •where you saw it
• •what it looks like
• •and explain why you like it

Part 3 · art and its place in society

• Why do people enjoy art?
• Should governments spend money on art?
• Is art as important as science in schools?

Cue card

Describe a book you enjoyed reading.

You should say:

• •what the book was
• •what it was about
• •why you decided to read it
• •and explain why you enjoyed it

Part 3 · reading and books

• Do people read less than they used to?
• Will printed books disappear?
• How can parents encourage children to read?

Cue card

Describe a song that means something to you.

You should say:

• •what the song is
• •when you first heard it
• •what it is about
• •and explain why it means something to you

Part 3 · music in people's lives

• Why does music mean so much to people?
• Is traditional music still important in your country?
• How has the way people listen to music changed?

Cue card

Describe a film that impressed you.

You should say:

• •what the film was
• •what it was about
• •who you watched it with
• •and explain why it impressed you

Part 3 · films and the influence of media

• Why are some films popular all over the world?
• Do films influence how people behave?
• Is it better to watch films at the cinema or at home?

Cue card

Describe a website or app you use often.

You should say:

• •what it is
• •what you use it for
• •how you found out about it
• •and explain why you use it so often

Part 3 · the internet and online life

• What are the biggest changes the internet has brought?
• Is everything on the internet trustworthy?
• Should the internet be controlled by governments?

Cue card

Describe an advertisement you remember well.

You should say:

• •what it was for
• •where you saw it
• •what happened in it
• •and explain why you remember it

Part 3 · advertising and its influence

• Why is advertising so effective?
• Should some products not be advertised at all?
• Do people trust advertisements?

Cue card

Describe a car, bicycle or other vehicle you would like to own.

You should say:

• •what it is
• •what it looks like
• •what you would use it for
• •and explain why you would like to own it

Part 3 · transport and travel in cities

• What are the main transport problems in your country?
• Should cities limit the number of private cars?
• Is public transport a good alternative to cars?

Cue card

Describe a celebration or festival you attended.

You should say:

• •what the celebration was
• •where it took place
• •what people did
• •and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 · festivals and traditions

• Why are festivals important to a culture?
• Are traditional festivals losing their meaning?
• Do people celebrate differently in cities and in villages?

Cue card

Describe a party you enjoyed.

You should say:

• •what the party was for
• •where it was held
• •who was there
• •and explain why you enjoyed it

Part 3 · socialising and celebrations

• Why do people enjoy parties?
• Are parties different for young people and older people?
• Do people socialise less now because of technology?

Cue card

Describe a sports event you watched or took part in.

You should say:

• •what the event was
• •where it took place
• •who was involved
• •and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 · sport in society

• Why is sport so popular around the world?
• Are professional athletes paid too much?
• Should schools make sport compulsory?

Cue card

Describe a live performance you watched.

You should say:

• •what kind of performance it was
• •where you saw it
• •who you went with
• •and explain what you thought of it

Part 3 · live entertainment and the arts

• Why do people enjoy live performances more than recordings?
• Should the arts receive public money?
• Are traditional performances still popular in your country?

Cue card

Describe a time when you were late for something.

You should say:

• •what you were late for
• •why you were late
• •what happened as a result
• •and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 · punctuality and attitudes to time

• Is being on time important in your culture?
• Why are some people always late?
• Are people busier now than in the past?

Cue card

Describe a time when you helped someone.

You should say:

• •who you helped
• •what the situation was
• •how you helped
• •and explain how you felt afterwards

Part 3 · kindness and responsibility to others

• Why do people help strangers?
• Should children be taught to help others at school?
• Do people in cities help each other less than people in villages?

Cue card

Describe a time when you got lost.

You should say:

• •where you were
• •how you got lost
• •how you found your way
• •and explain how you felt

Part 3 · navigation, maps and travel

• Are people worse at finding their way now that they use phones?
• Why do some people enjoy exploring unfamiliar places?
• Should children learn to read paper maps?

Cue card

Describe a mistake you made and what you learned from it.

You should say:

• •what the mistake was
• •when it happened
• •what the result was
• •and explain what you learned from it

Part 3 · mistakes, failure and learning

• Why are some people afraid of making mistakes?
• Do people learn more from failure than from success?
• Should schools be stricter or more forgiving about mistakes?

Cue card

Describe something you achieved that you are proud of.

You should say:

• •what you achieved
• •how you achieved it
• •who helped you
• •and explain why you are proud of it

Part 3 · success and what it means

• How do people in your country measure success?
• Is success mostly luck or hard work?
• Are people under too much pressure to succeed?

Cue card

Describe a time when you were pleasantly surprised.

You should say:

• •what happened
• •who was involved
• •why it was a surprise
• •and explain how you felt

Part 3 · surprises, planning and spontaneity

• Do people like surprises?
• Is it better to plan everything or to be spontaneous?
• Why do some people dislike surprises?

Cue card

Describe a time when you complained about something.

You should say:

• •what you complained about
• •who you complained to
• •what the result was
• •and explain whether you were satisfied

Part 3 · customer service and complaining

• Why do some people never complain?
• Is customer service better now than in the past?
• Do companies take online complaints seriously?

Cue card

Describe a time when you had to wait a long time for something.

You should say:

• •what you were waiting for
• •how long you waited
• •what you did while waiting
• •and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 · patience and waiting

• Are people less patient than they used to be?
• Why do people hate waiting?
• Can waiting ever be a good thing?

Cue card

Describe an important change in your life.

You should say:

• •what the change was
• •when it happened
• •why it happened
• •and explain how it affected you

Part 3 · change and how people cope with it

• Why do some people find change difficult?
• What are the biggest changes in your country in recent years?
• Do young people adapt to change more easily than older people?

Cue card

Describe an important decision you have made.

You should say:

• •what the decision was
• •when you made it
• •what the alternatives were
• •and explain why it was important

Part 3 · decision-making and advice

• Who do people turn to for advice when making big decisions?
• Do young people make decisions differently from older people?
• Is it better to decide quickly or to think for a long time?

Cue card

Describe a competition you took part in or watched.

You should say:

• •what the competition was
• •where it happened
• •who took part
• •and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 · competition and cooperation

• Is competition good for children?
• Why do people enjoy watching competitions?
• Is cooperation more important than competition at work?

Cue card

Describe a journey you remember well.

You should say:

• •where you went
• •how you travelled
• •who you were with
• •and explain why it was memorable

Part 3 · travel and transport

• Why do people enjoy travelling?
• How has travel changed in the last fifty years?
• Is it better to travel alone or with others?

Cue card

Describe a holiday you enjoyed.

You should say:

• •where you went
• •who you went with
• •what you did there
• •and explain why you enjoyed it

Part 3 · holidays and leisure travel

• Why do people need holidays?
• Do people prefer to holiday abroad or in their own country?
• Should employees get more holiday time?

Cue card

Describe a time when you had to get up very early.

You should say:

• •when it was
• •why you had to get up early
• •what you did
• •and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 · sleep, routines and work-life balance

• Do people get enough sleep these days?
• Is it better to work early in the morning or late at night?
• Should schools start later in the day?

Cue card

Describe an interesting conversation you had.

You should say:

• •who you talked to
• •what the conversation was about
• •where it took place
• •and explain why it was interesting

Part 3 · communication and conversation

• Do people talk to each other less than they used to?
• Why do some people find small talk difficult?
• Is it easier to say difficult things in writing or face to face?

Cue card

Describe a goal or ambition you want to achieve.

You should say:

• •what the goal is
• •when you first thought of it
• •what you need to do to achieve it
• •and explain why it matters to you

Part 3 · ambition and pressure to achieve

• Why do some people set goals and others do not?
• Are young people today more ambitious than in the past?
• Is it important to have long-term goals?

Cue card

Describe a time when you taught someone something.

You should say:

• •who you taught
• •what you taught them
• •how you taught it
• •and explain how you felt about teaching

Part 3 · learning from others and sharing knowledge

• Can everyone be a good teacher?
• Do people learn better from friends or from experts?
• Is it easier to learn skills now because of the internet?

Cue card

Describe a skill you learned that you find useful.

You should say:

• •what the skill is
• •when and how you learned it
• •how difficult it was
• •and explain why it is useful

Part 3 · skills and lifelong learning

• Which skills are most important for young people today?
• Is it ever too late to learn a new skill?
• Should schools teach practical skills as well as academic subjects?

Cue card

Describe a good habit you have.

You should say:

• •what the habit is
• •when you started it
• •how you keep it up
• •and explain why it is a good habit

Part 3 · habits and self-discipline

• Why is it hard to break bad habits?
• Do children copy the habits of their parents?
• How can people build good habits?

Cue card

Describe a plan you have for the future.

You should say:

• •what the plan is
• •when you made it
• •what you need to do
• •and explain why this plan is important to you

Part 3 · planning and the future

• Why do some people plan their lives carefully and others not at all?
• Is it a good idea to plan far ahead?
• How do people's plans change as they get older?

Cue card

Describe a job you would like to do in the future.

You should say:

• •what the job is
• •what you would have to do
• •what skills you would need
• •and explain why you would like it

Part 3 · careers and the world of work

• Which jobs are most popular with young people in your country?
• Is job security more important than an interesting job?
• How will work change in the future?

Cue card

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school.

You should say:

• •what the subject was
• •who taught it
• •what you learned
• •and explain why you enjoyed it

Part 3 · school subjects and the purpose of education

• Which subjects are most useful for life after school?
• Should students choose their own subjects?
• Is it better to study a few subjects deeply or many broadly?

Cue card

Describe a rule at school or work that you do not agree with.

You should say:

• •what the rule is
• •why it exists
• •what you think of it
• •and explain why you disagree with it

Part 3 · rules and laws in society

• Why do societies need rules?
• Are rules at school too strict or too relaxed?
• Should people ever break a rule they disagree with?

Cue card

Describe a project you worked on with other people.

You should say:

• •what the project was
• •who you worked with
• •what your role was
• •and explain how you felt about working on it

Part 3 · teamwork and working with others

• What makes a team work well?
• Do you think people work better alone or in groups?
• Should schools do more group work?

Cue card

Describe a person you think is a good leader.

You should say:

• •who the person is
• •what they lead
• •what they do as a leader
• •and explain why you think they are a good leader

Part 3 · leadership and power

• What qualities make a good leader?
• Are leaders born or made?
• Should leaders be elected or chosen for their skills?

Cue card

Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy.

You should say:

• •what the activity is
• •where you do it
• •who you do it with
• •and explain why you enjoy it

Part 3 · outdoor life and health

• Why do people spend less time outdoors than they used to?
• Are outdoor activities better for health than indoor ones?
• Should children be made to spend time outside?

Cue card

Describe a game you enjoy playing.

You should say:

• •what the game is
• •how it is played
• •who you play it with
• •and explain why you enjoy it

Part 3 · games and competition in leisure

• Why do people enjoy games?
• Are video games bad for children?
• Can games teach useful skills?

Cue card

Describe an enjoyable time you spent with friends.

You should say:

• •who you were with
• •where you were
• •what you did
• •and explain why it was enjoyable

Part 3 · friendship

• How do friendships change as people get older?
• Is it possible to have real friends online?
• Are friends more important than family?

Cue card

Describe a kind of exercise you do or would like to do.

You should say:

• •what the exercise is
• •how often you do it
• •where you do it
• •and explain why you like it or would like to try it

Part 3 · health and fitness

• Why do many people not exercise enough?
• Should governments encourage people to exercise?
• Are people healthier today than fifty years ago?

Cue card

Describe a special meal you have had.

You should say:

• •what the occasion was
• •what you ate
• •who you shared it with
• •and explain why it was special

Part 3 · food, family and eating habits

• Do families eat together as much as they used to?
• How are eating habits changing in your country?
• Is it important to keep traditional dishes alive?

Cue card

Describe an event that made you very happy.

You should say:

• •what the event was
• •when and where it happened
• •who was with you
• •and explain why it made you so happy

Part 3 · happiness and wellbeing

• What makes people happy in your country?
• Does money bring happiness?
• Are people happier today than in the past?

Cue card

Describe a wild animal you have seen or would like to see.

You should say:

• •what the animal is
• •where you saw it or could see it
• •what it looks like
• •and explain why it interests you

Part 3 · wildlife and the environment

• Why are some animals in danger of dying out?
• Should zoos exist?
• Do people care enough about protecting wildlife?

Cue card

Describe a historical place you have visited.

You should say:

• •where it is
• •what it is known for
• •when you went there
• •and explain what you thought of it

Part 3 · history and heritage

• Why should people learn about history?
• Should old buildings be preserved even if it is expensive?
• Do young people take an interest in history?

Cue card

Describe a news story that interested you.

You should say:

• •what the story was about
• •where you read or heard it
• •why it interested you
• •and explain how you felt about it

Part 3 · news and the media

• How do people in your country get their news?
• Is it important to follow the news?
• Can we trust what we read online?

Cue card

Describe an experience of learning a language.

You should say:

• •which language it was
• •how you learned it
• •what was difficult about it
• •and explain how you felt about learning it

Part 3 · languages and communication across cultures

• Why do people learn foreign languages?
• Will one language ever replace all the others?
• Should children start learning languages very young?