How this test is marked
IELTS Speaking is marked by an examiner on four equally weighted criteria. This practice test has no automatic score, so record yourself, then compare your answer with the notes below.
- Fluency and coherence. Speak at a natural pace with few long pauses, and link your ideas so the listener can follow.
- Lexical resource. Use a range of vocabulary and natural phrases, and paraphrase when you do not know a word.
- Grammatical range and accuracy. Mix simple and complex sentences and keep errors from getting in the way of meaning.
- Pronunciation. Be easy to understand: clear sounds, word and sentence stress, and varied intonation.
Notes for each question
Question 1: What is the weather like in your hometown?
Answer directly in your first sentence, then add one reason or example. Aim for two or three sentences (about 20 to 30 seconds) and avoid one word answers. Describe the typical weather and mention how it changes through the year.
Question 2: Which season do you like best?
Answer directly in your first sentence, then add one reason or example. Aim for two or three sentences (about 20 to 30 seconds) and avoid one word answers. Choose one season and give a specific reason and a memory.
Question 3: Does the weather affect your mood?
Answer directly in your first sentence, then add one reason or example. Aim for two or three sentences (about 20 to 30 seconds) and avoid one word answers. Give a clear answer and an example, such as feeling more energetic on sunny days.
Question 4: Do you check the weather forecast before going out?
Answer directly in your first sentence, then add one reason or example. Aim for two or three sentences (about 20 to 30 seconds) and avoid one word answers. Say how often and what you do with the information.
Question 5: Describe a festival or celebration in your country. (speak for one to two minutes after one minute of preparat…
Describe one festival in detail: the time of year, the activities, the food and the atmosphere. Use present tenses for customs and a past story for a personal memory. End with why it matters to your community.
Question 6: Why do people celebrate festivals?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Discuss tradition, family time and a sense of identity, with an example.
Question 7: Are traditional festivals changing nowadays?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Compare how people celebrate now with the past, and mention commercial influences.
Question 8: Can festivals be good for tourism?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Weigh the economic benefits against crowds and damage to local culture.
Question 9: Do you think young people are less interested in traditions?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Give a balanced view, with examples of both interest and indifference.
Question 10: Should governments pay for public celebrations?
Give an opinion, explain it with a reason and add an example or a contrast ('on the other hand'). Longer, developed answers of 30 to 45 seconds score higher than short ones. Consider cost against benefits to the community, and suggest a compromise.