IELTS Academic · Speaking

Speaking test: Describe a time you learned something new outside school

17 questions · 14 minutes · Speaking prompt

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On the computer-delivered layout, timed like test day, and marked by our AI examiner on all four criteria.

Part 1: Part 1

Questions 1–12

The examiner asks you about yourself and familiar topics.

  1. 1 What kind of home do you live in?
  2. 2 What is the best thing about your home?
  3. 3 Do you like the area you live in?
  4. 4 Is there anything you would like to change about your home?
  5. 5 How do you usually celebrate your birthday?
  6. 6 Do you prefer to celebrate birthdays with family or friends?
  7. 7 Do you remember other people's birthdays?
  8. 8 Is there anything you would like to change about how you celebrate birthdays?
  9. 9 Do you like your name?
  10. 10 How did your parents choose your name?
  11. 11 Do people often get your name wrong?
  12. 12 Is there a name you would like to have?

Part 2: Part 2

Question 13

You have one minute to prepare, then talk for one to two minutes.

Describe a time you learned something new outside school.

You should say:

  • what you learned
  • when and where you learned it
  • how you learned it

and explain how you felt about learning it.

  1. 13 Describe a time you learned something new outside school.

Part 3: Part 3

Questions 14–17

The examiner asks more general questions linked to Part 2.

  1. 14 Is it easier to learn when you are young?
  2. 15 Can you learn as well online as in a classroom?
  3. 16 Should adults keep studying throughout their lives?
  4. 17 What is the most useful thing schools teach?

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