100+ IELTS Speaking Topics – PDF (2025 Guide)

Want to improve your IELTS Speaking score? Learning by topic is one of the most effective methods. This guide shows you how to master IELTS speaking topics, with sample answers, tips, and a helpful FAQ.

Why Learn IELTS Speaking by Topic?

Learning by topic helps you build real-world vocabulary and confidence. Instead of studying random words, focus on real situations like “Education” or “Friends.”

When you study by topic, you can:

• Improve vocabulary and grammar together
• Practice speaking about real-life subjects
• Use the same topic to improve reading, listening, and writing

For example, if you’re learning about Technology, you can read news articles, listen to podcasts, write short texts, and then speak about it. This complete approach helps you understand better and remember more.

30 Common IELTS Speaking Topics

Here are the most frequent IELTS speaking topics. Practice these to be well prepared:

• Accommodation
• Animals (and pets)
• Art
• Books (and reading habits)
• Celebrations
• Childhood
• Clothing
• Dreams
• Education
• Environment
• Films
• Flowers (and plants)
• Food (and cooking)
• Friends
• Health
• Hobbies
• Hometown
• Media (and news)
• Museums
• Music
• Neighbours
• Places
• Shopping
• Sport
• Studying
• Technology
• Transport
• Travel (and holidays)
• Weather
• Work

Tip: Some topics are part of bigger themes. For example, “Mobile phones” fits under “Technology,” and “Dictionaries” fits under “Books.”

Frequently Used IELTS Writing Topics

Below is a list of common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics that often appear in both the Academic and General Training tests:

• Education – e.g., Should schools focus more on practical skills?
• Technology – e.g., Has technology made our lives better or worse?
• Environment – e.g., What steps should individuals take to protect the environment?
• Health – e.g., Should governments invest more in public health?
• Crime and Punishment – e.g., Is prison the best way to reduce crime?
• Globalization – e.g., Is globalization good for all countries?
• Media and Advertising – e.g., Should advertisements be banned for unhealthy foods?
• Government and Society – e.g., Should governments provide free university education?
• Work and Employment – e.g., Do people work too much these days?
• Culture and Tradition – e.g., Should traditional customs be preserved or changed?
• Economic Development – e.g., Is economic growth more important than the environment?
• Transport – e.g., Should public transport be free?
• Family and Children – e.g., Should parents be held responsible for their children’s behavior?
• Art and Music – e.g., Should art subjects be part of the school curriculum?
• Space Exploration – e.g., Should money be spent on space programs?

These topics often appear in different question types such as opinion essays, discussion essays, and problem/solution essays. Practicing them will help you feel more confident during the exam.

IELTS Speaking vs Writing Topics: What’s the Difference?

Not all topics appear in both tests. Some topics like music and flowers are common in Speaking but rare in Writing. In Speaking, you’ll be asked simple personal questions like:

• “Do you like cooking?”
• “What kind of films do you enjoy?”

But in Writing, topics usually need deeper arguments. For example: “Some people think films are a waste of time. Do you agree or disagree?”

Some topics appear in both the IELTS Speaking and Writing tests, but they are used in different ways. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the difference:

Tip: Speaking questions are more personal and conversational, like “Do you enjoy music?” Writing questions usually ask for your opinion on global or social issues, like “Should governments invest in space travel?”

Do Topics Appear in All Parts of the Speaking Test?

Yes, but the type of questions will be different:

• Part 1: Short and personal (e.g., “Do you like shopping?”)
• Part 2: Describe something (e.g., “Describe a shop you often go to.”)
• Part 3: Give opinions and reasons (e.g., “Why do people enjoy shopping in groups?”)

Smaller topics like “flowers” are more common in Part 1 and rare in Part 3.

Topic Sample: Accommodation

Part 1: What kind of accommodation do you live in?

I live in a small apartment in the city. It has one bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen. It’s perfect for me as a student because it’s close to the university and public transport. I like how cozy it feels, but sometimes I wish I had more space. One day, I hope to move into a house with a big garden.

Part 2: Describe your ideal home

My dream home would be in the countryside, far from the busy city. It would be a two-story house with a large garden and trees. Inside, it would have a big kitchen, a quiet study room, and large windows for natural light. I would decorate it in a minimalist style. This kind of home would give me peace and space to focus on my work and hobbies.

Part 3: Why is homelessness a problem in some areas?

Homelessness happens for many reasons. Sometimes people lose their jobs and can’t afford rent. In other cases, health problems or a lack of family support can lead to it. In big cities, housing is expensive, and not everyone earns enough to live comfortably. Also, social services are not always strong enough to help. It’s a serious issue that needs more attention from governments and communities.

Topic Sample: Education

Part 1: What was your favorite subject in school?

I really liked English. I enjoyed reading stories and learning new words. My teacher made the lessons fun and encouraged us to speak in class. English helped me build confidence in communication. I also enjoyed writing creative stories and sharing them with friends.

Part 2: Describe a school trip

When I was in primary school, we went to a science museum. We saw cool machines and learned about the human body. I went with my classmates and we spent the whole day there. I remember touching a robot and watching a short film about space. That trip made me more interested in science and learning outside the classroom.

Part 3: Should teenagers choose their own subjects?

Teenagers should have some freedom to choose subjects, but not full control. It’s important for them to learn basic subjects like maths and science. At the same time, letting them pick one or two subjects they enjoy makes school more interesting. A mix of choice and structure helps them stay motivated and prepares them for the future.

Topic Sample: Friends

Part 1: How often do you see your friends?

Right now, I don’t see my friends very often because we live in different cities. We usually stay in touch through phone calls or social media. When we were younger, we met every weekend. I miss those days because it was fun and relaxing. We try to meet in person at least once or twice a year.

Part 2: Describe a childhood friend

My best friend from childhood was Anna. We met in first grade and lived on the same street. We used to play games, ride bikes, and watch cartoons together. She was very kind and always helped me with schoolwork. Even though we’re not in touch now, I still remember the good times we shared.

Part 3: Can people with big age gaps be friends?

Yes, I think so. If people have similar interests and values, age doesn’t matter much. For example, I once had a friend who was 20 years older than me. We both loved books and music, so we talked for hours. Sometimes, older friends give great advice from their life experience. Age is not a barrier when the connection is strong.

Final Tips for IELTS Speaking

• Practice speaking by topic — it helps you learn faster.
• Use personal examples in your answers.
• Don’t memorize full answers. Focus on ideas and key phrases.
• Record yourself to improve fluency and timing.
• Learn linking words to organize your ideas clearly.

Want to boost your vocabulary? Download this free resource:

IELTS Speaking Vocabulary by Topic PDF

IELTS Speaking Topics PDF

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long should I speak in Part 2 of the test?

You’re expected to speak for 1–2 minutes. The examiner will stop you after 2 minutes. Practice with a timer to manage your time.

Can I ask the examiner to repeat the question?

Yes. If you didn’t hear or understand a question, it’s okay to say: “Sorry, could you please repeat that?”

Is it okay to pause or make mistakes while speaking?

Yes. Some pauses are natural. Just stay calm and continue. Mistakes are fine as long as you can correct yourself and keep going.

What should I do if I don’t know the answer?

You don’t need to know the “correct” answer. The test is about communication. Give your opinion or say what you think honestly.

Should I use difficult words to get a high score?

No. Use natural, clear English. It’s better to use simple words correctly than hard words with mistakes.