IELTS Speaking Topics for 2025, Trends, Predictions & Strategic Preparation Guide
Table of Contents
Key Message Up-Front
While the IELTS Speaking test format and scoring criteria are unchanged, the themes that appear in questions evolve with world events, technology and daily life. There is no official “secret list”, but examiner reports and recent papers reveal clear patterns. 2025 test-takers should therefore focus on the recurring topic families below and practice speaking about them in a flexible, personal way.
1 | What Never Changes
| Part | Purpose | Typical Length |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 – Introduction & Interview | Easy, personal questions about you, your habits and preferences. | 4–5 min |
| Part 2 – Long Turn | 1-minute prep ➜ 1–2-minute talk on a cue-card topic (describe a person / place / event / object / experience). | 3–4 min |
| Part 3 – Discussion | Two-way, abstract discussion that digs deeper into issues linked to Part 2. | 4–5 min |
Assessment criteria (identical since 2007):
- Fluency & Coherence
- Lexical Resource (vocabulary)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
- Pronunciation
4 | Important Considerations for 2025 Candidates
- No New Format: Ignore rumours of radical changes; IELTS refreshes content, not structure.
- Depth > Memorisation: Examiners recognise scripted answers. Practise explaining why and how, not reciting.
- Personalise: Link every theme to your own life or opinions; hedging ( “It depends…” ) is fine.
- Stay Informed: Reading news on tech breakthroughs, climate events and social trends supplies fresh vocabulary.
- Use Topic-Specific Lexis Naturally: e.g., renewable energy, algorithm, carbon footprint, mindfulness, cultural heritage, gig economy.
5 | Strategic Preparation Tips
📝 How IELTS Speaking is Assessed (Examiner’s Perspective)
Examiners grade you on 4 criteria, each worth 25%:
- Fluency & Coherence – Smooth, connected speech without unnatural pauses or repetition.
- Lexical Resource – Range, accuracy, and appropriateness of vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy – Variety and correctness of grammar structures.
- Pronunciation – Clarity, intonation, stress, and ability to be understood.
✅ Tip: There’s no need for a “perfect British accent.” Clear, natural pronunciation matters more.
- Target the Core Themes: Build mind-maps and vocabulary notebooks around the six families above.
- Record & Review: Listen for pauses, filler words and recurrent mistakes.
- Think in Layers: Facts ➜ reasons ➜ results ➜ personal examples.
- Idioms & Phrasal Verbs: Sprinkle naturally (cutting-edge tech, work-life balance, pick up a skill).
- Fluency First: A few slips are acceptable if the message flows.
- Mock Tests: Reproduce timing and pressure with a partner or tutor and ask for feedback on all four criteria.
Final Note
Success in IELTS Speaking 2025 will come from communicating ideas clearly and confidently within these topical areas—not from memorising set answers. Encourage students to engage authentically with the world, practise consistently and let their personality shine through.
2 | High-Probability IELTS Speaking Topics for 2025 and Expected Questions
Daily Screen Time
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
- How much time do you spend looking at screens each day?
- Do you think people spend too much time on their phones or computers? Why?
- What activities do you usually do on your phone or computer?
- Has your screen time increased or decreased compared to the past?
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (Cue Card)
- Describe a time when you had to reduce your screen time.
- You should say:
- Why you decided to reduce screen time
- How you managed to do it
- Whether it was difficult or not
- And how you felt afterward
- You should say:
Part 3: Discussion (Follow-up Questions)
- Do you think excessive screen time affects people’s health? How?
- Should governments or schools regulate screen time for children? Why or why not?
- How do you think screen time habits will change in the future?
Social-media pros/cons
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
- Do you use social media often? Why or why not?
- What are the most popular social media platforms in your country?
- How has social media changed the way people communicate?
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (Cue Card)
- Describe a positive experience you’ve had because of social media.
- You should say:
- What the experience was
- How social media helped
- Why it was meaningful to you
- And how you felt about it
- You should say:
Part 3: Discussion (Follow-up Questions)
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media for young people?
- Do you think social media has more positive or negative effects on society? Why?
- Should governments regulate social media content? Why or why not?
- How do you think social media will evolve in the next 10 years?
Remote work
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
- Do you think remote work is common in your country? Why or why not?
- Would you prefer working remotely or in an office? Why?
- What are some challenges people might face when working from home?
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (Cue Card)
- Describe a job that you think is well-suited for remote work.
- You should say:
- What the job is
- Why it can be done remotely
- What skills are needed for it
- And whether you would consider this type of work
- You should say:
Part 3: Discussion (Follow-up Questions)
- How has remote work changed traditional office culture?
- Do you think remote work will become more popular in the future? Why or why not?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of remote work for employees and employers?
- Should companies allow employees to work remotely permanently? Why or why not?
Online Study
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
- Have you ever taken an online course? Why or why not?
- Do you think online learning is effective compared to traditional classrooms?
- What devices do people usually use for online study in your country?
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (Cue Card)
- Describe a time when you learned something useful online.
- You should say:
- What you learned
- Which platform or website you used
- How it helped you
- And how you felt about the experience
- You should say:
Part 3: Discussion (Follow-up Questions)
- What are the main advantages and disadvantages of online education?
- Do you think online learning will replace traditional schools in the future?
- How can teachers make online classes more engaging for students?
- Should governments invest more in online education systems? Why or why not?
AI Tools You Know
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
- Have you ever used any AI tools? Which ones?
- Do you think AI tools make daily tasks easier? Why or why not?
- What kind of AI tools are popular in your country?
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (Cue Card)
- Describe an AI tool that you find useful or interesting.
- You should say:
- What the tool is called
- What it can do
- How you use (or would use) it
- And why you think it’s helpful
- You should say:
Part 3: Discussion (Follow-up Questions)
- How might AI tools change the way people work in the future?
- Do you think AI tools will replace human jobs? Why or why not?
- What are the potential risks of relying too much on AI technology?
- Should schools teach students how to use AI tools? Why or why not?
A Life-Changing App
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
- What apps do you use most frequently in your daily life?
- Do you prefer using mobile apps or websites? Why?
- Have you ever paid for a mobile app? Was it worth it?
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (Cue Card)
- Describe a mobile app that has significantly changed your life.
- You should say:
- What the app is called
- When you started using it
- How it works
- And explain why it was life-changing for you
- You should say:
Part 3: Discussion (Follow-up Questions)
- What makes some apps more successful than others?
- Do you think mobile apps have improved people’s quality of life? Why or why not?
- Should there be more regulation on what personal data apps can collect? Why?
- How do you think mobile apps will evolve in the next decade?
Main Topic Areas and Expected Topics
2.2 Environment & Sustainability
- Part 1 – Eco-friendly habits • local weather changes • recycling practice
- Part 2 – A polluted place you’ve seen • a conservation project • a breathtaking natural landscape
- Part 3 – Causes/solutions of climate change • renewable energy adoption • individual vs. government responsibility • protecting wildlife
2.3 Well-Being & Lifestyle
- Part 1 – Hobbies & stress relief • exercise routine • healthy eating • sleep patterns
- Part 2 – A relaxing activity • a person with a balanced lifestyle • a time you helped someone
- Part 3 – Mental-health awareness • modern life pressures • community support • factors that shape happiness
2.4 Globalisation & Culture
- Part 1 – Travelling abroad • tasting foreign cuisine • learning languages • international media
- Part 2 – A memorable trip • a fascinating foreign culture • a festival or tradition you cherish
- Part 3 – Pros/cons of globalisation • cultural preservation • effects of mass tourism • intercultural communication
2.5 Work, Education & Future Aspirations
- Part 1 – Your studies/job • future career goals • skills you want to learn
- Part 2 – Your ideal job • a valuable course you took • a successful role-model
- Part 3 – Automation & gig economy • lifelong learning • university vs. vocational routes • qualities for success
2.6 Community & Daily Life
- Part 1 – Your hometown • neighbourhood facilities • public transport • local shopping habits
- Part 2 – A public place you enjoy • a local business • a community event
- Part 3 – Urbanisation challenges • importance of communal spaces • role of small businesses • improving city life
IELTS Speaking Topics Related to Technology:
Social-media trends • AI in everyday life • remote work • cyber-security • smart cities • VR learning • cryptocurrency • digital art • space tech • e-waste • tech addiction • digital privacy • online education • driver less cars • wearable health tech • 3-D printing • quantum computing prospects • digital nomadism
IELTS Speaking Topics Related to Environment:
Climate action • renewable energy • wildlife conservation • ocean pollution • fast fashion • green architecture • sustainable diets • water scarcity • plastic bans • eco-tourism • carbon footprint • urban green spaces • extreme weather • reforestation • zero-waste lifestyles • circular economy • clean transport • environmental activism
IELTS Speaking Topics Related to Well-Being:
mental-health support • fitness trends • digital detox • sleep hygiene • urban gardening • mindfulness apps • work-life balance • alternative medicine • volunteering • positive psychology • pet therapy • healthy ageing • community sports • food security • stress-management courses • body positivity
IELTS Speaking Topics Related to Education & Careers:
: AI in education • gig economy • vocational training • micro-credentials • remote internships • lifelong learning • automation anxiety • passion careers • entrepreneurial mindset • women in STEM • scholarships abroad • leadership training • soft skills • inclusive classrooms • financial literacy at school • creativity in curriculum
IELTS Speaking Topics Related to Society & Culture:
: cultural globalisation • urbanisation • ethical travel • social isolation • resilient communities • affordable housing • migration journeys • cultural appropriation • heritage preservation • festival tourism • digital censorship • fake news • language extinction • street art • gender equality movements • celebrity influence
IELTS Speaking Topics Related to Abstract / Future:
: Ethics of AI • space exploration • genetic engineering • future of work • digital currency • human augmentation • post-pandemic lifestyles • universal basic income • longevity research • virtual relationships • climate-migration ethics • Mars colonisation • smart materials • time travel in fiction • robot rights • future of democracy
(100 total, easy to expand with “why / how / describe” prompts.)
🎯 IELTS Speaking Topics with Answers and Some Assessment Tips
🔹 1. Describe a mobile app you use frequently (Part 2)
Answer: I use Notion almost every day to organize my tasks. It’s a productivity app where I can create to-do lists, manage projects, and even track my goals. What makes it useful is how customizable it is—I can create my own workspace and collaborate with others too.
Assessment Tip:
- Use topic-specific vocab: “organize tasks,” “customizable,” “collaborate.”
- Add connectors: “What makes it useful is…”
🔹 2. Do you think social media is helpful or harmful? (Part 3)
Answer: I believe it’s both. Social media helps people stay connected, especially during difficult times like the pandemic. But excessive use can lead to addiction or mental health issues, particularly among teenagers.
Assessment Tip:
- Show balanced opinion (“it’s both”).
- Use academic linking phrases like “on the one hand” or “particularly among…”
🔹 3. Describe a person who has inspired you (Part 2)
Answer: My English teacher in high school was very inspiring. She was passionate, dedicated, and always made learning engaging. Her feedback helped me grow in confidence and improve my speaking skills.
Assessment Tip:
- Use adjectives with nuance: passionate, engaging, dedicated.
- Use past tenses accurately.
🔹 4. Do you think people today read less than before? (Part 3)
Answer: Yes, I think digital distractions like videos and social media have reduced our attention span. People prefer quicker forms of content. However, audiobooks and e-readers may encourage some to read more.
Assessment Tip:
- Show depth of thought.
- Avoid overused phrases like “Nowadays people…”—personalize it.
🔹 5. Describe your favorite time of day (Part 2)
Answer: I love early mornings. The air feels fresh, it’s quiet, and I get a sense of clarity before the day gets hectic. I usually go for a short walk or meditate during this time.
Assessment Tip:
- Show present tense consistency.
- Add sensory language: “the air feels fresh…”
🔹 6. Should schools teach emotional intelligence? (Part 3)
Answer: Absolutely. Emotional intelligence helps students manage stress, empathize with others, and work in teams. These are essential life skills that academic subjects alone don’t teach.
Assessment Tip:
- Use strong vocabulary: empathy, stress management, life skills.
- Avoid just agreeing—elaborate why.
🔹 7. Do you prefer online or physical shopping? Why? (Part 1)
Answer: I prefer online shopping because it’s convenient, especially when I’m busy. However, for things like clothes, I still like to shop in stores to check the quality and fit.
Assessment Tip:
- Use comparisons: “however, for clothes…”
- Show flexible vocabulary: convenient, check the fit.
🔹 8. Describe a public event or celebration you enjoyed (Part 2)
Answer: I recently attended a local food festival. There were stalls offering dishes from different cultures. I enjoyed trying new flavors and watching cooking demonstrations. It was vibrant and exciting.
Assessment Tip:
- Use past simple/past continuous accurately.
- Add rich descriptions: vibrant, exciting.
🔹 9. Should governments invest more in public transport? (Part 3)
Answer: Yes, efficient public transport reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. It’s also more affordable for lower-income people. In some countries, government-funded metros have made cities more livable.
Assessment Tip:
- Use formal, topic-specific vocabulary: congestion, affordable, livable.
🔹 10. Do you like working in a team? Why or why not? (Part 1)
Answer: I enjoy team work because it encourages collaboration and sharing ideas. However, I prefer clear roles, as too many opinions can lead to confusion.
Assessment Tip:
- Show a nuanced opinion, not just “yes” or “no.”
- Vocabulary: collaboration, roles, confusion.
🔸 More Topics in Brief (With Answer Snippets)
- Describe a book you’ve recently read.
“It was Atomic Habits by James Clear—about how small habits create major results.”
- Should students learn to code in school?
“Yes, it’s a crucial skill in today’s tech-driven world.”
- Describe a memorable journey or trip.
“I went hiking in the northern mountains—it was peaceful and refreshing.”
- Do advertisements influence your buying decisions?
“Sometimes, especially if they appeal emotionally or use influencers.”
- Describe a time you learned a practical skill.
“I learned how to cook during the lockdown—it was both fun and challenging.”
- Is it better to live in a city or countryside?
“Cities offer more opportunities, but countryside life is more peaceful.”
- Describe a piece of technology you find useful.
“My noise-canceling headphones help me focus while working.”
- Do you think climate change is a serious issue?
“Yes, its effects like extreme weather are already visible.”
- Describe a job you’d like to do in the future.
“I’d like to work in digital marketing—it’s creative and in demand.”
- Should people take breaks from social media?
“Yes, to avoid burnout and reclaim mental focus.”
🔸 10 More Topic Ideas (Use for Mock Practice)
- Describe your ideal home.
- Do you think fast food is harmful?
- Describe someone you admire.
- Should students wear uniforms?
- Describe a difficult decision you made.
- What do you think about space exploration?
- Describe a useful tradition in your country.
- What makes a good friend?
- Describe an online course or video that taught you something.
- Should people work from home permanently?
🎓 Final Tips for High Band Scores
✅ Fluency: Don’t memorize—practice flowing naturally.
✅ Vocabulary: Use specific, not generic words (e.g., “climate crisis” instead of “bad weather”).
✅ Grammar: Practice complex sentences: Although I was tired, I finished the task.
✅ Pronunciation: Stress important words; practice intonation for expressing ideas clearly.