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IELTS Speaking topics 2026
Draw a cue card, prepare for a minute and speak for two, as in the exam. Every card has a band-8 sample answer and its Part 3 questions, and the full list of topics is below.
Speaking topic generator
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Team sports
- Have you ever played in a team?
- Do you prefer team sports or individual sports? [Why?]
- What can people learn from playing in a team?
- Is there a sports team you support?
- Do you think team sports are good for children?
Swimming
- Can you swim?
- Where did you learn to swim?
- Do you enjoy swimming? [Why/Why not?]
- Is swimming popular in your country?
- Do you think all children should learn to swim?
Walking
- Do you like walking?
- How often do you go for a walk?
- Where do you like to walk?
- Do you walk to work or school?
- Do you think walking is a good way to stay healthy?
Answer each question in 2–3 sentences, about 20–30 seconds. Give a reason or a short example, then stop.
Part 2 cue cards by category
People
- Describe a person who has inspired you
- Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with
- Describe a friend you have known for a long time
- Describe a teacher who has influenced you
- Describe a child you know well
- Describe a neighbour you get on well with
- Describe an older person you admire
- Describe a famous person you would like to meet
- Describe a person you know who is good at cooking
- Describe someone who helped you when you had a problem
- Describe a time when someone apologised to you
- Describe a person you disagreed with about something
- Describe a person who makes you laugh
- Describe a leader you admire
- Describe a person who gives you good advice
- Describe a person you enjoy talking to
- Describe a person you know who speaks a foreign language very well
- Describe a person you know who is very busy
- Describe a person you know who has a healthy lifestyle
- Describe a creative person you know
- Describe a classmate or colleague you work well with
- Describe a person who is always on time
- Describe a person you know who always dresses well
- Describe one of your grandparents
- Describe a sportsperson you admire
- Describe a person you know who is very patient
- Describe a person you would like to work with in the future
- Describe a person who taught you a useful skill
- Describe a person you know who lives in a different country from you
- Describe a doctor or nurse who helped you
- Describe a person who is always positive
- Describe a generous person you know
- Describe a person you met for the first time and liked immediately
- Describe a person who knows a lot about history
- Describe a person who surprised you
- Describe a person you know who is good at music
- Describe an intelligent person you know
- Describe a person who takes care of others
- Describe a person you know who has started their own business
- Describe a person who is good at managing money
- Describe a person who shares a hobby or interest with you
- Describe a person from a different culture whom you have met
- Describe a person you know who changed their career
- Describe a person you know who is very honest
- Describe a person you used to know but have lost touch with
- Describe a stranger who helped you
- Describe a person who is full of energy and enthusiasm
- Describe a person who is good at solving problems
- Describe a writer you admire
- Describe a person you know who is very organised
- Describe a brave person you know
- Describe a person who influenced your choice of career or study
- Describe a young person who has achieved something impressive
- Describe a person who supported you during a difficult time
- Describe a person you know who travels a lot
Places
- Describe a city you have visited and enjoyed
- Describe a city where you would like to live in the future
- Describe a famous building in your country
- Describe a park or garden that you like to visit
- Describe a quiet place that you like to go to
- Describe a place near water, such as a lake, river or the sea, that you have visited
- Describe a shop that you like to go to
- Describe a restaurant where you had a good meal
- Describe a tourist attraction in your country that you would recommend to visitors
- Describe a place that you would like to visit in the future
- Describe a historic place that you have visited
- Describe a crowded place that you have been to
- Describe a library that you have been to
- Describe a museum you have visited and found interesting
- Describe a place where you go to relax
- Describe a place you went to on holiday when you were a child
- Describe a hotel or other place where you have stayed that you liked
- Describe a market that you have visited
- Describe a small town or village you have visited
- Describe a place in the countryside that you have enjoyed visiting
- Describe a place where you like to study or work
- Describe a cafe or coffee shop that you like to go to
- Describe a beautiful place in nature, such as a mountain or a forest, that you have visited
- Describe a noisy place that you have been to
- Describe a place where you have watched or played a sport, such as a stadium, court or pool
- Describe a shopping centre that you have been to
- Describe a place where you often meet your friends
- Describe your favourite room in your home
- Describe a neighbourhood or area where you would like to live
- Describe a place in another country that you have visited
- Describe a modern building that you find impressive
- Describe a street you know well
- Describe a train station or an airport that you have been to
- Describe a place where you can enjoy a beautiful view
- Describe a school that you attended when you were younger
- Describe a place where you spent a lot of time as a child
- Describe a place you went to for a special occasion, such as a celebration or an anniversary
- Describe a bookshop that you like to visit
- Describe a place where you do exercise or sport
- Describe a beach that you have visited
- Describe an island that you would like to visit
- Describe a place in your town or city that you would take a foreign visitor to
- Describe a zoo, safari park or nature reserve where you saw animals
- Describe a place in your town or city that has changed a lot over the years
- Describe a theatre, cinema or concert hall that you have been to
Objects
- Describe a gift that you gave to someone
- Describe a gift you received that was special to you
- Describe a piece of technology that you use often
- Describe an item of clothing that you like to wear
- Describe something you bought that you were very pleased with
- Describe a photograph that is special to you
- Describe a toy that you liked when you were a child
- Describe a piece of furniture in your home that is important to you
- Describe something valuable that you lost
- Describe something handmade that you own or have seen
- Describe an old object that you have kept for a long time
- Describe a watch or a piece of jewellery that you own
- Describe a household appliance or machine that you find useful
- Describe a bag that you often use
- Describe something that you borrowed from someone
- Describe a musical instrument that you can play or would like to learn to play
- Describe a souvenir that you bought while travelling
- Describe an object that reminds you of a person
- Describe a device or gadget that saves you time in your daily life
- Describe a painting, sculpture or other piece of art that you like
- Describe a pair of shoes that you like or that are important to you
- Describe a bicycle, car or other vehicle that you have used regularly
- Describe a tool or piece of equipment that you find useful
- Describe an electronic device that you would like to have in the future
- Describe something that was broken and that you repaired or had repaired
- Describe something that you use to decorate your home
- Describe a plant that you have at home or that you like
- Describe an object that you use every day and could not live without
- Describe a gift that you would like to give to someone in the future
- Describe something you bought online
- Describe an item in your kitchen that you often use
- Describe a collection that you or someone you know has
- Describe something you really wanted to buy but decided not to
- Describe a piece of sports equipment that you own or use
- Describe an object that brings you luck or that you carry for good luck
Experiences
- Describe a time when you were late for something important
- Describe a time when you helped someone
- Describe a time when you got lost
- Describe a time when you were very busy
- Describe a time when you received good news
- Describe a time when you changed your mind about something
- Describe a time when you learned a new skill
- Describe a time when you were very surprised
- Describe a time when you had to wait for something
- Describe a time when you had to use a foreign language
- Describe a time when you made a mistake
- Describe a time when you had a problem with a piece of technology
- Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic jam
- Describe a time when you felt extremely tired
- Describe a time when you felt proud of yourself
- Describe a time when you disagreed with a friend
- Describe a difficult decision you had to make
- Describe a time when you tried a new kind of food
- Describe a time when you lost something important
- Describe a time when you found something that belonged to someone else
- Describe a piece of advice that you received and found useful
- Describe a time when you felt bored
- Describe a time when you felt nervous before an exam or test
- Describe a time when you gave a speech or presentation
- Describe a time when you travelled on a crowded bus, train or metro
- Describe a time when you saved money for something you wanted
- Describe a time when you broke something that belonged to someone else
- Describe a time when you took a risk
- Describe a time when you missed an event or a plane, train or bus
- Describe a time when you forgot something important
- Describe a time when you cheered someone up
- Describe a time when you won a prize or a game
- Describe a time when you made a complaint
- Describe a time when the weather was very bad
- Describe a time when you were ill
- Describe a time when you did voluntary work
- Describe a time when you were in a very noisy place
- Describe something you did for the first time that you will always remember
- Describe a time when you met an interesting person for the first time
- Describe a time when you received excellent service
- Describe a time when you worked as part of a team
- Describe a time when you cooked a meal for other people
- Describe a long walk that you went on
- Describe a time when you asked someone for help
- Describe a time when you felt homesick or missed home
- Describe a time when you gave your opinion in a group discussion
- Describe a time when you stayed up very late
- Describe a time when you taught someone how to do something
- Describe a time when you saw something beautiful in nature
Events
- Describe a wedding you attended
- Describe a festival that is celebrated in your country
- Describe a birthday celebration that you enjoyed
- Describe a sports event that you watched
- Describe a concert or live music event you enjoyed
- Describe a party that you enjoyed
- Describe a family gathering that you remember well
- Describe an important day in your life
- Describe a graduation ceremony that you attended
- Describe a national holiday that you celebrated
- Describe a special meal you had with your family
- Describe an event that you took part in at school or university
- Describe a parade or street event that you watched
- Describe a charity event that you took part in or know about
- Describe a New Year celebration that you remember
- Describe an exhibition or fair that you visited
- Describe a traditional ceremony or custom that you took part in
- Describe a competition that you took part in
- Describe a reunion or farewell party that you attended
- Describe a community event that took place in your neighbourhood
- Describe a fireworks display or light show that you watched
- Describe a food festival or food event that you visited
- Describe an interesting talk or lecture that you attended
- Describe a surprise event that you organised or that someone organised for you
- Describe an event that you were looking forward to for a long time
- Describe a family picnic or outdoor outing that you enjoyed
- Describe a cultural performance that you watched, such as a traditional dance or theatre show
- Describe an event you attended where you met many new people
- Describe a busy market or bazaar that you visited
- Describe a celebration that you experienced in another country or culture
Activities
- Describe a hobby that you enjoy doing in your free time
- Describe a sport that you enjoy playing
- Describe an outdoor activity that you enjoy doing
- Describe something you do to relax
- Describe a team activity that you took part in
- Describe a skill that you learned from another person
- Describe a game that you enjoyed playing when you were a child
- Describe an activity that you do to keep fit and healthy
- Describe a creative activity that you enjoy doing
- Describe a time when you did some volunteer work
- Describe a club or class that you joined
- Describe a hobby or pastime that is popular in your country
- Describe a physical activity that you did regularly when you were a child
- Describe a practical skill that you could teach someone else
- Describe an activity that you often do with your friends
- Describe a sport that is popular in your country
- Describe a hobby or activity that you used to do but have given up
- Describe an activity that requires a lot of patience
- Describe something you learned online
- Describe something you do to help protect the environment
- Describe an activity that you do together with your family
- Describe a board game or card game that you like playing
- Describe something you do to help yourself concentrate when you study or work
- Describe an activity that you enjoy doing on your own
- Describe a routine that you follow in the morning
- Describe a skill that is important for your job or the job you would like to do
- Describe a puzzle, quiz or brain game that you enjoy
- Describe a household task or chore that you do regularly but do not enjoy
- Describe an activity that you enjoy doing in or near water
Books, films and media
- Describe a book that you enjoyed reading
- Describe a film that you enjoyed watching
- Describe a television programme that you like to watch
- Describe a website that you often use
- Describe a mobile phone app that you use a lot
- Describe a song or piece of music that you like
- Describe an advertisement that you remember well
- Describe an interesting piece of news that you read or heard about recently
- Describe an article in a magazine or newspaper that you found interesting or useful
- Describe a post you saw on social media that you remember
- Describe a documentary that you have watched
- Describe a podcast or radio programme that you enjoy listening to
- Describe a book that you loved reading when you were a child
- Describe a video you watched online that taught you something useful
- Describe a funny film or comedy that made you laugh a lot
- Describe a television programme or video series about science or technology that you found interesting
- Describe a website or online resource that helps you to learn something
- Describe a type of music that you enjoy listening to
- Describe a story or legend from your culture that you know well
- Describe a photograph that you like
- Describe a computer or video game that you enjoyed playing
- Describe a television programme that your family likes to watch together
- Describe an audiobook, e-book or other form of digital reading that you have tried
- Describe a book that you would recommend to a friend
- Describe an online course or series of video lessons that you have followed
Ideas and decisions
- Describe a rule that you think is important
- Describe a law in your country that you think is useful
- Describe a piece of advice that someone gave you
- Describe an important decision you made
- Describe a goal that you would like to achieve in the future
- Describe a good idea that you had
- Describe a skill you would like to learn in the future
- Describe a habit that you would like to change
- Describe a quality you admire in other people
- Describe a custom or tradition in your country that you value
- Describe a rule at school that you did not like
- Describe a skill that you think is useful for children to learn
- Describe a positive change you have made to your lifestyle
- Describe an important value that your parents taught you
- Describe a mistake that taught you an important lesson
- Describe an idea you have for improving the area where you live
- Describe a subject that you found difficult to learn
- Describe a personal rule that you try to live by
- Describe a personal quality that you would like to improve
- Describe a decision that you made together with other people
- Describe a study method or strategy that works well for you
- Describe an idea or belief you have about what makes a person successful
- Describe a topic that you would like to know more about
- Describe some advice that you gave to someone
- Describe an important lesson that you learned when you were a child
Plans and wishes
- Describe a trip that you are planning to take in the future
- Describe a job that you would like to do in the future
- Describe something expensive that you would like to buy in the future
- Describe a change that you would like to make in your life
- Describe a place where you would like to live in the future
- Describe a party that you would like to organise in the future
- Describe a skill that you would like to learn in the future
- Describe a goal that you would like to achieve in the next five years
- Describe a place in your own country that you would like to visit
- Describe a business that you would like to start in the future
- Describe a holiday that you would like to take with your family
- Describe a course or training programme that you would like to take in the future
- Describe a foreign country where you would like to work or live for a while
- Describe a sport or physical activity that you would like to try in the future
- Describe a gift that you are planning to give to someone
- Describe a project to help other people that you would like to organise
- Describe a book that you would like to read in the future
- Describe a change that you would like to see in the area where you live
- Describe a new hobby that you would like to take up
- Describe a foreign language (other than English) that you would like to learn
- Describe a family celebration that you are looking forward to or would like to organise
- Describe how you would like to spend a perfect free weekend in the future
- Describe an ambition that you had when you were a child and that you still have
- Describe a concert, festival or cultural event that you would like to go to in the future
- Describe your dream home, the house that you would like to live in one day
Part 1 topics A–Z
- Accommodation
- Advertisements
- Animals and pets
- Art and painting
- Bags
- Birthdays
- Board games and puzzles
- Borrowing things
- Breakfast
- Buildings and architecture
- Cafés
- Cars and driving
- Childhood home
- Children
- Clothes
- Colleagues and classmates
- Collecting things
- Computers
- Crafts and making things
- Cycling
- Daily routine
- Decorating your home
- Dream job
- Eating out
- Evenings
- Exercise
- Family
- Family traditions
- Fast food
- Favourite food
- Films
- Flying
- Food and cooking
- Free time
- Friends
- Furniture
- Gardening
- Getting around town
- Getting to know a new place
- Gifts
- Grandparents
- Healthy eating
- History
- Hobbies
- Holidays
- Holidays and festivals
- Hometown
- Household chores
- Keys
- Languages and names
- Learning a new skill
- Learning English
- Libraries
- Living with others
- Luck
- Making new friends
- Maps and directions
- Markets
- Memory
- Messages and emails
- Mobile phones
- Money
- Mornings
- Museums
- Music
- Neighbours
- News
- Noise
- Online shopping
- Parties and celebrations
- Patience
- Pens and stationery
- Photos and cameras
- Places to relax
- Podcasts and videos
- Presents and souvenirs
- Public parks
- Public transport
- Reading
- Recycling
- Robots
- Role models
- School days
- Seasons
- Shoes
- Shopping
- Shopping malls
- Singing and concerts
- Sleep
- Snacks and sweets
- Social media
- Sport
- Sports events
- Staying healthy
- Staying up late
- Stress and relaxation
- Studies
- Swimming
- Tea and coffee
- Teachers
- Team sports
- Technology and learning
- Television
- The internet
- The sky and stars
- Time management
- Tourists in your country
- Trains and buses
- Travelling
- Trees and flowers
- Volunteering
- Walking
- Watches and clocks
- Water and the sea
- Weather
- Weekends
- Work
- Working from home
- Your city
- Your first job
How Parts 1, 2 and 3 connect
The Speaking test takes 11–14 minutes, face to face with an examiner. Part 1 is short questions about you and familiar topics. Part 2 is the cue card: one minute to prepare, then up to two minutes alone. Part 3 is a discussion that takes the cue card's subject to a wider, more abstract level.
So the card and Part 3 belong together. If your card is about a teacher who influenced you, expect Part 3 questions about education and what makes a good teacher.
How to practice with a timer
Use the minute to choose what to talk about and to note two or three words for each point. When the chime sounds, speak until the second chime, even if you run out of ideas: say more about why, give an example, compare then and now.
Record yourself and listen for long pauses, repeated words and the point where you ran out of things to say. Answer the Part 3 questions before you read the band-8 answer.
Our guides go through each part step by step:
Frequently asked questions
What are the topics for IELTS Speaking?
Part 1 asks about familiar things: your work or studies, your home, daily routine, food, free time, technology. Part 2 cue cards ask you to describe a person, a place, an object, an event, an experience or a plan. Part 3 discusses the cue card's subject more broadly.
The topics change through the year, but these families stay the same, so practicing a few cards from each family prepares you for almost any card you get.
What are the 42 topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1?
There is no official list of 42 topics. Lists with that number collect topics that candidates often report. The examiner always starts with your work or studies or your home, then asks about two or three everyday topics. The Part 1 topics are listed A–Z above.
Is IELTS Speaking getting harder in 2026?
No. The format, timing and marking criteria are the same: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, each worth a quarter of the band. Only the topics change, and the pool is refreshed in January, May and September.
Are these real IELTS exam questions?
No. Real test questions are confidential. These are topics that candidates often report, written in our own words in the exam's format.
How long should I speak in IELTS Speaking Part 2?
Up to two minutes. The examiner stops you at two minutes, so aim to still be talking then. Under a minute and a half usually costs fluency marks, because it suggests you could not develop the topic.
Can I use notes in Part 2?
Yes. You get paper and a pencil for the minute of preparation and can look at your notes while you speak. Stick to key words: there is no time to write or read full sentences.
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