IELTS Academic · Speaking

Speaking test: Describe a place near water, such as a river, lake or the sea, that you remember well

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 Do you live near water?
  2. 2 What is the view like from your home?
  3. 3 Would you like to live near the sea or a river?
  4. 4 Do you think it is expensive to live near water?
  5. 5 What is the weather usually like in your area?
  6. 6 Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
  7. 7 Do you think the weather is more unpredictable these days?
  8. 8 What do you do when it rains?
  9. 9 Do you usually go on holiday?
  10. 10 Where did you go on your last holiday?
  11. 11 Do you prefer holidays with others or alone?
  12. 12 Would you like to take a longer holiday in the future?

Part 2: Part 2

Question 13

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

Describe a place near water, such as a river, lake or the sea, that you remember well.

You should say:

  • where it is
  • when you went there
  • what you did there

and explain why you remember it.

  1. 13 Describe a place near water, such as a river, lake or the sea, that you remember well.

Part 3: Part 3

Questions 14–17

The examiner asks more general questions linked to Part 2.

  1. 14 Why do people like to live near water?
  2. 15 How can we keep rivers and seas clean?
  3. 16 Should children learn to swim at school?
  4. 17 What problems can water cause for cities?

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