IELTS Speaking: Conversation and Public Speaking Topics

In IELTS Speaking, questions about daily communication or public speaking require candidates to not only possess a strong vocabulary but also the ability to develop ideas coherently. This article by Mr. Quoc Thinh, an instructor at ECE Language Center, provides you with a set of essential vocabulary and model answers to help you confidently conquer Band 7.0+.

Recommended Vocabulary & Band-Boosting Structures

Below are high-value phrases to help you replace basic vocabulary, categorized by specific contexts:

Priority Vocabulary Table

High-Scoring Structures (Band 7+)

To make your speech coherent and personal, use these guiding structures:

• From my perspective,…

• Looking back,…

• One noticeable change is…

• That said,… (used to counter a point)

• I came to realise that…

• This is especially valuable for…

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Model Answers: Conversations

Scoring Strategy: A good Part 1 answer shouldn’t just address the question directly; it should include comparisons (Past vs. Present), show how things have changed over time, and incorporate personal feelings.

Q1: Do you often chat with friends?

“Not as much as I used to. When I was a teenager, I could spend hours chatting with my classmates. Our conversations ranged from small talk about what had happened during the day to random teenage concerns. Nowadays, we only meet up once in a while to catch up, as everyone is busy with their own responsibilities.”

Q2: Do you prefer to chat online or face-to-face?

“Now that I’ve grown up, I definitely prefer face-to-face conversations to online chats. There’s something special about talking to a friend in a coffee shop — the connection feels more genuine, and I feel more understood. Besides, potential misunderstandings that often arise from texting can be easily avoided when communicating in person.”

Q3: What do you usually chat about with friends?

“I’ve noticed that the topics I discuss with my friends have changed significantly compared to when we were students. Back then, we talked about light-hearted topics like recommended restaurants, upcoming concerts, or even a bit of gossip.

These days, however, our conversations revolve around more serious matters, as we’re all adults now. Work, further education, and financial investments are frequently discussed. Although these topics may sound stressful, it actually feels relieving to share such responsibilities and concerns with close friends.”

Q4: Do you argue with friends?

“Not really. I consider myself quite easy-going and open-minded, so I’m generally receptive to different viewpoints, even if they contradict my own. On top of that, I tend to avoid unnecessary conflicts, especially those unrelated to my professional interests. If I sense that a discussion might escalate into an argument, I usually try to steer the conversation in a different direction or excuse myself politely.”

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Model Answer

Topic: Describe a conversation topic that you were not interested in.

You should say:

• Who you talked with

• When you had the conversation

• What the topic was

• And explain why you were not interested

Model Answer:

Talking about a conversation that I didn’t fully enjoy in the past, I have to mention the typical exchanges that happen at almost every family gathering. It was usually the conversations with my relatives, where a series of personal questions would come my way.

They often asked about my income or my relationship status. Like many young people, I felt uncomfortable being asked such questions at the time, as I considered them private matters that shouldn’t be discussed in front of a large group. I mean, sharing your salary in front of twenty people felt unimaginable — and it became even more awkward when comparisons were made with others, which could make you feel as if you weren’t doing well enough. Looking back, my reaction was either to avoid answering or to show subtle irritation, which I now realise wasn’t the most appropriate response.

As I grew older, however, my perspective gradually shifted. I came to realise that in our culture, asking such questions is often a way of expressing care and concern, rather than an attempt to judge or criticise. I had mistakenly assumed there was negative intent behind them.

Since then, I’ve become more open to these conversations and have learned how to respond politely without revealing too many personal details.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Model Answers: Public Speaking & Communication

Q1: Why do people feel nervous when they are giving a speech to others?

“From my perspective, it’s completely natural to feel anxious when speaking in front of a crowd. When all eyes are on you, it’s easy to feel under pressure. For inexperienced speakers, this anxiety can intensify due to the fear of being judged by others. That said, public speaking is a skill like any other — with consistent practice and the right techniques, people can gradually overcome this fear.”

Q2: How can people improve their public speaking skills?

“I strongly believe the saying ‘practice makes perfect’ really applies here. While certain techniques — such as deep breathing before speaking — can help reduce tension, the most important factor is repeated exposure. The more you do it, the more confident you become. Preparation also plays a crucial role. When speakers thoroughly prepare their content, they’re far more likely to deliver their message clearly and stay in control throughout the speech.”

Q3: Can you suggest any methods that would help reduce nervousness?

“One commonly suggested method is chewing gum before giving a speech. Some studies indicate that chewing gum may help lower stress levels by reducing certain stress-related hormones. Another effective approach is meditation or controlled breathing. By slowing down your breathing and heart rate, you can calm your body’s stress response and feel more composed before stepping onto the stage.”

Q4: Is it good for people to visit schools and give a talk to children about different things?

“I believe this is a highly beneficial activity and should be organised more frequently. Guest speakers can share real-world experiences that go beyond textbooks, helping students gain a broader understanding of life outside the classroom. This is especially valuable for high school students, who are at a stage where they need guidance to make informed decisions about their future.”

Q5: What type of person is best suited to give a talk to a group of students?

“Professionals from various fields would make excellent guest speakers. They can provide practical insights and in-depth knowledge that students may not easily access through regular school lessons. More importantly, their advice on career paths can be incredibly valuable, helping students make more informed choices in the future.”

Communication is not just about exchanging information; it is an art of connection. Similarly, an excellent IELTS Speaking performance isn’t just about stuffing your answers with difficult words, but about how you convey your message in the most authentic and logical way. We hope this vocabulary system and these model answers will serve as a solid foundation, helping you confidently master every conversation in the exam room and in real life.