Cambridge IELTS 12 Speaking Practice Test 1
Note: Describe an occasion when you had to wait a long time is an Official IELTS Academic and General Training Speaking Practice Test 01 With Sample Answers From Cambridge Book 12.
PART 1: Questions and Sample Answers
The examiner asks the candidate about him/herself, his/her home, work or studies and other familiar topics.
Example Questions about Health
1. Is it important to you to eat healthy food? [Why?/Why not?]
Yes, eating healthy food is very important to me because it helps me feel more energetic and focused throughout the day. I believe a balanced diet is essential for overall well-being, and it can prevent a lot of health issues in the long run. When I eat well, I notice that I’m able to stay active and perform better at work and in my personal life, which motivates me to make healthier food choices.
2. If you catch a cold, what do you do to help you feel better? [Why?]
When I catch a cold, I usually make sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids, like herbal tea or warm water with honey. I find that these simple remedies help soothe my throat and keep me hydrated. I also take over-the-counter medicine to relieve symptoms, if needed. Rest is essential, as it gives my body the chance to recover faster, so I prioritize getting a good amount of sleep.
3. Do you pay attention to public information about health? [Why?/Why not?]
Yes, I do pay attention to public health information because it helps me stay informed about ways to take better care of myself and avoid potential health risks. For instance, during flu season or health emergencies, following public guidelines can be crucial for staying safe. I think it’s helpful to be aware of these updates because they often provide useful tips on prevention and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
4. What could you do to have a healthier lifestyle?
To have a healthier lifestyle, I could focus more on regular exercise and establishing a consistent sleep routine. Currently, I don’t exercise as much as I’d like, so adding activities like jogging or yoga could make a positive difference in my energy levels and overall fitness. Additionally, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day could improve my sleep quality, which I know would help me feel more refreshed and productive.
PART 2: Speaking Cue Card Topic
Describe an occasion when you had to wait a long time for someone or something to arrive.
You should say:
- who or what you were waiting for
- how long you had to wait
- why you had to wait a long time
- and explain how you felt about waiting a long time.
You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.
Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I had to wait a long time for my friend to arrive for a planned day out. This happened about a year ago when my friend and I had planned to visit a popular theme park in my city. We’d been talking about it for weeks, and I was really looking forward to spending the day on rides, trying out the food stalls, and just having a fun time together.
The plan was for my friend to meet me at the park entrance around 10 a.m., as we wanted to make the most of the day and start early. I got there on time and was feeling excited as I waited near the entrance. However, as time passed, I started to feel puzzled because my friend hadn’t shown up, and I hadn’t received any messages explaining a delay. After about 20 minutes, I finally got a text from her saying that she was running late due to some unexpected traffic on the way.
Unfortunately, the traffic was worse than she had anticipated. What started as a short delay quickly turned into an hour of waiting, and eventually, I ended up waiting for nearly two hours before she finally arrived. The reason for the long wait was a serious traffic jam caused by an accident on the main road. Since she didn’t have any alternate route options, she was stuck and couldn’t speed up the process no matter how hard she tried.
Initially, I was understanding and patient because I knew these things could happen, but as the minutes dragged on, I started feeling a mix of emotions. I was mostly disappointed because I had been looking forward to the day and was worried about missing out on some of the rides or experiences we’d planned. I also felt a bit bored and restless, standing alone with nothing much to do but wait. I tried to make the best of the situation by scrolling through my phone, watching some videos, and chatting with a few friends, but it wasn’t as enjoyable as actually being in the park.
When my friend finally arrived, she was very apologetic, and we made the best of the remaining time we had. Even though it was frustrating to wait so long, I reminded myself that things don’t always go as planned, and sometimes, you just have to adapt and be patient. In the end, we still had a great time, though I’ll admit I was much more eager to start the day promptly next time.
PART 3: Follow Up Questions and Sample Answers
Discussion Topics
Arriving early
Example questions:
1. In what kinds of situations should people always arrive early?
People should always try to arrive early in situations that involve important commitments, like job interviews, exams, and medical appointments. Arriving early to job interviews, for instance, helps make a good impression and shows respect for the interviewer’s time. Similarly, arriving ahead of time for exams allows students to relax and mentally prepare, ensuring they’re in the best mindset to perform well. Being early to medical appointments is also crucial because it helps the schedule flow smoothly and shows respect for both the doctor and other patients.
2. How important is it to arrive early in your country?
In my country, arriving early is often considered respectful, especially in professional or formal settings. For instance, people are generally expected to arrive early for work meetings, interviews, or official gatherings. However, for more casual gatherings or social events, people are sometimes more relaxed about time and may not feel the need to be as punctual. That said, in recent years, there’s been a growing emphasis on punctuality across all types of situations as people understand its impact on efficiency and mutual respect.
3. How can modern technology help people to arrive early?
Modern technology offers many tools to help people arrive early. For example, navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze provide real-time traffic updates, allowing people to plan the best route and avoid delays. Additionally, calendar apps with reminders help people stay on top of their schedules and ensure they leave on time. Even wearable devices like smartwatches can be useful, as they send gentle reminders or alarms, encouraging people to start their journey a little earlier if needed.
Being patient
Example questions:
4. What kinds of jobs require the most patience?
Jobs in customer service, teaching, and healthcare require a great deal of patience. In customer service, employees often deal with frustrated customers who might have complaints, so staying calm and patient is crucial. Teaching also demands patience, as instructors need to explain concepts multiple times for students to understand fully. Healthcare professionals, especially those in nursing or emergency care, need to remain calm and patient in stressful situations, showing empathy and care to people in vulnerable moments.
5. Is it always better to be patient in work (or studies)?
Yes, being patient in work or studies is generally beneficial, as it leads to better understanding, efficiency, and success in the long run. Patience allows people to approach challenges calmly and consider multiple solutions rather than rushing into decisions. For students, patience is valuable because it helps them to better absorb complex concepts and complete assignments thoughtfully. At work, patience allows people to collaborate effectively, as they can listen to and understand others’ ideas, which ultimately leads to better outcomes.
6. Do you agree or disagree that the older people are, the more patient they are?
I tend to agree that as people grow older, they often become more patient. With age, people usually gain more life experience and develop a better understanding of different perspectives. They realize that many situations can’t be rushed and that good things take time. Additionally, older individuals may have encountered a variety of challenging situations over the years, which can help them become more tolerant and level-headed when dealing with similar situations in the future. However, this isn’t always the case, as some people may naturally be more patient regardless of their age.
