Official IELTS Cambridge Book 17 Speaking Practice Test 1 with answers & Free PDF for Academic and General Training.
Cambridge IELTS 17 Speaking Practice Test 1 for Academic & General Training
PART 1: Questions and Answers
The examiner asks you about yourself, your home, work or studies and other familiar topics.
EXAMPLE
Topic: History
Did you study history when you were at school?
Yes, I studied history in school. It was one of the subjects that was part of the curriculum.
How often do you watch TV programmes about history now? [Why/Why not?]
I don’t watch history TV programmes very often. I usually prefer current events or entertainment shows because I find them more engaging. However, if there’s a documentary about a particularly interesting historical event, I might watch it.
What period in history would you like to learn more about? [Why?]
I’d like to learn more about the Renaissance period because it was a time of significant cultural, artistic, and scientific advancements that shaped the modern world.
PART 2: Speaking Cue Card Questions and Topic
Describe the neighbourhood you lived in when you were a child.
You should say:
- where in your town/city the neighbourhood was?
- what kind of people lived there?
- what it was like to live in this neighbourhood?
and explain whether you would like to live in this neighbourhood in the future.
And 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.
Cue Card Sample Answer:
When I was a child, I lived in a neighborhood located in the northern part of my city. It was a suburban area, about a 20-minute drive from the city center, but it felt much more peaceful and residential. The streets were lined with trees, and there were several parks nearby, which made it a great place for families.
The people who lived in my neighborhood were mostly families with young children, similar to mine. There were also a few elderly couples who had lived there for decades. It was a close-knit community where everyone knew each other, and we often had gatherings or events that brought us all together. The sense of community was very strong, and I always felt safe and welcomed.
Living in this neighborhood was wonderful. As a child, I had the freedom to play outside without any worries. The local park was just a short walk away, and it was a popular spot for kids to gather and play games or ride bikes. The schools in the area were also quite good, so most of the children in the neighborhood attended the same schools, which helped us form strong friendships.
As for whether I would like to live in this neighborhood in the future, I would say that I would consider it. The neighborhood has a lot of positive memories for me, and it’s still a lovely place to live. However, now that I’m older and my lifestyle has changed, I might prefer to live in a more urban area with more amenities and a faster pace of life. But if I were to start a family, I think this neighborhood would be a great place to settle down, just like it was for my parents.
PART 3 – Follow-Up Questions & Discussion Topics with Answers
Discussion Topic: Neighbours
What sort of things can neighbours do to help each other?
Neighbours can help each other in many ways. For example, they can look after each other’s homes when someone is away, like collecting mail or watering plants. They can also offer to babysit in emergencies or help with household chores, like shoveling snow or lending tools. In times of need, having a neighbour to rely on can be invaluable, whether it’s borrowing a cup of sugar or offering a ride to the grocery store.
How well do people generally know their neighbours in your country?
In my country, the level of familiarity with neighbours varies greatly depending on the area. In smaller towns or rural areas, people tend to know their neighbours quite well and often interact regularly. They might visit each other’s homes and share news or help out with tasks. However, in larger cities, people are more likely to keep to themselves, and it’s not uncommon for neighbours to barely know each other, especially in apartment buildings or densely populated areas.
How important do you think it is to have good neighbours?
Having good neighbours is very important because they contribute to a sense of community and security. Good neighbours can make life more pleasant by being friendly and supportive, which is especially important in times of need or emergency. They also help to create a peaceful living environment where everyone looks out for each other. In contrast, difficult or uncooperative neighbours can make daily life stressful and uncomfortable.
Discussion Topic: Facilities in Cities
Which facilities are most important to people living in cities?
Facilities like public transportation, healthcare services, and educational institutions are among the most important for people living in cities. Efficient public transport systems are crucial because they allow people to commute easily without needing a car. Access to good healthcare facilities, like hospitals and clinics, is also essential for maintaining public health. Additionally, quality schools and universities are important for families and young adults.
How does shopping in small local shops differ from shopping in large city centre shops?
Shopping in small local shops usually offers a more personalized experience. The staff often know their regular customers and can provide tailored recommendations or special orders. The products might also be more unique or locally sourced, which can be a big draw for people looking for something different. On the other hand, large city centre shops, particularly chain stores or shopping malls, offer a wider variety of products under one roof. They often have more competitive prices due to their scale, but the shopping experience can feel more impersonal.
Do you think that children should always go to the school nearest to where they live?
While attending the nearest school can be convenient, especially for younger children, I don’t think it should always be mandatory. The quality of education varies from school to school, and parents should have the option to choose a school that best meets their child’s needs, even if it is farther away. Factors like the school’s curriculum, extracurricular activities, and overall environment are important considerations. However, if the local school provides a good education, it can be beneficial for children to attend it, as it allows them to build friendships within their community.
