IELTS Speaking Topics and Vocabulary
How to prepare IELTS Speaking topics
To succeed in the IELTS speaking test, you need to speak confidently on a wide range of topics. Below you can find some of the common IELTS Speaking topics that you may be asked to talk about in the test. Sometimes these topics are used in Part 1, sometimes Part 2 and Part 3.
When it comes to preparing for your IELTS Speaking test, research tells us vocabulary is best learnt in context, so it is a really good idea to study vocabulary by topic. I also agree that word lists can be a very useful tool for anyone preparing for the test, if the words have plenty of context and examples.
To help you study and prepare for IELTS Speaking, I have created and recorded lots of free lessons, each one on a different topic. Many topics below have a complete lesson with a vocabulary word list, as well as sample answers to different IELTS Speaking questions. In addition to studying with the PDF word list, there is a also video so you can see the language in action.
Since you need flexibility when using vocabulary to get a Band 7 or above, I’d say a very good study approach is to
- use the lessons below organised by topics
- study one topic per study session
- watch the video
- make a note of new vocabulary
- make a note of new idioms
- practice using new vocabulary as much as possible
Common IELTS Speaking topics
Remember to click on the topic below ⬇️ to get the full lesson for free! 👍
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How to learn vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
Learning vocabulary is important for IELTS speaking because it counts for 25% of your score. You can learn how your speaking is evaluated here.
If you are unsure about how to learn vocabulary, and you need some good study techniques, check out my guide below which will show you how to learn vocabulary effectively. This includes how to choose, record, remember and activate new words and expressions.
Discover the secret to learning new vocabulary effectively from my Ultimate Guide to IELTS Speaking Vocabulary.
As well as learning new words and expressions, you also need to be able to use them flexibly and accurately. So, make sure you are practicing your vocabulary a lot, so you can speak fluently in the IELTS Speaking test too. One great way to practice is to find a teacher on a platform like i-talki or Cambly.
If you are on my IELTS Speaking online course, IELTS Speaking Success – Get a Band 7+ GOLD, you will have daily access to Breakout Rooms where you can practice your speaking with small groups of other students on the course.
Learn more about the GOLD online course here.
More IELTS Speaking topics
Finally, if you want to see specific topics for the different parts of the IELTS Speaking test, click on the links below. You will get a clearer idea of the topics, sub-topics and common IELTS Speaking questions you could be asked.
If you found this useful, or you want to share your own tips about preparing for IELTS Speaking, leave a comment below!
As a community we can all learn together.
Keith O'Hare
Trinity Dip TESOL, MSc Digital Education (UK).
Helping more than 40,000 students worldwide with my online courses.
A lover of languages, teaching and lasagna!
46 thoughts on “IELTS Speaking Topics and Essential Vocabulary”
I cannot found 50 Idioms Idioms For IELTS pdf
I can not found 50 Idioms For IELTS pdf
Here is the link: https://courses.keithspeakingacademy.com/p/my-downloadable-343661
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I cannot found festivals pdf
Here is the link to download it: https://keithspeakingacademy.com/download/ielts-speaking-festivals-lesson-notes/
Hello
Dear Keith,
Could you tell the difference between your FREE Live Lessons and IELTS Speaking Topics ?
There are the same topics and lessons, aren’t ?
Thanks in advance!
Your sincerely,
Vitaly
Hello, dear teacher. I’ve just discovered you🤩🤩🤩🤩I’m planning to attend your online classes in a few days
Welcome and thanks!
He is not only a teacher, an outstanding motivator….
Sir thank you very much, you are the best teacher I’ve ever had… Your way of teaching is amazing and so entertaining… Those videos and lessons were really helpful to improve our language skill…. Thanks again and I wish you a healthy future ❤🧡💛💚
Thank you so much for the comment Chamika!
I have appeared in IELTS general following your strategies I achieved band 6.5 in speaking 6.5 in writing 6.5 in listening and 5 band only on reading so I made up my mind to sit in test again in the upcoming months what type of study should I do or what type of course should I purchase waiting for your reply.thanks .
Hi Muzammil, the course on my website for speaking (Band7+) and Reading (Fiona’s) and Writing (Eli’s) will all help. I am afraid I have nothing for Listening at the moment. Details for courses here: https://keith-speaking-academy.teachable.com/courses
Dear Keith,
Thank you so much. I have watched your YouTube lessons and got 7 overall with a 7 for speaking section.This was my very first attempt of IElTS and I prepared for just three months. I used several tips and great vocabulary you taught us through your free lessons. You are a dedicated teacher and I really appreciate the great effort you put in all of your classes. It really helps students like me who studied English as a second language in school. Sorry for my poor sentence structure. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.🙏
Congratulations – I am very pleased for you and delighted my videos and lessons could help!
Dear Keith,
Thank you so much. I have watched your YouTube lessons and got 7 overall with a 7 for speaking section. I used several tips and great vocabulary you taught us through your free lessons. You are a dedicated teacher and I really appreciate the great effort you put in all of your classes. It really helps students like me who studied English as a second language in school. Sorry for my poor sentence structure. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.🙏
Hi sir Keith!! I just want to say thank you very much!! I just got my desired band scores in speaking today! I made used of this section a lot.. I’ve read all the vocabulary lessons and its very useful that I’ve learned words through specific topics and in context..also got ideas on how to answer questions in all parts of the speaking test.. Thank you so much sir Keith! 😭🙏🇵🇭
Well done!
That is great news and I am glad the website could help you.
Best wishes for the future!
The main differences are
1) The GOLD course is based on the Speaking Success System which is used in each lecture to get you practicing the new language you are learning. So there are lots more practice videos for this.
2) You get access to 2 live lessons a month (on the 2nd and 3rd Thursday of each month – 12pm CEST)
3) The live lessons take place in the private Facebook group, where you can also meet and interact with other students on the course
4) The GOLD course also has quizzes to review your learning
You can see a course comparison here:
https://keithspeakingacademy.com/ielts-speaking-online-courses/
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Keith
Hi Mr. Keith
I’m just at a loss for a word because of all you have done for me, I’ve upgraded my speaking score from 6 to 7 just in one month, and only by watching your free live lessons and other useful videos. this 1 level of speaking has changed my overall from 6.5 to 7, I hadn’t access from Iran to buy your course but for others, I really recommend it(If this is the result of your free lessons, the training course will be a hurricane.) one day I will buy it too and follow your lessons to maintain my English level.
Wish you love and well-fare 🤗😍
Thank you so much, I am so pleased my videos helped you get up to band 7 so quickly. Hopefully, one day, students from Iran will also be able to access my course. Best wishes for your next future steps. Keith
Hello Keith, thanks to your videos I obtained a 7.5 band score in my IELTS speaking test. Thank you so much for all the effort you put into this website and your videos, you are a wonderful teacher. Now I’ll apply for a master degree course abroad and hopefully soon I’ll be studying in English. God bless you.
Great news, and so glad I could help. Good luck with your Master’s application and hope you have a great time studying in English (wherever you choose to go)!
After watching your several videos, I’m really into English which is helping me of passing my leisure time productively. Recently I’ve given an IELTS test and got a 7.0 in speaking, because of you; had I not watched your videos, wouldn’t be able to get a 7.0. All in all, you’re much appreciated, Sir Keith O’Hare.
Congratulation and so pleased my videos could help you!
I have already bought the course. I have to say that your course is the best, Keith. The fluency and also making larger chunks are getting better. It is been a pleasure to stay with you on Youtube and also Academy.Hope that you will release another course. God bless you, Keith-for being one of the greatest teachers when it comes to IELTS teachers
Wow, that is so kind Harry, and I am delighted you find the course useful and enjoyable.
Thats was great sir, i hope u still teach us english and we will more study to get band 9 ielts. Thank you keith .
I hope so too!
Can you please help me by sharing some resources for speaking?please reply it’s a great help.
The live lessons on the website, will give you lots of language resources to preapare for the test. https://keithspeakingacademy.com/ielts-speaking-free-live-lessons/
Hello Keith!
May I ask you about the environment topic pdf file because I couldn’t find it here?
Great Post! I got too much Information & guidance for IELTS Preparation. I am glad to read this awesome post. Thanks for sharing such a helpful Post.
My pleasure Pamela.
Hi, I want to join your course to improve my speaking. Could you please send me the details of this course?
Sure, I have 2 courses, all details below. The first is a general fluency course, the second is much more about preparing for IELTS with vocabulary, sample answers, tips and techniques.
Fluency for IELTS Speaking -https://www.udemy.com/course/fluency-for-ielts-speaking/?couponCode=11C2BFLUWEBAPR9
IELTS Speaking Success – Get a Band 7+ – https://www.udemy.com/course/ielts-speaking-success-get-a-band-7/?couponCode=A97E4BAND7WEBAPR9
hello
could you the pdf of social media
i did not find it.
That one hasn’t been done yet, I need to update quite a few actually. I will try and do it as soon as I can. Thanks for the reminder.
Hello Keith,
I tried to open the topic about home and the lesson video you posted on there is about clothing I think. I hope you can fix it.
Best regards,
Jat Seng Li
Apologies, I have just fixed it. Thanks for pointing this out!
hey, Keith
I hope everything is going well with you
When I click on music topic it goes on health topic on the Youtube channel
please fix it…
Thanks a lot
Thank you for letting me know, I have just fixed it!
Hello Keith,
I tried to open the page about Books from IELTS Speaking Topics Vocabulary, but it redirected me to the page about animals. Could you please check and fix it?
Best regards,
Ann
Hi Ann, I have just fixed the link.
Thanks for telling me.😁
Hello sir, I am planning to take IELTS in the last week of March 2021. I want to join your course for academics.Please send me the details.
Hi, I have 2 online courses, and both are self-study, so you study at your own pace. I don’t do any direct one on one teaching at the moment. Details of the courses are here:
Fluency for IELTS Speaking – https://www.udemy.com/course/fluency-for-ielts-speaking/?couponCode=1050A61FLUWEBFEB8
IELTS Speaking Success – Get a Band 7+ – https://www.udemy.com/course/ielts-speaking-success-get-a-band-7/?couponCode=71EA46BAND7WEBFEB5