IELTS speaking test 2 – Transport, Shopping & Money, Weather & Seasons, Travel/Tourism

Part 1

“Do you often go shopping for clothes?” Click to show answer I usually travel by bus because it is convenient and I can use the time to read or listen to podcasts, which makes the journey feel shorter. On days when the weather is nice, I sometimes prefer cycling, because it’s healthier and gives me a chance to enjoy the fresh air before starting my day.

“Do you think it’s important to dress well?” Click to show answer I enjoy cycling the most because it keeps me active and gives me complete control over my schedule. Unlike buses or trains, I don’t have to wait for someone else or deal with crowded spaces, and I find that it also helps me feel more relaxed and clear-headed.

“Do you have particular national dress in your country?” Click to show answer Yes, I think it has improved quite a lot. There are more bus routes and new bike lanes, which makes it easier and safer for people to commute. Additionally, some of the buses are now faster and more punctual, which makes daily travel much less stressful than it used to be.

“I’d like to talk about the news now. Do you often read newspapers?” Click to show answer Yes, I enjoy shopping, especially when it comes to buying clothes or gifts for friends and family. I find it satisfying to browse different options and pick something that feels personal or useful. I also enjoy the experience of going to markets or small local shops because it allows me to discover unique items that aren’t available online.

“Where do you go to get news?” Click to show answer I usually go shopping once or twice a week, mostly for groceries and essential items. Occasionally, I plan bigger trips to shopping centres to buy clothes or electronics. I try to make these trips more efficient by preparing a list beforehand, so I don’t waste time wandering around aimlessly.

“Do you listen to news broadcasts on the radio?” Click to show answer I prefer shopping alone because I can focus on what I need without being distracted. I can take my time to compare products and prices, and make decisions without feeling pressured by someone else. However, I don’t mind going with friends sometimes if it’s for social purposes, like trying out a new store or shopping for gifts together.

“Let’s move on to talk about holidays. Did you often go on holiday when you were a child?” Click to show answer My favourite season is spring because the weather is mild and the days start to get longer, which makes me feel more energetic. I also love seeing the flowers bloom and spending more time outside. It feels like a fresh start after winter, and I enjoy planning outdoor activities during this time.

“Would you prefer to travel overseas for a holiday?” Click to show answer Weather has a big impact on my mood. Sunny and warm days make me feel cheerful and motivated to go outside and be productive, while rainy or grey days can make me feel more relaxed, but sometimes a bit lazy. Extreme weather, like very hot or very cold days, can make me uncomfortable and reduce my energy.

“Do you have plans for a holiday in the future?” Click to show answer Not really. I enjoy outdoor activities mostly in spring and summer when the weather is pleasant. During winter, I tend to prefer indoor activities like reading or watching movies, although I occasionally go skiing or hiking if the conditions are right. I think adapting my activities to the season makes them more enjoyable.

“Have you ever been on a long journey?” Click to show answer I would like to visit Japan, specifically the city of Kyoto, because I’ve always been fascinated by its history and traditional culture. Kyoto is famous for its beautiful temples, gardens, and traditional wooden houses, which I’ve seen in photos and documentaries. I want to experience the culture firsthand, including visiting shrines, exploring the old streets, and trying traditional Japanese food such as sushi, ramen, and matcha sweets. I would also love to see the cherry blossoms in spring, as they are considered a symbol of beauty and renewal in Japanese culture. While I am there, I plan to take photographs, write notes in a travel journal, and immerse myself in the local way of life as much as possible. I think visiting Kyoto would make me feel both inspired and relaxed. I imagine it would be a peaceful experience, walking through gardens and temples, but also exciting because there is so much to see and learn. Overall, I think it would be a deeply memorable trip that combines relaxation, education, and enjoyment.

“Do you prefer to travel alone or with other people?” Click to show answer People travel abroad for many reasons. Some want to experience new cultures, meet people from different backgrounds, and try new foods. Others travel to relax and escape their daily routine. Travel can also be educational, allowing people to learn about history, art, and language in a way that isn’t possible through books or films.

Part 2

Describe a place you’d like to live in the future

You should say:

• Where it would be
• What it would be like
• Who you would live with
• You should also say why you would like to live there.

Click to show the first paragraph of the model answer It really depends on personal preference. Traveling with friends can be enjoyable because you share experiences and create memories together, and it can feel safer in unfamiliar places. On the other hand, traveling alone gives you freedom and flexibility. You can decide your schedule entirely and explore things that genuinely interest you without compromise.

Click to show the second paragraph of the model answer Tourism can have both positive and negative effects. Economically, it brings money into the community, creates jobs, and supports local businesses. Socially, it can encourage cultural exchange. However, if tourism isn’t managed properly, it can harm the environment, increase pollution, and even lead to the loss of cultural traditions as areas become commercialised for visitors.

Click to show the third paragraph of the model answer Absolutely. Technology makes planning trips much easier with online bookings, travel apps, and navigation tools. People can instantly check reviews, compare prices, and share their experiences with others. It also makes communication easier when travelling abroad, for example with translation apps or online maps. This has made travel more accessible and convenient than ever before.

Part 3

“What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a rural area?” Click to show answer I believe tourism will continue to grow because more people have disposable income and international travel has become easier. However, there may be a shift toward sustainable or eco-friendly tourism, as people become more aware of environmental issues. Some may prefer local travel to reduce their carbon footprint, but overall, the curiosity to explore new places is unlikely to decrease.

“Has the standard of living changed much in your country over the last ten years?” Click to show answer Well, there are still significant differences between rich and poor people, with some people continuing to live well below the poverty line, but in general I think there has been a significant change. There has been an increase in tourism over recent years which has brought money into the country, and that has improved most people’s living conditions. There has also been a much greater focus on education, with an increasing number of children attending school, which of course will have a significantly positive effect on the standard of living here in the future. However, there has been only minimal progress with regards to healthcare, so I would say the standards there haven’t really improved very much.

“Do you think more people will choose to leave their native country and live abroad in the future?” Click to show answer Well, I think that a greater number of people may choose to travel to other countries, and may find a location they would prefer to live in than their home country. However, many people are not emigrating permanently, and may choose to return to their country of birth. In the future, I think that this migration is probably going to continue, but the main difference will be that travel becomes more affordable so even lower income families will have the option to relocate overseas, so the numbers will increase. Of course, it’s likely that some of the countries that are currently so heavily favoured, such as the USA or the UK, will be less popular destinations in the future, so an increasing number of people may choose to live in countries that at the moment we don’t really think about for immigration.

“Do you think students should be encouraged to study overseas?” Click to show answer That would very much depend on their course of study. I would say that the benefits of studying science-related subjects overseas are limited. Although you may get to see how other countries conduct research or experimentation, the basic rules and operating procedures in science will not vary between countries. However, I would say that there would be substantial advantages for students on courses involving people or language. For example, if studying the English language, it can be extremely beneficial to spend some time living in an English-speaking country. Also, for a student studying design-related subjects, it could be extremely advantageous to see other countries to absorb other perspectives and influences. Having said that, however, studying overseas should only be encouraged if it could be offered equally to all students, not just to those whose families could afford the costs.

“Do you think that increased mobility has had a negative effect on communities?” Click to show answer Hmmm… that’s not something I’ve ever really thought about, but… I suppose there are changes to local communities when people leave and new people arrive, but I wouldn’t agree that they were necessarily negative. New arrivals into a community may be able to offer new things that would definitely benefit the local people, but then there is also the lack of long-term bonds that can often be a significant part of smaller communities. Living in a city, there is less of a community feeling and that does have an effect on social behaviour, I think. We have problems with vandalism and graffiti that I imagine would be much less common in a community where everyone knows each other and people are easily recognised. However, I would say that on the whole an increase in people’s ability to move to other communities is a positive thing.