Written by Sarah Thompson – IELTS teacher and examiner with 12 years’ experience helping students in the UK, Canada and Asia achieve Band 7–9 scores through clear, real-world speaking practice.
Welcome to the Latest IELTS Speaking Questions Canada blog for October 2025. These questions were kindly shared by R.M., who recently took the Academic IELTS test in Canada. This post includes real recalled questions, Band 9 sample answers and examiner feedback to help you speak with confidence in your own test. Explore our full IELTS Speaking Complete Guide for structure and timing details.
Latest IELTS Speaking Questions from Canada – October 2025
Part 1 – Introduction & Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks short, familiar questions to test fluency and pronunciation in everyday topics. Learn more in our IELTS Speaking Part 1 Tips.
Do you live in a house or an apartment?
I live in an apartment near downtown Toronto. It’s quite small but very cosy, with a lovely view of the river. I like the modern design and the convenience of living close to public transport.
Examiner Feedback: Rich description and precise vocabulary → Band 9.
Can you describe your home a little?
My flat has two bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen and a balcony. It’s decorated in neutral colours, which makes it feel bright and spacious. The best part is the balcony where I enjoy my morning coffee.
Examiner Feedback: Strong spatial detail and cohesive structure → Band 9.
What do you like about the place where you live now?
I love the location. It’s peaceful but still close to shops and cafés. The building also has a small gym, so I can work out without going far.
Examiner Feedback: Smooth connectors and topic-related lexis → Band 9.
Is there anything you would like to change about your home?
Yes, I’d probably soundproof the windows. The street can get a bit noisy during rush hour, especially with buses passing by.
Examiner Feedback: Conditional structure and natural rhythm → Band 9.
Have you ever lost your phone before?
Yes, once at a café. I left it on the table and realised half an hour later. Fortunately, someone handed it to the staff, so I got it back the same day.
Examiner Feedback: Clear past-tense narration → Band 9.
How did you feel when it happened?
I felt anxious and frustrated because all my work contacts were on it. That moment made me appreciate how dependent we are on technology.
Examiner Feedback: Expressive emotion and natural phrasing → Band 9.
Would you like to replace your phone with a new one soon?
Probably next year. My current phone works fine, but the battery drains quickly. I’d like to upgrade to a model with a better camera.
Examiner Feedback: Balanced opinion and accurate future-tense control → Band 9.
Do you think phones are too expensive these days?
Yes, definitely. Some models cost as much as a laptop. I think companies focus too much on luxury rather than practicality.
Examiner Feedback: Strong argument and concise summary → Band 9.
These Band 9 answers demonstrate how to expand ideas with everyday examples and emotional tone. Practise more on our IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice Page and IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Guide.
Part 2 – Cue Card
In Part 2, you’ll receive a topic card and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. Learn structure tips on our IELTS Speaking Part 2 Guide.
Describe a time when you said “thank you” to someone
You should say:
– who the person was
– what you were thanking them for
– how you expressed your gratitude
and explain how you felt after saying “thank you”.
Band 9 Sample Answer
About six months ago, I said a heartfelt “thank you” to my university professor, Dr Lee, who had written me a recommendation letter for a scholarship in Canada. I was under a lot of pressure at that time, trying to balance work and study, and her letter genuinely made a difference to my application. Once I received the scholarship confirmation, I visited her office with a small box of chocolates and a handwritten card. I remember feeling quite nervous because I wanted my gratitude to sound sincere. She smiled warmly and told me that seeing students succeed was her greatest reward. That moment stayed with me. It reminded me how powerful a simple “thank you” can be — not just polite words, but a way to acknowledge someone’s kindness and effort. Ever since then, I’ve made it a habit to thank people properly instead of sending quick text messages.
Examiner Feedback: Excellent storytelling with emotional reflection and clear chronology → Band 9.
Practise more cue cards on our IELTS Speaking Part 2 Practice Page and build topic language with the IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Guide.
Part 3 – Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner asks analytical questions related to gratitude and social values.
See our IELTS Speaking Part 3 Strategies Guide.
Do you think people today express gratitude as much as they should?
Not really. Many people are so busy that they forget basic courtesies. For instance, in offices I’ve worked at, colleagues often take help for granted. I always try to say “thanks,” even for small things, because it keeps the atmosphere positive.
Examiner Feedback: Personal example and moral reasoning → Band 9.
Is it important for society to encourage people to say “thank you”?
Yes, because gratitude builds respect and empathy. In my community, campaigns promoting kindness have made workplaces friendlier. Encouraging people to express appreciation creates a culture of mutual support.
Examiner Feedback: Strong topic vocabulary and real social link → Band 9.
How do people in your country usually show appreciation?
Canadians often use small gestures — writing thank-you notes, sending messages, or even baking treats for friends. Personally, I prefer face-to-face appreciation because it feels more genuine.
Examiner Feedback: Cultural insight with personal preference → Band 9.
Do you think saying “thank you” is becoming less common in modern life?
Yes, to some extent. Technology makes communication fast but impersonal. I’ve noticed that online comments replace real gratitude. Still, many people consciously try to keep manners alive.
Examiner Feedback: Modern context and nuanced opinion → Band 9.
How can schools or families teach children to be more thankful?
Parents can lead by example — I remember my mother always thanking shop assistants politely. Schools can encourage students to write short appreciation notes to teachers or classmates. These habits stay for life.
Examiner Feedback: Personal memory with practical idea → Band 9.
Do you think gratitude is expressed differently across cultures?
Absolutely. In Canada, people often use polite phrases, while in some Asian countries gratitude is shown through small gifts or actions. I learnt that cultural background shapes how we express emotion.
Examiner Feedback: Cross-cultural awareness and academic tone → Band 9.
In what ways does showing gratitude strengthen relationships in society?
Gratitude reminds people that their actions matter. When I thank colleagues or neighbours, they feel valued, and cooperation improves. It’s a simple way to build trust and kindness within a community.
Examiner Feedback: Personal practice and social reasoning → Band 9.
These Band 9 responses blend thoughtful analysis with real experiences — a hallmark of high-level speaking. Review more themes on IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained and Latest IELTS Speaking Questions 2025.
Vocabulary Highlights
gratitude – thankful feeling · Gratitude can strengthen relationships.
appreciation – recognition of value · He showed appreciation by writing a card.
gesture – an action that expresses emotion · A small gesture can mean a lot.
acknowledge – accept or recognise · Always acknowledge others’ help.
empathy – understanding others’ feelings · Empathy is vital for teamwork.
courtesy – politeness · Saying “please” and “thank you” shows courtesy.
sincerity – genuine quality · Her sincerity touched everyone.
impersonal – lacking warmth · Online messages can feel impersonal.
reciprocate – return a favour · He reciprocated my help by offering advice.
acknowledgment – act of recognising · Public acknowledgment motivates people.
gesture of kindness – thoughtful act · A gesture of kindness makes days brighter.
gratifying – satisfying · Helping others is deeply gratifying.
mutual respect – shared esteem · Mutual respect keeps friendships strong.
cultural norms – accepted behaviours · Gratitude differs across cultural norms.
positive reinforcement – rewarding good behaviour · Teachers use positive reinforcement to teach manners.
Useful Collocations
express gratitude – People should express gratitude more often.
show appreciation – I sent a card to show appreciation for her help.
offer thanks – He offered thanks to his mentor.
return a favour – It’s polite to return a favour when you can.
develop empathy – Volunteering helps students develop empathy.
build strong relationships – Gratitude helps build strong relationships.
strengthen community bonds – Saying thank you can strengthen community bonds.
teach good manners – Parents should teach good manners early.
Tips for Success
- Start answers naturally — don’t memorise full scripts.
- Add real-life examples to sound authentic.
- Vary tone and pace to show confidence.
- Use phrases like “in my experience” for personal depth.
- Finish with a brief reflection or feeling to impress the examiner.
Further Practice & Resources
- IELTS Speaking Complete Guide
- IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice Page
- IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards
- IELTS Speaking Part 3 Strategies Guide
- IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Guide
- IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained
FAQ
Q1. Can I use personal examples in IELTS Speaking Part 3?
Yes — personal examples make answers more natural and coherent.
Q2. What happens if I pause to think?
Short pauses are fine; they show you’re thinking logically.
Q3. Should I thank the examiner at the end of the test?
A polite “Thank you” is good manners but doesn’t affect your score.
Q4. Can I use idioms in my answers?
Yes, as long as they sound natural and are used correctly.
Q5. How can I improve my pronunciation?
Listen to English podcasts daily and mimic native rhythm and stress.
References
For verified IELTS information and scoring policy, visit IELTS.org, the British Council, and IDP IELTS Canada. You can also boost academic and professional skills with expert-led online courses on Course Line.
Disclaimer
The IELTS Speaking questions in this blog were shared by recent examinees to help other candidates prepare. IELTS Zone is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with the British Council, IDP IELTS or Cambridge Assessment English.
All questions are recollections used purely for educational practice.
