Written by Jonathan Mitchell – IELTS examiner and trainer from London, with over 15 years of experience preparing international students for Band 7–9 performance in IELTS Speaking.
Welcome to the Latest IELTS Speaking Questions UK blog for October 2025. These questions were shared by R.A., who recently took the Academic IELTS test in the UK. Below you’ll find real recalled topics, Band 9 model answers, and examiner feedback to help you prepare for your upcoming test.
For a complete overview of timing, marking, and structure, visit our IELTS Speaking Complete Guide.
Part 1 – Introduction & Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks short, personal questions about everyday topics such as your home, habits, and preferences.
Learn more in our IELTS Speaking Part 1 Tips.
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is York, a small but historic city in northern England. It’s famous for its medieval walls and beautiful cathedral, which attract tourists from around the world.
Examiner Feedback: Strong topic vocabulary (“historic,” “medieval”) → Band 9.
What do you like most about your hometown?
I love its sense of community. Even though it’s quite old, people are friendly and always ready to chat in cafés or markets. It still feels like a small town despite the tourism.
Examiner Feedback: Natural intonation and balanced description → Band 9.
Has your hometown changed much over the years?
Yes, a lot. The city centre now has more modern shops and cafés, and the younger generation has made it livelier. However, the historic charm remains the same.
Examiner Feedback: Excellent use of contrast and present perfect → Band 9.
Would you like to live there in the future?
Probably, yes. It’s a lovely place to raise a family, although job opportunities are better in London. I’d love to return when I’m older for a quieter lifestyle.
Examiner Feedback: Conditional phrasing and natural personal reflection → Band 9.
Do you like flowers?
Yes, I do. Flowers instantly brighten up any room, and I often buy them to decorate my living space. Tulips are my favourite because they symbolise spring and renewal.
Examiner Feedback: Topic-specific vocabulary and idiomatic phrasing → Band 9.
Do you grow any flowers at home?
Just a few indoor plants, like orchids and peace lilies. I’m not great at gardening, but taking care of them is quite relaxing after work.
Examiner Feedback: Informal tone, natural flow → Band 9.
On what occasions do people give flowers in your country?
In the UK, people give flowers on birthdays, anniversaries, or even to say sorry. They’re also common gifts on Mother’s Day and during hospital visits.
Examiner Feedback: Cultural accuracy and lexical range → Band 9.
What kind of food do you like to eat?
I enjoy Mediterranean food, especially pasta and grilled fish. It’s light, fresh, and healthy — perfect after long working days.
Examiner Feedback: Clear opinion with supporting reason → Band 9.
Do you prefer eating at home or eating out?
I prefer eating at home because I like cooking my own meals. But on weekends, I enjoy eating out with friends to try new restaurants.
Examiner Feedback: Balanced comparison and natural connectors → Band 9.
What is a traditional dish in your country?
Fish and chips is probably the most iconic one. It’s simple but comforting — especially when eaten by the seaside with vinegar and salt.
Examiner Feedback: Descriptive imagery and idiomatic phrasing → Band 9.
Do you enjoy trying food from other countries?
Absolutely. I’ve recently started cooking Thai dishes at home after visiting Bangkok. Experimenting with spices helps me understand new cultures.
Examiner Feedback: Cultural insight and variety of tenses → Band 9.
These answers show how to expand ideas using natural expressions and examples. Practise similar topics on our IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice Page and IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Guide.
Part 2 – Cue Card
In Part 2, you’ll get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes. Learn structure and idea-building on our IELTS Speaking Part 2 Tips.
Describe a time when you saw a child misbehaving in public
You should say:
– when and where it happened
– what the child was doing
– how others reacted
and explain how you felt about the situation.
Band 9 Sample Answer
Last summer, I witnessed a young boy misbehaving in a supermarket near my home. He looked about six years old and was with his mother. He wanted a toy car that she refused to buy, so he began shouting loudly and throwing packets of crisps onto the floor. Everyone around turned to look, and some people frowned disapprovingly. The mother tried to calm him down, but he screamed even louder. Eventually, she gently took him outside until he stopped crying. I felt embarrassed for her because she seemed exhausted rather than careless. What struck me most was how patient she remained; instead of shouting, she spoke softly and explained why he couldn’t have the toy. It made me think that children misbehave not because they’re bad but because they’re still learning boundaries. As a future parent, I’d like to stay that calm in public situations, though I know it’s not easy.
Examiner Feedback: Clear structure, mature reflection, and descriptive vocabulary (“frowned,” “boundaries”) → Band 9.
Practise similar topics on our Cue Card Practice Page and review useful lexis in the IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Guide.
Part 3 – Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner explores wider social issues linked to the cue card.
See our IELTS Speaking Part 3 Strategies Guide.
How should parents teach children good behaviour?
I think the best way is through example. When parents are polite and respectful, children naturally copy them. My sister uses reward charts to teach her kids responsibility, and it seems to work well.
Examiner Feedback: Real-life example and specific vocabulary (“reward charts”) → Band 9.
What role does discipline play in raising children?
Discipline is essential but should never be harsh. It helps children understand limits and consequences. I believe gentle discipline, such as removing privileges, works better than shouting.
Examiner Feedback: Balanced view with moral reasoning → Band 9.
Do you think children today behave differently from those in the past?
Yes, definitely. Children today are more outspoken and confident because of social media and modern parenting. When I was young, we were taught to stay quiet in front of adults; now, kids express opinions freely.
Examiner Feedback: Personal contrast and societal context → Band 9.
Should teachers be responsible for teaching good manners at school?
Partly, yes. Schools can reinforce manners like saying “please” and “thank you,” but parents should set the foundation. My old teacher used to reward polite behaviour with small certificates — it really motivated us.
Examiner Feedback: Real example and clear argument → Band 9.
What influence do modern lifestyles have on parenting?
Modern life is fast-paced, so parents often have less time with their children. For example, many rely on screens to keep kids occupied, which reduces family communication. Finding balance is the real challenge.
Examiner Feedback: Practical observation with modern relevance → Band 9.
Do you think children learn more from parents’ behaviour or from what they are told?
Definitely from behaviour. Children notice actions more than words. My nephew, for example, started saying “excuse me” just because he heard his dad using it frequently. Actions always speak louder than lessons.
Examiner Feedback: Clear reasoning supported by personal anecdote → Band 9.
These Band 9 answers combine analysis, cultural understanding, and personal reflection. Read more examples on IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained and explore all test themes in Latest IELTS Speaking Questions 2025.
Vocabulary Highlights
discipline – training that develops self-control · Discipline helps children learn responsibility.
patience – ability to wait calmly · Parenting requires a great deal of patience.
boundaries – acceptable limits · Clear boundaries teach children right from wrong.
temper tantrum – uncontrolled anger · The child had a temper tantrum in the shop.
manners – polite behaviour · Good manners create a pleasant atmosphere.
parenting style – way of raising children · Each parenting style affects behaviour differently.
role model – someone whose behaviour is copied · Parents should act as role models.
respectful – showing consideration · Children must be respectful to elders.
authoritative – confident yet fair · An authoritative approach encourages discipline.
misbehaviour – improper conduct · Teachers must address misbehaviour early.
self-control – ability to manage emotions · Developing self-control takes practice.
empathy – understanding others’ feelings · Empathy helps children relate to others.
communication gap – failure to understand · A communication gap can cause conflict.
influence – impact on behaviour · Parents have a strong influence on values.
values – moral principles · Schools reinforce social values through daily interaction.
Useful Collocations
set boundaries – Parents should set clear boundaries early.
show respect – Children must learn to show respect to others.
develop good habits – Routine helps children develop good habits.
model behaviour – Teachers should model behaviour in class.
handle tantrums – It’s important to handle tantrums calmly.
teach manners – Both home and school teach manners daily.
build trust – Open communication builds trust between parents and children.
reinforce discipline – Rewards and consequences reinforce discipline.
Tips for Success
- Speak calmly and add short real examples to sound authentic.
- Use natural linkers like “on the other hand” or “for example.”
- Avoid memorised phrases – aim for spontaneous language.
- Express feelings briefly to show depth and maturity.
- Practise timed answers to build confidence and fluency.
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 pause to think in IELTS Speaking?
Yes – brief pauses are normal and show you are organising ideas.
Q2. What if I forget a word mid-sentence?
Rephrase naturally; the examiner assesses communication, not memory.
Q3. Should I use British or American accent?
Either is fine – clarity matters more than accent.
Q4. Can I ask for a question to be repeated?
Yes, politely say “Could you repeat that, please?” It won’t affect your score.
Q5. How can I practise Part 3 answers?
Record yourself answering analytical questions and review for fluency and depth.
References
For official IELTS information and assessment criteria, visit IELTS.org, the British Council, and IDP IELTS UK. To develop communication and education skills beyond IELTS, explore professional courses at Course Line.
Disclaimer
The IELTS Speaking questions in this article were shared by recent candidates to support future test-takers. 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 for educational practice only.
