I’m Matthew Clarke, an IELTS Speaking Specialist who recently analysed the Recent IELTS Speaking Questions USA October 2025 reported by real test-takers. With eight years of experience helping learners worldwide achieve Band 7 and above, I focus on fluency, pronunciation, and building real-life speaking confidence for exam success.
These Recent IELTS Speaking Questions from the USA October 2025 were shared by students who completed their tests recently. Reviewing authentic question sets helps you understand current topics, learn useful vocabulary, and practise with the same themes you might face on your test day.
Recent IELTS Speaking Questions from the USA October 2025
Part 1 – Introduction & Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner asks simple questions about familiar topics like your home and music preferences. This part tests your ability to respond naturally and use everyday English fluently. Read our guide on IELTS Speaking Part 1 Tips.
Where do you live?
I live in a small town just outside Chicago. It’s peaceful but still close enough to the city for work and social activities. I like that it offers both comfort and convenience.
Examiner Feedback: Fluent and clear; uses contrasting ideas (“peaceful but still close enough”) → Band 9.
What kind of place is it?
It’s mainly a residential area with lots of green spaces and family-owned cafés. People know each other, so there’s a strong sense of community.
Examiner Feedback: Accurate description and topic-specific lexis (“residential area,” “sense of community”) → Band 9.
Do you like living there?
Yes, very much. It’s quiet and safe, and I can reach the city centre within 30 minutes by train. That balance really suits me.
Examiner Feedback: Natural intonation and linking; excellent coherence → Band 9.
What age group do most people in your area belong to?
Mostly young families and working professionals in their 30s and 40s. There are also some retired couples, which keeps the neighbourhood balanced.
Examiner Feedback: Fluent delivery and precise number phrasing → Band 9.
How long have you lived there?
I’ve been living there for about five years now. Time has flown because I’ve made good friends and feel at home in the community.
Examiner Feedback: Accurate use of present perfect continuous; smooth pacing → Band 9.
What kind of music do you like listening to?
I listen to a wide range of genres, but I particularly enjoy jazz and acoustic music because they help me relax after a busy day.
Examiner Feedback: Strong topic vocabulary (“genres,” “acoustic”) and cohesive phrasing → Band 9.
Has your taste in music changed over the years?
Yes, definitely. When I was a teenager, I preferred pop music, but now I appreciate more complex styles like classical and instrumental tracks.
Examiner Feedback: Good contrast (“when I was a teenager… but now”) and controlled grammar → Band 9.
Is your taste in music similar to or different from that of your friends or family?
It’s a bit different. My friends are into hip-hop and electronic music, whereas I prefer something softer. But we still share playlists and discover new songs together.
Examiner Feedback: Balanced comparison and idiomatic language (“share playlists,” “softer”) → Band 9.
These sample answers show how to expand responses naturally with examples and comparisons. Practise similar topics on our IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice Page and explore phrases in our IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Guide.
Part 2 – Cue Card
In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you get one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes on a topic. This section checks your ability to organise ideas and use varied vocabulary smoothly. Read our IELTS Speaking Part 2 Tips.
Describe a piece of good news you heard from someone close to you
You should say:
– what the news was
– who told you about it
– how you felt when you heard it
and explain why this news was important to you.
Sample Band 9 Answer
I’d like to talk about some wonderful news I heard from my sister last month. She told me that she had been accepted into a prestigious medical school after years of hard work and dedication. We were having dinner when she shared the news, and the whole family was overjoyed.
When I heard it, I felt proud and relieved at the same time because I had seen how much effort she put into studying and preparing for the entrance exam. She had faced a lot of competition, so this achievement was well-deserved. It also inspired me to be more disciplined with my own goals.
This news was important because it wasn’t just about her success—it reminded our family that persistence really pays off. We celebrated with a home-cooked meal and took lots of photos to mark the occasion.
Examiner Feedback: Clear chronology and emotional depth; uses complex grammar accurately (“had been accepted,” “wasn’t just about”) → Band 9.
Practise similar topics on our IELTS Cue Card Practice Page and explore phrases on the IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Guide.
Part 3 – Discussion Questions
In Part 3, the examiner asks deeper analytical questions related to the cue-card topic. This section tests your ability to express opinions, analyse ideas, and give examples clearly. Explore our IELTS Speaking Part 3 Strategies Guide.
Do you think the news shared on social media is mostly positive or negative?
I think it’s a mix of both, but negative stories tend to get more attention. People react strongly to shocking headlines, so those posts spread faster. However, there’s still plenty of positive news—like charity events or scientific discoveries—that can inspire people.
Examiner Feedback: Balanced answer with clear contrast (“mix of both but…”); natural tone → Band 9.
How do news stories on social media affect people’s emotions and behaviour?
They have a strong impact. Positive stories can motivate people to take action, while negative ones can create fear or stress. For instance, during the pandemic, constant news about case numbers made many people anxious.
Examiner Feedback: Effective example and emotion description; accurate grammar and linking devices → Band 9.
Why do you think negative news spreads faster than positive news?
Because fear grabs attention. Humans naturally focus on potential threats. Media companies use that psychology to increase views and engagement. Positive news often feels less urgent to share.
Examiner Feedback: Analytical and psychological explanation with strong coherence → Band 9.
Should people rely on social media as their main source of news?
Not completely. Social media is fast, but it’s not always accurate. I think people should compare information from reliable news outlets before believing anything they read online.
Examiner Feedback: Practical solution-based answer; precise modality (“should compare”) → Band 9.
How can we identify whether news online is true or false?
We can check multiple sources, look for official websites, and avoid posts without citations. Sometimes I verify through fact-checking sites like Snopes before sharing anything.
Examiner Feedback: Real-life example and specific vocabulary (“verify,” “fact-checking”) → Band 9.
Do you think traditional news sources are more reliable than online ones?
Generally, yes. Traditional media have editors and ethical guidelines, whereas online platforms allow anyone to post without review. Still, reputation matters—some online publishers are also very trustworthy.
Examiner Feedback: Balanced evaluation with accurate register and advanced vocabulary (“ethical guidelines,” “reputation”) → Band 9.
These Band 9 answers demonstrate how to develop opinions logically and support them with real examples. Continue practising current IELTS Speaking topics on IELTS Zone and review recent tests from other countries for vocabulary expansion.
Vocabulary Highlights
Reliable – trustworthy or dependable.
Example: People prefer reliable news sources that provide verified information.
Accuracy – correctness or precision.
Example: Journalists must ensure the accuracy of every fact they report.
Engagement – interaction or involvement with content.
Example: Negative posts often receive more engagement because people comment or share them.
Verification – the process of checking if something is true.
Example: Always do verification before sharing news online.
Credibility – the quality of being believable.
Example: A publication loses credibility when it spreads false news.
Viral – spreading rapidly on the internet.
Example: The charity story went viral and raised thousands of dollars.
Emotional impact – the effect something has on people’s feelings.
Example: Powerful headlines have a strong emotional impact on readers.
Ethical journalism – reporting that follows honesty and fairness.
Example: Ethical journalism focuses on truth instead of sensationalism.
Useful Collocations
- Breaking news – the latest, most urgent information.
Example: The TV channel interrupted the show to share breaking news.* - Social media platforms – websites and apps where people share content.
Example: Social media platforms have changed how people access information.* - False information – incorrect or misleading data.
Example: Spreading false information online can damage reputations.* - Public awareness – knowledge shared by the general public.
Example: Campaigns on social media increase public awareness about important issues.* - Media coverage – how the news reports an event.
Example: The conference received wide media coverage across the country.* - News consumption – how people read or watch the news.
Example: Online news consumption is rising among young adults.* - Fact-checking site – website that verifies the truth of claims.
Example: She used a fact-checking site to confirm the story.*
Tips for Success
- Personalise your answers: Use real examples to sound authentic.
- Stay organised: Use linkers like however, although, on the other hand.
- Control pace: Don’t rush — clarity is better than speed.
- Use synonyms: Replace “good” with “positive,” “helpful,” or “beneficial.”
- Review current topics: Read news headlines daily to stay updated.
Further Practice & Resources
- IELTS Recent Speaking Questions Kuwait October 2025
- IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained
- IELTS Speaking Practice with AI Mock Tests
- IELTS Listening & Reading Practice Sets
FAQ
Q1: Can I use real-life news examples in my IELTS Speaking answers?
Yes, definitely. As long as you explain them naturally and express your opinion clearly.
Q2: What if I forget a word while speaking?
Use paraphrasing or fillers like “what I mean is…” to maintain fluency.
Q3: How long should I speak in Part 2?
Aim for about two minutes — around 200 words when written.
Q4: Should I agree with the examiner’s opinions?
No, express your honest opinion respectfully. Examiners assess your language, not your viewpoint.
References
For verified information about IELTS Speaking tests, visit IELTS.org, the British Council, and IDP IELTS — the official organisations that manage the IELTS exam. These sources provide accurate details on format, scoring, and preparation. To strengthen your speaking skills, explore premium IELTS courses on Course Line, which offer structured lessons and real-exam simulations for confidence and fluency.
Disclaimer
The IELTS Speaking questions featured in this blog were shared by recent examinees to help other test-takers prepare. IELTS Zone is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, or Cambridge Assessment English. All questions are recollections from candidates for educational and practice purposes only.
