Class Day 21: IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2

Class Day 21: IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2

IELTS Speaking Practice

Topic: Media & Restaurants

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Which magazines and newspapers do you read? Why?
Click to reveal sample answer
"To be honest, I rarely buy physical copies anymore. I mostly read digital versions of major newspapers like The Guardian or The New York Times. I prefer them because they offer up-to-the-minute updates and I can access them on my phone during my commute."
What kinds of article are you most interested in? Why?
Click to reveal sample answer
"I gravitate towards articles about technology and environmental science. I find it fascinating to read about how the world is changing and what the future might look like. I also enjoy opinion pieces (op-eds) because they challenge my own way of thinking."
Have you ever read a newspaper or magazine in a foreign language? When/why?
Click to reveal sample answer
"Yes, when I was learning Spanish at university, I used to try reading El País. Initially, it was a homework assignment, but later I continued doing it to prepare for my exams and to get a different perspective on international news."
Do you think reading in a foreign language is a good way to learn the language?
Click to reveal sample answer
"Definitely. It exposes you to natural sentence structures and vocabulary that you might not find in a textbook. However, it can be frustrating for beginners if the articles are too complex, so it's best for intermediate learners."

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to.

You should say:

  • Where the restaurant was
  • Why you chose this restaurant
  • What type of food you ate in this restaurant
  • And explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant.
Click to reveal sample answer

"I'd like to describe a lovely little bistro called 'The Olive Tree' which I visited last month. It is located in the old quarter of my city, tucked away in a quiet cobblestone alley, quite far from the noisy main roads.

Why I chose it: I chose it because it had rave reviews online for its authentic Mediterranean cuisine, and it was my best friend's birthday. We wanted somewhere intimate and quiet where we could actually talk, rather than a loud, crowded place.

The Food: We ordered a sharing platter to start, which had hummus, olives, and fresh pita bread. For the main course, I had a wood-fired vegetable lasagna. The ingredients tasted incredibly fresh, like they had been picked from a garden that morning.

Why I enjoyed it: Beyond the delicious food, the ambiance was magical. They had fairy lights strung up across the ceiling and soft jazz music playing. The staff were attentive without being intrusive. It felt like a mini-vacation, and it made the celebration feel very special."

Part 3: Discussion

Topic: Restaurants

Why do you think people go to restaurants when they want to celebrate something?
Click to reveal sample answer
"I think the main reason is convenience and the sense of occasion. Celebrating at home involves shopping, cooking, and the dreaded cleaning up afterward. Going to a restaurant removes that stress, allowing everyone to focus on the social interaction and the celebration itself."
Which are more popular in your country: fast food restaurants or traditional restaurants?
Click to reveal sample answer
"Currently, fast food is gaining massive popularity, especially among the younger generation, due to its low cost and speed. However, traditional restaurants still hold a very strong place in our culture, particularly for family gatherings and formal events where the quality of food is more important than speed."
Some say food in expensive restaurants is always better than cheap restaurants. Do you agree?
Click to reveal sample answer
"I completely disagree. While expensive restaurants often use premium ingredients, price is usually a reflection of the service, rent, and decor, not just the taste. I have had street food that costs a few dollars which tasted far better and more authentic than meals I've had at five-star hotels."

Topic: Producing Food

Do you think there will be a greater choice of food available in shops in the future?
Click to reveal sample answer
"I believe there will be a greater choice, but perhaps in a different way. We might see fewer 'natural' seasonal varieties due to climate change, but we will likely see a massive increase in engineered foods, plant-based alternatives, and lab-grown meats, expanding the variety of products on the shelf."
What effects has modern technology had on the way food is produced?
Click to reveal sample answer
"It has revolutionized it. We now have vertical farming, automated harvesting, and genetic modification (GMOs) to make crops resistant to pests. This has drastically increased yields and efficiency, though it has also raised some ethical and health concerns about the industrialization of our food supply."
How important is it for a country to be able to grow all the food it needs?
Click to reveal sample answer
"It is a matter of national security. Being self-sufficient protects a country from supply chain disruptions caused by wars or pandemics. However, practically speaking, it is very difficult for many countries with harsh climates to be 100% self-sufficient, so some level of trade is always necessary."

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