IELTS Speaking Mock Test: Questions & Band 9 Sample Answers
Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and looking to score a Band 7.0 or higher? One of the best ways to improve your speaking score is by analyzing high-quality model answers.
In this article, we provide a complete IELTS Speaking Mock Practice Test covering Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. We have included “Band 9” level sample answers to help you understand the vocabulary, fluency, and grammatical range required for a top score.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Time: 4–5 minutes
Focus: General questions about yourself, your life, and your interests.
Topic 1: Work & Studies
Q: Do you work or are you a student? Answer: Currently, I am working as a digital marketing specialist for a tech firm. However, I’m also taking some evening classes to further my qualifications, so I suppose you could say I’m doing a bit of both.
Q: Do you enjoy your work? Answer: Absolutely. I find the dynamic nature of the industry quite stimulating. No two days are ever the same, which keeps me on my toes. Plus, the creative aspect of designing campaigns is something I find genuinely rewarding.
Topic 2: Mirrors
Q: Do you often look at yourself in the mirror? Answer: I wouldn’t say I’m obsessed with it, but I do check the mirror before leaving the house to ensure I look presentable. It’s mostly a habit to make sure my hair is in place and my outfit looks coordinated.
Q: Do you think mirrors are a necessary decoration? Answer: To a certain extent, yes. Aside from their practical use, they can create an illusion of space, making smaller rooms appear much larger and brighter. From an interior design perspective, they are quite essential.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: The Cue Card (Individual Long Turn)
Time: 3–4 minutes (1 minute preparation, 2 minutes speaking)
Focus: Speaking at length on a specific topic.
The Task Card
Describe a traditional product in your country.
You should say:
- What the product is
- How it is made
- When it is used
- And explain why this product is important to your culture.
Band 9 Model Answer
I’d like to talk about Pottery, specifically the Blue Pottery from Jaipur, which is a very distinct and traditional craft in my country, India. Unlike mostly typical clay pottery, this particular style is famous for its vibrant blue and white colors and the fact that it doesn’t actually use clay.
How it is made: The process is quite fascinating and laborious. Instead of clay, artisans use a unique dough prepared by mixing quartz stone powder, powdered glass, Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth), borax, gum, and water. It’s entirely hand-painted using brushes made from squirrel hair. The distinct blue color comes from cobalt oxide, while green is derived from copper oxide. It is then glazed and fired at a low temperature, which makes it fragile but incredibly beautiful.
When it is used: Historically, these items were used to decorate palaces and the homes of nobility. Nowadays, you can find Blue Pottery in the form of tiles, flower vases, soap dishes, and dinner plates. It is widely used as home décor to add a touch of ethnic elegance to a modern living space. It is also a very popular souvenir for tourists visiting Rajasthan.
Why it is important: I believe this product is crucial to our culture because it represents a fusion of Persian and Indian artistic traditions. It is a testament to the skill and patience of our artisans. In a world of mass-produced plastic goods, this pottery stands out as a symbol of our heritage and craftsmanship. Preserving this art form is essential not just for the economy of the local artisans, but to keep our history alive.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Time: 4–5 minutes
Focus: Abstract and analytical discussion based on the Part 2 topic.
Topic: Traditional Products & Globalization
Q: Why do tourists often enjoy buying traditional products when they visit a new country? Answer: I believe tourists purchase these items primarily to capture a tangible memory of their travels. A traditional product serves as a memento that embodies the spirit and culture of the place they visited. Furthermore, in an era of globalization where you can buy the same brands in New York, Tokyo, and London, indigenous handicrafts offer something unique and authentic that can’t be found elsewhere.
Q: Do you think traditional skills are dying out in the modern world? Answer: Unfortunately, yes, there is a risk of that happening. With the advent of industrialization and automation, mass-produced goods are significantly cheaper and faster to produce than handmade items. As a result, younger generations often do not see a financial incentive to learn these intricate, time-consuming skills from their elders. Unless governments or organizations step in to subsidize or promote these crafts, many of them could indeed vanish.
Q: Should the government subsidize traditional artisans? Answer: I strongly agree with that notion. Traditional craftsmanship is part of a nation’s intangible cultural heritage. If the market dictates that these products are too expensive to produce competitively, the government has a responsibility to offer grants or tax breaks. This not only preserves history but also boosts the tourism sector, as many travelers are drawn to countries specifically for their rich cultural experiences.
3 Quick Tips to Improve Your Score
- Don’t Memorize: Examiners are trained to spot memorized answers. Use these samples to learn vocabulary, not to recite them word-for-word.
- Extend Your Answers: In Part 1, avoid one-word answers. In Part 3, always give a reason and an example.
- Use Idiomatic Language: Notice phrases in the samples like “keeps me on my toes,” “tangible memory,” and “advent of industrialization.” These collocations boost your Lexical Resource score.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!