IELTS Speaking Practice: International Food, New Laws & The Legal Profession

IELTS Speaking Practice Test: International Food, New Laws & The Legal Profession (Band 9 Answers)

To secure a Band 9 in the IELTS Speaking exam, candidates must showcase an ability to discuss both familiar daily topics and complex abstract concepts with fluency, precision, and a wealth of advanced vocabulary.

In this comprehensive mock test, we will navigate through Part 1 questions regarding global cuisine, tackle a Part 2 cue card about impactful national legislation, and dive into Part 3 discussions on school discipline and the legal profession. Use these Band 9 model answers to elevate your own speaking strategies.

Part 1: International Food

1. Can you find food from many different countries where you live? [Why/Why not?]

Absolutely. My city is incredibly culturally diverse and serves as a major hub for international trade and tourism, which naturally brings a rich tapestry of global cuisines. Just walking down the main avenue, you can find authentic Italian trattorias, bustling Middle Eastern falafel stands, and high-end Japanese sushi bars practically right next to each other.

2. How often do you eat typical food from other countries? [Why/Why not?]

I’d say I indulge in international cuisine at least twice a week. While I love my traditional homemade meals, my work schedule is quite demanding, so ordering takeout is often a necessity. I frequently opt for spicy Thai curries or Mexican tacos because they offer flavor profiles that are completely different from my usual daily diet, which keeps dining exciting.

3. Have you ever tried making food from another country? [Why/Why not?]

Yes, I actually find cooking to be a fantastic way to decompress. Recently, I attempted to make authentic Italian fresh pasta from scratch, pairing it with a slow-simmered Bolognese sauce. It was a remarkably labor-intensive process that required a lot of patience, but the end result was immensely rewarding and tasted far superior to store-bought alternatives.

4. What food from your country would you recommend to people from other countries? [Why?]

I would highly recommend Tantuni, which is an absolutely spectacular local dish. It consists of incredibly tender, julienned beef or lamb, stir-fried with a blend of regional spices, fresh tomatoes, and parsley, all tightly wrapped in a warm, thin flatbread. I’d suggest it because it perfectly encapsulates the rich, savory, and vibrant culinary heritage of this region, and it’s a completely unique gastronomic experience.

Part 2: Cue Card (A New Law)

The Cue Card:

Describe a law that was introduced in your country and that you thought was a very good idea.

You should say:

• what the law was
• who introduced it
• when and why it was introduced
• and explain why you thought this law was such a good idea.

Band 9 Model Answer:

I’d like to discuss a highly impactful piece of environmental legislation that was rolled out a few years ago: the nationwide mandate that supermarkets and retailers must charge a mandatory fee for single-use plastic bags.

This policy was formally introduced and implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. It came into effect roughly five years ago, born out of a desperate need to combat the escalating crisis of plastic pollution. Prior to this law, plastic bags were distributed freely and recklessly by every vendor. Consequently, millions of these non-biodegradable bags were ending up in our landfills, clogging our waterways, and causing severe detriment to local wildlife.

I considered this law to be an exceptionally brilliant idea for several reasons. Firstly, it acted as an immediate and highly effective economic deterrent. By attaching even a nominal financial cost to the bags, consumer behavior shifted almost overnight. People began bringing their own reusable canvas totes to the grocery store simply to avoid the extra charge.

Secondly, it sparked a much broader societal conversation about environmental sustainability and our collective carbon footprint. It forced the general public to confront their own wasteful habits. Seeing the tangible reduction of plastic litter in our streets and parks within just the first year of implementation was incredibly satisfying, proving that targeted government legislation can successfully drive positive, large-scale behavioral change.

Part 3: School Rules & The Legal Profession

Topic 1: School Rules

1. What kinds of rules are common in a school?

Most educational institutions enforce a standard set of regulations designed to maintain order. These typically include strict policies on punctuality, dress codes or mandatory uniforms, and behavioral standards regarding respect for teachers and peers. More recently, almost all schools have implemented stringent rules banning the use of personal smartphones in the classroom to minimize digital distractions.

2. How important is it to have rules in a school?

It is absolutely paramount. Without a codified set of rules, a school would rapidly descend into chaos, making effective teaching virtually impossible. Rules create a structured, predictable, and safe environment where students can focus on their academic pursuits. Furthermore, adhering to school regulations fundamentally prepares children for the realities of the adult world, where they will inevitably have to follow societal laws and workplace protocols.

3. What do you recommend should happen if children break school rules?

I am a strong advocate for a system of progressive discipline rather than immediate, punitive measures. For minor, first-time infractions, a verbal warning and a constructive conversation are usually sufficient. If the misbehavior persists, it should escalate to detentions or meetings with parents to address the root cause of the issue. The ultimate goal of any consequence should be pedagogical—teaching the child to take accountability for their actions rather than simply punishing them.

Topic 2: Working in the Legal Profession

4. Can you suggest why many students decide to study law at university?

There are several driving factors. For many, the primary draw is the undeniable prestige and the prospect of a highly lucrative career, as successful corporate lawyers often command exceptional salaries. However, for a significant portion of students, the motivation is deeply idealistic; they possess a strong moral compass and view the legal profession as a powerful tool to advocate for the marginalized, uphold justice, and enact meaningful societal change.

5. What are the key personal qualities needed to be a successful lawyer?

First and foremost, a lawyer needs exceptional analytical skills to distill complex volumes of information and identify critical legal precedents. Eloquence and persuasive communication are also vital, whether they are drafting intricate legal documents or arguing a case before a judge. Lastly, they must possess an immense amount of emotional resilience to handle the inevitable rejections, combative negotiations, and high-stakes pressure associated with the job.

6. Do you agree that working in the legal profession is very stressful?

I wholeheartedly agree. The legal profession is notoriously demanding. Lawyers are frequently burdened with astronomical caseloads, tight judicial deadlines, and the pressure of knowing that their performance directly impacts their clients’ lives, finances, or even their freedom. The culture of many top-tier law firms also demands grueling billable-hour quotas, which frequently leads to a severe work-life imbalance and high rates of professional burnout.

📚 Essential Band 9 Vocabulary (Part 2 & 3)

To help you achieve a high lexical resource score, below are the key advanced vocabulary words and phrases used in the model answers above: