How to fill in the IELTS Listening & Reading Answer Sheet

The listening is the first part of the test. You should first write your answers on the question paper. At the end of the listening test you have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. 

The reading section is the second part of the test. You do not have extra time to transfer your answers. You should write your answers directly on the answer sheet.

IELTS Academic Writing - Task 2

Some people think that all university students should study whatever they like. Others believe that they should only be allowed to study subjects that will be useful in the future, such as those related to science and technology.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Currently students are free to choose their course of study based on their interests or future plans. Subjects such as art, philosophy, Latin etc. might not be considered useful subjects by some who believe that the future depends on science and technology and this is what needs to be taught at university.

Firstly, if students study what they are passionate about they are likely to succeed in this area. Students have different aims and interests and should not be forced to follow a path they did not select for themselves. Secondly, although science and technology are subjects that lead to development and drive us forwards it doesn't mean that other subjects are less important. The world still needs to be entertained, we need technicians, caretakers, midwives etc. 

On the other hand, many university courses attract students who are interested in the sciences. This is a growing field which helps to advance society in every imaginable area from manufacturing, medicine and the environment to space travel and exploration. Having students focus on useful subjects will mean that graduates will be efficient and can contribute positively to human advancement. It might also mean high employment rates. Let us not forget that technology is used in all types of work to make our lives easier so there will always be a great demand for this.

Even though our future depends on the sciences, I believe students should be given the freedom to decide what career path they would like to follow. It is important to have this choice as other subjects are also needed.

Question taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p.55

IELTS Speaking

Part 2

Describe something you don't have now but would really like to own in the future.

You should say:
     what this thing is
     how long you have wanted to own it
     where you first saw it
and explain why you would like to own it.

Part 3 (discussion)

What types of things do young people in your country most want to own today? Why?
Why do some people feel they need to own things?
Do you think owning lots of things makes people happy? Why?

Do you think TV and films can make people want to get new possessions? Why do they have this effect?
Are there any benefits to society of people wanting to get new possessions? Why?
Do you think people will consider that having lots of possessions is a sign of success in the future? Why?

Questions taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p. 103

IELTS Speaking

Part 2

Describe a child that you know.

You should say:
who this child is and how often you see him or her
how old this child is
what he or she is like
and explain how you feel about this child.

Part 3 (discussion)

How much time do children spend with their parents in your country? Do you think that is enough?
How important do you think spending time together is for the relationships between parents and children? Why?
Have relationships between parents and children changed in recent years? Why do you think that is?

What are the most popular free-time activities with children today?
Do you think the free-time activities children do today are good for their health? Why?
How do you think children's activities will change in the future? Will this be a positive change?

Questions taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p.79

IELTS Speaking

Part 2

Describe a shop near where you live that you sometimes use.

You should say:
    what sorts of product or service it sells
    what the shop looks like
    where it is located
and explain why you use this shop.

Part 3 (discussion)

What types of local business are there in your neighbourhood?
Do you think local businesses are important for a neighbourhood? In what way?
How do large shopping malls and commercial centres affect small local businesses? Why do you think that is?

Why do some people want to start their own business?
Are there any disadvantages to running a business?
What are the most important qualities that a good business person needs? Why?

Questions taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p.56

IELTS Speaking

Part 2

Describe someone you know who does something well.

You should say:

    who this person is

    how you know this person

    what they do well

and explain why you think this person is so good at doing this.

Part 3 (discussion)

What skills and abilities do people most want to have today? Why?
Which skills should children learn at school?
Are there any skills which they should learn at home? Which are they?
Which skills do you think will be important in the future? Why?

Which kinds of jobs have the highest salaries in your country? Why is this?
Are there any other jobs that you think should have high salaries? Why do you think that?
Some people say it would be better for society if everyone got the same salary. What do you think about that? Why?

Questions taken from Cambridge IELTS 10 p. 32