IELTS Speaking — Saudi Arabia, July 2025
🗣️ Part 1: Interview Questions & Longer Sample Answers
🔷 What is your full name?
My full name is [Your Name]. It’s the name given to me by my parents, and it has a special meaning in my culture. Most people, including my friends and colleagues, just call me by my first name because it’s easy and more informal.
🔷 Do you work or study?
At the moment, I’m a full-time student pursuing my bachelor’s degree in business administration. I chose this field because I’ve always been interested in how companies operate, and I’d like to develop the skills needed to run my own business one day. Being a student allows me to focus on learning and exploring different areas of management, which is something I truly enjoy.
🔷 Do you often go to the library?
Yes, I try to visit the library at least once or twice a week. I really like the peaceful and quiet atmosphere there, which helps me concentrate better than at home. I usually go there to find books that aren’t available online, prepare for presentations, or sometimes just read for leisure. It’s also a good place to study with friends because it keeps us focused.
🔷 How often do children in your country go to the library?
In my country, children don’t go to the library very often compared to students in schools and universities. Most young children prefer watching videos or playing games at home. However, some schools encourage library visits by organizing reading hours or competitions, which is a great way to build good reading habits.
🔷 When was the last time you visited a library?
The last time I visited the library was about two weeks ago. I had to work on a group project for my marketing class, and we decided to meet at the library to gather reference books and brainstorm ideas. I also borrowed a book on leadership skills, which turned out to be quite helpful.
🔷 Do you like chocolate?
Absolutely! I’ve loved chocolate ever since I was a child. I enjoy all kinds of chocolate—dark, milk, and even white chocolate. There’s something so comforting about it, and it’s my go-to treat when I’m feeling stressed or celebrating something.
🔷 Why is chocolate so popular around the world?
I think it’s because chocolate is so versatile and universally appealing. It has a rich, sweet flavor that almost everyone enjoys, and it can be used in so many forms — as a bar, in desserts, in drinks, or even as a gift. It also has emotional value because people associate it with love, comfort, and celebrations.
🔷 Do people in your country often give chocolate as a gift?
Yes, definitely. Chocolate is a very popular gift choice in my country, especially during festivals, weddings, and when visiting friends or family. It’s easy to buy, beautifully packaged, and almost everyone appreciates it, which makes it a perfect token of affection or gratitude.
🗨️ Part 2: Cue Card
🎯 Describe a free-time activity that you enjoyed doing when you were younger.
You should say:
✅ Sample Answer:
Honestly speaking, one of my favorite free-time activities when I was younger was flying kites.
I started flying kites when I was around 9 or 10 years old, and it quickly became my weekend tradition, especially during spring and early summer. There was a big open field near my grandparents’ house where all the neighborhood kids and even some adults used to gather. It was a place full of laughter and friendly competition.
I usually went there with my cousins and some close friends. We would spend hours preparing for the day — buying colorful kite paper, cutting and gluing the frames, and choosing the strongest thread we could find. The best part was decorating our kites with designs and sometimes even writing our names on them to make them stand out.
On the field, we competed to see who could fly their kite the highest and for the longest time. I still remember the thrill of feeling the string tighten in my hands as the wind lifted the kite higher into the sky. Sometimes we would even try to cut each other’s kites with sharp threads, which added an extra level of excitement.
I really enjoyed this activity because it was fun, social, and gave me a sense of accomplishment. It also taught me patience and teamwork, since making and flying a kite properly takes some practice and skill. Looking back, it was such a simple yet meaningful part of my childhood that I will always cherish.
🗨️ Part 3: Discussion Questions & Longer Sample Answers
🔷 Is it important for children to have frequent breaks at school?
Yes, I believe it’s very important for children to have regular breaks during the school day. Young minds can’t concentrate for long periods of time, and frequent breaks help them recharge and stay focused when they return to class. Breaks also give children the chance to interact socially, move around, and even release some of their energy, which improves their overall learning experience.
🔷 How do children in your country usually spend their free time?
In my country, children spend their free time in a variety of ways. Many younger kids enjoy playing outdoor games like cricket, football, or tag. Older children often spend more time indoors watching TV, playing video games, or using their smartphones. Some parents also enroll their kids in extracurricular activities like music lessons, dance classes, or sports coaching.
🔷 Do you think children today have less free time than in the past?
Yes, absolutely. I think children today have much less free time compared to when I was younger. Nowadays, schools give more homework, and many children attend extra classes or coaching after school. On top of that, the amount of screen time they spend also limits their opportunities for free outdoor play. In the past, kids had more freedom to simply play outside and be creative.
🔷 What role do parents play in organising their children’s free-time activities?
Parents play a crucial role in this. They decide what activities are safe and appropriate for their children. They also enroll them in structured hobbies like sports or art classes and sometimes even plan family outings to parks or other recreational places. Parents can guide their children toward healthy, productive ways to use their free time instead of just spending hours on gadgets.
🔷 Should schools include more leisure-based activities in their daily timetable?
Yes, definitely. I feel schools should balance academics with leisure-based activities like sports, arts, and cultural events. These activities help students relax, develop creative and social skills, and improve their mental health. It makes the school environment more enjoyable and less stressful.
🔷 How does free time affect a child’s development?
Free time is extremely important for a child’s development. It gives them the opportunity to explore their interests, be creative, and develop problem-solving and social skills. Free time also helps children become more independent and emotionally resilient, which are essential qualities as they grow up.
💬 Useful Vocabulary & Phrases:
| Word/Phrase |
Meaning |
| Recharge |
To regain energy and focus |
| Cherish |
To value something deeply |
| Sense of accomplishment |
Feeling proud after success |
| Fosters creativity |
Encourages imagination |
| Crucial |
Very important |
| Balanced lifestyle |
Mix of work and leisure |
| Emotionally resilient |
Able to cope with difficulties |
| Thrill |
A feeling of excitement |
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