Progress Reporting, Assessment and Evaluation

At the beginning of each course, our language consultant will conduct an individual
interview with each trainee and give feedback based on the result of this interview. Each
trainee will be assigned a speaking band based on this interview. The assessment tool is
included below.
Speaking Assessment Rubric

Reply Communicative
Listening Grammar Vocabulary Pronunciation
Score competence
Pronunciation
C1 Unable to make
No understanding of No knowledge makes Uses one-word
IELTS Grammatical
adapted speech of vocabulary. communication answers only.
1.0 sentences.
difficult
Pronunciation
C2 Little Grammar mistakes Insufficient Completes the task
makes
IELTS understanding of make communication vocabulary to using incomplete
communication
2.0 adapted speech impossible. make sentences. sentences.
difficult
Completes the task
Limited
C3 Understands Grammar mistakes Pronunciation using complete
vocabulary but
IELTS adapted speech make communication doesn’t affect sentences, but can’t
the meaning is
3.0 with difficulty. difficult. communication expand on the
clear.
answer.
Completes the task
Grammar mistakes
C4 Limited Pronunciation using complete
Understands affect
IELTS vocabulary, but doesn’t affect sentences, and
adapted speech communication, but
4.0 meaning is clear communication expands with one
meaning is clear
sentence.
Sufficient
C5 Grammar mistakes Pronunciation
Understands vocabulary to Completes the task, and
IELTS doesn’t affect doesn’t affect
adapted speech. communicate volunteer’s information.
5.0 communication. communication
meaning
Grammar doesn’t Communicates
C6 Partially affect effectively, but Pronunciation Completes the task, but
IELTS understands communication, but with a limited doesn’t affect uses a limited range of
6.0 native speech uses a limited range range of communication language.
of structures. vocabulary.
Pronunciation
Grammar doesn’t
Communicates improves
C7 Partially affect communication, Excellent completion
effectively, but communication
IELTS understands but of task, but quality of
doesn’t use high (intonation,
7.0 native speech. uses a limited range language is limited.
quality language stress,
of structures.
etc.)
Pronunciation
Uses Excellent task
improves
C8 Completely Uses the correct appropriate completion and
communication
IELTS understands grammar to express vocabulary to expansion, but lacks
(intonation,
8.0 native speech. meaning. express clear organization
stress,
meaning. and logic.
etc.)
Pronunciation
Uses
improves
C9 Completely Uses the correct appropriate Uses idiomatic
communication
IELTS understands grammar to express vocabulary to language and high level
(intonation,
9.0 native speech. meaning. express grammar.
stress,
meaning.
etc.)
Uses
Native-like
C10 Completely Uses complex appropriate Demonstrates
pronunciation,
IELTS understands grammar to express vocabulary to awareness of foreign
intonation and
9.0 native speech. meaning. express communicative style.
stress.
meaning.
Progress Reporting, Assessment and Evaluation
At the end of each course, our language consultant will conduct an individual interview with each trainee and
give feedback on progress using the assessment tool is included below.

FINAL STUDENT PROGRESS REPORT

LANGUAGE ABILITY RUBRIC

Grade Fluency Grammar Pronunciation Listening Vocabulary

Made strong Made progress in Pronunciation has Made strong progress

Listening has
progress reducing grammar improved. Natural in expanding
improved.
in fluency. Can errors. Very few pronunciation and vocabulary. Can
A Understands native
communicate grammar mistakes, intonation, which communicate on a
spoken English
without which don’t affect improves ability to variety of topics
without difficulty.
long hesitation. communication. communicate. without difficulty.
Made progress in
Made good progress Listening has Made strong progress
reducing grammar
in fluency. Speaks Pronunciation has improved. in expanding
errors. Occasional
with some improved. Clear Understands native vocabulary. Lack of
B grammar mistakes
hesitation, pronunciation makes spoken English, but vocabulary doesn’t
don’t affect ability
but it doesn’t affect communication easy. with some affect ability to
to
communication. difficulty. communicate.
communicate.
Made some progress
Made some Made progress in Listening has
in expanding
progress reducing grammar Pronunciation has improved.
vocabulary. However,
in fluency. Speaks errors. However, improved. It is good Understands non-
lack of vocabulary
C with hesitation, frequent grammar and doesn’t affect Native spoken
causes hesitations
which mistakes have some ability to English
during speech, which
affects affect on ability to communicate. [adapted speech]
affects ability to
communication. communicate. without difficulty.
communicate.
Made some
Made some
progress Pronunciation has Made progress in
progress Listening has
in reducing improved. However, expanding
in fluency. improved. However,
grammar there are some vocabulary. However,
However, has difficulty
D errors. Frequent pronunciation limited vocabulary
often hesitates understanding non-
grammar mistakes problems, which makes
making native spoken
make affect ability to communication
communication English.
communication communicate. difficult.
difficult.
difficult.
Made little progress Listening has
Made little progress
in improved. However, Made little progress in
in Pronunciation is a big
reducing grammar has difficulty expanding
fluency. Hesitates problem. It is unclear
error. Frequent understanding non- vocabulary. A lack of
E so and makes
grammar mistakes native spoken vocabulary makes
much that communication
make English communication
communication is difficult.
communication even when slow and impossible.
impossible.
impossible. clear.
CLASS PERFORMANCE RUBRIC

Grade Participation Attitude Motivation Attendance A Homework

Lead other Encouraged other

Took a
students students to Always reviewed /
leadership Perfect attendance.
by example. participate. previewed class
A role while Came to class every
Demonstrated Demonstrated materials. Submitted
participating in day.
leadership leadership homework on time.
activities.
qualities. qualities.

Was
Demonstrated a
Participated fully motivated to Excellent Usually reviewed /
positive attitude
enthusiastically benefit from the attendance previewed class
B to
in all course. Organized [over 90%] and on materials. Submitted
learning in the
class activities. and took good time for class. homework on time.
class.
notes.

Generally Generally Was motivated by Good attendance Sometimes reviewed /

participated demonstrated a some parts of the [80- previewed class
C actively in class positive course and not by 90%] and on time materials. Sometimes
activities. learning in others. Took good for submitted homework
t the class. notes. class. on time.

Didn’t
Demonstrated low
demonstrate a Seldom reviewed /
Participated levels of Poor attendance
positive attitude previewed class
reluctantly and motivation [less
D to materials. Seldom
without and interest in the than 80%], but on
learning. Was submitted homework
enthusiasm. course. Sometimes time for class.
occasionally on time.
took notes in class.
uncooperative.

Seldom Was unmotivated

Demonstrated a
participated to Very poor
negative attitude Almost never
In class attend the course. attendance
E and reviewed/previewed
activities. Didn’t take notes [less than 70%] and
was generally class materials.
Reluctant to in often late for class.
uncooperative.
participate. class.
 Progress Reporting, Assessment and Evaluation

At the end of each course, our trainer will give each trainee detailed feedback on their language
ability and progress on the course. The sample report is included below.

FINAL STUDENT PROGRESS REPORT

Student’ Name
Company Class: Teacher[s] Date:

Language Ability Comments Grade

Fluency

Grammar

Pronunciation

Listening

Vocabulary

Class Performance Comment Grade

Participation

Attitude

Motivation

Attendance

Homework
Writing Ability Comments Grade
Grammar / Sentence
Structure
Variety / range of
sentences
and vocabulary
Organization
Cohesion
Communicative
competence
Final Grade: Final Grade: Class Overall Final Grade
Final Grade: Writing Ability
Language Ability Performance
Teacher’s Comments and Recommendations

FOR OFFICE USE

ONLY Outcomes: A student who successfully completes this level will be able to:
RECOMMENDED
SPEAKING LEVEL

Well, you may already know that IELTS scores are based on a 0 to 9 point
"banded" scale. But what are the specific rubrics and explanations for the writing
tasks in particular?
Irrespective of whether you are taking the Academic or General Training version of the
test, and irrespective of whether it is Task 1 or Task 2 on the test, your writing will
always be graded according to 4 criteria:

1) Task Achievement
2) Coherence and Cohesion
3) Lexical Resource
4) Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The specific requirements for the two different tasks (1 or 2) are explained in the links
provided below (direct from the official IELTS website):

Evaluating speaking - the IELTS speaking test

Submitted by TE Editor on 7 January, 2009 - 15:45

This is the third in a series of articles looking at evaluating speaking. The previous two
articles looked at effective communication and whether different elements needed to be
able to do so can be evaluated formally, and what ways there are to do this. In this
accompanying article we are going to analyse the International English Language Testing
System (IELTS) and discuss what happens and how evaluation is carried out, and then
we will look at some of the challenges candidates face, with ways to help them overcome
these.

IELTS

What happens in a test?

The IELTS speaking test is one candidate and one examiner, who manages the test and
evaluates the candidate at the same time. The test is separated into three parts. Each part
takes about 4 minutes. In parts 1 and 2 the examiner uses a script, in part 2 a list of
questions.

In Part 1, the examiner asks the candidate some simple personal questions on everyday
familiar topics. The examiner reads these questions from a script. Example topics are
work, study, where you live, food, holidays, friends, going out, festivals, sports, schools
and public transport.

In Part 2, the examiner gives the candidate a topic on a card and the candidate needs to
speak about it for about 2 minutes. Before speaking, the candidate has one minute to
make notes. The task is to talk about a personal experience such as a memorable day or a
significant person. This is followed by a quick question, which the candidate gives a short
answer to. This provides some continuity for the transition to part 3.

In Part 3, candidate and examiner will have a discussion relating to the subject area in
Part 2. The candidate will be asked to do more complicated things, such as evaluate,
justify positions and opinions, make predictions, and express preferences. The examiner
has a list of questions but is not limited to these. He or she can respond freely to the
candidate's answers, making this part of the test more like a normal conversation.
How is the candidate evaluated?
The examiner listens to the candidate as they do the test, and then evaluates their level by
comparing the speaker's performance to descriptions. These say what a speaker can do in
four areas. Levels go from 1 - 9. The four criteria are described below:

Fluency and Coherence

This refers to how good the candidate is at keeping talking at the right speed and how
good they are at connecting their ideas together. This is a fairly general criteria which
includes evaluating the relevance of the candidate's answers, but in terms of the elements
we have identified in part 1 of this article, it refers to Speakers need to be able to
understand and follow the rules of language at a word, sentence and text level.

Lexical Resource
This refers to how much vocabulary the candidate has and how well they use it. As well
as the rules of language at a word level, this criteria considers the communicative
functions of speech and the social meaning of speech.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This refers to how many structures the candidate has and how well they use them. Again,
as well as the rules of language, this criteria considers the communicative functions of
speech.

Pronunciation
This refers to how well the candidate pronounces the language. As well as considering
the communicative effect of the candidate's pronunciation, there is evaluation of how
much strain it causes on a listener, and how noticeable their accent is - although accent
itself is not a problem. In terms of the elements we have identified in part 1 of this article,
this criteria refers to Speakers need to be able to produce the phonological features of
speech.

Challenges for candidates

Here are some of the challenges candidates face, and ways to help them prepare:

• Many candidates do not prepare in the same extensive way as a learner taking an
FCE exam at the end of a course, for example. This means that amongst other
problems they do not know how long their answers need to be. It is important to
focus on the different answers needed in order to not only give a good
performance but also reduce strain on both the candidate and the examiner. For
example in part 2 a long response is needed but this is followed by another quick
question, which requires a very short answer.
• Candidates are evaluated on their entire performance and need to get started
immediately in part 1. It is good to speak only English just before the test, and
candidates can organise this amongst themselves, or with a teacher.
• The topics in part 1 of the test are limited and very familiar, so candidates can do
focused practice of these areas. They can write their own questions, interview
each other, do mini-presentations for the class, and prepare the vocabulary they
might need. Similar activities can be used to explore part 3 more - writing their
own questions is particularly effective in deepening candidates' understanding of
the demands of the task.
• The long turn in part 2 is always very challenging. Candidates often produce
answers that are short, repetitive, off topic (although this may not be a problem),
 or lacking structure. Ways to help include integrating practising this into other
lessons and as an easy form of homework, playing ‘Just a minute', learners
writing tasks for each other, 1-minute micro-practise of the notes stage, and
focusing on structuring answers by writing them rather than speaking.
• The IELTS test is designed to push a candidate to the limits of their language and
so learners will at some point struggle. It is useful to look at strategies to deal with
this, such as paraphrasing and rephrasing, using the rubric to help (such as in part
2), and asking for time to think about answers - especially useful in part 3, where
there can be some complex ideas.

Conclusion
IELTS is a challenging exam and there is no ‘magic' way to get a high level it if your
students' English isn't good enough, but using some of these tips and techniques should
help your students to perform to the best of their ability and so get the level they deserve.

I'd like to share some stuff I used during my TOEFL experience, in case it can be useful
for you.

TOEFL SPEAKING TEMPLATE:

Source: http://ridfree.blogspot.com/2010/03/toefl-speaking-template.html
Sentences and templates found on the internet.

Independent Tasks

Question 1: Personal Preference

Describe something (favorite thing/person/etc.). Present/past tenses, or conditional
situation.

Personally, I would have to say that ...

**** my favorite X is/was ...
**** if I got the opportunity to ...
First of all, ...
Secondly ...
So, that's why ... [restate]

Question 2: Choice between two.

I definitely ...
****prefer X rather than Y
****agree that X rather than Y
... because of many reasons:
First, ...
Second, ...
So that's why I prefer/agree that.
Integrated Tasks

Question 3: Campus situation: fit and explain.

Short passage explaining a new policy/proposal/etc in campus + conversation.

On the one hand, in the reading, there is a ... about ...

In fact, the University/College/School is ... The main reasons are...
On the other hand, the student/man/woman agrees/disagrees with the policy/proposal.
His/Hers/Theirs reasons are:
First, ...
Second, ...

Question 4: Academic course: General/Specific.

Short passage + lecture. The passage explains something in general terms, and the
professors usually gives examples or applications of the concept.

Based on the passage, the X is ...

During the lecture, the professor explains further the topic by giving two
examples/applications.
The first example he/she gives is...
The second ...
These examples are useful to understand the concept of X.

Question 5: Campus situation: Problem/Solution.

Conversation between two students about some problem in campus.

According to the conversation, the woman/man has a problem about ...

His/her friend, gives him/her two suggestions.
First, ...
Second, ...
In my opinion, he/she should do ... because ...

Here is VERY important that you give your opinion. Therefore, don't spend too much
time describing the situation.
Try to choose which option do you prefer while listening the conversation, and start
thinking why is better that solution. Do not restate the SAME arguments of the adviser,
so try to find any other advantage of that solution from your personal experience.

Question 6: Academic course: Summary.

The lecturer is talking about ... in the scope of a ... class.

According to him, the X is ...

Here there isn't an easy template to use.

Usually, the speaker explains something by giving examples, steps in a process or facts in
chronological order. The key here is to pick the dates/steps of the process/etc during the
speech. Forget about other details.

You have to paraphrase the explanation by giving the most important ideas, not the
details.
Hope it helps!

TOEFL Speaking rubric to scaled score

Source: http://ridfree.blogspot.com/2010/03/toefl-speaking-rubric-score.html

The Speaking section contains six questions, and each one is scored from 0 to 4 points
without decimal values.

For example, you can obtain the following set of results [4,4,3,3,3,3]. Then, they
calculate the average of the results (sum of the the six scores divided by number of
elements):
(4+4+3+3+3+3) / 6 = 20 / 6 = 3.33
and the outcome (3.33) is converted to a 30 points scale.

You can check the table in the link above (Don't know how to create a table here)

To learn which are the scoring standards for each question check this link:
http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/Speaking_Rubrics.pdf

TOEFL Writing rubric to scaled score

Source: http://ridfree.blogspot.com/2010/03/toefl-writing-rubric-score.html

The Writing section contains two questions/essays, and each one is scored from 0.0 to 5.0
points with an interval of 0.5 points. That means that you can score 4.5 or a 4.0 in one of
the questions, but you can't get a 4.25.

For example, lets say you obtain the following set of results: [4.5,4]. Then, they calculate
the average (sum of the the two scores divided by number of elements):
(4.5 + 4) /2 = 9.5 / 2 = 4.25
and the outcome (4.25) is converted to a 30 points scale.
You can check the table in the link above (Don't know how to create a table here)

To learn which are the scoring standards for each question check this link:
http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/TOEFL/pdf/Writing_Rubrics.pdf

March 17, 2010

TOEFL Speaking template

Here you have an useful template for TOEFL's Speaking Section, that can help you to
increase your score in this section.

Independent Tasks

Question 1: Personal Preference

Describe something (favorite thing/person/etc.). Present/past tenses, or conditional
situation.

Personally, I would have to say that ...

my favorite X is/was ...
if I got the opportunity to ...
First of all, ...
Secondly ...
So, that's why ... [restate]

Question 2: Choice between two.

I definitely
prefer X rather than Y
agree that X rather than Y
because of many reasons:
First, ...
Second, ...
So that's why I prefer/agree that.

Integrated Tasks

Question 3: Campus situation: fit and explain.

Short passage explaining a new policy/proposal/etc in campus + conversation.

On the one hand, in the reading, there is a ... about ...

In fact, the University/College/School is ... The main reasons are...
On the other hand, the student/man/woman agrees/disagrees with the policy/proposal.
His/Hers/Theirs reasons are:
First, ...
Second, ...

Question 4: Academic course: General/Specific.

Short passage + lecture. The passage explains something in general terms, and the
professors usually gives examples or applications of the concept.

Based on the passage, the X is ...

During the lecture, the professor explains further the topic by giving two
examples/applications.
The first example he/she gives is...
The second ...
These examples are useful to understand the concept of X.

Question 5: Campus situation: Problem/Solution.

Conversation between two students about some problem in campus.

According to the conversation, the woman/man has a problem about ...

His/her friend, gives him/her two suggestions.
First, ...
Second, ...
In my opinion, he/she should do ... because ...
Here is VERY important that you give your opinion. Therefore, don't spend too much
time describing the situation.
Try to choose which option do you prefer while listening the conversation, and start
thinking why is better that solution. Do not restate the SAME arguments of the adviser,
so try to find any other advantage of that solution from your personal experience.

Question 6: Academic course: Summary.

The lecturer is talking about ... in the scope of a ... class.

According to him, the X is ...

Here there isn't an easy template to use.

Usually, the speaker explains something by giving examples, steps in a process or facts in
chronological order. The key here is to pick the dates/steps of the process/etc during the
speech. Forget about other details.

You have to paraphrase the explanation by giving the most important ideas, not the
details.

Hope it helps!

IELTS speaking topics (new)

1. What is the meaning of your name?

2. Does your name affect your personality?
3. Tell me something about your hometown.
4. What are the differences in accent between your hometown and Hanoi?
5. What is the character of the people like in your hometown?
6. What is people's favourite food in the region where you live?
7. Do you think that people have enough time for leisure now?
8. Are there any historic monuments in your region?
9. Describe your Job? How do you spend your typical day?
10. Tell me something about the Hue Festival.
11. How have weddings changed in recent years?
12. Tell me something about the <Holi> Festival. <change with the festival name of your
country>
13. Describe a traditional wedding ceremony.
14. Name a person whom you admire? Why? What influence does he / she has on your
life? Would you like to become like him / her in future?
15. Are there any traditions concerning the birth of a baby?
16. How do you like <The test city> Compare it to your hometown. How did you get to
this place?
17. What place do you like best in Hanoi?
18. What places in Delhi should a foreigner visit?
19. What places would you recommend a visitor to go to in your region/hometown?
20. If you had the choice, where would you choose to live in India?
21. Which parts of India would you recommend a foreigner to visit?
22. Tell me something about your family.
23. Which is your favourite colour?
24. Do you think colours influence our life? How?
25. Which is the best place you've been to in India?
26. Who does most of the household chores in your family?
27. Are the traditional sexual roles within the family changing?
28. Why is the divorce rate increasing so rapidly? Is it a problem?
29. What is your opinion of the planning family policy?
30. How do you discipline your child?
31. Is it acceptable for couples to live together without marrying?
32. If you had the choice, would you have a son or a daughter?
33. Are you going to bring your child up any differently to the way your parents did?
34. What hopes do you have for your child? (if you are married)
35. Do women still have too heavy a burden in their day to day life?
36. Is the increasing influence of the West largely a positive or negative thing?

37. Are you looking forward to anything in particular in Australia / UK / USA ?

38. What do you do in your leisure time?
39. What will you do if you fail the IELTS?

40. Who should bear the responsibility for payment of tuition fees?
41. What can be done to improve education in rural areas?
42. Have recent changes affected your job in any way?
43. Do you agree with private education? Why?
44. What can be done to close the gap between urban and rural areas?
45. If you had the power, what changes would you carry out within education?
46. Describe a typical working day for you
47. How do you see yourself in ten years time?
48. If you had the opportunity to change your job, what would you do instead?
49. If you had one million dollars, what would you do with it?
50. If you could start your life again, would you do anything differently?
51. What ambitions do you have?
52. Which country/place would you most like to visit?
53. What changes do you think India will see in the next few years?
54. Will any possible future changes affect your job in any way?
55. How do you think you will cope abroad?
56. How does it feel to go abroad for the first time?
57. Are you looking forward to anything in particular in Australia / UK / USA ?
58. What do you do in your leisure time?
59. What will you do if you fail the IELTS?
60. Why are you giveing IELTS? What course / job do you intend to pursue after
IELTS.?

Speaking test samples page 2

Part One

.
What is your hometowns shape? Can you describe it for me
What is your hometowns history?
Do you prefer going out or staying at home? Why?
What will do if you go out?
Part Two A

I'd like you to tell me about an equipment of your household (such as computer,
television, refrigerator, Mobile Phone as so on).

You should say

What it is?
What do you do with it?

And explain why it is important for you.

Part Two B

Will you always keep it?

Is it worth much?
Could you please explain with some examples about the changes of technology which are
used by people in our daily life between now and the past 20 years?
Whether those equipment you've ever mentioned in your examples is used in you home?
How about other Indian families?
Do you think the technology will have what development in the future?
Do you think it is important?
How often do you access internet?
Do you have one computer?

Sample 2

Part One

Good morning. My name is … could you tell me your name please?

Please show me your identification/ passport? That’s fine thanks you.
Where are your from?
Do you have a large family or a small family?
Can you tell me something about them

Now I'd like to ask you a few questions about your family
How much time do you manage to spend with members of your family?
What sorts of things do you like to do together?
Do you get on well with your family? Why?

Part Two A

I'd like you to tell me about your learning English

All right? Remember, you have only 1 or 2 minutes for this so doesn't worry if I stop you.
I'll tell you when. Can you start speaking now, please?

You should say

When and where you study English
What English course do you like best?
And explain why it is important for you.
Part two B

Why are you study English?

Do you think learning English will benefit to your first language study?

We've been talking about household equipments and I'd like to discuss with you one or
two question related to this. let's consider:

What do you think is the best way to study English?

What is the most difficulties do you think of teaching of English in you country?
How this can be solved in the future?

Sample 3

Part One

Good morning. My name is … could you tell me your name please?

Please show me your identification/ passport? Thats fine thanks you.
Do you work or are you a student?
What subject are you a studying?
Why did you choose that subject?
Are there things you dont like about it?

Now Id like to ask you a few questions about transport systems in your hometown
What is the most popular transport system in use? Talk about its reliability, frequency
and fare.
Do you have any problems using the public transport?

Part Two

Your topic

I'd like you to tell me about your favorite news channel

You should say

What is it
How often do you use it?

And explain why you like it.

Part Two B

What do you think for ordinary people the most effective media to get news is?
Whether all people will be interested in national or international news in your country.

Compare the people's attitude to media between now and the past 20 years?
Should we trust the journalists?
What do you think what a good journalist should be?
Sample IELTS Speaking Topics

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Module consists of personal questions about you, your
family, your work, your education or other familiar topics. A categorized list of such
topics and questions is given below. You can use these sample questions to rehearse for
this part of the oral interview. Make sure you can speak correctly, clearly, and with ease
and confidence in response to each question. Remember to make your answer interesting
by providing more than the most basic information. Some of these sample questions are
highly likely to appear on your exam, so review them well.

YOU

Describe yourself.

FAMILY

o Describe your family?

o Do you have a large or small family?
o How much time do you spend with your family?
o What do you like to do together as a family?
o Do you get along well with your family?
o Are people in your country generally close to their families?

WORK

o What do you do?

o What are your responsibilities?
o How many hours do you work each day?
o Do you enjoy your work?
o Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?
o If you could change your job or profession, what would you do?
o Describe the process of getting a job in your country.
o Describe the company or organization you work for.
o What is your position?
o What do you like about your job?
o What do you dislike about your job?

EDUCATION

o Describe your education.

o What kind of school did you go to as a child?
o Did you go to a co-educational school?
o What was your favourite subject as a child?
o Who was your favourite teacher?
o What is the education system like in your country?
 o Do you think your country has an effective education system?

STUDIES

• What are you studying now?

• What is your area of specialization?

HOMETOWN

o Describe your hometown.

o What’s special about it?
o Where is your hometown located?
o Is it easy to travel around your hometown?
o What is it known for?
o What do people in your town do?
o What are the main industries in your hometown?
o What problems face your hometown?
o What languages are spoken in your hometown?
o What are the advantages of living in your hometown?
o What are some problems faced by your hometown?
o Compare your hometown with another city.
o What are some environmental problems faced by your hometown?

WEATHER

o What’s the weather like in your country?

o Does the weather affect your mood?
o How do rainy days make you feel?
o What’s your favourite season of the year?
o What do you like to do when it’s hot?
o What do you usually do in the winter?
o How many seasons does your country have?

HOME

o Describe your home.

o What kind of building do you live in?
o How long have you lived there?

WEDDING

o Have you ever been to a wedding?

o Whose wedding was it?
o Where was it held?
o What clothes do people wear?
o Describe the wedding ceremony.
o What sort if gifts do people buy for the bridal couple?
o What kind of clothes did the bride and groom wear?

TRAVEL
 o Do you like to travel?
o What kind of places have you visited in your life?
o Which place would you really like to visit? Why?
o What’s the best place you’ve ever visited?

COMPUTERS

o Do you think computers help society?

o Do you think computers are bad for health?
o How do you think computers have changed the world?

INTERNET

o Do you use the Internet much during the day?

o What do you usually do on the Internet?
o What are some advantages of the Internet?
o What are some disadvantages?
o Do people in your country use the Internet a lot?
o Do you do any shopping on the Internet?

EMAIL

o Do you send and receive email regularly?

o Who do you usually communicate with?
o How often do you check your email?
o Do you think writing email has strengthened or weakened people’s writing
skills?
o What are some disadvantages of email?

FRIEND

o Describe a friend.
o How long have you known each other?
o What do usually do together?
o What do you like the most about him / her?
o How often do you see each other?

PLACE

o Describe a place you like to go.

o Why is this place special to you?
o When did you first visit this place?
o Where is this place located?
o What language is spoken here? Do you speak this language?

SMOKING

o What do you feel about smoking in public places?

o Do you think smoking should be banned in people’s homes?
MARRIAGE

o What is the attitude toward marriage in your country?

o Do most young people plan on getting married in your country?
o What are some of the advantages of marriage?
o What are some of the disadvantages?
o Is the divorce rate high in your country?
o Do you think people should be allowed to get divorced?

HOBBIES

o Do you have any hobbies?

o What are some of your hobbies?
o When did you first develop tis hobby?
o What are some of the advantages of having a hobby?
o How much time do you spend on your hobby?

FILMS

o Do you enjoy watching movies?

o What’s your favourite film?
o Who are your favourite actors?
o How often do you watch films?

SHOPPING

o Do you enjoy shopping?

o How do you feel about shopping?
o Do you like shopping on the Internet?
o Do you have any favourite stores?
o What don’t you like about shopping?
o Which is the most popular place to shop in your hometown?

SPORTS

o Do you like sports?

o Do you enjoy watching sports?
o Do you enjoy participating in any sports?
o Which sports are most popular in your country?
o What’s your favourite sport/
o When did you first become interested in sports?
o How often do you participate in sports?
o What equipment do you need for your favourite sport?

FOOD

o What are some of your favourite foods?

o What foods are popular in your country?
o What are some of the famous dishes of your country?
o Do you enjoy cooking?
FESTIVAL

o What’s the most important festival in your country?

o How do people celebrate this festival?
o What special food is associated with this festival?
o What special activities are associated with this festival?
o What do you enjoy most about this festival?
o Do you think festivals are important for a society?

TELEVISION

o Do you watch television a lot?

o What do you usually watch on television?
o How many hours of television do you usually watch?
o What are the most popular shows in your country?
o What kind of shows do you like to watch?
o What are some advantages of television?
o What are someof the disadvantages of television?
o What did you last watch on television?
o Why do you think certain TV shows are so popular?

TOURISM

o Which places would you recommend to a visitor to your country?

o Do a lot of tourists visit your country?
o What do they usually do there?
o How has tourism changed your country?
o Is your country expensive for most tourists?
o What are some famous landmarks in your country?

DAILY ROUTINE

o Describe your daily routine.

o What do you usually do?
o What do you do on the weekend?
o What is you typical weekday like?
o Does your life change much from week to week?
o Do you have any free time during the week?

YOUR COUNTRY

o Describe your daily routine.

o What do you usually do?
o What do you do on the weekend?
o What is you typical weekday like?
o Does your life change much from week to week?
o Do you have any free time during the week?

CLOTHES
 o What type of clothes do you like to wear?
o What kind of clothes do people in your country usually wear?
o How important is fashion to you?
o What kind of clothes do you dislike?
o Do you think people behave differently in different kinds of clothes?
o What kind of clothes do people wear to work in your country?
o Are clothes expensive in your country?

GOING OUT

o Do you like going out or staying at home?

o What do you like to do when you go out?
o How often do you go out?
o Do people in your country go our a lot?
o How and where do people in your country usually socialize?
o What kind of entertainment is popular in your country?

GAMES

o Do you enjoy playing any games?

o What kind of games do you play?
o Do you think adults should play games?
o What do children learn from games?
o What kind of games did you play when you were a child?
o What games are popular in your country today?
o What kind of games were popular when you were young?
o Do you think mental games like chess are good for you?

• COLOURS
o Do you have a favourite colour?
o What are your country’s colours?
o Do you think colours affect our moods?
o Can you learn anything about a person from the colours he / she likes?
o Do you like the same colours now as you did when you were a child?

MUSIC

o Do you like music?

o What kind of music do you like?
o When do you usually listen to music?
o What kind of music did you like when you were younger?
o What kind of music is popular in your country?
o Do you play any musical instruments?
o Do you wish you could play any musical instruments?
o Which is your favourite instrument?
IELTS Speaking Module - Part 2 - Sample Topics

In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Module, you need to give a short talk, of about 1-2
minutes, on a simple topic. The questions do not require any specific knowledge, but are
based on personal experience. You are handed a card with the topic and you have one
minute to prepare your talk. You can make notes and use these notes during your
monologue. The examiner will not ask you any questions during this part of the test, so
you must know how to answer all parts of the question you are given and speak fluently
for a few minutes by yourself. Sample IELTS Speaking Module topics (for Part 2) are
given below. It is quite likely that you will be given one of these topics or something
very similar, so make sure you can speak confidently and clearly on each one.

Describe an artist or entertainer you admire.

You should say:

• Who they are and what they do

• How they became successful
• How you found out about them
• And explain why you admire them

Describe a subject you enjoyed studying at school.

You should say:

• When and where you started studying it

• What lessons were like
• What made the subject different from other subjects
• And explain why you enjoyed the subject

Describe an important choice you had to make in your life.

You should say:

• When you had this choice

• What you had to choose between
• Whether you made a good choice
• And explain how you felt when you were making this choice

Describe a job you have done.

You should say:

• How you got doing the job

• What the job involved
• How long the job lasted
• Describe how well you did the job
 Describe an area of countryside you know and like.

You should say:

• Where it is
• What its special features are
• What you and other people do in this area
• And explain why you like it

Describe an object you particularly like.

You should say:

• What it is and what it looks like

• What it is made of
• What it is for
• And explain why it is special for you

Describe a newspaper or magazine you enjoy reading.

You should say:

• What kind of newspaper / magazine it is

• Which parts of it you read regularly
• When and where you read it
• Explain why you enjoy reading it

Describe something healthy you enjoy doing.

You should say:

• What you do
• Where you do it
• Who you do it with
• And explain why you think doing this is healthy

Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing.

You should say:

• What kind of sport it is

• Who you play it with
• Where you play it
• And explain why you enjoy playing it

Describe someone in your family who you like.

You should say:

• How this person is related to you

• What this person looks like
 • What kind of person he/she is
• And explain why you like this person

Describe a museum or art gallery that you have visited.

You should say:

• Where it is
• Why you went there
• What you particularly remember about the place.

Describe an enjoyable event that you experienced when you were at school.

You should say:

• When it happened
• What was good about it
• Why you particularly remember this event.

Describe a song or piece of music you like.

You should say:

• What the song or music is

• What kind of song or music it is
• Where you first heard it
• And explain why you like it

Describe a festival that is important in your country.

You should say:

• When the festival occurs

• What you did during it
• What you like or dislike about it
• And explain why this festival is important

1. IELTS BASICS
• IELTS Overview
• Types of Exams
• Registration
• Test Administration
• Scoring

2. FREE IELTS SAMPLES

 IELTS Speaking Topics
 IELTS Speaking Topics 2
 IELTS Speaking Samples
 IELTS Letter Topics 1
 IELTS Letter Topics 2
 IELTS Letter Topics 3
 Sample IELTS Letters
 IELTS Essay Topics
 Sample IELTS Essays

3. IELTS SKILLS

IELTS Reading
• Reading Overview
• General & Academic
• IELTS Reading Tips

IELTS Listening
• Listening Overview
• IELTS Listening Tips

IELTS Speaking
• Speaking Overview
• IELTS Speaking Tips

IELTS Writing
• Writing Overview
• Academic Writing
• Academic Task 1 - Charts
• Academic Task 1 - Vocabulary
• General Writing
• IELTS Letter Writing Tips
• Key Expressions for Letters
• IELTS Essay Writing Tips
• Key Expressions for Essays

Support Skills
• Grammar
• Pronunciation
• Vocabulary

4. IELTS RESOURCES
• IELTS Books
• In-Class IELTS Training
• Online IELTS Training
• Training Abroad
 • Free IELTS Videos

IELTS® is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council,

IELTS Essay Topics 1 -

Government

Be sure to check out our other sample IELTS essay topics, too:

• Government (14 topics)

• Modern Society (21 topics)
• Technology (8 topics)
• Employment (3 topics)
• Environment (4 topics)
• Education (17 topics)
• Parents / Children (2 topics)
• Gender Issues (2 topics)

GOVERNMENT
Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by
providing such things as food and education? Or is it the responsibility of the
governments of poorer nations to look after their citizens themselves?

What should a government do for a country to become successful?

Should money be spent on space exploration?

Should rich countries forgive all debts for poor countries?

Does foreign aid help donor countries more than the recipients?

Should rich countries pay more for environmental damage?

Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a
certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women?

Should developing countries concentrate on improving industrial skills or should they

promote education first?

Safety standards are important when building people's homes. Who should be responsible
for enforcing strict building codes - the government or the people who build the homes?

Discuss the advantage and disadvantage of giving international aid to poor countries.

Should criminals be punished with lengthy jail terms or re-educated and rehabilitated
using community service programs for instance, before being reintroduced to society?

In most countries disabled people are not catered for adequately, e.g. buildings are often
inappropriately designed. Governments rely too heavily on charities and voluntary
organizations to provide assistance and funding. What further measures could be taken to
assist disabled people?

In your opinion should government intervene in the rights of the individual with regard to
family planning?

The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is to make all young drivers
complete a safe driving education course before being licensed to drive.

MODERN SOCIETY

Nowadays doctors can become very rich. Maybe they should not focus on profitable
activities such as plastic surgery or looking after rich patients and concentrate more on
patients health, no matter how rich they are?

Does travel help to promote understanding and communication between countries?

In your opinion what factors contribute to a good movie?

Are famous people treated unfairly by the media ? Should they be given more privacy, or
is the price of their fame an invasion into their private lives?

Is animal testing necessary?

Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettes in any of their offices. Some
governments have banned smoking in all public places. Do you agree or disagree? Give
reasons.

To what extent is the use of animals in scientific research acceptable?

Human beings do not need to eat meat in order to maintain good health because they can
get all their food needs from meatless products and meatless substances. A vegetarian
diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat. Argue for or against the opinion above.

Forests are the lungs of the earth. Destruction of the world's forests amounts to death of
the world we currently know. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Are our zoos cruel to wild animals? Discuss.

Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but not poor alternatives to a natural environment.
Discuss some of the arguments for and/or against keeping animals in zoos.

To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world become
a social and political issue in the 21st century?
In Britain, when someone gets old, they often go to live in a home with other old people
where there are nurses to look after them. Sometimes the government has to pay for this
care. Who should be responsible for our old people? Give reasons.

The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000 there may be as many
as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be
encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. What do
you think?

The best way to reduce the number of traffic accidents is to make all young drivers
complete a safe driving education course before being licensed to drive.

News editors decide what to broadcast on TV and what to print in newspapers. What
factors do you think influence their decisions? Have we become used to bad news?
Would it be better if more good news was reported?

TV: could you be without it? Discuss.

To what extent will migration from the developing world to the developed world become
a social and political issue in the 21st century?

The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping
people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons
for your answer.

Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue to many countries but

its disadvantages should not be overlooked. What are some of the problems of tourism?

The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping
people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for
your answer

TECHNOLOGY
Does modern technology make life more convenient, or was life better when technology
was simpler?

Will modern technology, such as the internet ever replace the book or the written word as
the main source of information?

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in businesses,

hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. What things will they be used for in
future?.Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of
their benefits?Use specific details and examples in your answer.

In what ways has information technology changed work and working practices in the past
10 years?
Technology is making communication easier in today's world, but at the expense of
personal contact as many people choose to work at home in front of a computer screen.
What dangers are there for a society which depends on computer screens rather than face-
to-face contact for its main means of communication?

Will the Internet bring people of the world closer together?

The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2000 there may be as many
as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be
encouraged and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. What do
you think?

The mass media, including TV, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping
people's ideas. To what extent do you agree or disagree this statement? Give reasons for
your answer.