IELTS HUB
Full test with Band 9 answers

Speaking test #792

Part 1 · Interview

4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks about you and familiar topics.

Introduction · Q1

Can you tell me your full name?

Introduction · Q2

Where are you from?

Introduction · Q3

Do you work or are you a student?

Languages · Q1

How many languages can you speak? [Why/Why not?

?] I can speak three languages fluently - English, Spanish, and French. I have always been fascinated with different cultures and languages, so I made it a point to learn as many as possible. I believe that being multilingual can open up many opportunities, both personally and professionally.

Languages · Q2

How useful will English be to you in your future? [Why/Why not?

?] English is incredibly useful to me in my future as it is widely spoken and understood in many countries around the world. It is considered a global language and is used in many fields such as business, education, and technology. Being proficient in English will greatly benefit me in my career and personal growth.

Languages · Q3

What do you remember about learning languages at school? [Why/Why not?

?] I remember that learning languages at school was a fun and challenging experience for me. I enjoyed learning about different cultures and grammar rules, but I also found it difficult to retain new vocabulary and grammar structures. However, I believe that the effort I put into learning languages at school has greatly helped me in my ability to speak multiple languages fluently.

Languages · Q4

What do you think would be the hardest language for you to learn? [Why?

?] I think the hardest language for me to learn would be Chinese. The structure and grammar of the language is vastly different from the languages I am familiar with, and the characters used in Chinese are also quite challenging. Additionally, the tones and pronunciation are also very difficult, which makes it a language that would take a lot of time and effort to master.

Laughter · Q1

What kinds of thing make you laugh?

I find that I tend to laugh at things that are unexpected or surprising. I also enjoy clever or witty humor, and I find that physical comedy can be quite amusing as well. I also like to laugh at things that are relatable or that make me think about my own experiences.

Laughter · Q2

Do you like making other people laugh?

I absolutely love making other people laugh. I find it incredibly satisfying to see others enjoying themselves and to know that I played a part in that. I also believe that laughter is contagious, so when I make someone else laugh, it often leads to others joining in as well.

Laughter · Q3

Do you think it's important for people to laugh?

I absolutely believe that it is important for people to laugh. Laughter has been shown to have a wide range of benefits for our physical and mental health, and it can also help to build and strengthen relationships. I think that laughter is a way for people to connect and bond with each other, and it can also serve as a powerful tool for coping with stress and difficult situations.

Laughter · Q4

Is laughing the same as feeling happy?

I don't necessarily think that laughing is the same as feeling happy, but I do think that they are closely connected. I believe that laughter can be a sign of happiness, but it can also be a way to cope with or mask other emotions. I think that laughter can be a way to release pent-up emotions, and it can also be a way to distract ourselves from negative feelings.

Part 2 · Cue card
Object Past PhotographyMemoriesSelf-reflection

You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Describe a photo of yourself you have taken

You should say:

  • Where and when the photo was taken
  • What you were doing in the photo
  • Why you decided to take that photo
  • How you feel when you look at that photo
246 words · 3 paragraphs
Paragraph 1

The photo I am going to describe was taken during a family trip to the picturesque hill station of Shimla in northern India, back in the winter of 2018. In the photo, I am standing on the Mall Road, a famous shopping street in Shimla, surrounded by snow-covered pine trees and colonial-era buildings. The vibrant hues of my traditional Indian attire contrast beautifully with the snow-white backdrop, creating a visually stunning scene.

Paragraph 2

I decided to take this photo to capture the essence of that unforgettable moment - the joy of exploring a new place with my loved ones and experiencing the magic of winter in the mountains. The twinkling fairy lights adorning the street lamps, the scent of steaming hot chai wafting through the crisp mountain air, and the laughter of children playing in the snow - all these elements came together to create a feeling of warmth and contentment that I wanted to preserve forever.

Paragraph 3

Whenever I look at this photo, a rush of nostalgia washes over me, transporting me back to that chilly winter evening in Shimla. I am reminded of the simple pleasures of life - the beauty of nature, the warmth of family bonds, and the excitement of travel. This photo serves as a precious memento of that unforgettable trip, a reminder of the happiness and serenity I felt during those magical days in the mountains. It evokes a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful experiences life has to offer.

The Band 9 answer in numbers
Words
246
Sentences
9
Words per sentence
27.3
Speaking time
about 1.9 min

Counted at 130 words a minute. The exam gives you one to two minutes.

Part 3 · Discussion

4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks broader questions linked to the cue card topic.

Discussion · Q1

How do personal photos differ from professional ones when it comes to emotional effect?

Personal photographs and professional ones can evoke vastly different emotional responses, primarily due to their context and intention. Personal photos often capture spontaneous moments, like a child's first steps or a family gathering, which can evoke a profound sense of nostalgia and warmth. In contrast, professional photographs, such as those taken for marketing or editorial purposes, tend to focus on aesthetics and composition, which might elicit admiration but often lack the intimate emotional resonance that personal images possess. Moreover, personal photographs often tell a unique story tied to our individual experiences, making them more relatable and impactful on a personal level. On the other hand, while professional photos might be visually stunning, they can sometimes feel more detached or impersonal, which may limit their emotional depth. Overall, it’s fascinating how the intention behind the lens can shape the viewer's connection to the image!

Discussion · Q2

Some people think that taking selfies can make someone too focused on themselves. What do you think about this idea?

I can definitely see where people are coming from with the idea that taking selfies might lead to self-obsession. In today’s society, there’s this overwhelming emphasis on appearance and social media validation, which can make individuals overly focused on how they are perceived. However, I think it’s important to recognize that selfies can also be a form of self-expression and a way to document our lives. For many, it’s not so much about vanity but rather about capturing moments and sharing experiences with friends and family. Ultimately, it all comes down to how one approaches it—if someone is using selfies to celebrate their life rather than obsess over it, then I see it as a positive thing.

Discussion · Q3

How important do you think photos are for keeping memories compared to written notes?

I believe photographs play a crucial role in preserving memories, often more so than written records. While written accounts can provide context and detail, photographs capture the essence of a moment in a way that words sometimes struggle to convey. They evoke emotions and transport us back to specific times and places, allowing us to relive those experiences vividly. Additionally, a single image can tell an entire story, encapsulating feelings and reactions that might be lost in text. Ultimately, the combination of both mediums can create a well-rounded narrative, but there's something undeniably powerful about a photograph that makes it a cherished keepsake of our past.

Discussion · Q4

Why do you think many people like to post personal photos on social media?

People often choose to share personal photos on social media platforms for a variety of reasons, but I think it primarily stems from a desire for connection and validation. In today’s digital age, sharing snapshots of our lives allows us to maintain relationships and engage with friends and family, even if they’re miles away. Additionally, many people enjoy the feeling of being seen and appreciated; a simple “like” can boost one’s mood and foster a sense of belonging. Moreover, sharing personal moments can also serve as a way to document one’s life journey, creating a visual narrative that they can look back on later. Ultimately, it’s a combination of social interaction and self-expression that drives this trend.

Discussion · Q5

How could technology changes affect the way photography is used in people's lives in the future?

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, I believe the role of photography in people's lives will undergo significant transformation. For starters, innovations like augmented reality and artificial intelligence are likely to enhance the way we capture and experience images. Imagine being able to take a photo and instantly have it edited or enhanced by intelligent software that understands your preferences! Additionally, with the rise of social media platforms, photography has already become an essential form of communication, and I think this trend will only deepen. In the future, we might see photography becoming even more immersive, allowing us to share not just images but entire experiences, creating a more vivid connection between people. Overall, these advancements hold the potential to make photography not just a hobby but an integral part of our daily interactions.

Discussion · Q6

What steps can people take to make sure their personal photos are meaningful and respectful to others?

To ensure that personal photos are both meaningful and respectful, individuals can start by being mindful of the context in which they capture images. It's essential to consider the cultural sensitivities of the people involved; for instance, some cultures may have specific norms regarding photography. Additionally, asking for consent before sharing photos, especially those featuring others, fosters a sense of respect and acknowledges their privacy. People can also strive to tell a story through their images, focusing on moments that genuinely convey emotions or experiences, rather than just capturing something for the sake of it. Lastly, editing photos thoughtfully can enhance their meaning, ensuring that the final image resonates both with the photographer’s intent and the viewer’s perspective.

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