Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Who do you live with at the moment?
Sample response
At the moment, I live with my parents and my younger sister in a fairly small but comfortable apartment. It’s quite lively at home, so there’s almost always someone to talk to.
Q2
Do you usually spend a lot of time with the people in your home?
Sample response
Yes, I do, especially in the evenings. We usually have dinner together, chat about our day, and sometimes watch something on TV, so even on busy days we still stay connected.
Q3
Who are you closest to in your home, and why?
Sample response
I’d say I’m closest to my mother. She’s the person I can speak to most openly, and she always gives me sensible advice without judging me.
Q4
Did you often do activities together when you were a child?
Sample response
Yes, definitely. When I was a child, we used to do lots of things together, like going to the park, visiting relatives, and playing simple games at home, so I have quite warm memories of that time.
Q5
How often do you visit your relatives?
Sample response
I try to visit them at least once or twice a month. If there’s a family celebration or a holiday, then it’s usually more often than that.
Q6
What kinds of things do you usually do when you get together with them?
Sample response
Most of the time, we just do very ordinary things, to be honest. We have a big meal, talk about family news, help prepare food, and sometimes look through old photos, which is always fun.
Q7
Do you prefer spending time with older or younger people in your home?
Sample response
I probably prefer spending time with older people at home. They tend to be calmer and more thoughtful, and I feel I can learn a lot from their experience.
Q8
Have your relationships with the people around you changed as you have grown older?
Sample response
Yes, quite a bit. As I’ve grown older, my relationships have become more balanced and mature, and now I understand other people’s feelings and efforts much better than I did when I was younger.
Q9
Is it important for people to stay close to those who raised them?
Sample response
Yes, I think it is important, although that doesn’t mean people have to live together forever. Staying emotionally close to the people who raised you gives you a sense of belonging, and it also shows appreciation for everything they’ve done.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a person you are especially close to in your life. You should say: - Who this person is? - How often you spend time with this person? - What you usually do together? And explain why this person is so important to you.
Sample response
Well, the person I’m especially close to is my mother. We’ve always had a strong relationship, but as I’ve grown older, it has become much deeper because now we talk more like friends, not just as parent and child. Since we live in the same house, I see her every day. Even when we’re both busy, we usually make time to have dinner together or chat in the evening for half an hour. At weekends, we often spend longer together, especially if neither of us has work to do. What we usually do is actually quite simple. We cook together, go grocery shopping, or just sit with a cup of tea and talk about whatever is going on in our lives. Sometimes I ask for her advice about my studies or future plans, and she always gives me a very calm and practical point of view. Another thing I really enjoy is going on short walks with her, because that’s when we tend to have the most honest conversations. What makes her so important to me is the sense of comfort and stability she gives me. During stressful times, especially before exams, she knows exactly how to encourage me without putting pressure on me. What stood out to me over the years is how patient and supportive she has always been. Overall, she’s not only a family member to me, but also someone I completely trust.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
How have relationships between generations changed in recent years?
Sample response
I think relationships between generations have become a bit more complicated in recent years. On the one hand, younger and older people often have more open and informal conversations now, which is a positive change. On the other hand, families often spend less time together because of work, study, and people moving away from home. Technology has also changed things a lot, because family members may stay in touch more often online, but not always in a very meaningful way. So in a sense, communication is easier, but emotional closeness can sometimes be weaker.
Q2
What are the advantages of having several generations living together?
Sample response
There are quite a few advantages to that arrangement. First of all, it creates a stronger support system, because older family members can help with childcare and younger people can assist with technology or daily tasks. It can also reduce living costs, which is especially useful in expensive cities. Another major benefit is that children grow up hearing family stories and traditions directly from grandparents, so cultural values are passed on more naturally. Of course, there can be tensions, but if people respect each other’s space, it can work really well.
Q3
Why do some young people prefer to live independently as soon as possible?
Sample response
I’d say the main reason is freedom. Many young people want privacy, independence, and the chance to make their own decisions without being constantly influenced by their family. Living alone also helps them learn practical life skills, like budgeting, cooking, and managing responsibilities. In some cases, they move out because of work or university, so independence is simply the most convenient option. There’s also a cultural shift in many places, where becoming independent early is seen as a sign of maturity.
Q4
How important is it for parents to spend quality time with their children?
Sample response
It’s extremely important, in my opinion. Quality time helps children feel secure, listened to, and valued, which has a huge effect on their emotional development. I don’t think it’s just about the number of hours parents spend with their children; what really matters is being fully present and engaged. For example, even a short daily conversation or doing a simple activity together can strengthen trust. Without that connection, children may become distant and less willing to share their thoughts or problems.
Q5
What can schools and workplaces do to help people maintain strong personal relationships?
Sample response
Schools and workplaces can do a lot by creating healthier schedules and reducing unnecessary pressure. In schools, for instance, they can encourage group activities, communication skills, and events that involve families, which helps students build stronger bonds. Workplaces, meanwhile, can offer flexible hours, family leave, and a culture that doesn’t glorify overwork. If people have more time and less stress, they’re much more likely to invest in their relationships. I also think both schools and companies should provide counselling or wellbeing support, because strong relationships often depend on good mental health as well.