Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Did you enjoy drawing or making things when you were a child?
Sample response
Yes, absolutely. When I was a kid, I loved drawing cartoon characters and making little paper houses out of cardboard. I wasn’t amazingly talented or anything, but I really enjoyed the process because it let me use my imagination.
Q2
What kinds of handmade or visual things do you like looking at?
Sample response
I’m especially drawn to handmade crafts and illustrations that have a personal touch. For example, I love looking at ceramics, sketchbooks, and handmade posters because you can often feel the artist’s personality in them. To me, that makes them far more interesting than mass-produced items.
Q3
Do you prefer visiting museums or watching performances? Why?
Sample response
I’d probably choose watching performances, to be honest. A live concert or a play feels more immediate and emotional, and you get to share that energy with other people in the audience. Museums are interesting too, but I usually need to be in a very calm, focused mood to enjoy them fully.
Q4
Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument or taken any lessons in design or painting?
Sample response
Yes, I learned a little bit of keyboard when I was younger, although I never became very good at it. I also took some basic art classes at school, mainly drawing and painting. What I remember most is that I enjoyed the creative side more than the technical side.
Q5
Is there anyone in your family who is good at making or designing things?
Sample response
Yes, my mother is quite good at designing and decorating things. She has a great eye for color and layout, so even simple spaces look warm and stylish when she arranges them. I think I got some of my creative interest from her.
Q6
Do you usually decorate your room or workspace in your own way?
Sample response
Yes, I do. I like keeping my room or desk fairly simple, but I still add small personal touches like plants, framed photos, and a nice lamp. It helps me feel more comfortable, and I think a pleasant space makes me more productive as well.
Q7
How often do you take photos or create content for social media?
Sample response
I take photos quite regularly, but I don’t post on social media every day. Usually I upload something once or twice a week, especially if I’ve been somewhere interesting or had a good meal. For me, it’s more about capturing moments than trying to get attention online.
Q8
Do you think you are good at coming up with new ideas?
Sample response
I’d say I’m reasonably good at it, especially when I have time to think. I’m not the kind of person who comes up with brilliant ideas instantly, but once I start exploring different options, I can usually find a fresh approach. In group work, I’m often the one who suggests small practical improvements.
Q9
What kind of films, music, or performances do you enjoy most?
Sample response
I enjoy films and music that feel emotionally powerful rather than just entertaining. In terms of films, I like thoughtful dramas and well-made thrillers, and for music I usually listen to indie, acoustic, or soft pop. As for performances, I really enjoy live concerts because the atmosphere makes the experience much more memorable.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a creative activity you enjoy. You should say: - When and how you started doing it - What you usually need to do it - Why you enjoy it And explain whether this activity is important to you.
Sample response
One creative activity I really enjoy is photography, especially taking everyday street photos and pictures of nature. I started doing it a few years ago when I got my first smartphone with a decent camera. At first, I was just taking random pictures when I went out with friends, but over time I became more interested in composition, lighting, and how to capture a mood. To do it, I usually just need my phone, although sometimes I use a simple editing app afterward to adjust the brightness or contrast. If I’m planning to take photos seriously, I also like going out early in the morning or around sunset because the light is much softer then. Another thing is that I need patience, because the best shots are often unexpected and you have to wait for the right moment. What I enjoy most is that photography makes me notice details I would normally ignore, like reflections in windows, interesting shadows, or expressions on people’s faces. It also feels relaxing because I can slow down and focus on what’s around me. In a way, it helps me be more present. Overall, I’d say this activity is quite important to me. It isn’t just a hobby for killing time; it’s something that helps me express myself and see ordinary places in a more meaningful way. Even if I never do it professionally, I think I’ll keep enjoying it for a long time.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do some people believe making or performing things is an essential part of education?
Sample response
I think many people see creative activities as essential in education because they develop parts of the mind that academic subjects don’t always reach. When students make, draw, act, or perform, they learn to express themselves, solve problems, and think independently. It can also build confidence, especially for children who may not shine in traditional exams. For example, a student who struggles with maths might discover real talent in music or design and begin to feel more motivated at school.
Q2
How can schools encourage original thinking in students?
Sample response
Schools can encourage original thinking by giving students more open-ended tasks instead of always expecting one correct answer. If learners are allowed to experiment, make mistakes, and explain their ideas, they become more willing to think for themselves. Teachers also play a big role by rewarding curiosity rather than just memorization. For instance, project-based learning, debates, and creative presentations often lead to far more interesting thinking than standard worksheets.
Q3
Do you think technology has improved or reduced people's ability to produce original work?
Sample response
I’d say technology has done both, depending on how people use it. On the one hand, it gives people amazing tools for creating music, films, art, and writing, so in that sense it has clearly expanded creative possibilities. On the other hand, it can make people rely too heavily on trends, templates, or even AI-generated content, which may reduce originality. So the technology itself isn’t the problem; the real issue is whether people use it as a tool or as a shortcut.
Q4
What role should public spaces, galleries, and cultural events play in society?
Sample response
Public spaces, galleries, and cultural events should make creativity visible and accessible to ordinary people. They give communities a chance to experience art, share ideas, and feel connected to something bigger than daily routines. I also think they have an educational role, because not everyone grows up in an environment where culture is encouraged at home. A free exhibition, a street performance, or a local festival can inspire people who might never visit a formal theatre or museum otherwise.
Q5
Why are some forms of visual or performance-based work valued more highly than others?
Sample response
Some visual and performance-based work is valued more highly because of history, social status, and the institutions that support it. Forms like classical music or fine art are often associated with prestige, wealth, and formal training, so people tend to treat them as more serious. Meanwhile, popular or street-based art may be seen as less important, even though it can be just as skillful and influential. In my view, that difference is not always fair, because cultural value should depend more on impact and quality than on reputation alone.