Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Do you usually make plans for your week?
Sample response
Yes, I usually do, at least in a loose way. On Sunday evening I normally look at my calendar and decide what I need to finish for work or study, and then I leave some space for exercise or meeting friends. If I don’t do that, my week tends to feel a bit chaotic.
Q2
What kinds of things do you like to plan in advance?
Sample response
I mostly plan practical things in advance, like deadlines, appointments, and anything that involves other people. I also like planning bigger purchases or short trips, because that helps me manage my time and money better. For everyday things, though, I’m not too strict.
Q3
Do you prefer to make detailed plans or keep things flexible?
Sample response
I’d say I prefer a balance, but I lean more towards flexibility. I like having a general structure so I know what I’m aiming for, but I don’t enjoy planning every hour of the day. Unexpected things come up, so being too rigid can be stressful.
Q4
Have you ever changed your mind about something important you wanted to do?
Sample response
Yes, definitely. A few years ago, I thought I wanted to follow one career path quite seriously, but later I realised it didn’t really suit my personality or interests. Changing my mind was difficult at the time, but in the end it was the right decision.
Q5
What goals are you working towards at the moment?
Sample response
At the moment, I’m working towards improving myself both professionally and personally. One major goal is to build stronger skills in my field so I can move into a better position, and at the same time I’m trying to be more consistent with habits like reading and exercising. I think small daily progress matters a lot.
Q6
Do you enjoy thinking about the next few years of your life?
Sample response
Yes, I actually do, because it gives me a sense of direction. I don’t plan every detail of the next few years, but I like imagining where I want to be and what kind of life I’m building. It motivates me, although I try not to put too much pressure on myself.
Q7
When you were a child, did you have any ambitions for the future?
Sample response
Yes, I had quite a few ambitions when I was a child. At one point I wanted to be a doctor, mainly because I thought it was a meaningful and respected job, and later I went through phases where I wanted to be a teacher or even an artist. My ideas changed a lot as I grew older.
Q8
Who do you usually talk to when you need advice about important decisions?
Sample response
Usually, I talk to my parents or one close friend, depending on the situation. My parents are good for big life decisions because they’re practical and experienced, while my friend is better when I need an honest opinion from someone closer to my own age. I like hearing different perspectives before making up my mind.
Q9
Do you think it is easy for you to make long-term decisions?
Sample response
To be honest, not always. I can make long-term decisions, but I tend to think a lot before committing because those choices can affect so many parts of life. I usually need time to weigh the pros and cons rather than deciding quickly.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe an important goal you hope to achieve in the future. You should say: - what the goal is - why this goal is important to you - what steps you have taken, or will take, to achieve it And explain how you think achieving this goal will affect your life.
Sample response
One important goal I hope to achieve in the future is to become highly qualified in my field and move into a role that gives me both stability and real satisfaction. To be more specific, I’d like to build a career where I’m not just earning a decent income, but also doing work that feels meaningful and allows me to keep developing. This goal is very important to me because work takes up such a huge part of life. I don’t want to spend years doing something just for the sake of routine or financial security. I want to feel proud of what I do, and I also want to be in a position where I can support my family and have more freedom in my personal life. So far, I’ve already taken some steps in that direction. I’ve been trying to improve my knowledge, work on relevant skills, and stay disciplined with my time. Another thing is that I’ve started paying more attention to long-term progress instead of only short-term results. In the future, I plan to keep learning, gain more practical experience, and probably take additional courses or qualifications if necessary. What stood out to me while thinking about this goal is that it’s not something I can achieve overnight. It requires patience and consistency. Overall, if I do achieve it, I think it will make my life more secure, more independent, and honestly much more fulfilling.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do some people find it difficult to make long-term decisions?
Sample response
I think many people struggle with long-term decisions because the future is naturally uncertain. It’s hard to commit to one path when you don’t know how your interests, finances, or personal circumstances might change. On top of that, people are often afraid of making the wrong choice and regretting it later. For example, choosing a career or moving to another country can feel overwhelming because the consequences are so significant.
Q2
Do you think young people today plan their lives differently from previous generations?
Sample response
Yes, I do think young people today plan their lives differently from earlier generations. In the past, people often followed a more predictable path: study, get a stable job, get married, and stay in the same field for years. Nowadays, young people have far more options, but that also means more uncertainty and more pressure to choose wisely. For instance, many are open to changing careers, working remotely, or taking unconventional paths instead of following a fixed pattern.
Q3
How important is it to have clear goals in life?
Sample response
I’d say having clear goals is very important, because they give people direction and motivation. When someone knows what they want, it becomes easier to make decisions and use time effectively. However, I don’t think goals should be too rigid, because life can change in unexpected ways. So in my view, it’s best to have clear aims but also remain flexible about how to reach them.
Q4
What factors can influence a person's choices about work or study?
Sample response
A person’s choices about work or study can be influenced by a wide range of factors. Family expectations are often a major one, especially in cultures where parents have strong opinions about secure or respected careers. Financial pressure also matters, because some people choose practical options simply to earn money quickly. In addition, personal interest, academic ability, and even social trends can shape decisions; for example, technology-related subjects have become much more attractive in recent years.
Q5
Is it better to follow a fixed path or stay open to unexpected opportunities?
Sample response
Personally, I think it’s better to have a general direction but stay open to unexpected opportunities. A fixed path can help people stay focused and avoid getting distracted, which is definitely useful. However, if someone is too rigid, they might miss chances that are actually better than their original plan. For example, many people discover a new career path through an internship or chance meeting, and that opportunity can completely change their lives for the better.
Q6
How can schools help students make better decisions about their lives?
Sample response
Schools can help a lot by giving students more practical guidance, not just academic knowledge. For example, they could offer career counselling, personality assessments, and workshops on decision-making so students understand their strengths and options more clearly. It’s also useful when schools invite professionals to speak about real working life, because that makes different paths feel more concrete. In my opinion, the earlier students learn how to evaluate choices realistically, the more confident and informed their decisions will be.