Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Did you enjoy going to school when you were a child?
Sample response
Yes, I did, for the most part. I liked the routine of school and, more importantly, I enjoyed seeing my friends every day. Of course, there were boring lessons now and then, but overall I have quite positive memories of that time.
Q2
What was your favourite subject at school?
Sample response
My favourite subject was probably English. I enjoyed it because it wasn’t just about memorising facts; we could discuss stories, share opinions, and be a bit creative. I also had a really enthusiastic teacher, which made a huge difference.
Q3
Were there any school subjects you found difficult?
Sample response
Yes, definitely mathematics used to be a challenge for me. I could understand the basic ideas, but once the questions became more abstract, I started to struggle. I had to spend much more time on it than on other subjects.
Q4
Did you prefer studying alone or with classmates?
Sample response
I usually preferred studying alone, especially when I needed to concentrate. I found that group study could be helpful before exams, but it was also easy to get distracted and start chatting. So for serious revision, being on my own worked better for me.
Q5
Who helped you the most with your studies when you were younger?
Sample response
I’d say my mother helped me the most when I was younger. She wasn’t an expert in every subject, but she was very patient and always encouraged me to stay disciplined. Even when she couldn’t solve a problem, she pushed me to keep trying instead of giving up.
Q6
Do you still keep in touch with anyone from your school days?
Sample response
Yes, I still keep in touch with a few close friends from school. We don’t speak every day, obviously, but we message each other quite regularly and meet up when we can. It’s nice because we’ve known each other for so long that the friendship feels very natural.
Q7
What makes a lesson interesting for you?
Sample response
For me, a lesson becomes interesting when the teacher is enthusiastic and makes the topic feel relevant to real life. I also like lessons with discussion, examples, or some kind of practical activity rather than just listening passively. If I can see why something matters, I pay much more attention.
Q8
Have your study habits changed since you were at school?
Sample response
Yes, quite a lot, actually. When I was at school, I relied heavily on teachers’ instructions and followed a fixed timetable, but now I’m much more independent. These days I make my own study plans, use online resources, and focus more on understanding than memorising.
Q9
Do you think children today learn differently from the way you did?
Sample response
Yes, I think so. Children today grow up with technology, so they’re used to learning through videos, apps, and interactive tools rather than only from textbooks. In my case, learning was much more traditional, and we depended far more on the teacher as the main source of information.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a person from your school days who had a strong influence on you. You should say: - When you knew this person - What this person was like - What you learned from this person And explain why this person had such a strong effect on you.
Sample response
I’d like to talk about my English teacher from secondary school, whom I knew when I was around fourteen or fifteen. Her name was Ms Taylor, and she taught my class for about two years. Looking back, she was probably one of the most influential people I met during my school days. To begin with, she was the kind of teacher who was strict but incredibly supportive at the same time. She expected us to work hard, meet deadlines, and take our studies seriously, but she never made students feel small or incapable. What stood out to me was her ability to notice potential in people, even when they didn’t see it in themselves. The main thing I learned from her was confidence. At that age, I was quite shy and didn’t like speaking in front of others, even though I enjoyed reading and writing. She often encouraged me to answer questions in class and once asked me to take part in a speaking competition. I was nervous, to be honest, but she kept telling me that being afraid didn’t mean I wasn’t capable. Another thing is that she taught me the value of clear communication. She used to say that if you can express your ideas well, many doors will open for you in life. Over time, that really stayed with me. Overall, she had such a strong effect on me because she changed the way I saw myself. She didn’t just teach a subject; she made me believe I could do more than I thought.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
What qualities make someone effective at helping others learn?
Sample response
I think patience is one of the most important qualities, because not everyone learns at the same speed. An effective teacher or mentor also needs to explain ideas clearly and in different ways if the first approach doesn’t work. On top of that, empathy matters a lot, since learners often struggle with confidence as much as with the subject itself. For example, a teacher who listens carefully and gives constructive feedback can help students improve without feeling discouraged.
Q2
How important is personal encouragement in a student’s academic development?
Sample response
It’s बेहद important, because students often perform according to how capable they believe they are. If someone receives genuine encouragement, they’re more likely to take risks, ask questions, and recover from failure. For instance, a student who is weak in science may improve dramatically if a teacher keeps reinforcing that progress is possible. Without that support, many learners simply assume they’re “not good�� at a subject and stop trying.
Q3
Do you think schools should focus more on academic results or personal growth?
Sample response
Personally, I think schools should aim for a balance, but if I had to choose, I’d say personal growth deserves more attention than it often gets. Academic results are obviously important because they affect future opportunities, but qualities like resilience, teamwork, and self-discipline are essential in adult life too. A student with perfect grades but poor emotional skills may struggle later in the workplace or in relationships. So ideally, schools should develop capable students and well-rounded people at the same time.
Q4
How has modern technology changed the way people learn in classrooms?
Sample response
Modern technology has changed classrooms quite dramatically by making learning more interactive and flexible. Students can now watch videos, do quizzes instantly, and access information far beyond what’s in a textbook. It also allows teachers to adapt lessons more easily, for example by using visual materials for complex topics or online platforms for homework. That said, technology can also be distracting, so its success really depends on how thoughtfully it’s used.
Q5
Why do some people remember certain figures from their school years for the rest of their lives?
Sample response
I think people remember certain figures from school because those individuals often shape how they see themselves at an important stage of life. During childhood and adolescence, people are still developing their confidence, habits, and ambitions, so a teacher’s words can leave a deep mark. Sometimes it’s not even about academic content; it might be a moment of kindness, encouragement, or even criticism that stays in someone’s mind for years. In that sense, school figures become memorable because they are connected to both learning and personal identity.