Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
How often do you go online during a typical day?
Sample response
Honestly, I’m online many times throughout the day. I check messages and emails in the morning, use the internet for work or study during the day, and then go online again in the evening for entertainment. So it’s not one long session, but lots of short ones.
Q2
What do you usually use your phone or computer for?
Sample response
I mainly use my phone for communication, like texting, checking social media, and reading the news. My computer is more for serious tasks, especially writing, research, and watching longer videos. So, in a way, my phone is for convenience, while my computer is for productivity.
Q3
Do you prefer using a phone, a tablet, or a computer? Why?
Sample response
I’d say I prefer using a computer overall. It’s much easier to type, compare information on different tabs, and stay focused, especially when I’m working on something important. Phones are convenient, of course, but I find them a bit distracting.
Q4
When did you first start using websites or apps regularly?
Sample response
I started using websites and apps regularly when I was in my early teens. At first it was mostly for simple things like watching videos and chatting with friends, but later I began using them for schoolwork as well. After that, being online just became part of daily life.
Q5
Do you mostly go online at home, at work, or while travelling?
Sample response
Mostly at home, because that’s where I can concentrate and use a stable Wi-Fi connection. I do go online while travelling as well, especially to check maps, messages, or transport updates. But for anything that takes time, I’d rather do it at home.
Q6
What kind of information do you usually look for online?
Sample response
Usually I search for practical information. That includes news, directions, product reviews, and anything related to work or study. I also look up tutorials quite often, because if I don’t know how to do something, there’s usually a clear explanation online.
Q7
Have your online habits changed in recent years?
Sample response
Yes, definitely. A few years ago I used to spend more time scrolling through social media for no real reason, but now I’m more selective. I still use the internet a lot, but these days it’s more purposeful, like learning, planning, or staying in touch.
Q8
Do you think you spend too much time on websites or apps?
Sample response
To be honest, sometimes I probably do. It’s easy to think you’re only going online for a few minutes, and then suddenly half an hour has passed. I try to manage it better now, especially by limiting social media when I’m busy.
Q9
Are there any times when you try to avoid going online?
Sample response
Yes, especially late at night or when I’m spending time with family. I also try to stay offline when I need to focus deeply, because constant notifications can really break my concentration. Having small breaks from screens helps me feel calmer as well.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a time when being online was especially helpful to you. You should say: - When this happened? - What you needed to do? - How being online helped you? And explain why this experience was important to you.
Sample response
I’d like to talk about a time last year when being online was incredibly helpful to me during a job application process. I had been invited to an online interview with a company I was really interested in, and I needed to prepare properly because it was an important opportunity. To begin with, I needed to learn more about the company, understand the role clearly, and practise answering likely interview questions. I also wanted to make sure I came across as confident and well-informed, rather than just reading from a script. Since I didn’t know anyone working there, the internet became my main source of support. What really helped was the amount of useful information I could find in one place. I read the company’s website, looked at recent news articles about their projects, and even watched interview advice videos online. Another thing is, I found forums where people shared their experiences of similar interviews, which gave me a much clearer idea of what to expect. I also used a video platform to record myself answering questions, so I could improve the way I spoke. What stood out to me was how being online saved me time and made me feel prepared. Instead of feeling anxious and lost, I felt organised and much more confident. Overall, that experience was important to me because it showed me that the internet isn’t just for entertainment; when used well, it can genuinely help you move forward in life.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
How has being online changed the way people communicate with each other?
Sample response
Being online has completely transformed communication, mainly by making it faster and more convenient. People can now send messages instantly, join video calls, and stay in touch across different countries without much effort. That’s a huge advantage, especially for families, international teams, and long-distance friendships. At the same time, I think some communication has become more superficial, because short texts and emojis can’t always express tone or emotion properly. So overall, people are more connected than before, but not always in a deeper way.
Q2
What are the main advantages and disadvantages of spending a lot of time online?
Sample response
I’d say the biggest advantage is access. People can learn new skills, work remotely, shop efficiently, and communicate with others almost immediately. However, the downside is that too much time online can affect attention span, sleep, and even mental health, especially if someone is constantly comparing themselves to others on social media. For example, using the internet for study or work is obviously beneficial, but endless scrolling usually leaves people feeling tired rather than productive. So the internet is useful, but only if people use it with some self-control.
Q3
Do you think people rely too much on digital services in daily life? Why or why not?
Sample response
Yes, in many ways people do rely too much on digital services now. Simple tasks like paying bills, booking appointments, or even finding directions often feel impossible without an internet connection. While that level of convenience is impressive, it also makes people vulnerable when systems fail or when older people struggle to keep up. For instance, if an app crashes or a payment system goes down, daily life can suddenly become very inconvenient. So I think digital services are valuable, but society should still keep some non-digital alternatives.
Q4
How should schools help young people develop healthy online habits?
Sample response
Schools should teach online habits in a practical way rather than just telling students to spend less time on screens. For example, they could include lessons on privacy, misinformation, screen-time management, and the emotional effects of social media. I also think schools should encourage balance by promoting sports, reading, and face-to-face group activities, so students don’t see the online world as their only source of connection. Another useful step would be teaching students how algorithms work, because once young people understand how platforms keep their attention, they may use them more critically. In that sense, digital education should be treated as a life skill.
Q5
In what ways might daily life change if people had less access to digital networks in the future?
Sample response
If people had less access to digital networks in the future, daily life would probably become slower and less efficient in some respects. Work, travel, shopping, and communication would all require more planning, because people wouldn’t be able to rely on instant updates or online services. On the other hand, there might be some positive changes too, such as more face-to-face interaction and fewer digital distractions. For example, people might spend more time in local communities instead of constantly living through screens. So it would create real inconvenience, but it might also encourage a more balanced lifestyle.