Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Do you work or are you a student?
Sample response
I’m a student at the moment. I’m doing a degree in computer science, and I’m in my third year, so most of my time goes into classes, projects, and trying to keep up with deadlines.
Q2
What do you enjoy most about your job or course?
Sample response
What I enjoy most is probably the problem-solving side of it. I really like the feeling of working on something difficult for hours and then finally getting it to work, because it’s frustrating at first but very satisfying in the end.
Q3
Why did you choose this kind of work or field of study?
Sample response
I chose this field because I’ve always liked logical thinking, but I also wanted something creative. Computer science seemed like a good mix of both, and to be honest, it also offers a lot of career opportunities in the future.
Q4
What is a typical day like for you?
Sample response
A typical day usually starts with a lecture or lab in the morning. After that, I spend a few hours in the library or at home working on assignments, and in the evening I either go out with friends or just relax and watch something online.
Q5
Is there anything you find difficult about it?
Sample response
Yes, definitely. One thing I find quite difficult is the workload, especially when several deadlines come at the same time, and debugging can be really exhausting because sometimes the smallest mistake can waste hours.
Q6
Do you prefer working or learning alone, or with other people?
Sample response
I’d say I like a balance of both. I prefer studying alone when I need to focus properly, but working with other people is really helpful for group projects because you get different ideas and you can learn from each other.
Q7
What skills are most important in what you do?
Sample response
Problem-solving is probably the most important skill, because you’re constantly dealing with errors or trying to improve a system. On top of that, patience and communication matter a lot too, especially when you have to explain technical ideas clearly.
Q8
Have your plans for the future changed since you started?
Sample response
Yes, they have changed a bit. When I first started, I thought I’d become a software developer straight away, but now I’m also interested in AI and product design, so I’m more open-minded about where I might end up.
Q9
Do you think you have a good balance between your daily responsibilities and free time?
Sample response
It’s reasonably good, but not perfect. During quieter weeks I have enough time for exercise, friends, and hobbies, but when exams or project deadlines are close, my free time disappears very quickly.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a teacher or manager who influenced you a lot. You should say: - Who this person was? - When you knew this person? - What qualities made this person influential? And explain how this person affected your life?
Sample response
I’d like to talk about a teacher who had a huge impact on me, and that was my high school maths teacher, Ms. Lan. I knew her when I was about sixteen, during the last two years of secondary school, which was a pretty important time because I was starting to think seriously about my future. What made her so influential was not just that she was knowledgeable, but the way she dealt with students. To begin with, she was incredibly patient and had a talent for breaking complicated ideas into simple steps, so even difficult topics felt manageable. What stood out to me most was that she expected a lot from us, but she was never harsh or intimidating. Instead, she was supportive and gave very specific feedback, so you always knew how to improve. Another thing is that she noticed potential in people before they noticed it in themselves. I was quite shy back then and didn’t have much confidence in academic settings, but she encouraged me to answer questions, join competitions, and trust my own ability. Because of that, I stopped seeing maths as something scary and started to enjoy analytical thinking. In terms of how she affected my life, I’d say she changed both my mindset and my direction. She played a big role in my decision to study computer science, and she also taught me to be more disciplined and resilient. Overall, she was the kind of teacher you remember for years because she genuinely changed how I saw myself.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
What qualities make someone effective in guiding others in professional or academic settings?
Sample response
I think the most important qualities are clear communication, expertise, and empathy. It’s not enough for someone to be knowledgeable if they can’t explain things in a way others understand. An effective guide also needs to be approachable, because people learn better when they feel comfortable asking questions. For example, a good manager doesn’t just give instructions; they also listen, give constructive feedback, and adapt their style to different people. In both academic and professional settings, that balance of authority and support is what makes someone truly effective.
Q2
How important is it for young people to choose a path that matches their interests?
Sample response
I’d say it’s very important, because interest usually leads to motivation, and motivation helps people stay committed when things become difficult. If young people choose a path only because of pressure from family or society, they may lose enthusiasm quite quickly. That said, interest shouldn’t be the only factor, because practical issues like job opportunities and personal strengths matter too. Ideally, people should find something that they both enjoy and can realistically build a future in. When those things match, they’re more likely to succeed and feel satisfied.
Q3
Do you think practical experience is more valuable than formal education? Why or why not?
Sample response
I don’t think one is simply better than the other, because they serve different purposes. Practical experience is extremely valuable because it teaches people how things work in real situations, and it often builds confidence faster. However, formal education provides the theoretical foundation that helps people understand why they are doing something, not just how to do it. In fields like medicine or engineering, education is essential because mistakes can have serious consequences. So, in my view, the strongest combination is formal learning supported by hands-on experience.
Q4
How have technology and online platforms changed the way people learn new skills?
Sample response
Technology has changed learning massively by making it more flexible and accessible. People can now take online courses, watch tutorials, join discussion forums, and practise skills from home, often at a much lower cost than traditional classes. Another major change is that learning has become more personalised, because apps and platforms can recommend materials based on your level and progress. For instance, someone learning coding or a language can get instant feedback instead of waiting for a teacher. The downside, though, is that people can feel overwhelmed by too much information, so self-discipline has become more important than ever.
Q5
Why do some people decide to change their career path or academic direction later in life?
Sample response
There are quite a few reasons why people make that kind of change later in life. Some realise they were never truly interested in their original field and only chose it because of outside pressure or limited options when they were younger. Others are forced to adapt because industries change, jobs disappear, or technology makes certain roles less relevant. Personal circumstances matter as well; for example, after starting a family or experiencing burnout, people often reassess what they really want. In some cases, a new opportunity or hobby gradually turns into a serious career goal. So, I think changing direction is often a sign of growth rather than failure.