Most Popular IELTS Speaking topics 2025 [+key vocabulary]

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Chapter 1 –A Happy Life!

Every morning, Daniel travels to work by train. During the rush hour, the city is bumper to bumper with cars, and exhaust fumes fill the air. He often thinks about the environmental damage caused by private transport and dreams of a future filled with zero-emission vehicles and driverless cars. To reduce his carbon footprint, he’s decided to travel on foot twice a week and use public transport the rest of the time. He has thought about cycling, but he hasn’t bought a bicycle yet. The daily commute by bus is tiring, but he listens to podcasts and plans his next holiday to keep his spirits high.

Chapter 2 – The Holiday (Hobbies and Free Time) https://soundcloud.com/keithohare/a-happy-life-chapter-2-theholiday

After months of hard work, Daniel booked a holiday abroad. He decided to go on a trip to Japan — his dream destination. The long-haul flight was exhausting, and he suffered from jet lag for days, but it was worth it. He stayed in a hotel in Tokyo not far from the centre and visited tourist attractions every day, including the famous Sensoji Temple. To see the sights, he often travelled by train, amazed by how sustainable and efficient the public transport was. He also discovered eco-tourism options, perfect for budget travellers like him who love affordable travel experiences and backpacking off the beaten track. The one activity he really enjoyed was cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko and getting a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Needless to say, he took lots of amazing photographs.

Chapter 3 – Home Life (Family and Friends) https://soundcloud.com/keithohare/a-happy-life-chapter-3-home-life

Back home, Daniel decided it was time to pursue a hobby and use his spare time better. Inspired by his trip to Tokyo, he decided to take up cycling and joined a local club to get in shape and build muscle. On weekends, he now enjoys outdoor activities with his new circle of friends from the club. They often catch up and hang out together in a local restaurant; a real stress buster and a good form of relaxation. Daniel also values his close-knit family and loves family gatherings on Sundays. Sunday roasts are his favourite. Despite the generation gap that exists between himself and his grandparents, he makes sure to invite them most weekends, so they can spend quality time together. As his grandmother says, blood is thicker than water — and Daniel couldn’t agree more.

  1. Song: “Getting Away” (Holidays & Tourism) https://suno.com/s/o1QPVHCNxCqDFsxX

    Verse 1

    Went on a trip yesterday, Saw the sights, finally got away. Took a long-haul flight to Japan Despite the jet lag, I know I can…. Chorus Go away, far from home, Find new places, laugh and roam. Affordable travel is perfect for me Making memories, by the sea

    Verse 2

    I went abroad, travelling on a budget, Went backpacking, oh yeah, I loved it! Eco-tourism, stayed in a cute hotel, Saw tourist attractions, now I’ve got stories to tell.

  2. Song: “Free Time Escapes” (Hobbies) https://suno.com/s/U4gP7IY5mYEmwMLl

    Verse 1

    Back from my holiday, I’ve got spare time, Wanna take up a hobby, clear my mind. I’ll go cycling, and get in shape, The best stress busters to help me escape. Chorus I use my leisure time to feel alive, Without outdoor activities, I can’t survive, I’m at a loose end, but I can find my way, Doing what I love every single day.

    Verse 2

    Sometimes I dabble in cooking too, Cook up a dish when I’m feeling blue. A form of relaxation, just for me, A creative outlet, that sets me free.

  3. Song: “Thicker Than Water” https://suno.com/s/IagJ1tc6vtRg44hy

    Verse 1

    I come from a close-knit family, We laugh together, happily. Family gatherings, we share our days, Though a generation gap shows in small ways. Chorus Cause blood is thicker than water, they say, And real friendship never fades away. Through ups and downs, we stay true, I can count on them — and they count on me too.

    Verse 2

    My circle of friends is always near, We hang out, catch up, and cheer. We have a lot in common, you see, And keep in touch across land and sea.

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Topic 1: Travel and Transport

Transport Vocabulary

  • Forms / means / modes of transport - ways of travelling from one place to another.
    • Example: There are many means of transport such as buses and trains.
  • To travel by car / by plane / by train / on foot - describe how you move from place to place.
    • Example: I prefer to travel by train because it’s more comfortable.
  • Public transport (UK) / public transportation (US) - transport used by everyone, like buses or the metro.
    • Example: I prefer public transport as it helps reduce pollution.
  • Private transport (UK) / private transportation (US) - your own vehicle such as a car or motorbike.
    • Example: Private transport is convenient but quite expensive.
  • Global warming - the rise in Earth’s temperature caused by pollution.
    • Example: Cars contribute a lot to global warming.
  • Carbon footprint - the amount of carbon dioxide you produce.
    • Example: Flying increases your carbon footprint.
  • To offset your carbon footprint - to reduce or balance the pollution you cause.
    • Example: You can offset your carbon footprint by planting trees.
  • Sustainable vehicles - eco-friendly forms of transport.
    • Example: Electric bikes are a good example of sustainable vehicles.
  • Zero-emission vehicles - cars that produce no pollution.
    • Example: Zero-emission vehicles are becoming more and more common.
  • Driverless cars - cars controlled by computers rather than humans.
    • Example: Driverless cars will certainly become more popular in the future.

Travel to Work

  • Daily commute - your regular journey to work or school.
    • Example: My daily commute takes about thirty minutes.
  • Rush hour / peak hours - the busiest travel times of the day.
    • Example: Traffic is awful during rush hour.
  • Traffic jam - a long line of cars not moving.
    • Example: I was stuck in a traffic jam for over an hour.
  • To be stuck in traffic - unable to move because of heavy traffic.
    • Example: I’m sorry I’m late, I was stuck in traffic on the way here.
  • Bumper to bumper - cars very close together in traffic.
    • Example: Traffic in the rush hour is often bumper to bumper.
  • Air pollution - dirty air caused by vehicles or factories.
    • Example: Air pollution is a serious problem in big cities.
  • Exhaust fumes - gas from car engines.
    • Example: Exhaust fumes damage the environment.

Holidays and Tourism

  • To go on a trip - to travel somewhere for a short time.
    • Example: We went on a trip to Italy last year.
  • To book a holiday / hotel - to reserve your travel or accommodation.
    • Example: I booked a hotel online yesterday.
  • A package holiday - a holiday organised by a travel company.
    • Example: I prefer package holidays because everything is taken care of.
  • To see the sights / go sightseeing - to visit famous places.
    • Example: We spent the weekend sightseeing in Paris.
  • To stay in a hotel - to sleep in a hotel.
    • Example: We stayed in a lovely hotel near the beach.
  • Holiday destination - a popular place to visit.
    • Example: Bali is a famous holiday destination.
  • To take a flight / long-haul flight - to fly to another place far away.
    • Example: I took a long-haul flight to Australia.
  • To suffer from jet lag - to feel tired after a long flight.
    • Example: I usually suffer from jet lag when I fly to Asia.
  • Mass tourism - large numbers of tourists visiting one place.
    • Example: Mass tourism can harm local culture.
  • Eco-tourism - responsible travel that protects nature.
    • Example: Eco-tourism supports local communities.
  • Domestic travel - travel within your own country.
    • Example: Domestic travel became more popular during the lockdowns.
  • Budget travel / to travel on a budget - to travel cheaply.
    • Example: Students often travel on a budget.
  • To go backpacking - to travel with a backpack, often on a budget.
    • Example: Many young people go backpacking after university.
  • Affordable travel options - cheap and accessible ways to travel.
    • Example: Low-cost airlines offer affordable travel options.

Topic 2: Hobbies and Free Time

Starting or Talking About Hobbies

  • To pursue a hobby - to do something regularly for pleasure.
    • Example: I don’t pursue any hobbies at the moment, I’m just too busy.
  • To take up a hobby - to start a new activity.
    • Example: I took up photography last year.
  • To develop an interest in (something) - to begin liking it.
    • Example: I developed an interest in cooking during after I bought this new recipe book.
  • Free time / spare time / leisure time - time when you’re not working.
    • Example: I like to read in my spare time.

Types of Hobbies

  • Outdoor activities - hobbies done outside.
    • Example: Hiking is my favourite outdoor activity.
  • Social hobbies - activities done with other people.
    • Example: I enjoy social hobbies like dancing.
  • Digital hobbies - online or computer-based hobbies.
    • Example: Gaming is a popular digital hobby in my country.
  • To dabble in (something) - to try something casually, often for a short time.
    • Example: I sometimes dabble in painting.
  • To do some volunteering - to help others for free.
    • Example: I do some volunteering at the weekends.

Sports and Fitness

  • To get in shape — to improve physical fitness.
    • Example: I’m jogging to get in shape.
  • To lose weight - to reduce your weight.
    • Example: I went on a diet to lose some weight.
  • To build muscle - to do exercise to become stronger.
    • Example: I started lifting weights in order to build muscle.
  • To train regularly— to exercise often.
    • Example: I train regularly to stay healthy.
  • To join a club — to become a member of a sports or hobby group.
    • Example: I joined a tennis club last month.

Reasons for Hobbies

  • A stress buster — something that helps reduce stress.
    • Example: Yoga is a great stress buster.
  • A form of relaxation / a way to kick back / disconnect — ways to rest and relax.
    • Example: Reading is my favourite form of relaxation.
  • A creative outlet — a way to express creativity.
    • Example: Writing gives me a creative outlet.
  • To find pleasure in (doing something) — to enjoy it.
    • Example: I find pleasure in gardening.
  • To get back to nature — to spend time outdoors close to nature.
    • Example: Camping helps me get back to nature.
  • To be at a loose end — to have nothing to do.
    • Example: After retirement I was at a loose end, so I took up fishing.

Topic 3: Family and Friends

Family

  • Immediate family — your closest relatives (parents, siblings, children).
    • Example: I just live with my immediate family.
  • Extended family — relatives such as cousins or aunts.
    • Example: I have a large extended family.
  • A close-knit family — a family with strong relationships.
    • Example: We’re a close-knit family and always try to support each other.
  • Family gatherings — events when the family meets.
    • Example: We have family gatherings every Christmas.
  • To spend quality time (with family) — to enjoy meaningful time together.
    • Example: I spend quality time with my parents most weekends.
  • Blood is thicker than water — family comes first.
    • Example: I believe blood is thicker than water.
  • A generation gap — differences between younger and older people.
    • Example: There’s a generation gap between me and my dad.

Friends

  • To make friends / form a friendship — to start a relationship with someone.
    • Example: It’s easy to make friends at university.
  • A circle of friends — a group of friends.
    • Example: I have a small circle of friends I trust.
  • To have a lot in common — to share interests or opinions.
    • Example: We have a lot in common, including watching films.
  • To keep in touch / stay in contact — to communicate regularly.
    • Example: I keep in touch with old classmates online.
  • To be on the same wavelength — to think alike.
    • Example: My best friend and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to politics.
  • To hang out / catch up with friends — to spend time or share news.
    • Example: I love catching up with friends over coffee.

Emotional Relationships

  • To go out with (someone) — to be in a romantic relationship.
    • Example: I’m going out with someone I met at work.
  • Online dating — meeting people through apps or websites.
    • Example: Online dating has become more and more common nowadays.
  • A long-distance relationship — a relationship between people living far apart.
    • Example: It’s not easy having a long-distance relationship.
  • To fall out with / make up with (someone) — to argue / to reconcile.
    • Example: We fell out after the argument, but made up later that day.
  • To have ups and downs — to experience good and bad times.
    • Example: Every couple has its ups and downs.
  • To count on (someone) — to rely on someone.
    • Example: I can always count on my best friend.

Stories and Songs (Examples)

  • Chapter 1 – The Journey (Travel and Transport)

    Every morning, Daniel travels to work by train. During the rush hour, the city is bumper to bumper with cars, and exhaust fumes fill the air. He often thinks about the environmental damage caused by private transport and dreams of a future filled with zero-emission vehicles and driverless cars. To reduce his carbon footprint, he’s decided to travel on foot twice a week and use public transport the rest of the time. He has thought about cycling, but he hasn’t bought a bicycle yet. The daily commute by bus is tiring, but he listens to podcasts and plans his next holiday to keep his spirits high.

  • Chapter 2 – The Holiday (Hobbies and Free Time)

    After months of hard work, Daniel booked a holiday abroad. He decided to go on a trip to Japan — his dream destination. The long-haul flight was exhausting, and he suffered from jet lag for days, but it was worth it. He stayed in a hotel in Tokyo not far from the centre and visited tourist attractions every day, including the famous Sensoji Temple. To see the sights, he often travelled by train, amazed by how sustainable and efficient the public transport was. He also discovered eco-tourism options, perfect for budget travellers like him who love affordable travel experiences and backpacking off the beaten track. The one activity he really enjoyed was cycling around Lake Kawaguchiko and getting a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Needless to say, he took lots of amazing photographs.

  • Chapter 3 – Home Life (Family and Friends)

    Back home, Daniel decided it was time to pursue a hobby and use his spare time better. Inspired by his trip to Tokyo, he decided to take up cycling and joined a local club to get in shape and build muscle. On weekends, he now enjoys outdoor activities with his new circle of friends from the club. They often catch up and hang out together in a local restaurant; a real stress buster and a good form of relaxation. Daniel also values his close-knit family and loves family gatherings on Sundays. Sunday roasts are his favourite. Despite the generation gap that exists between himself and his grandparents, he makes sure to invite them most weekends, so they can spend quality time together. As his grandmother says, blood is thicker than water — and Daniel couldn’t agree more.

  • 1. Song: “Getting Away” (Holidays & Tourism)

    Verse 1

    Went on a trip yesterday,

    Saw the sights, finally got away.

    Took a long-haul flight to Japan

    Despite the jet lag, I know I can….

    Chorus

    Go away, far from home,

    Find new places, laugh and roam.

    Affordable travel is perfect for me

    Making memories, by the sea

    Verse 2

    I went abroad, travelling on a budget,

    Went backpacking, oh yeah, I loved it!

    Eco-tourism, stayed in a cute hotel,

    Saw tourist attractions, now I’ve got stories to tell.

  • 2. Song: “Free Time Escapes” (Hobbies)

    Verse 1

    Back from my holiday, I’ve got spare time,

    Wanna take up a hobby, clear my mind.

    I’ll go cycling, and get in shape,

    The best stress busters to help me escape.

    Chorus

    I use my leisure time to feel alive,

    Without outdoor activities, I can’t survive,

    I’m at a loose end, but I can find my way,

    Doing what I love every single day.

    Verse 2

    Sometimes I dabble in cooking too,

    Cook up a dish when I’m feeling blue.

    A form of relaxation, just for me,

    A creative outlet, that sets me free.

  • 3. Song: “Thicker Than Water” (Family and Friends)

    Verse 1

    I come from a close-knit family,

    We laugh together, happily.

    Family gatherings, we share our days,

    Though a generation gap shows in small ways.

    Chorus

    Cause blood is thicker than water, they say,

    And real friendship never fades away.

    Through ups and downs, we stay true,

    I can count on them — and they count on me too.

    Verse 2

    My circle of friends is always near,

    We hang out, catch up, and cheer.

    We have a lot in common, you see,

    And keep in touch across land and sea.