IELTS Speaking Practice: Energy Transition

This practice set contains questions for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on the topic of energy transition.

The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview divided into three parts:

• Part 1: Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes) – General questions about yourself and familiar topics
• Part 2: Individual long turn (3-4 minutes) – Speaking for 1-2 minutes on a given topic card after 1 minute of preparation
• Part 3: Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes) – More abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic

This practice set will help you prepare for questions about energy, sustainability, and environmental changes that might appear in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions

In this part, the examiner will ask general questions about you and familiar topics. Here are some practice questions related to energy use in daily life:

1. Do you try to save energy at home? How?
2. What kind of transportation do you usually use? Why?
3. Has your energy usage changed in any way in recent years?
4. What’s your opinion about renewable energy sources like solar or wind power?
5. Do you think about your carbon footprint in daily life?
6. Are there any energy-saving campaigns or initiatives in your local area?
7. How important is it for you to buy energy-efficient appliances?
8. Do you think individuals can make a difference in addressing energy problems?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your responses.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn

In this part, you will be given a topic card. You’ll have 1 minute to prepare, then you should speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes.

Topic Card

Describe an environmental change you have noticed in your lifetime.

You should say:

• What this change is
• When you first noticed it
• How it has affected your community
• And explain how you feel about this environmental change

Remember: You have one minute to prepare your answer, and you should speak for 1-2 minutes.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2. Here are some practice questions about broader energy transition topics:

1. How do you think countries should balance economic growth with environmental protection?
2. What role should governments play in promoting renewable energy sources?
3. Do you think developing countries should have different responsibilities compared to developed countries when it comes to reducing carbon emissions?
4. In what ways might technological innovation help solve our energy problems?
5. How might work and employment change as societies transition to greener energy systems?
6. What do you think are the biggest obstacles to widespread adoption of renewable energy?
7. How might climate change and energy issues affect future generations?
8. Do you think individual lifestyle changes or system-level changes are more important for addressing energy challenges?

Sample Answers

Part 1 Sample Answer

Question: Do you try to save energy at home? How?

Sample Answer: “Yes, I definitely try to be conscious about energy usage at home. I’ve developed several habits like turning off lights when leaving a room and unplugging electronic devices when they’re not in use. Last year, I replaced all the regular light bulbs with LED ones, which has actually made a noticeable difference in our electricity bill. I also try to air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer whenever possible, especially during summer months when it’s warm outside. I think these small actions might not seem significant individually, but collectively they make a difference both environmentally and financially.”

Part 2 Sample Answer

Topic: Describe an environmental change you have noticed in your lifetime.

Sample Answer: “One significant environmental change I’ve noticed in my lifetime is the reduction in air quality in my hometown. This is something I became aware of about ten years ago when I returned to visit after studying abroad for several years.

I first noticed this change when I went for my usual morning run. In the past, the air had always felt crisp and clean, especially in the early hours. However, on this occasion, I could sense a heaviness in the air, and by the end of my run, my throat felt slightly irritated.

This degradation in air quality has affected my community in multiple ways. Many elderly residents and children have developed respiratory problems, and outdoor activities are now sometimes restricted on days with particularly poor air quality. Local authorities have implemented several measures like car-free days in the city center and encouraging public transportation, but the problem persists.

Personally, I feel quite concerned about this change. It’s worrying to see how rapidly the environment can deteriorate when industrial development occurs without proper regulations. At the same time, I’m somewhat hopeful because awareness is growing, and more people are advocating for sustainable development and stricter emissions controls. I believe it’s crucial for us to maintain a balance between economic progress and environmental protection, as clean air is fundamental to our health and quality of life. I’m actively involved in local community initiatives to plant more trees and advocate for cleaner industrial practices.”

Part 3 Sample Answer

Question: What role should governments play in promoting renewable energy sources?

Sample Answer: “I believe governments have a multifaceted role to play in accelerating the transition to renewable energy. First and foremost, they need to establish clear policy frameworks that provide long-term certainty for investors and businesses. This might include setting ambitious renewable energy targets or implementing carbon pricing mechanisms that reflect the true environmental cost of fossil fuels.

Additionally, governments can provide financial incentives such as subsidies, tax breaks, or low-interest loans to make renewable technologies more competitive and accessible. Many innovative green technologies initially struggle to compete with established fossil fuel industries, which have benefited from decades of infrastructure development and economies of scale.

Equally important is government investment in research and development. Breakthrough technologies in areas like energy storage, which is crucial for managing the intermittency of renewable sources like solar and wind, often require substantial initial funding before becoming commercially viable.

However, I think there’s a delicate balance to strike. While government intervention is necessary to correct market failures and accelerate the transition, overly prescriptive approaches might stifle innovation. The most effective strategies likely combine clear regulatory signals with market-based mechanisms that allow businesses and consumers to find the most efficient solutions.

It’s also worth noting that the appropriate role for government may vary depending on a country’s economic development stage and specific circumstances. What works in a wealthy nation might not be feasible in a developing economy still working to provide basic energy access to its population.”

We encourage you to practice these questions with a study partner who can play the role of the examiner. You can record your responses if possible so you can review and identify areas for improvement.

Please feel free to share your responses in the comments section below, and we’ll provide brief feedback on your answers.

For more IELTS speaking questions, you can also visit Morning Routines topic.

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