IELTS Speaking Practice Test: The Happiness

Welcome to this comprehensive IELTS Speaking practice session focused on the theme of happiness.

This practice set covers all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test, with Part 1 taking 4-5 minutes, Part 2 lasting 3-4 minutes, and Part 3 extending for 4-5 minutes.

Each section is designed to help you demonstrate different aspects of your English speaking abilities.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about you and familiar topics related to happiness. Remember to provide detailed responses while maintaining a natural conversation flow.

Questions:

1. What makes you feel happy on a typical day?
2. Do you think you’re generally a happy person? Why/Why not?
3. How do you cheer yourself up when you’re feeling down?
4. Are there any special celebrations in your country that make people particularly happy?
5. Do you think people in your country are generally happy? Why/Why not?
6. What’s the happiest memory from your childhood?
7. How do you share your happiness with others?
8. Do you think money can buy happiness? Why/Why not?

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

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

You will have 1 minute to prepare your response and 1-2 minutes to speak about the following topic:

Describe a moment when you felt extremely happy

You should say:

• What the situation was
• Where and when it happened
• Who you were with
• And explain why this moment made you particularly happy

Note: You will be given a pencil and paper to make notes during your preparation time.

Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Let’s explore some deeper aspects of happiness and well-being:

1. How do you think the definition of happiness has changed between generations?
2. What role should governments play in ensuring citizens’ happiness?
3. Do you think modern technology has made people more or less happy? Why?
4. How does social media impact people’s perception of happiness?
5. What are some cultural differences in how happiness is expressed?
6. Why do some people find it difficult to express their happiness?
7. How might the concept of happiness evolve in the future?
8. What’s the relationship between personal achievement and happiness?

Sample Answers

Part 1 Sample Response

Q: What makes you feel happy on a typical day?

“Several small things bring me joy in my daily routine. Starting my day with a cup of coffee while watching the sunrise is particularly uplifting. I also find great pleasure in my morning walk to work, especially when I encounter friendly neighbors or see beautiful flowers blooming along the way. Additionally, receiving messages from friends or family members, even just a simple ‘good morning,’ can brighten my entire day.”

Part 2 Sample Response

“I’d like to talk about a moment when I felt incredibly happy, which was when I completed my first marathon last year. This achievement took place in my hometown during the annual city marathon in spring. I was surrounded by fellow runners and had my family cheering me on at various points along the route.

This moment was particularly special because I had spent six months training for this event. The journey wasn’t easy – I had to wake up early every morning, maintain a strict diet, and push through numerous physical and mental challenges. What made it even more meaningful was that I was running to raise money for a local children’s hospital.

When I finally crossed the finish line, the feeling was indescribable. It wasn’t just about the physical achievement; it was about proving to myself that with dedication and perseverance, I could accomplish something I once thought impossible. Seeing my family’s proud faces and knowing that my effort would help others made the happiness even more profound.

The sense of accomplishment, combined with the physical endorphins and the knowledge that I had contributed to a good cause, created this perfect moment of pure joy. It taught me that true happiness often comes from pushing our boundaries and doing something meaningful for others.”

Part 3 Sample Response

Q: How do you think the definition of happiness has changed between generations?

“The concept of happiness has evolved significantly across generations, largely due to changing societal values and circumstances. For older generations, happiness often centered around stability, family bonds, and community connections. They typically found joy in simpler things, perhaps because they lived through more challenging times economically.

In contrast, younger generations seem to have a more complex relationship with happiness. While they value experiences over material possessions more than their predecessors, they also face unique pressures related to social media, career expectations, and global awareness. They might define happiness through the lens of personal growth, self-actualization, and work-life balance.

However, I believe there are also universal aspects of happiness that transcend generations, such as the importance of meaningful relationships and the satisfaction of achieving personal goals. The core elements of human happiness haven’t changed; it’s mainly the external factors and expressions that have evolved.”

We encourage you to practice these questions and share your responses in the comments below.

Our team will provide brief feedback to help you improve your speaking skills.

For more speaking practice tests, you can visit Workplace and Projects Topic.