IELTS Speaking: History

This comprehensive practice question set is designed to help you prepare for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test with a focus on history-related topics.

Each part has specific timing requirements: Part 1 (4-5 minutes), Part 2 (3-4 minutes), and Part 3 (4-5 minutes). Use this practice set to familiarize yourself with the format and develop confidence in discussing historical themes.

Part 1: Interview Questions (4-5 minutes)

General Questions about History

Did you enjoy studying history at school? Why or why not?
What period of history do you find most interesting?
Do you prefer reading about ancient history or modern history?
Have you ever visited any historical sites or museums?
Do you think it’s important for children to learn about history?
What’s the most interesting historical fact you know?
Do you watch historical documentaries or movies?
Is there a historical figure you particularly admire?
How do you usually learn about historical events?

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

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

Topic Card: Describe a historical place you have visited or would like to visit

You should say:

Where this place is located

What historical significance it has

What you can see or do there

And explain why this place interests you historically

You will have 1 minute to prepare your response and should speak for 1-2 minutes.

Part 3: Discussion Questions (4-5 minutes)

Abstract Discussion about History

Why do you think some people find history boring while others find it fascinating?
How has the way we learn about history changed with modern technology?
Do you believe that studying history helps us make better decisions in the present?
Should historical monuments and sites be preserved even if they’re expensive to maintain?
How reliable do you think historical records are from centuries ago?
What role should museums play in teaching history to the public?
Do you think there are any historical events that are more important for everyone to know about?
How might our understanding of current events change when they become history?

Sample Answers

Part 1 Sample Response

Question: Did you enjoy studying history at school?

High-scoring response: “Yes, I really enjoyed history lessons at school. I found it fascinating to learn about different civilizations and how they developed over time. My favorite topics were ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire because the stories seemed almost like adventure novels. However, I must admit that memorizing dates and names for exams was quite challenging, but understanding the causes and effects of historical events was really engaging.”

Part 2 Sample Response

Topic: Historical place

High-scoring response: “I’d like to talk about the Colosseum in Rome, which I visited last year. It’s located in the heart of Rome, Italy, and it’s one of the most iconic historical sites in the world. The Colosseum was built nearly 2,000 years ago and served as an amphitheater where gladiators fought for entertainment. When you visit, you can walk through the ancient corridors, see the underground chambers where animals and gladiators were kept, and imagine the roar of 50,000 spectators. What fascinates me most about this place is how it represents both the engineering brilliance and the brutal entertainment culture of ancient Rome. Standing there, you can almost feel the weight of history and imagine the countless stories that unfolded within those walls.”

Part 3 Sample Response

Question: Why do you think some people find history boring while others find it fascinating?

High-scoring response: “I think this comes down to how history is presented and individual learning preferences. Some people might find history boring because they were taught it as a series of dates and facts to memorize, rather than as compelling stories about real people and their struggles. On the other hand, those who find it fascinating often see history as a collection of dramatic narratives that help explain how our world came to be. Additionally, some people are naturally more curious about the past and enjoy making connections between historical events and current situations, while others prefer to focus on the present and future.”

Ready to Practice?

We encourage you to practice all three parts of this speaking test.

Share your practice responses in the comments below!

We’ll provide brief evaluations and feedback to help you improve your performance.

For more IELTS Speaking practice tests, you can also visit Travel Topic.

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