IELTS Speaking Practice Question Set on History

Yes, I find history fascinating. I especially enjoy learning how past events have shaped our modern world. It gives me a better understanding of current affairs and helps me appreciate the progress we’ve made.

Useful language:shaped our modern worldcurrent affairs

I loved learning about ancient civilisations, especially Egypt and Rome. Their architecture and daily life felt like stories rather than lists of dates.

Useful language:ancient civilisations

Yes, several. The most impressive was an ancient amphitheatre on the coast, which is still used for concerts. Sitting where people sat two thousand years ago was amazing.

Useful language:amphitheatre

Yes, they’re part of a city’s identity and tell us how people lived in the past. Of course, they should be adapted for modern use where possible, rather than kept as empty monuments.

Useful language:part of a city’s identityadapted for modern use

Mostly through documentaries and podcasts. They make history easier to follow, and I sometimes read books afterwards if a topic really interests me.

Useful language:easier to follow

I admire Marie Curie. She overcame huge obstacles as a woman in science and won two Nobel Prizes, which still inspires me.

Useful language:overcame huge obstacles

Not entirely. It often focuses on memorising dates and national history, and doesn’t teach enough about other parts of the world or how to analyse sources critically.

Useful language:analyse sources critically

Enormously. We can visit museum collections online, explore 3D reconstructions of ancient cities and access archives that used to be locked away.

Useful language:3D reconstructionsarchives

I’d like to talk about the Apollo 11 moon landing, which took place on the twentieth of July, 1969.

This was the first time humans set foot on another celestial body. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in the lunar module, while Michael Collins stayed in orbit, and hundreds of millions of people around the world watched the grainy black-and-white broadcast live on television.

I first learned about it at school, but my interest really grew after watching a documentary that showed the original footage and recordings from mission control. Since then I’ve read a couple of books about the space race, including one about the engineers and mathematicians — many of them women — who made the mission possible.

I find it interesting for several reasons. First, it represents a pinnacle of human achievement and scientific progress; the computers on board were less powerful than a modern calculator, yet they managed to land safely. Second, the bravery of the astronauts is awe-inspiring — they knew there was a real chance they might not return. And third, it was part of the political rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, which shows how competition can sometimes drive extraordinary innovation.

For me, it remains a powerful example of what humanity can accomplish when we set ambitious goals and work together towards them.

Useful language:set foot oncelestial bodythe space racea pinnacle of human achievementawe-inspiringpolitical rivalry

Studying history provides many benefits. It helps us understand the root causes of current issues, so we can address them more effectively. It teaches lessons about human nature and the consequences of different actions, which can inform better decisions in politics and economics. It also builds cultural awareness and empathy, as we learn about different civilisations and their contributions.

Useful language:root causesinform better decisionscultural awareness

Leaders can learn from previous crises — for example, how earlier pandemics or financial crashes were handled — and avoid repeating mistakes. Historical knowledge also helps diplomats understand long-standing tensions between countries.

Useful language:previous criseslong-standing tensions

Yes, sometimes. Wars and famous leaders often dominate, while social history — how ordinary people lived and worked — gets less attention. History taught from one national perspective can also overlook other countries’ experiences.

Useful language:dominatesocial historyone national perspective

Globalisation has encouraged people to see history as connected — trade routes, migration and empires linking different regions — rather than separate national stories. Access to international sources has also exposed people to different interpretations of the same events.

Useful language:connecteddifferent interpretations

Governments should protect important sites through laws and funding, support museums, and prevent illegal trade in artefacts. They can also work with local communities so that heritage benefits residents, for example through sustainable tourism.

Useful language:illegal tradeheritage

AI could analyse huge numbers of documents quickly, and techniques like LiDAR and DNA analysis are already revealing new information about ancient societies. Virtual reality may let students ‘walk through’ historical places.

Useful language:LiDARDNA analysiswalk through

Yes, but only if people are willing to reflect honestly. Some lessons have clearly been learned — international institutions were created after the world wars to prevent conflict. However, similar mistakes still happen when short-term interests or nationalism outweigh the lessons of the past.

Useful language:reflect honestlyoutweigh the lessons