IELTS Speaking Practice Question Set on Society

This practice set covers all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on the topic of society.

Part 1 lasts 4-5 minutes, Part 2 takes 3-4 minutes, and Part 3 runs for 4-5 minutes.

Part 1 (4-5 minutes):

1. How would you describe the neighborhood you live in?
2. Do you think your society values education? Why or why not?
3. What social activities do you enjoy participating in?
4. How has technology changed social interactions in your country?
5. Are there any traditions in your society that you particularly like?
6. Do you think your society is becoming more or less environmentally conscious?
7. How do people in your community typically celebrate important life events?
8. What role does volunteering play in your society?

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

Part 2 (3-4 minutes):

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

Describe a social issue that you think is important in your country.

You should say:

• What the issue is
• Why you think it’s important
• How it affects people in your society
• What you think could be done to address this issue

Part 3 (4-5 minutes):

1. How do you think social media has influenced societal values?
2. What role should governments play in addressing social inequalities?
3. Do you think globalization has had a positive or negative impact on local cultures?
4. How might demographic changes affect societies in the coming decades?
5. What are some potential solutions to reduce generational gaps in society?
6. How can societies balance individual rights with collective responsibilities?
7. In what ways do you think education systems should adapt to meet future societal needs?

Sample Answers

Part 1:

Q: How would you describe the neighborhood you live in?

A: I live in a fairly diverse suburban neighborhood. It’s a mix of young families and older residents, which creates a nice balance. We have a small park nearby where people often gather on weekends, and there’s a strong sense of community. The area is generally quiet and safe, with good schools and amenities within walking distance.

Part 2:

The social issue I’d like to discuss is the growing problem of income inequality in my country. This issue is important because it affects a large portion of our population and has far-reaching consequences for society as a whole. Income inequality leads to disparities in access to education, healthcare, and housing, which can perpetuate a cycle of poverty for many families. It affects people by limiting social mobility and creating a sense of unfairness and frustration among those who feel left behind economically.

To address this issue, I believe we need a multi-faceted approach. This could include policies to improve access to quality education and job training programs, ensuring a living wage for workers, and implementing a more progressive tax system that reduces the burden on lower-income individuals while asking more from those who have benefited most from economic growth. Additionally, investing in affordable housing and healthcare could help reduce the financial strain on many families. Tackling income inequality is crucial for creating a more just and stable society for everyone.

Part 3:

Q: How do you think social media has influenced societal values?

A: Social media has had a profound and complex impact on societal values. On one hand, it has fostered greater connectivity and awareness of global issues, allowing people to engage with diverse perspectives and causes. This has led to increased activism and social movements that have shaped public discourse on important topics like climate change and social justice.

However, social media has also contributed to the polarization of opinions, as people often find themselves in echo chambers that reinforce their existing beliefs. The constant exposure to curated versions of others’ lives has influenced societal values around success, beauty, and lifestyle, sometimes creating unrealistic expectations and affecting mental health. Moreover, the rapid spread of information (and misinformation) on these platforms has changed how we consume and verify news, influencing our trust in institutions and each other.

While social media has the potential to broaden our horizons and unite people around shared values, it also challenges us to think critically about the information we encounter and the relationships we form online.

Evaluation Criteria

• Fluency and Coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunciation

We encourage you to practice all three parts of this speaking test, ideally with a study partner.

Feel free to share your responses in the comments below, and we’ll provide brief evaluations in reply.

For more IELTS Speaking practice tests, you can also visit Travel and Tourism and Workplace topics.