IELTS Speaking Practice Question Set: Space

Welcome to this IELTS Speaking practice question set focused on the topic of space.

This set includes questions for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1 typically lasts 4-5 minutes, Part 2 takes 3-4 minutes (including 1 minute of preparation time), and Part 3 runs for 4-5 minutes.

You can use these questions to familiarize yourself with the test format and improve your speaking skills.

Part 1: Interview-style Questions (4-5 minutes)

1. Are you interested in space exploration and astronomy?
2. What are your thoughts on the recent advancements in space technology?
3. Have you ever visited a planetarium or attended a stargazing event?
4. If you had the opportunity, would you want to go to space as a tourist?
5. What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing space exploration today?
6. Do you believe that the search for extraterrestrial life is an important scientific pursuit?
7. How do you think space exploration can benefit humanity in the long run?
8. What are your thoughts on the role of private companies in the future of space exploration?

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, then you should speak for 1-2 minutes on the following topic:

Describe a scientific breakthrough in space exploration that you find particularly interesting or significant.

You should say:

• What the scientific breakthrough is
• When and how it was achieved
• The impact or implications of this breakthrough
• Why you find this breakthrough interesting or important

Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

1. How has the public’s perception of space exploration changed over the years?
2. Do you think the exploration of other planets, like Mars, should be a priority for space agencies?
3. What do you see as the potential risks and benefits of space tourism?
4. How do you think the increased involvement of private companies will affect the future of space exploration?
5. What ethical considerations should be taken into account when it comes to space exploration and the colonization of other celestial bodies?
6. Do you believe that the search for extraterrestrial life should be a primary focus of space programs?
7. What role can international cooperation play in advancing space exploration?
8. How might advances in space technology benefit life on Earth?

Sample Answers:

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Q: Are you interested in space exploration and astronomy?

A: Absolutely, I’ve always been fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and the incredible achievements of space exploration. From the pioneering Apollo missions to the cutting-edge work being done on the International Space Station, I find the field of space science and technology to be truly inspiring.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

One scientific breakthrough in space exploration that I find particularly significant is the discovery of exoplanets, or planets orbiting other stars. This remarkable achievement was first realized in the 1990s, when astronomers began detecting the first confirmed exoplanets using techniques like radial velocity and transit photometry.

The detection of exoplanets has opened up a new frontier in the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system. By studying the characteristics of these distant planets, scientists have been able to gain invaluable insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Moreover, the prospect of finding Earth-like planets capable of supporting life has captivated the public imagination and fueled further research in this field.

I find this breakthrough so interesting because it represents a fundamental shift in our understanding of the cosmos. It suggests that planets may be a ubiquitous feature of the universe, and that the conditions for life may be more common than we ever imagined. The ongoing search for potentially habitable exoplanets is an exciting and rapidly advancing area of space exploration that could have profound implications for our place in the universe.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Q: What ethical considerations should be taken into account when it comes to space exploration and the colonization of other celestial bodies?

A: There are a number of important ethical considerations that need to be carefully weighed when it comes to space exploration and the colonization of other planets or celestial bodies. On one hand, the human desire to expand our presence beyond Earth and to better understand the cosmos is a powerful driver of scientific progress and exploration. The potential benefits, both practical and philosophical, are immense – from unlocking new resources and technological advancements to deepening our understanding of our place in the universe.

However, we must also be mindful of the potential consequences and unintended impacts of such endeavors. The introduction of human activity and settlement on other worlds could have profound consequences for the delicate balance of extraterrestrial environments and any potential native life forms. There are also questions of planetary protection, ensuring that we do not contaminate or irreparably harm these pristine environments. Furthermore, the colonization of space raises issues of global equity, as access and resources may be disproportionately distributed.

Evaluation Criteria

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

We encourage you to practice all three parts, ideally with a study partner who can play the role of the examiner.

Feel free to share your responses in the comments below, and we’ll provide brief feedback to help you improve.

For more speaking practice tests, you can visit STEM and Workplace Topics.