If you're preparing for the IELTS Speaking test in July 2025, you're in the right place. This article provides real cue cards recently reported by test-takers from countries like Vietnam, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and more. For each topic, you'll find a high-scoring Band 9 model answer that demonstrates how to respond naturally, fluently, and confidently.
Whether you're aiming for a 7.0 or pushing for a perfect 9.0, these sample responses will help you:
✅ Understand how to organize your ideas clearly
✅ Use advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
✅ Add natural details and storytelling techniques
✅ Manage time effectively in Part 2 of the test
IELTS Speaking in Vietnam (July 6, 2025)
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Favorite place to sit?
I enjoy sitting on the balcony of my apartment in the evenings. The fresh air and skyline view help me unwind after work.
Do you sit for long periods?
Yes, especially when I’m working from home—I sometimes forget to take breaks unless I set alarms.
Feeling sleepy when sitting?
Sometimes! Especially after lunch — a brief walk or stretching helps me stay alert.
Childhood seating habits?
I used to study in my small home office. I liked having a dedicated desk because it helped me focus.
Part 2
Describe a photograph of you that you like.
I'd show a photo of me on a summer trip to the Caspian Sea last year. I’m standing on rocks by the water, smiling as the waves crash behind me. I love it because it reminds me of freedom, adventure, and the joy of just being in nature.
Part 3
- Why do people take photos?
People take photos to preserve memories, share experiences, and express creativity. A photo can capture fleeting moments beautifully.
- Cameras vs phones?
Smartphones are handy and always with us, but dedicated cameras often offer better image quality and creative control.
- Hard to learn photography?
The basics aren’t difficult—just point and shoot. But mastering light, composition, and post-processing takes time.
- How do people store photos?
Many use cloud storage like Google Photos or iCloud. Others keep physical prints or photo albums for sentimental value.
- Deleting vs keeping photos in different cultures?
Some cultures keep everything as archives, while others delete duplicates to save space and prefer a curated collection.
- Has photography changed over time?
Absolutely—today it’s digital, social, and instantaneous, whereas before it was film-based, required careful shots, and wasn’t shared widely.
IELTS Speaking in Saudi Arabia (Early July 2025)
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Tried any exciting activities recently?
Yes—I recently tried rock climbing at a local indoor gym. It was thrilling and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Childhood excitement?
As a kid, I loved roller-coaster rides. The speed and heights were both terrifying and exhilarating!
Recent exciting event?
I attended a concert last month—being in a crowd, feeling the music, and singing along was unforgettable.
Would you try scuba diving or bungee jumping?
I’d definitely try scuba diving first—I prefer exploring calm underwater worlds to jumping off heights.
Part 2
Describe an old friend you lost touch with and reconnected with.
I’d talk about a close friend from university in Turkey. After graduation we lost touch, but reconnected via social media last winter. We now chat weekly and are planning a reunion next month.
Part 3
- Why do people give up old friends?
Life changes—careers, moves, family—can make staying in touch tough. Communication may fade without effort.
- Importance of making new friends?
It’s vital—new friends bring fresh perspectives and support. After life transitions, forming new circles is important.
- Why friendships fade?
Lack of shared activities, priorities shifting, or neglect. Contact needs to be mutual to sustain relationships.
- How good are you at keeping relationships?
I try to keep weekly video calls and send occasional messages or gifts. It takes effort, but I value these bonds.
- Does having few friends limit you?
Not necessarily. I prefer a few close friends rather than a large but shallow social circle.
- Pros and cons: many friends vs few friends
Many friends mean more social opportunities; however, deeper connections often come from having fewer, more meaningful relationships.
IELTS Speaking in Canada (July 2025)
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Do roads in your city need improvement?
Some roads do—they can be bumpy during winter freeze-thaw cycles, but the city repaves them each spring.
Road conditions?
Generally good, but potholes pop up after harsh weather. Local authorities are responsive, though.
How do people cross roads?
Pedestrians mainly use marked crosswalks and pedestrian lights. Drivers are usually respectful.
How busy are roads and streets?
Rush hour can get quite congested, especially near downtown, but weekends and off-peak times are calm.
Part 2
Describe a movie you watched recently.
I recently watched Oppenheimer. It was gripping—the storytelling, cinematography, and performances were top-tier. I was deeply moved by the moral dilemmas and historical context.
Part 3
- Why watch movies in cinemas?
The big screen, sound system, and communal atmosphere make it a more immersive experience.
- Do hit movies need famous actors/directors?
Not always. Sometimes unknown actors and original scripts lead to breakout hits based on quality alone.
- Domestic vs foreign preferences?
I enjoy a mix. Domestic films often feature relatable stories, while foreign films offer fresh perspectives and cultures.
- What makes a movie successful?
A compelling story, well-developed characters, strong production values, and good marketing.
- Popular types of movies in your country?
Audiences love action-adventure, family dramas, inspiring biopics, and animated features.
IELTS Speaking in New Zealand (July 2025)
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Why do some have better memories?
It’s often a mix of natural ability, focused attention, repetition, and good organization skills.
Reliance on cellphones for memory?
Yes—many people, myself included, use reminders and notes on phones instead of memorizing tasks.
Are you good at memorizing?
I’m average. I do better when I write things down or associate them with images.
Forgot something important?
Yes—I once forgot my passport on a trip and had to cancel flights. Now I use packing checklists.
Part 2
Describe a place away from home you’d like to visit.
I’d love to visit Kyoto, Japan. I’m fascinated by its temples, gardens, and cultural traditions. I hope to explore in spring and catch the cherry blossoms.
Part 3
- Holiday preferences?
Many like beach resorts; others choose cultural or adventure trips. It depends on interests and budgets.
- Tourism and cultural exchange?
Tourism promotes understanding, economic benefit, and global connections—if managed sustainably.
- Why enjoy staying home on holiday?
Some prefer rest, comfort, and avoiding travel stress. A staycation can be rejuvenating.
- Gap-year vs other travellers?
Gap-year students often seek deeper cultural immersion and travel longer than typical vacationers.
- Teen travel: friends vs solo?
Many teens travel in groups for safety and shared experiences, though solo travel builds independence.
- Most desirable destinations?
Places rich in nature (like Machu Picchu), iconic cities (Paris, New York), or cultural heritage (Kyoto) are highly sought.
IELTS Speaking in Kuwait (July 2025)
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Do you like staying at home?
Yes—I enjoy quiet weekends at home reading or cooking, though I also balance it with social outings.
Activities at home?
I cook, watch documentaries, exercise with online videos, and spend time with family.
Favorite spot at home?
The reading corner by the window—it’s cozy, well-lit, and peaceful.
Childhood home activities?
I loved playing board games with family every evening.
Future home time?
I'd love more time relaxing at home with loved ones, especially as work gets busier.
Part 2
Describe something you did at work/study that made you feel confident.
I once led a successful group presentation in my final university year. I coordinated tasks, practiced delivery, and answered questions confidently. The positive feedback boosted my self-assurance.
Part 3
- Why is confidence lacking today?
Social media pressures, comparisons, and uncertainty about the future can hurt self-esteem.
- Do confident parents raise confident kids?
Often—children model behavior they observe, so parents who encourage risk-taking and praise effort build their kids’ confidence.
- How can teachers make learning interesting?
By using interactive methods, real‑world examples, group discussions, and practical exercises.
- How boost student confidence?
Offer constructive feedback, celebrate small successes, provide mixed-ability group work, and let students teach others.
- How do you become confident?
Practice skills regularly, set and achieve small goals, reflect on achievements, and cultivate positive self-talk.
IELTS Speaking in Thailand (July 2025)
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Childhood playmates?
I played with neighborhood kids—friends like Ahmed and Leyla. We were inseparable after school.
Play locations then?
We played in local parks, alleys, and sometimes in empty fields nearby.
City vs countryside childhood?
Both have perks: the countryside offers freedom and space, while cities have structured activities—but I preferred small-town spontaneity.
Best childhood memories?
Celebrating festivals with neighbors, playing until dusk, and sharing snacks in alleys.
Enjoy childhood?
Absolutely—I was carefree, curious, and had a strong sense of community with peers.
Part 2
Describe a crowded place you have visited.
I visited the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul last year. It was packed with locals and tourists. The air buzzed with chatter, spices, and bartering. I explored alleys full of lanterns, carpets, and jewelry—such a vibrant cultural mosaic.
Part 3
- Urban growth: trend or concern?
It’s a global trend, but unchecked growth strains infrastructure, environment, and quality of life.
- Do people like crowded places?
Some do—they enjoy the energy; others prefer calm. It depends on personality and purpose.
- Why go to crowded places?
For social interaction, shopping, entertainment, or cultural experiences.
- Future of urban cycling?
Likely bright—many cities are adding bike lanes, e‑bikes are rising, and people seek greener commuting options.
- Future green spaces?
I hope cities integrate parks, vertical gardens, and rooftop green zones to balance urban one‑dimensionality.
- Which cities are overcrowded?
Yerevan in Azerbaijan and Mumbai in India are examples. Rapid urban migration strains housing and traffic systems.
✅ Tips for IELTS exam time
- Speak clearly and naturally; don’t rush.
- Use varied vocabulary and sentence structures.
- In Part 3, give reasons, examples, and comparisons.
- Keep your tone confident—just like in these model answers!
An elaborated, band-9 level sample response for each IELTS Speaking Part 2 (cue card) from the July 2025 exams. Each answer includes:
- A natural introduction
- Storytelling and sensory details
- Advanced vocabulary and structure
- A conclusion or reflection
✅ 1. Describe a photograph of you that you like. (IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic in Vietnam – July 6)
One of my favorite photographs is one that was taken during a hiking trip in the north of Iran, near the Alborz mountains. In the photo, I’m standing on a cliff edge, overlooking a sea of clouds that completely covers the valleys below. It looks almost surreal—as if I’m floating above the clouds. I remember the exact moment it was captured. I had just reached the summit after an exhausting but exhilarating 3-hour climb. My face shows a mix of pride, joy, and relief.
What makes this photo truly special isn’t just the dramatic scenery but what it represents to me personally. It reminds me of how stepping out of your comfort zone—physically and mentally—can lead to moments of growth and clarity. Every time I look at it, I feel reconnected with that sense of freedom and self-belief.
✅ 2. Describe an old friend you lost touch with and reconnected with. (IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic in Saudi Arabia – July 2025)
I’d like to talk about my childhood friend Reza, whom I recently reconnected with after nearly 10 years of no contact. We grew up in the same neighborhood and went to the same elementary school. Back then, we were practically inseparable—playing football every evening, sharing comic books, and even dreaming of starting a business together one day.
After high school, however, our paths diverged. I moved abroad for university, and he stayed in our hometown. We gradually lost touch. Then, earlier this year, I stumbled across his profile on LinkedIn. Out of curiosity, I messaged him, and to my surprise, he responded enthusiastically. We started catching up regularly via voice calls, and it turns out we still have a lot in common, including a passion for entrepreneurship.
Reconnecting with him made me realize how some bonds, no matter how long they’re dormant, can be reignited easily if the foundation was strong.
✅ 3. Describe a movie you watched recently. (ELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic in Canada – July 2025)
A film I watched recently that really impressed me is The Boy and the Heron by Studio Ghibli. It’s a Japanese animated fantasy film directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, and I watched it at an independent cinema last weekend.
The movie tells the story of a young boy who, after the tragic loss of his mother during World War II, moves to the countryside and encounters a mystical heron who leads him into an alternate reality. The animation is breathtaking, full of rich colors, imaginative creatures, and dreamlike landscapes. But beyond the visuals, what struck me was the emotional depth—the way it dealt with themes of grief, resilience, and the power of imagination.
Watching it was more than just entertainment—it felt almost therapeutic. I left the theatre thinking deeply about how we process loss and the importance of keeping our inner child alive.
✅ 4. Describe a place away from home you'd like to visit. (ELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic in New Zealand – July 2025)
A place I’ve always dreamt of visiting is Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. While Tokyo represents modernity and speed, Kyoto is like a living museum of tradition, culture, and history. I’ve seen countless documentaries and vlogs about it, and it seems absolutely magical.
What attracts me the most is its serene atmosphere—the tranquil Zen gardens, centuries-old temples like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and traditional tea ceremonies. I’d love to experience the cherry blossom season there, strolling through the Philosopher’s Path while soft pink petals fall like snow. I'm also fascinated by the Gion district, where I might catch a glimpse of a geisha or enjoy traditional Japanese performances.
Visiting Kyoto wouldn’t just be a holiday for me—it would be a chance to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with simplicity, nature, and inner peace.
✅ 5. Describe something you did at work/study that made you feel confident. (ELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic in Kuwait – July 2025)
One moment that truly boosted my confidence was when I gave a solo presentation during the final term of my Master's program. The topic was “Student Engagement in Online Learning Environments,” and I had spent weeks researching and preparing for it.
On the day of the presentation, I remember feeling nervous at first, but once I started speaking, everything flowed naturally. I used real-life case studies, interactive visuals, and even included short audience polls to keep my classmates engaged. The professor later praised me not just for my content, but also for my delivery and clarity.
That experience was empowering. It made me realize that with preparation and a clear structure, I could communicate ideas effectively—even to a room full of critical thinkers. Since then, I’ve never feared public speaking the same way.
✅ 6. Describe a crowded place you have visited. (ELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic in Thailand – July 2025)
One of the most crowded places I’ve ever been to is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. I visited it two years ago during a short trip to Turkey. It’s one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops crammed into a maze of narrow alleys.
From the moment I stepped in, I was overwhelmed—but in the best way possible. There were crowds of tourists, locals bargaining in Turkish, the smell of spices and leather, the glitter of lamps and jewelry everywhere. I remember standing still for a moment just to absorb the chaos. It was loud, colorful, and absolutely alive.
Despite the crowd, I loved the energy and authenticity of the place. It felt like a portal to the past—a place where cultures, languages, and traditions collide in the most vibrant way.
