IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2
- Amardeep Singh
- May 14
- 5 min read
Updated: May 19
The IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2 is based on "Reading" theme, a very common topic in the exam. All the parts are based on the same theme. Also, to assist your preparation, we have provided complete sample answers for every section, including a model response for the 2-minute long turn in Part 2. Use these to study ideal structure, vocabulary, and flow. They can easily help you score 7+ in the IELTS Speaking test
IELTS Speaking Practice Tests 2 | Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Do you like reading books?
Yes, I’m quite a bibliophile. I find that getting lost in a good book is one of the best ways to de-stress after a long day.
What was the last book you read?
I recently finished a historical novel set during the Renaissance. It was incredibly immersive and well-researched.
Do you prefer e-books or paper books?
I’m a bit of a traditionalist; I love the smell of the pages and the tactile feel of a physical book, though e-books are certainly more convenient for traveling.
How often do you go to a library?
To be honest, not as often as I used to. With so much content available online, I only visit the local library once every few months when I want a quiet place to study.
Did you enjoy reading when you were a child?
Definitely. My parents used to read me bedtime stories every night, which really sparked my imagination and my love for storytelling.
What kind of books do you like the most?
I’m a big fan of non-fiction, particularly biographies. I find it fascinating to read about the real-life challenges and triumphs of successful people.
Do you ever read the same book twice?
Rarely. There are so many books out there that I haven't read yet, so I usually prefer to start something new rather than revisit an old one.
Is reading a popular hobby in your country?
It is, though I think the medium is changing. Many people now listen to audiobooks or read articles on their phones rather than sitting down with a thick novel.
Do you think children should be encouraged to read?
It’s fundamental for their vocabulary development and helps them build empathy by seeing the world through different characters' eyes.
Where is your favorite place to read?
I have a very comfortable armchair by the window in my living room. Reading there with a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon is my idea of perfection.
Do you prefer to buy books or borrow them?
I prefer buying them because I like to build a personal collection. I find a full bookshelf to be very aesthetically pleasing.
Have you ever received a book as a gift?
Yes, for my last birthday, a friend gave me a beautiful hardback edition of a classic poetry collection. It’s one of my most prized possessions.
IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2 | Part 2: Individual Long Turn (The Cue Card)
Describe a book you read that you found particularly interesting. You should say:
What the book was and what it was about
When you read it
How you heard about it
And explain why you found it so interesting.
Sample Answer
The book I’d like to talk about is a non-fiction work titled "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari. It essentially charts the course of human history from the very beginning—the Stone Age—all the way through to the modern silicon age. It explores how Homo sapiens became the dominant species on Earth by using our unique ability to believe in shared myths, such as money, religion, and human rights.
I read this book about two years ago during a particularly long summer break. At the time, I was looking for something intellectually stimulating that wasn't necessarily related to my school curriculum. I actually first heard about it through a recommendation on a popular technology podcast I follow; the host mentioned it was a "must-read" for anyone trying to understand the fundamental structures of our society.
What made this book so exceptionally interesting to me was the way it challenged my preconceived notions about the world. For instance, the author argues that the Agricultural Revolution might have actually been a "trap" that made our lives more stressful rather than better. This was a completely counter-intuitive perspective that I had never considered before. Furthermore, Harari’s writing style is incredibly lucid; he manages to break down complex scientific and historical concepts into narratives that are easy to digest.
Ultimately, I found it fascinating because it didn't just list dates and kings like a school textbook. Instead, it connected biology, history, and philosophy to explain why we live the way we do today. It left me thinking about the future of our species for weeks after I turned the final page, which, in my opinion, is the hallmark of a truly great book.
IELTS Speaking Practice Test 2 | Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Why do some people find it difficult to read books nowadays?
I think our attention spans have been shortened by social media. People are used to quick bursts of information, making the sustained focus required for a 300-page book feel quite taxing.
How has technology changed the way we read?
It has made reading more portable and accessible. With devices like Kindles, you can carry an entire library in your pocket, and features like adjustable font sizes make reading easier for the elderly.
Do you think movies based on books are usually as good as the original?
Rarely. Books allow for internal monologues and deep character development that a two-hour film simply cannot capture. Most readers find the "movie in their head" to be far superior.
Is it important for a country to have its own national literature?
Definitely. Literature is a mirror of a nation's culture, history, and values. It helps preserve a country’s unique identity in an increasingly globalized world.
Should students be forced to read "the classics" in school?
While they are important, "forcing" them can be counterproductive. It's better to balance them with contemporary works that students can more easily relate to, so they don't grow to resent reading.
Will physical newspapers disappear in the future?
It’s likely. Digital news is real-time and eco-friendly. Most people now get their headlines from apps, leaving physical papers as a niche product for older generations or collectors.
What are the benefits of reading fiction compared to non-fiction?
Non-fiction provides facts, but fiction provides emotional truth. It allows us to experience lives completely different from our own, which is essential for developing social empathy.
How can we encourage teenagers to read more?
We need to stop judging what they read. Whether it's graphic novels, manga, or online blogs, as long as they are engaging with text, they are building literacy skills.
Do you think the government should fund public libraries?
Absolutely. Libraries are more than just book repositories; they are community hubs that provide free internet access and educational programs for those who might not afford them otherwise.
How does reading contribute to a person’s success in life?
Reading broadens one's vocabulary and sharpens critical thinking skills. Successful people are often "lifelong learners," and reading is the most efficient way to constantly acquire new knowledge.
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