Part 1: Introduction and interview
Q1-Q3 weather
Examiner: In this first part of the test, I’d like to ask you a few questions about some everyday topics. Let’s talk about the weather. What’s the weather usually like in your hometown?
Candidate: My hometown, has a subtropical climate, so it’s generally quite warm and humid all year round. We have very hot and rainy summers, especially during the typhoon season, and mild, short winters. Spring and autumn are brief but lovely.
Examiner: Do you prefer sunny days or rainy days?
Candidate: I’m definitely a fan of sunny days. I feel like a bit of sunshine instantly lifts my mood and makes me want to get outside and do things, whether it’s just going for a walk or having a picnic. Rainy days can be cozy, but I find them a little restricting.
Examiner: Do you think the weather affects people’s moods?
Candidate: Yes, I absolutely believe it does. For many people, including myself, a sunny day can bring a sense of optimism and energy, while a long stretch of grey or rainy weather can sometimes feel a bit draining or gloomy. I think it’s a very common human experience.
Q4-Q6 public transport
Examiner: Let’s move on to the topic of public transport. Do you use public transport often?
Candidate: Yes, I use public transport quite often. Since I don’t have a car, it’s my main way of getting around. I usually take the bus or subway to work, and it’s pretty convenient. The service is reliable, and it’s often faster than driving, especially during rush hour.
Examiner: What is your favorite form of public transport?
Candidate: I’d say my favorite is the subway. It’s fast, efficient, and avoids the traffic congestion that’s common in the city. Plus, it’s usually cleaner and more comfortable than buses. I really appreciate how punctual and frequent the trains are.
Examiner: How do you feel about the public transport system in your city?
Candidate:Overall, I think the public transport system in my city is quite good. The buses and trains are well-connected, and it’s pretty affordable. Of course, there can be delays or overcrowding during peak hours, but for the most part, it’s a convenient and practical way to get around.
Q7-Q9 friends
Examiner: Now, Let’s talk about friends. Do you find it easy to make new friends?
Candidate: No, I don’t find it easy to make new friends. Most of my good friends are from my hometown or college, and at work, colleagues tend to stay more as acquaintances. People are often too busy to build deeper connections, so it takes more effort to form real friendships.
Examiner: Do you think you are a good friend?
Candidate:I try to be a good friend, but honestly, I’m not always the best at it. I can be a bit caught up in my own life sometimes, so I don’t always reach out as much as I should. But when my friends need me, I do my best to be there for them. I think being a good friend isn’t about being perfect, but just showing you care and making the effort when it matters.
Examiner: Do you stay in touch with friends from your childhood?
Candidate: Yes, I stay in touch with a couple of childhood friends. We don’t live in the same city anymore, but we keep in contact through social media or occasional phone calls. Our lives have changed, but there’s still a strong bond from growing up together. We may not see each other as often, but when we do, it feels like no time has passed. It’s nice to have that kind of long-lasting friendship.
Q10-Q12 sports
Examiner: Okay, Let’s talk about sports. Do you enjoy playing any sports?
Candidate: Yes, I enjoy playing sports. I mainly play badminton with friends on weekends, and sometimes I join in a casual game of basketball. I like sports because they’re a great way to stay active and have fun without too much pressure.
Examiner: How often do you play sports?
Candidate: I try to play sports at least once or twice a week. Usually, it’s badminton or just a casual game of basketball with friends. It depends on how busy my week is, but I always try to make time for it because it helps me relax and unwind.
Examiner: What are the most popular sports in your country?
Candidate: In my country, football is by far the most popular sport. It’s something everyone watches, whether it’s local leagues or international tournaments like the World Cup. Basketball and badminton are also pretty popular, especially among younger people, but football definitely has the biggest following.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
Examiner: Now, we are going to move on to Part 2 of the Speaking test. I’ll give you a topic and you’ll have 1 minute to prepare. Then you will need to speak for 1-2 minutes. Do you understand?
Candidate: Yes, I do.
Examiner: Here is your topic. Your time to prepare starts now
Describe a time when you were late for an important appointment.
- When it was
- Why you were late
- What happened at the appointment
- And explain how you felt about being late
Examiner: All right, your time is up. You should begin speaking now.
So, I’d like to talk about a time I was late for a really important job interview. This happened about a year ago. The position was for a junior software developer at a tech company I had been following for a long time, so I was incredibly excited about the opportunity.
The interview was scheduled for 10 a.m. sharp. I had planned to leave with plenty of time, taking the metro to the city center. However, on the morning of the interview, there was an unexpected power outage that caused the entire metro line to shut down. I was already at the station, and the platform was filled with confused and frustrated commuters. Realizing I couldn’t just wait, I had to find an alternative route. I ended up hailing a taxi, but traffic was gridlocked due to the metro closure. It was a stressful situation, watching the minutes tick by.
When I finally arrived at the office, I was about 45 minutes late. I rushed to the reception desk, out of breath, and apologized profusely for my lateness, explaining the situation. I was worried they would just send me away, but the receptionist was understanding. Luckily, the interviewer was also very accommodating and told me not to worry. The interview proceeded as planned, and despite the rough start, I think I was able to perform well.
The whole experience left me feeling a mix of anxiety and embarrassment. Initially, I was so worried that my lateness had already ruined my chances, but after the interview, I felt relieved and grateful for their understanding. It taught me a valuable lesson in staying calm under pressure and having a backup plan.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: We’ve been talking about being late, and I’d like to discuss some more general questions with you about this topic. Let’s talk about time management in general. Why do you think some people are always punctual while others are often late?
Candidate: I believe it often comes down to both personality and cultural background. Punctual people tend to be highly organized, with a strong sense of discipline and respect for others’ time. They usually plan ahead and build in buffers for unexpected delays. By contrast, those who are frequently late may have a more relaxed, almost polychronic, view of time, where relationships or tasks matter more than the clock. For example, in some cultures, arriving half an hour “late” is not considered impolite, whereas in others, it’s seen as unacceptable. So, it’s really a mix of personal habits and cultural norms.
Examiner: Do you think being late has a significant impact on social relationships?
Candidate: Yes, without a doubt. Regular lateness can be perceived as a lack of respect and gradually erode trust. If someone is constantly keeping others waiting, it gives the impression that they don’t value the relationship. Over time, that can cause frustration and even weaken friendships. Of course, occasional delays are perfectly forgivable—we all get caught in traffic sometimes—but when it becomes a pattern, it creates unnecessary tension. In the workplace, for instance, colleagues may even start avoiding collaborations with someone who has a reputation for being late.
Examiner: How can modern technology help people with their time management?
Candidate: Modern technology has been a game-changer for time management. Digital calendars and reminder apps mean people no longer need to rely on memory alone. Real-time GPS and traffic updates allow us to plan journeys with much greater accuracy, reducing the risk of being late. Even simple tools like timers or focus apps can boost productivity by keeping us on track with tasks. Of course, the key is using these tools wisely—if you spend too much time scrolling on your phone, the technology actually works against you. But when used effectively, it’s an incredibly powerful aid.
Examiner: In your opinion, what is the importance of being punctual in the workplace?
Candidate: Punctuality in the workplace is absolutely essential. It goes far beyond just arriving on time; it signals professionalism, reliability, and respect for colleagues’ time. In team-based environments, one person’s lateness can disrupt the workflow of everyone else, which lowers efficiency. Moreover, being punctual builds a strong professional reputation—people see you as dependable and committed. In competitive industries, those qualities can make a huge difference in career progression. So, I’d say punctuality isn’t just a courtesy, it’s a cornerstone of workplace success.
Examiner: Do you think schools should teach students about time management?
Not necessarily. I don’t believe time management needs to be explicitly taught as part of the school curriculum. In most cases, it’s something people develop naturally through experience. If you’re late to an event or miss a deadline, you quickly learn the consequences and adjust your behavior. Unless there are exceptional circumstances—say, an emergency or factors beyond your control—being late usually just reflects your priorities. If something really matters to you, you’ll make sure you’re on time. So rather than formal lessons, I think time management is better acquired organically, through personal responsibility and real-life situations.
Examiner: Thank you very much. That is the end of the speaking test.
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