Museums

Hey everyone, and welcome back to “IELTS TIME,” the podcast where we help you sound more confident, more fluent, and more you in the IELTS Speaking test.

I’m Archer, and today’s episode is all about museums — a topic that you might come across in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test.

Some people love museums — they find them inspiring and full of stories. Others? Well… let’s just say they’d rather be anywhere else. To show you both sides, we’ve got two model speakers today: Joseph, who’s not exactly a fan of museums, and Ivanna, who genuinely enjoys them. We’ll start with Joseph, interviewed by Jessica, and then we’ll listen to Ivanna’s version. After each, I’ll share a few quick comments on what makes their answers strong.

Alright, let’s dive in.

Are museums popular in your country?

Yeah, I think they’re quite popular, especially among tourists and school groups. You see a lot of people going there on weekends or holidays, but to be honest, most locals don’t visit that often unless there’s a special reason.

How often do you visit museums?

Honestly, not very often. I might go once in a blue moon—usually if I’m with friends or there’s some event going on. It’s not really my thing; I’d rather spend my free time outdoors, doing something active.

Did you visit museums when you were a child?

Yeah, quite a few times because our school used to organize trips. But I can’t say I enjoyed them much. I remember it was more like a chore—after every visit, we had to write essays or do some kind of project, so the fun part kind of disappeared.

Do you like visiting museums nowadays?

Not really, to be honest. I can appreciate that some people find them interesting, but they just don’t do much for me. I prefer being outside—like hiking or playing sports—rather than walking around indoors looking at old stuff.

What kind of museums are common in your country?

There are all sorts, actually—art museums, history museums, science centers, and a few modern ones that are more interactive. The government’s been trying to make them more appealing, especially to younger people.

Have you ever been to a historical museum?

Yeah, I have. Usually because it was part of a school trip or a friend wanted to go. They were okay, but I can’t say I found them very exciting. A lot of the exhibits felt repetitive after a while—just artifacts and old photos.

What types of art or exhibits can you find in museums in your country?

There’s a good mix—traditional paintings, sculptures, ancient relics, and also more modern stuff like digital installations. Some museums are starting to include interactive sections, which I think makes them a bit more engaging.

Do you prefer visiting museums alone or with others?

Definitely with others. I’d never go on my own. If I have to visit, I’d rather go with friends so at least we can talk and make it more enjoyable. On my own, I’d probably get bored in five minutes.

What can people learn from visiting museums?

I guess they can learn about history, culture, and how things have changed over time. Even though I’m not that into museums myself, I get that they help people understand the past and see how society has developed.

That was Joseph — and a few things really stand out about how he speaks.

• First, he’s honest about not being into museums, but he still gives complete, clear answers.
• He uses everyday, natural phrases like “not my thing,” “once in a blue moon,” which makes his speech feel genuine and relaxed.
• He adds little explanations for each answer, which keeps his responses engaging and easy to follow.

The takeaway? You don’t need to love a topic to speak confidently — what matters is expressing your ideas clearly and naturally.

Now let’s listen to another perspective. Ivanna has a very different view of museums, and you can hear how her personality and experiences come through in her answers.

Are museums popular in your country?

Yeah, I’d say they are. The big national museums and the ones with free entry always get a lot of visitors. They’re popular spots for school trips and definitely a must-see for tourists. I wouldn’t say people go every weekend or anything, but there’s a real cultural appreciation for them, and they tend to get pretty crowded during holidays or special exhibitions.

How often do you visit museums?

Not as often as I’d like, honestly. Maybe two or three times a year, depending on what’s going on. I usually go if there’s a new exhibition that catches my eye or if I’ve got friends visiting who want to see the main sights. It’s more of a special outing than something I do regularly.

Did you visit museums when you were a child?

Oh, all the time! Our school organised a ton of museum trips — science museums, art galleries, history museums — you name it. I remember being totally amazed by the huge dinosaur skeletons. It was one of those things that really stuck with me and made me curious about how the world used to be.

Do you like visiting museums nowadays?

Yeah, I do. I actually enjoy them more now than I did as a kid. Back then it was mostly about what looked cool, but now I pay more attention to the stories behind things. I like taking my time, reading the descriptions, and getting a sense of how people lived or thought in the past. It’s kind of grounding.

What kind of museums are common in your country?

There’s quite a range, actually. The most common ones are probably art and history museums, but there are also a lot of science and natural history museums. In some areas, you’ll find smaller local ones that focus on things like regional history, traditional crafts, or even industries that were important to that area.

Have you ever been to a historical museum?

Yeah, plenty of times. The big national history museum is probably my favourite. It walks you through the whole story of the country — from prehistoric times to modern history. I love seeing how society has changed over time through things like clothing, tools, and old documents. It really brings the past to life.

What types of art or exhibits can you find in museums in your country?

There’s a bit of everything. You’ll find classic paintings, sculptures, and traditional artwork, but also lots of modern installations and digital art these days. Some places even mix old and new styles, which keeps things interesting. You also see decorative arts, textiles, and photography — there’s always something for everyone.

Do you prefer visiting museums alone or with others?

I actually prefer going alone. That way I can move at my own pace — spend more time on what I like and skip what doesn’t interest me. But going with a close friend can be nice too, especially if they’re into the same stuff. You get to talk about it afterwards, which makes it a bit more memorable.

What can people learn from visiting museums?

I think people can learn a lot — not just facts about history or science, but also about different cultures and ways of thinking. Museums really help you see the bigger picture, how everything’s connected across time and place. They also make you appreciate what humans have achieved and how much the world has changed.

That was Ivanna’s set of responses, and what’s interesting here is how natural and engaging her answers sound.

• Her answers are well-developed, giving enough detail without going on too long.
• Her vocabulary is rich but still conversational—phrases like “taking my time,” “curious about the world,” and “it’s kind of grounding” flow smoothly and feel authentic.
• She speaks with genuine interest, which makes her answers enjoyable and easy to follow.

The takeaway? If you speak with genuine interest and explain your ideas clearly, your answers will sound much more engaging and natural.

So, there you have it — two very different ways to talk about the same topic.
Joseph shows that being relaxed, real, and conversational can earn you top marks, even if the topic isn’t your favourite.
Ivanna, on the other hand, shows how to sound reflective and articulate while still keeping your language natural.

Remember, the key to a high IELTS Speaking score isn’t sounding perfect — it’s sounding human, confident, and connected to your ideas.

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