For this sample test, you should use a timer to make sure that you complete each task within the given time.
In this sample test, no score will be provided for any of the Speaking tasks, and your answers will not be recorded. If you wish to record your own answers, record and save your responses using your computer microphone or your own recording device (cellphone, digital recorder, etc.).
On the official test, if you do not finish a task in the time provided, the screen will move to the next task. You cannot go back to the previous task. However, in this sample test, in order to move forward in the test you must click on “NEXT.”
Try to complete this practice Speaking Test in 15 minutes. For more information on test format, click here.
Practice Test A - Speaking Task 1: Giving Advice
Preparation: 30 seconds Recording: 90 seconds
iA friend wants to ask their boss for a pay rise. Advise them on how to approach the conversation and what to say.
You've got: 00:30
*NOTE: This sample test is not recording your response.
To be honest, I would advise you to approach this situation strategically rather than emotionally. First, you should ______ because ______. Secondly, it would be advisable to ______ so that your boss can see ______. Rather than ______, you could ______. Overall, if you keep the conversation professional and evidence-based, you will be more likely to ______.
During the conversation, you should speak calmly and matter-of-factly, highlighting that you tick the boxes for the role and are not selling yourself short.
Если начальник не сможет дать ответ сразу, можно вежливо попросить следующий разговор и обсудить, как твой вклад может и дальше усиливать команду, а не просто закрывать рутинные задачи.
If your boss cannot give you an answer immediately, you can politely ask for a follow-up conversation and discuss how your contribution can continue to strengthen the team rather than merely cover routine tasks.
Practice Test A - Speaking Task 2: Talking about a Personal Experience
Preparation: 30 seconds Recording: 60 seconds
iTalk about a stressful experience you had in your life. Maybe you can talk about an exam, a difficult day at work or school, a problem you had to solve, or anything else you can remember. What happened, how did you deal with it, and why was it stressful?
You've got: 00:30
*NOTE: This sample test is not recording your response.
One stressful experience that comes to mind happened when ______. What made it particularly stressful was that ______. At first, I felt ______, but then I decided to ______. Having dealt with the situation, I realized that ______. Overall, it was a real wake-up call because ______.
In addition, I was under a lot of pressure because I could have been held responsible for the mistake, even though the problem came from a poorly checked template.
Я быстро расставил приоритеты, попросил коллегу перепроверить факты и убедился, что исправления не принесут больше вреда, чем пользы.
I quickly prioritized my tasks, asked a colleague to double-check the facts, and made sure the corrections would not do more harm than good.
Этот случай стал для меня серьёзным сигналом: я понял, что без профессиональной проверки даже полезные рабочие инструменты могут поставить компанию в затруднительное положение.
The picture shows ______. In the foreground, I can see ______, while in the background there are ______. Some people seem to be ______, whereas others are ______. The scene gives the impression that ______ because ______. Overall, there is a lot going on, and the atmosphere looks ______.
На картинке изображён очень оживлённый пляж, который напоминает неформальный корпоративный выезд, где люди пытаются восстановить контакт друг с другом.
In other parts of the scene, people are scattered around the beach: some are playing, some are swimming, and others are keeping an eye on children or colleagues.
Судя по расслабленной атмосфере, такое место могло бы помочь команде, у которой в последнее время был низкий моральный дух, почувствовать себя увереннее и сплочённее.
It looks as if ______ is about to happen. I think this because ______. Unless someone ______, the situation may ______. However, if ______ steps in, they will probably be able to sort things out. I wouldn’t be surprised if ______ because ______.
I wouldn’t be surprised if everything becomes calm again in a minute because the scene looks lively rather than genuinely dangerous.
Practice Test A - Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
iInstructions
This task is made up of THREE parts:
Choose an option
Preparation time
Speaking
Click next to continue.
Practice Test A - Speaking Task 5: Comparing and Persuading
Preparation: 60 seconds
iYour family is planning to buy a new car. You have found two suitable options. Using the pictures and information below, choose the option that you prefer. In the next section, you will need to persuade a family member that your choice is the better choice.
If you do not choose an option, the computer will choose one for you. You do not need to speak for this part.
Tesla Model Y Long Range
- electric SUV
- about $45,000
- seats 5 people comfortably
- lower running costs; no petrol needed
- long driving range, but charging takes planning
- good acceleration and modern safety features
- best for families who can charge at home
Toyota Camry Hybrid Self-Charging
- petrol-electric hybrid sedan
- about $35,000
- seats 5 people comfortably
- very fuel-efficient; no charging station needed
- easier for long trips and areas with few chargers
- reliable and cheaper to buy
- less environmentally friendly than a fully electric car
From a practical standpoint, I would choose ______. Although the other option has ______, my choice is a better fit for our needs because ______. What makes it more suitable is that ______. The more we consider ______, the clearer it becomes that ______. Overall, I think this option gives us better long-term value.
С практической точки зрения я бы выбрал Toyota Camry Hybrid, потому что она лучше подходит для семьи, которой нужен надёжный и удобный автомобиль без лишних сложностей.
From a practical standpoint, I would choose the Toyota Camry Hybrid because it is a better fit for a family that needs a reliable and convenient car without unnecessary complications.
Хотя Tesla выглядит более современной и технологичной, она требует самого большого бюджета, а зарядку нужно планировать заранее.
The more we consider the overall cost, long trips, and convenience for all family members, the clearer it becomes that the Toyota makes the most sense.
Поэтому для нашей семьи это почти очевидный выбор: он даёт больше выгоды за свои деньги и имеет лучшую долгосрочную ценность.
That is why, for our family, it is almost a no-brainer: it gives us more bang for our buck and has better long-term value.
Practice Test A - Speaking Task 6: Dealing with a Difficult Situation
Preparation: 60 seconds Recording: 60 seconds
iYou are planning a long trip and want to travel freely. Your mother has offered to take care of your dog while you are away. However, you feel uncomfortable leaving the dog with her for such a long time. If you take the dog with you, you may not be able to travel far because many hotels and rental rooms do not allow pets.
Choose ONE:
EITHER Talk to your mother. Explain why you have decided to leave the dog with her and travel without it.
OR Talk to your friend. Explain why you have decided not to leave the dog behind, even though this may limit your travel plans.
You've got: 01:00
*NOTE: This sample test is not recording your response.
I wanted to talk to you because I am in a bit of a bind. As much as I would like to ______, I have decided to ______. The reason I am bringing this up is that ______. Given that ______, I think it would be better to ______. I hope we can meet halfway by ______.
As much as I would like to take the dog with me, I have decided to leave her with you because otherwise my plans may become almost unworkable.
Причина, по которой я поднимаю этот вопрос, в том, что многие отели и арендные квартиры не принимают животных, поэтому такой вариант не выглядит самым разумным.
I do not want to put you in an awkward position, so I will make arrangements in advance, including food, instructions, and the vet’s contact information, to reduce the pressure on you.
Я беру ответственность за это решение и надеюсь, что мы сможем найти компромисс, чтобы тебе было удобно, а собаке спокойно.
I am generally in favour of ______, provided that ______. On the one hand, it can ______ because ______. On the other hand, it may backfire if ______. What matters most is whether ______. Overall, I believe ______.
On the one hand, this kind of recognition can boost morale, improve employee satisfaction, and help people feel valued.
Например, простая похвала или небольшой бонус могут мотивировать сотрудника сделать больше, чем требуется, особенно после периода выгорания или реструктуризации.
For example, a simple pat on the back or a small bonus can motivate an employee to go the extra mile, especially after a period of burnout or restructuring.
С другой стороны, такая система может дать обратный эффект, если она станет шаблонной и безликой или если сотрудники сочтут награды несправедливыми.
On the other hand, this system may backfire if it becomes generic and formulaic or if employees see the rewards as unfair.
Главное — чтобы руководители использовали такие награды для поддержки сотрудников, а не вместо нормальной зарплаты, уважения и реального карьерного роста.
What matters most is that managers use these rewards to support employees, not as a substitute for fair pay, respect, and real career growth.
Practice Test A - Speaking Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation
Preparation: 30 seconds Recording: 60 seconds
iYou are in an art shop and you see a painting you would like to buy, but the store clerk will not let you take a photo. Phone a member of your family. Provide a full and clear description of the painting and ask if you can buy it.
You've got: 00:30
*NOTE: This sample test is not recording your response.
Hi, I’m calling because I saw ______, but I’m not allowed to take a photo. What caught my eye was ______. The colour scheme is ______, and the main details are ______. I think it would fit ______ because ______. Do you think it would be worth buying, or should I make a judgement call?
I like the fact that the design is elegant yet unconventional: the leopard, the pink sofa, and the richly coloured background create a vibrant splash of colour.
Такая картина могла бы отлично разбавить скучный деловой интерьер и сделать комнату менее стерильной и более гостеприимной.
