IELTS Speaking Forecast Q1/2026: Crucial Topics & Useful Vocabulary

As IELTS test formats evolve and global trends shift, certain speaking topics tend to appear more frequently in specific exam periods. Based on recent examiner reports, candidate feedback, and recurring patterns, the following guide provides a comprehensive forecast of the most crucial IELTS Speaking topics expected in Q1/2026.

This resource includes updated questions, Band 9 sample answers, and topic-specific vocabulary to help you strengthen your performance in Parts 1, 2, and 3.

Part 1: Warm-Up Topics (Likely to Appear)

Below are the five Part 1 topics predicted to be highly common in early 2026. These questions are simple, but your answers must sound fluent, natural, and coherent.

1. Daily Routines

Sample Questions:

• Do you have a fixed daily routine?
• What part of your day do you enjoy the most?
• Has your routine changed recently?

Band 9 Sample Answers:
I usually follow a fairly structured routine because it helps me stay productive. I tend to start my mornings with a workout and some reading, which sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Recently, I’ve adjusted my routine to include more time for online learning, particularly language courses.

Useful Vocabulary:
structured lifestyle, morning ritual, productive mindset

2. Technology

Sample Questions:

• What piece of technology do you use most often?
• Do you think people rely too much on technology?
• What new technology would you like to have?

Band 9 Sample Answers:
I rely heavily on my smartphone because it streamlines almost every aspect of my daily life. However, I do think people have become overly dependent on digital devices, sometimes at the expense of face-to-face communication.

Useful Vocabulary:
digital dependency, cutting-edge devices, technological advancement

3. Food

Sample Questions:

• What kinds of food do you like?
• Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out?
• Has your taste in food changed over the years?

Band 9 Sample Answers:
I enjoy a wide range of dishes, especially those with bold flavours. Although I eat out occasionally, I generally prefer home-cooked meals because they’re healthier and more affordable.

Useful Vocabulary:
culinary preference, savoury flavours, balanced diet

4. Weather

Sample Questions:

• What’s the weather like where you live?
• Do you prefer hot weather or cold weather?
• Has the weather changed in recent years?

Band 9 Sample Answers:
The climate where I live is generally warm and humid. Personally, I prefer cooler weather because it makes outdoor activities more pleasant. It does seem that the weather has become more unpredictable due to climate change.

Useful Vocabulary:
humid climate, mild temperature, unpredictable weather patterns

5. Travel

Sample Questions:

• Do you enjoy travelling?
• What was your most memorable trip?
• Do you prefer solo travel or group travel?

Band 9 Sample Answers:
Travelling has always been a passion of mine because it exposes me to new cultures and perspectives. My most unforgettable trip was a solo journey to Japan, where I immersed myself in local traditions and cuisine.

Useful Vocabulary:
cultural immersion, travel itinerary, wanderlust

Part 2: Long-Turn Topics (Likely Cards for Q1/2026)

Below are five predicted cue cards that align with current trends and the latest examiner feedback.

1. Describe a person who inspires you

You should say:

• who this person is
• how you know him/her
• what he/she has done
• and explain why this person inspires you

Suggested Vocabulary:

• a role model, influential figure, admirable qualities, demonstrate perseverance, lead by example, moral guidance, have a profound impact on

2. Describe a book you recently read that you really enjoyed

You should say:

• what the book is
• what it is about
• why you decided to read it
• and explain why you enjoyed it

Suggested Vocabulary:

• thought-provoking content, captivating storyline, well-developed characters, page-turner, insightful perspective, broaden my horizons

3. Describe a memorable trip you took

You should say:

• where you went
• who you went with
• what you did there
• and explain why the trip was memorable

Suggested Vocabulary:

breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, unforgettable experience, travel itinerary, create lifelong memories, vibrant atmosphere

4. Describe an important decision you made

You should say:

• what the decision was
• when you made it
• what influenced your decision
• and explain why it was important

Suggested Vocabulary:

weigh the pros and cons, take everything into consideration, a turning point in my life, long-term consequences, make an informed decision

5. Describe a useful app you often use

You should say:

• what the app is
• what it is used for
• how often you use it
• and explain why it is useful

Suggested Vocabulary:

user-friendly interface, essential features, time-management tool, enhance productivity, reliable platform, streamline daily tasks

6. Describe a time you helped someone

You should say:

• who the person was
• what you helped them with
• how you helped
• and explain how you felt about it

Suggested Vocabulary:

offer assistance, lend a helping hand, act of kindness, moral support, feel fulfilled / rewarding experience

7. Describe a place you would like to visit in the future

You should say:

• where it is
• what you know about it
• what you want to do there
• and explain why you want to visit

Suggested Vocabulary:

bucket-list destination, picturesque landscape, rich cultural heritage, unique attractions, once-in-a-lifetime experience

8. Describe an object that is special to you

You should say:

• what the object is
• how you got it
• what it means to you
• and explain why it is important

Suggested Vocabulary:

sentimental value, treasured possession, evoke memories, symbolic meaning, emotionally significant

9. Describe a hobby you enjoy doing in your free time

You should say:

• what the hobby is
• how long you have been doing it
• how you practice it
• and explain why you enjoy it

Suggested Vocabulary:

unwind and relax, boost creativity, relieve stress, pursue personal interests, strengthen mental well-being

10. Describe something new you learned recently

You should say:

• what you learned
• how you learned it
• why you learned it
• and explain how it is useful

Suggested Vocabulary:

acquire new knowledge, develop practical skills, expand my understanding, real-world application, enhance my abilities

Part 3: Discussion Topics (Deep Questions for 2026)

These topics require analytical thinking and the ability to discuss global issues logically.

1. Topic: Inspirational People

1. Do you think celebrities make good role models for young people?
2. What qualities do you think a truly inspirational person should have?
3. Is it important for society to celebrate inspirational individuals? Why or why not?
4. Do people today have fewer role models than in the past?

2. Topic: Books & Reading

1. How has technology changed the way people read today?
2. Do you think reading fiction is as beneficial as reading non-fiction?
3. Should children be encouraged to read more physical books instead of digital ones?
4. Why do you think some people lose the habit of reading as they grow older?

3. Topic: Travel

1. Why do people travel more nowadays compared to the past?
2. Do you think international travel will become more or less popular in the future?
3. How does tourism impact local communities?
4. Should governments restrict tourist numbers in popular destinations?

4. Topic: Decision Making

1. Why do some people find it difficult to make decisions?
2. Do you think important decisions should be made independently or with advice from others?
3. How has the availability of online information influenced people’s decision-making?
4. Are young people better decision-makers than older adults?

5. Topic: Mobile Apps & Technology

1. How have mobile apps changed the way people work and study?
2. Do you think people rely too much on apps?
3. What are the disadvantages of having too many apps on your phone?
4. Should governments regulate app developers more strictly?

6. Topic: Helping Others

1. Why do some people enjoy helping others while others do not?
2. Do you think people are becoming more selfish in modern society?
3. What role do charitable organizations play in helping communities?
4. Should schools teach children about the importance of helping others?

7. Topic: Future Travel Destinations

1. Why do people dream about visiting certain places?
2. How do films or social media influence people’s travel choices?
3. Do you think traveling to remote places will become more common in the future?
4. Should people avoid traveling to fragile natural environments?

8. Topic: Special Objects / Possessions

1. Why do people attach emotional value to certain objects?
2. Are people becoming more materialistic nowadays?
3. Do you think digital items (like photos or online messages) can be as meaningful as physical objects?
4. Should we teach children to value memories rather than possessions?

9. Topic: Hobbies

1. Why is it important for people to have hobbies?
2. Has the range of hobbies people pursue changed over time?
3. Why do some people give up their hobbies as they grow older?
4. Should employers encourage their staff to have hobbies?

10. Topic: Learning New Skills

1. Why is lifelong learning important in today’s world?
2. How do online learning platforms influence the way people acquire new skills?
3. Do you think people learn better alone or in groups?
4. What challenges do adults face when learning something new?