IELTS Speaking Topics 2026

I'd say I use WhatsApp and YouTube the most on a daily basis. WhatsApp is essential for staying in touch with family and friends, especially since many of my relatives live overseas. YouTube is where I learn almost everything — from cooking recipes to IELTS preparation videos. I also use a meditation app called Headspace, which helps me wind down before bed.

To be honest, I've only recently started cooking and I'm really enjoying it. During the pandemic, I had no choice but to learn, and I discovered it's actually quite therapeutic. I mainly cook simple dishes like pasta and stir-fries, but I'm gradually trying more ambitious recipes. My speciality is butter chicken, which my friends say is better than most restaurants!

I'd like to talk about Google Maps, which I consider the most useful app on my phone. I started using it about five years ago when I moved to a new city for university. Basically, it provides real-time navigation, traffic updates, and even public transport schedules, which was incredibly helpful when I was still learning the bus routes. What makes it particularly useful is the offline maps feature. When I travelled to rural areas where internet connectivity was poor, I could still navigate confidently because I'd downloaded the maps beforehand. It also shows reviews and ratings of restaurants and shops, which has saved me from some poor dining choices. I'd say this app has genuinely changed how I travel and explore new places. Before using it, I'd often get lost or waste time asking for directions. Now I can confidently go anywhere, which has made me much more adventurous.

I'd like to describe when I completed a half-marathon last year, which was something I'd been working towards for about six months. When I started training, I could barely run two kilometres without stopping, so it felt like an incredibly ambitious target. I followed a structured training programme that gradually increased my distance each week. The hardest part wasn't the physical training — it was staying motivated on cold winter mornings when I'd rather stay in bed. I joined a running club, which made a massive difference because the other members kept me accountable. The race itself was in my hometown, and crossing the finish line was one of the most emotional moments of my life. My family was there cheering, and I genuinely felt tears in my eyes. It taught me that consistency is far more important than talent. I wasn't the fastest runner, but I showed up every single training day, and that's what got me across the line.

Technology has fundamentally transformed the workplace in several ways. The most obvious change is remote work — before the pandemic, working from home was relatively rare, but now millions of people do it regularly. Tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams have made virtual meetings almost as effective as face-to-face ones. Another significant change is automation. Many routine tasks that used to require human workers are now done by software, which has both positive and negative implications. On one hand, it increases efficiency; on the other, it creates concerns about job displacement, particularly for lower-skilled workers. I think the most interesting development is the rise of the gig economy, where people work freelance rather than in traditional employment. This gives individuals more flexibility but less security. Overall, I'd say technology has made work more efficient but also more demanding, because people are now expected to be available almost constantly through their phones and email.

Absolutely, I think they're equally important, and arguably mental health has been overlooked for too long. In my country, there's still some stigma around discussing mental health, but that's slowly changing, especially among younger generations. Personally, I've found that my physical health suffers when I'm stressed or anxious, which shows how closely the two are connected.

This is a topic I feel quite strongly about. I think it depends heavily on the field of study and the individual's career goals. For professions like medicine, engineering, or law, a degree is essential and absolutely worth the investment. However, for many other fields, particularly in technology and creative industries, practical skills and experience can be more valuable than a degree. The rising cost of university education is also a factor. In many countries, graduates end up with significant debt, and if their degree doesn't lead to a well-paying job, the financial burden can be overwhelming. I think we need to stop treating university as the only path to success and give more respect to vocational training and apprenticeships, which can lead to excellent careers without the debt.

I actually enjoy both, but for different reasons. When I travel alone, I love the freedom to set my own pace — I can spend three hours in a museum or change my plans spontaneously without consulting anyone. Solo travel has also helped me become more confident and independent. However, travelling with close friends is wonderful for sharing experiences and creating memories together. I think the ideal balance is doing both regularly.

I would argue that it is, yes, because unlike other global challenges, climate change affects absolutely everything — food security, water supply, public health, economic stability, and even political stability through climate migration. While issues like poverty and inequality are also critical, many of them will actually be made worse by climate change. What concerns me most is the pace of action. Scientists have been warning about this for decades, yet progress has been frustratingly slow. I think the main barrier is that the effects feel distant to many people — they think it's a problem for future generations. But we're already seeing the impact through extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. It requires urgent, coordinated global action, which is unfortunately very difficult to achieve.