IELTS Speaking 2025 Part 1: Stories

1. Do you like stories?

• Useful expressions:
  • “I’ve always enjoyed stories because…”
  • “They are a great way to…”
  • “Whether it’s books, movies, or even personal experiences, I find stories…”
• Grammar structure: Present Perfect & Present Simple to talk about personal experiences and habits.
• Sample answer:
  I’ve always enjoyed stories because they allow me to explore different worlds, cultures, and perspectives. They are a great way to learn life lessons, escape from reality, and even improve language skills. Whether it’s books, movies, or even personal experiences, I find stories captivating and meaningful.

2. Do you like to listen to or read stories? Why?

• Useful expressions:
  • “Personally, I prefer reading stories because…”
  • “Listening to stories can be more engaging when…”
  • “It really depends on the situation. For example, if I’m busy, I prefer…”
• Grammar structure: Comparatives & Present Simple for habits.
• Sample answer:
  Personally, I prefer reading stories because I can take my time to imagine the scenes and characters in my own way. However, listening to stories can be more engaging when someone has a great voice or when I’m too tired to read. It really depends on the situation. For example, if I’m busy, I prefer listening to audiobooks while doing other tasks.

3. Which story did you like the most when you were a child? Why?

• Useful expressions:
  • “One of my favourite childhood stories was…”
  • “I loved it because…”
  • “Even now, I still remember how…”
• Grammar structure: Past Simple & Present Simple to describe past experiences and ongoing memories.
• Sample answer:
  One of my favourite childhood stories was “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. I loved it because it wasn’t just a simple children’s book; it had deep meanings about love, friendship, and the meaning of life. Even now, I still remember how it made me see the world differently.

4. Have you written any stories?

• Useful expressions:
  • “I’ve tried writing stories a few times, but…”
  • “When I was younger, I used to write…”
  • “I think writing stories is a great way to…”
• Grammar structure: Present Perfect & Past Simple to talk about past experiences and current habits.
• Sample answer:
  I’ve tried writing stories a few times, but I find it quite challenging to create an interesting plot. When I was younger, I used to write short fantasy stories for fun. I think writing stories is a great way to express creativity and improve language skills. Maybe one day, I’ll try writing a proper story again!