IELTS Speaking 2025 Part 1: Collecting things

1. Do you collect things?

• Useful expressions:
  • “I have a habit of collecting…”
  • “I used to collect…”
  • “I’m really into collecting…”
• Grammar structure: Present simple & past habits (used to)
• Sample answer:
  • I have a habit of collecting postcards from different places I visit. I love looking back at them because each one holds a memory of a special trip!

2. Are there any things you keep from childhood?

• Useful expressions:
  • “I still have…”
  • “One special thing I kept is…”
  • “I can’t bring myself to throw away…”
• Grammar structure: Present perfect & past simple
• Sample answer:
  • I still have a teddy bear that my parents gave me when I was little. One special thing I kept is a collection of storybooks that I used to love reading!

3. Would you keep old things for a long time? Why?

• Useful expressions:
  • “I tend to hold onto…”
  • “I believe some things have sentimental value because…”
  • “It depends on…”
• Grammar structure: Present simple & conditional sentence (It depends…)
• Sample answer:
  • I tend to hold onto things that have sentimental value, like gifts from friends or souvenirs from my travels. It depends on the item—if it’s meaningful, I’ll keep it for years!

4. Where do you usually keep things you need?

• Useful expressions:
  • “I like to keep things…”
  • “I have a special place for…”
  • “I always make sure to put…”
• Grammar structure: Present simple & describing habits
• Sample answer:
  • I like to keep things organized, so I store my important stuff in drawers or boxes. I always make sure to put my keys in the same place, so I don’t lose them!