50 IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice Topics with Sample Answers

In this article, we will look at 50 IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic groups with sample Band 7 answers, totalling 150 examiner questions. Speaking Part 1 is the warm-up phase of the interview: the examiner asks short personal questions across a few familiar topics, and you give brief, natural answers, around 20 seconds each. Each sample answer below is written at a Band 7 level, the most common target for university and immigration applicants, and is calibrated to sound like real speech, with contractions and natural phrasing rather than written essay style.

Topic 1: Hometown

Q1. Is your hometown a big city or a small town?

Well, I'd say it's somewhere in between, actually. It's not a huge metropolis like Seoul or Tokyo, but it's certainly bigger than a small town. We're talking maybe half a million people, so big enough that there's plenty going on but small enough to get around easily.

Q2. What is the most interesting part of your hometown?

Probably the old quarter near the river. It's got these narrow cobblestone streets and small cafés where people sit outside in summer. The whole area really comes alive in the evenings, and it's where most of my friends and I tend to meet up.

Q3. Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?

Oh, definitely. When I was growing up, the waterfront was mostly industrial, just warehouses and a few shops. Now it's been redeveloped into a sort of cultural district with restaurants and galleries. The pace of change in the last decade has been pretty dramatic.

Topic 2: Music

Q1. What type of music do you enjoy listening to the most?

I'd say indie rock, mostly. There's something about the rawer, less polished sound that I find really appealing. I also dip into a bit of jazz when I want something more relaxing, especially in the evenings or when I'm trying to focus on work.

Q2. Have your musical tastes changed since you were younger?

Yeah, quite a lot actually. As a teenager I was into pretty heavy stuff, lots of loud guitars and angry lyrics. These days I lean towards much more mellow, acoustic music. I think my tastes have just calmed down as I've gotten older.

Q3. Do you prefer listening to live performances or recorded tracks?

Honestly, I prefer live performances. There's an energy and a sort of shared experience you just can't get from a recording. That said, on a daily basis I obviously listen to recorded tracks far more often, since it's not like you can go to concerts every week.

Topic 3: Shopping

Q1. Do you enjoy shopping for new clothes?

Not particularly, to be honest. I find it a bit overwhelming, especially in big malls. I tend to know what I want before I go in, grab it, and leave. I have friends who treat shopping as a hobby, but I'm definitely not one of them.

Q2. Where do you usually buy your groceries?

Mostly at a local supermarket about ten minutes from my flat. It's not the cheapest option, but it's convenient and the produce is decent. For bigger shops or anything specialised, I'll occasionally go to a larger store on the edge of town.

Q3. Do you prefer shopping online or in a physical store?

It really depends on what I'm buying. For everyday stuff like books or basic clothes, online is so much easier. But for things I want to see in person, like shoes or fresh food, I'd much rather go to a physical shop.

Topic 4: Accommodation

Q1. Do you live in a house or an apartment?

I live in an apartment, on the third floor of a small building. It's a one-bedroom place, which suits me fine for now since I live alone. I do sometimes miss the space and the garden you get with a proper house, though.

Q2. What is your favourite room in your home?

Definitely the living room. It gets really nice afternoon light through the big window, and I've set it up with a comfortable sofa and some bookshelves. It's where I read, watch films, and basically spend most of my evenings.

Q3. Is there anything you would like to change about your home?

Yeah, I'd love a bit more storage, to be honest. The kitchen is quite tight on cupboard space, so things end up on the counter. If I were renovating, I'd probably knock out a bit of the wall and fit in some proper built-in shelving.

Topic 5: Shoes

Q1. Do you prefer comfortable shoes or fashionable shoes?

Comfortable shoes, no question. I walk a lot, and I learned the hard way that fashionable but uncomfortable shoes are just not worth it. I'd much rather have a slightly plain pair of trainers that I can wear all day than something that looks great but hurts.

Q2. How often do you buy new shoes?

Not very often, maybe once or twice a year. I tend to wear my shoes out properly before replacing them, especially my everyday trainers. I'm not really one for having a big collection, so I'll usually have two or three pairs in rotation.

Q3. Have you ever bought shoes online?

Yeah, a few times actually. It's hit and miss. When you know the brand and your size, it's fine. But there was one pair I ordered that looked completely different in real life, and I had to send them back, which was a hassle.

Topic 6: Museums

Q1. Do you often visit museums or art galleries?

Not as often as I'd like, honestly. Maybe two or three times a year, usually when there's a special exhibition I've heard about. I think they're great places, I just don't always make the time. It's something I'd like to do more of.

Q2. What kind of museums do you find the most interesting?

I'm really drawn to history museums, especially ones about ancient civilisations. There's something about seeing actual objects from thousands of years ago that just hits differently than reading about them. Modern art galleries are harder for me to connect with, I'll admit.

Q3. Did you go to museums when you were a child?

Yes, quite a bit. My parents used to take us most weekends in the summer holidays. I have these strong memories of dinosaur skeletons and dark rooms with ancient pottery. I think those visits are partly why I still enjoy them now.

Topic 7: Work or Study

Q1. Do you work or are you a student?

I'm a student, currently in my final year of an engineering degree. It's been a long road, but I'm just about to start working on my dissertation, so the end is in sight. I'm at a university about an hour from my hometown.

Q2. What do you find most difficult about your work or studies?

Probably staying focused during long, technical lectures, to be honest. The maths gets pretty dense at times, and if you switch off for even a few minutes, you can lose the thread of an entire argument. I have to really push myself to keep up.

Q3. Do you plan to change your job or study field in the future?

Yeah, I'm hoping to move into something more practical, ideally in the renewable energy sector. The engineering degree is a good foundation, but I'd like to do a master's afterwards to specialise. We'll see where I end up, but that's the rough plan.

Topic 8: Bags

Q1. Do you usually carry a bag when you go out?

Yeah, pretty much always. I carry a small backpack with my laptop, a water bottle, and a few other bits and pieces. I feel a bit lost without one, actually, especially if I'm going out for more than a few hours.

Q2. What kind of bags do you prefer to use?

I'm a backpack person, definitely. They distribute the weight evenly, and they leave your hands free, which is great when you're on a train or carrying coffee. I have friends who prefer shoulder bags, but I find those end up hurting after a while.

Q3. Have you ever lost a bag?

Yeah, once at the airport, which was a bit of a nightmare. I left my bag at security and didn't realise until I got to the gate. Luckily someone had handed it in, but I had a stressful ten minutes thinking everything was gone.

Topic 9: Colours

Q1. What is your favourite colour?

I'd have to say a deep, dark green. It's somehow both calming and rich at the same time. I tend to gravitate towards it in clothes and even in things like notebooks and bags. I think I just find it more interesting than the standard navy or grey.

Q2. Do you usually wear clothes in dark or light colours?

Mostly darker colours, I'd say. I have a wardrobe full of black, grey, and dark green. I find darker shades easier to mix and match, and they hide the wear and tear better. I do occasionally throw in a brighter shirt for variety.

Q3. Are there any colours you would not want to paint your walls?

Probably very bright orange or yellow. I just can't imagine relaxing in a room painted in something that loud. I think wall colours should be calming, so I'd stick to neutrals or soft, muted tones rather than anything that screams for attention.

Topic 10: Art

Q1. Do you like looking at paintings or sculptures?

Yeah, I really enjoy it. There's something about standing in front of a painting that's been around for centuries that you just don't get from a screen. I'm probably more drawn to paintings than sculptures, but I'll happily look at both.

Q2. How often do you visit art galleries or museums?

Not as often as I'd like, maybe three or four times a year. There's a fairly big gallery in my city, and I tend to go whenever they put on a new exhibition. Smaller local galleries I almost never visit, which I should probably change.

Q3. Did you enjoy drawing or painting when you were a child?

Yes, quite a lot. I went through a phase, maybe around eight or nine, where I drew constantly. Mostly fantasy stuff, dragons and castles. I wasn't particularly good, but I really loved it. I lost interest later, which is a bit of a shame.

Topic 11: Bicycles

Q1. Do you know how to ride a bicycle?

Yeah, I learned when I was probably about six or seven. My dad taught me in our local park. I haven't ridden one in a few years now, but I'm sure I could still do it. As they say, you never really forget.

Q2. How popular are bicycles in your hometown?

Not very, to be honest. The city is quite hilly, and the roads aren't really designed for cyclists, so most people stick to cars or public transport. There's been some talk recently of adding bike lanes, but progress has been slow.

Q3. Would you like to use a bicycle more often in the future?

I'd love to, actually. If they built proper cycle paths, I'd definitely use a bike to get to work. It would be cheaper, healthier, and probably faster than sitting in traffic. The infrastructure just isn't there at the moment, sadly.

Topic 12: Sports and Exercise

Q1. What types of exercise are popular in your country?

Football is huge here, both watching and playing. Running has also become really popular over the last few years, especially since the pandemic. You see a lot of people out jogging in the evenings. Cycling is growing too, though it's more of a weekend thing.

Q2. Do you prefer exercising indoors or outdoors?

Outdoors, definitely. I find treadmills and indoor gyms a bit soul-destroying, honestly. Being outside, even in less than perfect weather, just makes the whole thing more enjoyable. The only time I'd choose indoors is if it's really pouring rain.

Q3. Is there a new sport or activity you would like to try?

Yeah, I've been meaning to try rock climbing for ages. A friend of mine has been going to an indoor climbing wall for a year or so, and from what he says, it sounds like a really good workout that's also a lot of fun.

Topic 13: Photography

Q1. Do you like taking photographs?

Yeah, I really enjoy it, although I'd say I'm strictly an amateur. I mostly use my phone these days rather than a proper camera. I love capturing little moments when I'm travelling, but I'm not trying to be an artist about it.

Q2. Do you prefer taking photos of people or places?

Probably places, actually. I find landscapes and street scenes much easier to compose than portraits. With people, I always feel a bit awkward, like I'm intruding. Whereas with a view or an interesting building, you can take your time and not worry about it.

Q3. How do you usually store or share your photos?

I just keep them on my phone, mostly, with the occasional backup to the cloud. I almost never print anything, which is a shame in some ways. Sometimes I share the better ones on Instagram, but most of them just sit in my camera roll.

Topic 14: Watches

Q1. Do you usually wear a watch?

Not really, no. I used to wear one years ago, but since smartphones came along, I just check the time on my phone. The only time I really feel the lack is when I'm in a meeting and I don't want to be rude by pulling out my phone.

Q2. Have you ever received a watch as a gift?

Yeah, I got a nice one from my parents when I graduated from university. It was a really thoughtful gift, and I do wear it occasionally for special occasions. It mostly sits in a drawer these days, though, which probably says something about my habits.

Q3. Do you think people will still wear watches in the future?

I think so, yeah, but probably less than they used to. Some people see watches as a fashion accessory or a status symbol, and that's not going away. Smartwatches have also given the whole category a kind of second life, even if they're a different thing.

Topic 15: Clothes

Q1. What type of clothes do you usually wear during the week?

Pretty casual stuff during the week, honestly. Jeans, a T-shirt, and a sweater if it's cold. I work from home a couple of days a week, so I don't have to dress up much. On the days I go into the office, I'll smarten it up a bit.

Q2. Do you prefer shopping for clothes online or in physical stores?

I lean more towards physical stores for clothes, I think. The sizing online is so inconsistent across brands that I find it easier just to try things on. Online is fine for basics like socks or T-shirts, but for anything else I'd rather see it.

Q3. Is there a traditional item of clothing from your country that you like?

Yeah, we have a really beautiful traditional dress that people wear for weddings and big festivals. It's not something I'd wear every day, obviously, but I do really love seeing it on people, and I think it's important to keep those traditions alive.

Topic 16: Science

Q1. Did you enjoy learning science subjects at school?

Some of them, yeah. I really enjoyed biology, especially the parts about ecosystems and evolution. Physics I found more of a struggle, particularly anything involving heavy maths. Chemistry was somewhere in the middle, decent in theory and fun in the practical lessons.

Q2. How often do you watch science programs or documentaries?

Quite often, actually. I'm a big fan of nature documentaries, and I'll happily watch anything about space or the deep ocean. I find it's a really good way to learn while also switching off after a long day at work.

Q3. Do you think science is important for everyday life?

Absolutely, I think it shapes almost everything around us, whether we notice it or not. From the medicines we take to the technology we use, it's all built on science. I think basic scientific literacy is probably one of the most useful things you can have.

Topic 17: Mirrors

Q1. How often do you look in a mirror?

Probably more often than I realise, to be honest. I check in the morning when I'm getting ready, again before I leave the house, and then occasionally throughout the day. It's not a vanity thing, more just making sure I haven't got something on my face.

Q2. Do you usually buy mirrors as decorations for your home?

I have, actually. I bought a fairly large round mirror for my hallway a few years ago, and it really opens the space up. They're useful as well as decorative, since the hallway gets quite dark otherwise. I wouldn't have lots of them, though.

Q3. Would you ever buy clothes without looking in a mirror first?

Probably not, no. With clothes especially, the fit matters so much that I'd want to check before buying. Without a mirror, you're really just guessing. The only exception would be something I've bought before and know works for me.

Topic 18: Weather

Q1. What kind of weather do you like most?

I'm a big fan of cool, autumn weather, around 15 degrees with a bit of sun. It's the kind of weather where you can wear a jumper without overheating, and the light has this lovely golden quality. Summer heat I find a bit too much, honestly.

Q2. How does the weather affect your mood?

Quite a lot, more than I'd like to admit. A grey, drizzly week can really drag me down, while a few bright mornings tend to put me in a much better frame of mind. I try not to let it dictate everything, but it definitely has an effect.

Q3. Does it rain often where you live?

Yeah, fairly often actually. We get a lot of rain in the autumn and winter, sometimes for days on end. The summers are usually drier, but even then you'd expect a thunderstorm every few weeks. It's just one of those things you get used to here.

Topic 19: Friends

Q1. How often do you meet your friends?

Probably once a week or so, on average. We usually meet at a café or someone's flat. Life's been busier lately, so it's not as often as it used to be in university days, but I try to make sure we catch up regularly.

Q2. What do you and your friends like to do together?

Mostly pretty low-key stuff, to be honest. We'll go for coffee or dinner, sometimes a walk if the weather's nice. Every few months we'll try to do something a bit bigger, like a day trip or going to a gig. Nothing wildly exciting.

Q3. Do you prefer having one best friend or many friends?

Honestly, a small group of close friends suits me better than a huge circle of acquaintances. I find it easier to keep up with a few people properly than to spread myself thin trying to maintain dozens of casual friendships, which always seems to fade.

Topic 20: Mobile Phones

Q1. How often do you use your mobile phone each day?

Probably way too much, if I'm being honest. Several hours a day, easily. Some of that is genuinely useful, like messaging or navigation, but a lot of it is just scrolling through social media when I should probably be doing something else.

Q2. What do you mostly use your phone for?

Mostly for messaging friends and family, and for music when I'm out and about. I also use it for maps, banking, and as a basic camera. I try to keep social media use down, but it still creeps in more than I'd like.

Q3. Did you have a mobile phone when you were a child?

No, mobile phones weren't really a thing for kids when I was younger. I think I got my first one when I was about thirteen, and even then it was just a basic one for texts and calls. Smartphones came along much later for me.

Topic 21: Trees and Nature

Q1. Are there many trees where you live?

Yeah, fortunately quite a lot. There's a big park about five minutes from where I live, and the streets are lined with trees as well. I think that makes a huge difference to how a city feels. Without them, everything would be much harsher.

Q2. Have you ever planted a tree?

I have, actually. We planted a small tree in our garden when I was about ten, after my grandfather passed away. It's still there now, and it's grown into a really beautiful tree. Every time I visit my parents, I notice how much bigger it's got.

Q3. Do you like spending time in places with lots of nature?

Definitely. There's something really calming about being out in the countryside or in a forest. I try to get out of the city at least once a month, even just for a long walk. It clears my head in a way that nothing else really does.

Topic 22: Hats

Q1. Do you often wear hats?

Not really, no. I have a couple of beanie hats for winter that I'll throw on when it's really cold, and a basic cap for when I'm at the beach. Beyond that, I don't think of myself as a hat person. They never quite suit my head shape.

Q2. Did you wear hats when you were a child?

Yeah, my mum used to put a sun hat on me whenever we went to the park in summer. I hated it at the time and kept trying to take it off. Looking back now, of course, I can see she was just trying to protect me from sunburn.

Q3. Is it common to wear hats in your country?

It's quite mixed, I'd say. In winter, plenty of people wear beanies or wool hats just to stay warm. In summer, you see a lot of caps, especially among younger people. It's not really part of formal dress here, though, the way it might be elsewhere.

Topic 23: Emails

Q1. Do you often write emails?

Yeah, probably more than I'd like, especially for work. I get a constant stream of them through the day, and I have to write maybe ten or fifteen replies myself. Outside of work, I hardly write any personal emails. That's mostly moved to messaging apps.

Q2. Do you prefer to write an email or make a phone call?

It depends on the situation. For anything detailed or formal, I'd much rather write an email. You can take your time and be precise. For quick questions or anything urgent, a phone call is way more efficient than a back-and-forth email chain.

Q3. What kinds of emails do you receive that make you happy?

The ones from old friends I haven't heard from in a while. They're rare, but when they do show up, they really make my day. Newsletters from things I'm actually interested in are nice too, although those are more functional than emotional.

Topic 24: Laughter

Q1. What usually makes you laugh?

Honestly, weird, observational humour. The kind where someone points out something everyone has noticed but never said out loud. Stand-up comedy is great for that. I also laugh a lot when I'm with close friends, where everything somehow ends up being funny.

Q2. Do you prefer watching funny films or reading funny books?

Funny films, probably. There's something about good comedic timing that's just impossible to replicate in writing. A book can make me smile, but it rarely makes me actually laugh out loud. A really good comedy film can do that several times in ninety minutes.

Q3. Is it important for friends to laugh together?

Absolutely, I'd say it's one of the most important things, actually. The friends I'm closest to are the ones I laugh with the most. If you can't share a joke with someone, the friendship tends not to go very deep, in my experience.

Topic 25: Mathematics

Q1. Were you good at math when you were in school?

I was reasonably good at it, but I wouldn't call myself naturally gifted. I had to work for it. The basics came fine, but once you got into the more abstract stuff, like calculus, I had to really put the hours in to keep up with my classmates.

Q2. Do you often use math in your daily life now?

Probably not as much as I should, to be honest. I use basic arithmetic all the time, working out bills, tips, and so on. Anything more advanced has mostly disappeared from my daily routine, which I sometimes regret a little bit.

Q3. Do you think it is difficult to learn mathematics well?

Yes, I'd say so. There's a sort of stacking effect with maths. If you miss a concept early on, everything that builds on it becomes much harder. So even if you're trying hard, falling behind once can make catching up really difficult later.

Topic 26: Languages

Q1. Do you currently study any foreign languages?

Yeah, I've been chipping away at Spanish for about a year now, mostly through a language app. I'm not fluent by any means, but I can hold a basic conversation, and I really enjoy the process of slowly understanding more and more.

Q2. What is the most difficult aspect of learning a new language?

For me, it's definitely speaking, not so much grammar. I can read and write reasonably well, but speaking in real time is much harder. You don't have the time to think, and you're constantly worrying about making mistakes in front of someone.

Q3. Would you like to learn another language in the future?

Yeah, I'd love to pick up Italian at some point. I've been to Italy a few times and I've always loved the way the language sounds. Once my Spanish gets to a comfortable level, I think Italian will be a natural next step.

Topic 27: Gifts

Q1. How often do you buy gifts for other people?

Probably about ten times a year, between birthdays, Christmas, and a few other occasions. It's not a huge number, but I do try to put some thought into each one rather than just grabbing something generic at the last minute.

Q2. Do you find it easy to choose gifts for your friends?

It really depends on the friend. For the ones I see often, I usually have a decent idea of what they'd like, so it's easier. For people I see less, it gets trickier. I sometimes end up asking their family for hints, just to be safe.

Q3. What is the best gift you have ever received?

Probably a really nice fountain pen my grandfather gave me when I started university. It wasn't expensive, but the fact that it had been his, and that he wrote me a card explaining what it meant, made it something I'll keep forever.

Topic 28: Collecting Things

Q1. Did you collect anything when you were a child?

Yeah, I had a pretty serious collection of football stickers for a few years. Every season I'd try to fill the album, which was almost impossible without trading with friends at school. It was a real social thing as much as an actual collection.

Q2. Do you still collect things now?

Not really, no. I let the sticker thing go once I hit my teens, and nothing has really replaced it. I do tend to hold on to books, though. My shelves are completely full, and I'd say that's about as close as I get to collecting these days.

Q3. Why do you think people like collecting things?

I think people just enjoy the sense of progress and order it gives you. There's something satisfying about completing a set, whether it's stamps, records, or anything else. It's also a way of holding on to memories from a particular time in your life.

Topic 29: Boredom

Q1. What do you usually do when you feel bored?

Usually I'll read a book or go for a walk, depending on the time of day. If I'm really stuck, I'll text a friend and see if anyone's free for a coffee. I try not to just scroll through my phone, although I don't always succeed.

Q2. Did you often get bored when you were a child?

Oh, all the time. I remember whole afternoons of summer where I'd just lie on the floor saying I was bored, until my mum finally suggested I go outside. Looking back, I think being bored as a kid actually pushed me to be more creative.

Q3. Do you think school or work can be boring sometimes?

Definitely. Some meetings at work feel like they're designed to be as dull as possible. School was the same, especially with subjects that didn't interest me. I think a bit of boredom is probably unavoidable, but the trick is not letting it take over.

Topic 30: Neighborhood

Q1. How long have you lived there?

I've been here for about six years now. I moved in just after I started my first proper job, and I've stayed put ever since. I'd thought about moving a couple of times, but each time I look around, I realise I really like it here.

Q2. Are there many parks or green spaces nearby?

Yeah, there's a really nice park about two streets away, and a smaller one a bit further along the river. They're not huge, but they're well looked after. I tend to do most of my running there, especially in the evenings when it's quieter.

Q3. Is it a good place for families with children?

I'd say so, yes. There's a good primary school, a couple of safe parks, and the streets aren't too busy with traffic. I see a lot of families with young kids around, which I think is usually a good sign for any neighbourhood.

Topic 31: Food

Q1. What kind of food do you like best?

I'm a huge fan of Italian food, honestly. There's something about a really good plate of pasta that I never get tired of. I also love spicier dishes, so Thai and Indian food come up a lot when I'm choosing where to eat out.

Q2. Have your eating habits changed since you were younger?

Yeah, quite a bit. As a kid I was a really picky eater, mostly just plain things like pasta with butter. Now I'll happily try almost anything, even foods I'd have refused outright as a child. Growing up definitely broadened my tastes.

Q3. Are people in your country eating more healthily than they used to?

I'd say so, slowly. There's a lot more awareness now around things like processed foods and added sugar, and you see more vegan and vegetarian options in supermarkets. That said, fast food is still pretty popular, so the picture isn't entirely rosy.

Topic 32: Reading

Q1. Do you enjoy reading in your free time?

Yeah, I really do. It's one of the few things that genuinely helps me wind down at the end of the day. I'll usually read for half an hour or so before bed, although I'll happily lose a whole afternoon to a book if I have the time.

Q2. What kinds of books do you usually read?

Mostly fiction, especially literary fiction and crime novels. I go through phases. At the moment I'm reading a lot of contemporary Japanese authors. I'll dip into non-fiction occasionally, usually science or history, but novels are my main thing.

Q3. Did you read more or less when you were a child?

Definitely more when I was a child. I had so much more free time, and I'd plough through books in a few days. Now, between work and everything else, it takes me a couple of weeks to finish a novel. I do miss having that uninterrupted reading time.

Topic 33: Films

Q1. Do you often watch films?

Yeah, fairly regularly. Probably one or two a week, usually in the evening with my partner. We tend to go for things we wouldn't have to pay close attention to, since by that point in the day I'm not always up for something heavy.

Q2. Do you prefer watching films at the cinema or at home?

At home, almost always. There's something about being on your own sofa with snacks that I find more relaxing than the cinema. The cinema is great for big spectacle films, though, where the sound and screen really make a difference, like science fiction.

Q3. What kinds of films don't you like?

I'm not big on horror films, to be honest. I just don't enjoy the feeling of being scared, and I find a lot of them rely on jump scares rather than telling a good story. I'll happily skip those in favour of pretty much anything else.

Topic 34: Television

Q1. Do you watch much television?

Not in the traditional sense, no. I haven't really watched scheduled TV in years. Most of what I watch is on streaming services, which I suppose counts. Total screen time is probably an hour or so in the evening, give or take.

Q2. What kinds of programmes do you enjoy?

I really enjoy documentaries, particularly nature ones, and I'm a big fan of well-written drama series. I tend to avoid reality TV shows, which I find a bit hard to get into. Stand-up comedy specials are another favourite when I want to switch off completely.

Q3. Has the way people watch television changed in recent years?

Massively, I'd say. When I was younger, you'd watch whatever was on at a particular time. Now everyone watches on demand, on phones and laptops as much as TVs. The whole experience has become much more individual rather than something a family does together.

Topic 35: Family

Q1. Do you have a large family or a small family?

It's pretty small, actually. Just my parents, my younger sister, and me. I don't have many cousins, since both my parents were only children. So family gatherings are usually small but easy to organise, which has its own advantages.

Q2. How often do you see your relatives?

I see my parents and sister most weeks, since they all live within an hour's drive. Wider family I see much less, maybe two or three times a year, usually at weddings or big birthdays. I do try to call my grandparents fairly regularly.

Q3. Who are you closest to in your family?

Probably my sister, even though we're four years apart. We have very similar senses of humour and tastes in music, and we can talk for hours when we're together. I'm close to my parents too, but in a slightly different way.

Topic 36: Cooking

Q1. Do you enjoy cooking?

Yeah, I really do, although I wouldn't call myself an expert. I find it quite relaxing after work, especially when I'm not in a rush. There's something satisfying about turning a bunch of raw ingredients into a proper meal in half an hour.

Q2. Did you learn to cook from anyone in your family?

Mostly from my mum, definitely. She let me help her in the kitchen from a really young age, even when I was probably more of a hindrance than a help. A few of the dishes I cook most often are things she used to make for us.

Q3. Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out?

Honestly, cooking at home, most of the time. It's cheaper, and I usually prefer the result. Eating out is more about the social side for me, less about the food itself. So if I'm just hungry, I'd rather make something at home.

Topic 37: Restaurants

Q1. How often do you eat at restaurants?

Probably once a week, on average. Usually on a Friday or Saturday evening with friends or my partner. I don't really go out for lunch much, since I tend to bring something from home, but dinner out is a fairly regular thing for me.

Q2. What kinds of restaurants do you like best?

I love small, family-run places, especially ones that focus on a single cuisine and do it really well. Big chain restaurants leave me a bit cold. The food is usually fine, but there's no personality. I'd rather pay a bit more for somewhere with character.

Q3. Do you prefer fast food or sit-down restaurants?

Sit-down restaurants, no contest. I really enjoy the whole experience of being out for a meal, not just the food. Fast food is fine when you're in a rush, but I wouldn't choose it if I had time and a decent restaurant nearby.

Topic 38: Public Transport

Q1. Do you often use public transport?

Yeah, more or less daily. I take the metro to work and back, and I'll often use buses on the weekend if I'm going somewhere a bit further. I don't drive much in the city, since parking is such a nightmare and the metro is usually faster anyway.

Q2. What is your favourite way to travel in your city?

I'd have to say the metro. It's clean, frequent, and you can pretty much guarantee how long your journey will take. Buses are useful, but they get caught up in traffic. The metro just bypasses all of that, which makes it a much smoother experience.

Q3. Has public transport changed much in your country recently?

Yes, quite a lot actually. They've extended the metro line a few times in the last decade, and the buses are slowly being replaced with electric ones. It's not all perfect, but you can see real investment going in, which is encouraging.

Topic 39: Driving

Q1. Do you have a driving licence?

Yeah, I got it when I was eighteen, although I'd say I'm not a particularly confident driver. I don't actually own a car, so I only drive when I'm visiting my parents or renting one for a road trip. My city has decent public transport, fortunately.

Q2. How important is having a car in your country?

Really important outside the cities, I'd say. If you live in a small town or in the countryside, you basically can't get around without one. In big cities, it's much less essential, especially if there's a good metro or train network.

Q3. Would you like to learn to drive a different type of vehicle?

Yeah, I'd love to learn to ride a motorbike, actually. It looks like a fun way to get around in the summer, especially. The lessons are a real time commitment, though, so it's something I've been putting off. Maybe in the next few years.

Topic 40: Holidays

Q1. Where do you usually go on holiday?

Usually somewhere in Europe, since flights are quick and the variety is incredible. I went to Portugal last summer and Italy the year before. Occasionally I'll go further afield, but I find the short flight times in Europe make the holiday itself feel longer.

Q2. Do you prefer short or long holidays?

Honestly, a mix. Long holidays are great when you want to really switch off, but they're also expensive and harder to organise. I find a long weekend away every couple of months keeps me refreshed without using up all my annual leave.

Q3. What is the best holiday you've ever had?

Probably a trip I took to Japan a few years ago. Two weeks split between Tokyo and Kyoto. The mix of huge cities and traditional temples was just incredible, and the food was on another level. I'd go back tomorrow if I could.

Topic 41: Sleep

Q1. How many hours do you usually sleep each night?

Usually around seven hours, give or take. I try to be in bed by eleven on weeknights, but I don't always manage it. On weekends I'll often sleep a bit longer, partly to make up for any short nights during the week.

Q2. Do you take naps during the day?

Hardly ever, to be honest. If I do nap, I find I wake up groggy and it ruins my evening. The only time I'll really sleep during the day is on a long flight, and even then, it's not exactly restful.

Q3. Is it easy for you to fall asleep at night?

Most of the time, yes. I'm one of those people who can drop off pretty quickly once my head hits the pillow. The exceptions are when I've had too much coffee in the afternoon, or when I've got something stressful on my mind from work.

Topic 42: Dreams

Q1. Do you usually remember your dreams?

Sometimes, but only the more vivid ones. I'll wake up and remember bits of a dream for a few minutes, and then it usually fades by the time I've had breakfast. Most of my dreams I forget completely the moment I open my eyes.

Q2. Have you ever had a dream that came true?

Not really, no. I've had occasional moments of déjà vu where something felt familiar from a dream, but I'm pretty sure that's just my brain playing tricks. I don't think any of my actual dreams have ever predicted real events.

Q3. Do you think dreams have any meaning?

I'm a bit on the fence, honestly. I don't think they're prophecies or anything mystical, but I do think they often reflect things you've been thinking or worrying about. So in that sense they can be revealing, even if they're not really mysterious messages.

Topic 43: Time Management

Q1. How do you usually manage your time?

I rely heavily on a calendar app, honestly. I'll put almost everything in it, from meetings to small personal things like calling my parents. Without it, I'd be a mess. I also write a short to-do list each morning, which helps me focus on what actually matters.

Q2. Do you ever feel that you don't have enough time?

All the time, especially during busy periods at work. There always seems to be more I want to do than the day allows. The trick I'm slowly learning is to be more realistic about what's actually achievable, instead of trying to cram everything in.

Q3. Is being on time important to you?

Yes, really important. I think being late, especially without warning, sends the wrong message about how much you value the other person's time. I'd much rather arrive ten minutes early and wait around than make someone else wait for me.

Topic 44: Memory

Q1. Do you have a good memory?

I'd say my memory is decent for some things and terrible for others. I'm great with faces and conversations, but absolutely hopeless with names. People I've met dozens of times, I'll still draw a complete blank on their name when I bump into them.

Q2. What kinds of things do you tend to forget?

Names, definitely, as I said. Also small everyday tasks, like buying milk when I'm at the shop. If it isn't in my calendar or on a list, there's a decent chance I'll just forget it, especially when I'm busy or tired.

Q3. What's a good way to remember important things?

Honestly, just writing things down. Whether it's a note on my phone or a sticky note on the fridge, the simple act of writing it out helps it stick. I've stopped trying to rely on my memory for anything important, which has been a relief.

Topic 45: Patience

Q1. Are you a patient person?

I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle. I'm pretty patient with people, especially if I can see they're trying. I'm much less patient with things like slow internet or being on hold to a call centre, which can drive me up the wall.

Q2. In what situations do you have to be patient?

Mostly at work, to be honest, when projects move more slowly than I'd like. Also any kind of bureaucracy, dealing with banks or government offices. Those situations test my patience the most. Outside of those, I find I can usually stay quite calm.

Q3. Do you think patience is an important quality?

Definitely. Almost anything worthwhile, learning a language, building a career, even keeping up a friendship, takes time. People who can't tolerate slow progress tend to give up, which is a real shame. Patience isn't glamorous, but it's a hugely underrated quality.

Topic 46: Cafés

Q1. Do you often visit cafés?

Yeah, fairly regularly. Maybe twice a week, on average. I'll go either to catch up with a friend over coffee or to work for a couple of hours when I want a change of scenery from my flat. A good café can be really energising.

Q2. What do you usually order at a café?

Almost always a flat white, honestly. I'm quite predictable that way. If it's the afternoon I might add a small pastry on the side. I've tried more elaborate drinks, but I always end up coming back to the same thing.

Q3. Do you prefer studying at home or in a café?

It depends on what I'm working on. For anything that needs deep focus, like writing or reading, I prefer home, since it's quieter. For lighter tasks like answering emails, a café actually helps. The background buzz keeps me from getting too distracted by my own thoughts.

Topic 47: Pets

Q1. Do you have a pet?

Not at the moment, no, though I've been thinking about it. My flat is a bit small for a dog, and I'm out of the house quite a lot, which wouldn't be fair on one. A cat might be more realistic, but I haven't quite committed to the idea yet.

Q2. What kinds of pets are popular in your country?

Dogs and cats are by far the most common, with dogs probably edging it overall. Smaller pets like rabbits and hamsters are popular with families that have kids. Fish are another classic choice for people who don't have a lot of space or time.

Q3. Did you have a pet when you were a child?

Yeah, we had a really lovely dog, a golden retriever called Max. We got him when I was about seven, and he was around for most of my childhood. Looking back, I think he probably taught me more about responsibility than most things in school did.

Topic 48: Birthdays

Q1. How do you usually celebrate your birthday?

Pretty low-key, these days. Usually a meal out with a small group of close friends or family. I'm not really one for big parties as an adult. The most important thing for me is just spending the day with the people I care about most.

Q2. Did you have big birthday parties as a child?

Yeah, my parents always made a real fuss when I was little. There'd be a homemade cake, a theme, and a small group of friends from school. Looking back, it must have been a lot of effort for them, but I really appreciated it.

Q3. Are birthdays as important to adults as they are to children?

I'd say less, generally. As a kid, your birthday feels like the biggest day of the year. As an adult, especially once you've had a few of them, it becomes more of a quiet milestone. That said, the big ones, like turning thirty or forty, still feel important.

Topic 49: Names

Q1. Does your name have a special meaning?

Yeah, actually, it does. It comes from an old word in my language that roughly means "bright" or "shining". I'm not sure my parents were thinking quite that deeply when they chose it, but I quite like having a name with an actual meaning behind it.

Q2. Do you like your name?

I do, yes. It's relatively unusual without being too unusual, which feels like a good balance. I rarely meet other people with the same name, but it's also easy enough to pronounce that I'm not constantly correcting people. So overall, no complaints.

Q3. Is it common in your country to name children after relatives?

It used to be a lot more common, especially with grandparents. You'd often find children named after their grandfathers or grandmothers as a sign of respect. These days, parents are more likely to pick a name they simply like the sound of, rather than following family tradition.

Topic 50: Social Media

Q1. Do you use social media often?

Probably more than is good for me, honestly. Most evenings I'll find myself scrolling for half an hour or so without really meaning to. I've tried cutting back a few times, with mixed success. It's a hard habit to break once it's built up.

Q2. Which social media platforms do you use most?

Instagram is the one I open most often, mostly to see what friends are up to and to follow a few accounts about food and travel. I have a Twitter account but barely use it now. TikTok I never really got into, which probably makes me a bit unusual.

Q3. Has social media changed the way people stay in touch?

Massively, I'd say. It's now really easy to keep loose contact with people you'd otherwise lose touch with, like old school friends. The downside is that it can replace deeper conversation. You see what someone's doing without ever really catching up properly.