IELTS Speaking Questions: Collecting things
Collecting questions in Part 1 ask about your own life: whether you collect anything now, what you kept as a child, where you store things and how you find them. A short, honest answer with one detail is enough, and if you collect nothing, say so and talk about something you have kept for years.
Part 3 asks why people collect, whether collecting is changing now that so much is digital, and what collections mean for museums, families and society. Prepare one clear opinion on why objects matter to people, with an example from a collection you know, rather than a memorised answer.
Part 1 questions
Short, personal, present-tense. Answer the question directly first, then add the one detail the tip suggests — the extension is what separates a one-line answer from a Band 7 one.
-
Do you collect anything?
How to extend itSay yes or no, then name the item or why not.
-
What did you collect when you were a child?
How to extend itName the item, then say why it appealed to you.
-
Do you know anyone who has an unusual collection?
How to extend itSay yes or no, then describe the collection briefly.
-
Where do you keep the things you collect?
How to extend itName a place, then say how you arrange them.
-
How do you usually find new items for a collection?
How to extend itDescribe a typical way, then give one recent example.
-
Is there anything you have kept for many years?
How to extend itName it, then say why you have not thrown it away.
-
Do you prefer collecting things or making things?
How to extend itPick one, then give a reason about enjoyment.
-
Do you like visiting museums or exhibitions of collections?
How to extend itSay yes or no, then mention one you remember.
-
Have you ever swapped or given away something you collected?
How to extend itSay yes or no, then explain what happened.
-
Why do you think some people enjoy collecting?
How to extend itGive one reason, then link it to your own experience.
-
Do you think collecting is a good hobby for children?
How to extend itGive a view, then one benefit or concern.
-
Would you like to start a collection in the future?
How to extend itSay yes or no, then name what it might be.
Part 3 questions
The same topic, pitched at the abstract level the examiner moves to after your cue card. These want reasoning — a position, a cause, an example, a concession — not a description of your own life.
-
Why do people collect things?
How to structure itGive one reason, then support it with an example.
-
Do collectors tend to be a particular type of person?
How to structure itState a view, then qualify it with a counterpoint.
-
Is collecting more popular among older people than younger ones?
How to structure itCompare the two groups, then suggest a reason.
-
How has the internet changed the way people collect things?
How to structure itName the main change, then one concrete effect.
-
Should important private collections be shared with the public?
How to structure itTake a position, then concede one practical concern.
-
What are the advantages and disadvantages of keeping a lot of belongings?
How to structure itCover both sides, then say which matters more.
-
Do you think digital collections will replace physical ones?
How to structure itPredict an outcome, then explain what drives it.
-
How can collecting teach children useful skills?
How to structure itName one skill, then explain how collecting builds it.
-
Does the desire to own things have a negative side in modern society?
How to structure itTake a side, then weigh one benefit against one drawback.
-
Why do some objects become more meaningful to people over time?
How to structure itGive one reason, then a personal or general example.
Say the answers out loud, then sit the whole test
Reading a question and answering it are different skills. Work through the list above aloud, then put the topic inside a full timed test where you cannot stop to think.
- Describe a hobby you would like to try Part 2 cue card, with the one-minute prep timer
- Describe something you own that you want to replace Part 2 cue card, with the one-minute prep timer
- Hobbies and free time vocabulary 30 band-graded phrases and a self-test
Part 1, a cue card, then Part 3 — timed, in your browser, about 13 minutes.
One cue card a day on Telegram
A new Part 2 card every morning, a vocabulary topic on Sundays.
Practise this with instant AI feedback
Record your answer in the app and get your grammar, vocabulary, fluency and pronunciation analysed in seconds.
Paid app: what it costs · billing and refunds · support
More topics
Books and reading
Part 1 and Part 3 IELTS Speaking questions on books and reading, from personal habits to the role of libraries and reading in society, with a tip per answer.
Daily Routine
Commonly reported IELTS Speaking questions about daily routine for Part 1 and Part 3, with short tips for extending your answers and structuring opinions.
Family and Friends
Commonly reported IELTS Speaking questions about family and friends for Part 1 and Part 3, with short tips for extending answers and structuring opinions.