Questions and sample answers
Do you prefer coffee or tea?
Tea, mainly. In my family we drink green tea all day, usually from small bowls called piyola. I do enjoy a cappuccino with friends, but I rarely make coffee at home.
When do you usually drink it?
I have black tea with breakfast and then again in the evening, often with sweets or dried fruit. If I have a long study session, I sometimes switch to coffee to stay alert.
Is tea important in your culture?
Very. Tea is served to every guest as soon as they arrive, and refusing it can seem impolite. A chaikhana, or tea house, is also a traditional place to relax and talk.
Have you ever tried a new kind of tea or coffee?
Yes, I once tried matcha at a café in Tashkent. It was a little bitter and grassy, so I didn't like it at first, but I got used to it. I now order it occasionally.
Do you think coffee shops are popular in your country?
More and more. Over the last decade, many new cafés have opened, and young people use them for studying and meetings. Some are cosy, with good Wi-Fi, so people stay for hours.
Do you think drinking coffee is healthy?
In moderation, I believe so. A cup or two can improve concentration, but too much affects sleep and makes some people anxious. Tea seems gentler, particularly green tea without sugar.
Useful vocabulary
- brew — make tea or coffee by adding hot water
- bitter — having a sharp, not sweet taste
- caffeine — a substance in coffee and tea that keeps you alert
- tea house — a place to drink tea and relax
- herbal tea — tea made from herbs or flowers
- stay alert — remain awake and focused
- acquired taste — something you learn to like over time
Tips for this topic
- Introduce one cultural detail (tea for guests, a tea house) to make your answer original.
- Use comparisons: tea is gentler than coffee.
- Use in moderation to give a balanced health opinion.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.