Rules, comparisons and data

Can you ask for a different topic in IELTS Speaking?

No. IDP says you cannot ask the Speaking examiner for an alternative topic. It adds that it is fine if you have no personal experience of the question: say why you have not had that experience, then talk around the topic or speculate. IELTS questions are designed so that no special knowledge is needed, and examiners assess your English, not your knowledge.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What IDP says

IDP answers this directly in its Speaking FAQ and related articles.

QuestionIDP answer
Can I ask for an alternative topic?No, but it is okay if you do not have any personal experience; mention why and speculate (IDP)
What if I don't have a story to tell?You are not expected to have an experience; mention why and talk around the topic (IDP)
Will I be penalised if I don't know the answer?Your knowledge of particular topics isn't being tested (IDP)
Do I need special knowledge?IELTS questions are designed for everyone to answer and need no special training or knowledge (IDP)

How to handle an unfamiliar topic

IDP's example: asked about a museum you have never visited, you might say you have never been to one but your parents enjoy the museum in your city (IDP). Saying too little is the real risk, IDP says, because it does not give enough to mark.

Talking around a gap is a skill the descriptors reward: Lexical Resource includes the ability to paraphrase, 'getting round a vocabulary gap by using other words' (Speaking key assessment criteria).

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If you did not understand the question

That is different from disliking the topic. You can ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a question; see asking the examiner to repeat.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change my Part 2 cue card?+

IDP says you cannot ask for an alternative topic. Use the preparation minute to plan what you can say.

What if I know nothing about the Part 3 topic?+

IDP says knowledge is not being tested. Give your view, draw on what you know of others' experience and explain your reasoning.

Can I say 'I don't know'?+

IDP advises not to stay quiet; explain why you don't know and say something related, because examiners need language to assess.

Will the examiner mark me down for a strange answer?+

IDP says examiners assess how you express ideas, not whether they agree or whether it is true.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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