How to Handle Unknown Speaking Topics

Imagine you're in the IELTS Speaking test and the examiner asks:
"Describe a traditional story from your country."
But your mind goes blank. No idea. Panic sets in.

This happens to even the best candidates — but it doesn't have to hurt your score. The key is to stay calm, use smart strategies, and show the examiner you can communicate clearly, even on unfamiliar topics.

Why You Might Get an Unknown Topic

IELTS Speaking is designed to test your language ability, not your knowledge. So the questions can feel a bit random — from traditional dishes to space tourism. If you're unprepared, it’s easy to freeze or ramble.

These topics challenge your ability to:

• Think quickly and organize ideas
• Paraphrase and extend answers
• Use “filler” or “buffer” phrases naturally
• Stay fluent and confident under pressure

Let’s break down exactly how to handle this.

Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Don’t Know the Topic

1. Buy Time With Buffer Phrases

Use natural-sounding phrases to pause and think:

• “That’s an interesting question. Let me think for a moment…”
• “I haven’t thought about that before, but I suppose…”
• “It’s not something I usually talk about, but…”

This gives you a few seconds to breathe and plan.

2. Make a Guess or Be Honest — Then Pivot

Don’t be afraid to say:

• “I don’t know much about that, but I’ll try to explain what I do know.”
• “I’m not sure about that topic exactly, but I can talk about something similar.”

Then shift to a related idea you are more comfortable with. This shows language control and adaptability.

3. Use Generic Structures to Build Your Answer

Even unfamiliar topics can follow familiar patterns. Use these:

• Describe — Explain — Give an Example — Share an Opinion

Example for “Describe a law in your country” (if you don’t know one):

"Well, I’m not sure about specific laws, but I think wearing helmets while riding motorbikes is a law. It helps reduce injuries. For example, in my city, it’s very common for police to stop people not wearing helmets. I think it's a useful law."

It’s simple, but coherent and fluent.

4. Practice Paraphrasing the Topic

If you don't fully understand the question, try rephrasing it aloud to clarify your thinking. For example:

• “So, you’re asking about a place I don’t usually go to?”
• “I think you mean a tradition that’s part of my culture, right?”

It buys time, shows understanding, and lets you reframe the topic.

👉 Learn more techniques in our blog:
How to Speak Fluently Without Pausing

Practice Strategy: Build Topic Flexibility

Use Cue Cards Regularly

Don’t just practice common topics. Add random, unusual prompts into your prep. This will improve your confidence and creativity.

Try adapting this cue card to different angles:
👉 Cue Card Sample: Describe a Place You Visited

Create a Mental Library

Think of 4–5 flexible topics you can use in different answers:

• A memorable vacation
• A traditional food from your country
• A teacher who inspired you
• A place you visit often
• A childhood memory

You can often connect these ideas to unusual topics when needed.

Common Mistakes When Faced With Unknown Topics

Mistake	Why It Hurts
❌ Freezing in silence	Signals lack of communication ability
❌ Saying “I don’t know” and stopping	Misses opportunity to show fluency
❌ Giving very short answers	Doesn’t show your range of vocabulary or grammar
❌ Repeating the same phrases	Sounds robotic and unprepared

Instead, aim to extend your answers, even if the topic isn’t familiar.

Practice Prompts: Test Yourself

Try answering these tricky topics with buffer phrases and structured responses:

1. Describe a plant grown in your country 🌿
2. Talk about a piece of technology you find difficult to use 💻
3. Describe a law or rule you disagree with ⚖️
4. Talk about a subject you didn’t enjoy at school 📚
5. Describe a story you heard when you were young 📖

Don’t worry about perfection — focus on sounding natural and organized.

🎯 Ready to Boost Your Band Score?

Practice with realistic, examiner-style mock exams for both Academic and General IELTS at 👉 ieltsexam.ai/ielts-mock-tests

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