Table of Contents
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Outer Space And Stars
Sample Answer 1
1. Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?
Yes, I have learned something about the universe as well as the planets back when I was in my middle school. At that time it was just some very basic knowledge, and later I also learned something while scrolling through TikTok. But I haven’t learned about it systematically.
2. Do you like science fiction movies? Why?
It’s hard to say. I don’t really have a very specific preference for the genres of movies, as long as it’s well made and the actors and actresses put on great performances — I would check it out regardless of whether it’s sci-fi or comedy. One thing about sci-fi movies I’d like to mention is that the concepts and theories can be difficult to understand. Sometimes you need to re-watch to figure out what’s going on — like Interstellar, which has terminologies and definitions around black holes that are hard to grasp. But I do love watching it if it’s good.
3. Do you want to know more about outer space?
Personally I’m not that into outer space — it’s an unexplored domain I’m really unfamiliar with, so I probably wouldn’t actively search for information about it.
4. Do you want to go into outer space in the future?
I’d love to, if it’s ever affordable to the general public. It feels like it would be a very novel experience — but only under the condition that the technology is mature enough to guarantee my safety. Otherwise I don’t want to risk my life for the experience. But I’d love to see Mother Earth from a distance and feel what it’s like to be out in the universe.
| Word / Phrase | CEFR | Type | Definition | Example Sentence |
| systematically | B2 | Adverb | In a thorough, organised, and methodical way; following a clear plan or system | She has never studied astronomy systematically but has picked up knowledge over time. |
| specific preference | B2 | Collocation | A clear, particular liking or inclination for one thing over others | He does not have a specific preference for any genre — he simply enjoys well-made films. |
| well made | B2 | Collocation | Produced with skill, care, and high quality in terms of craft or execution | As long as a film is well made and engaging, she will watch it regardless of genre. |
| put on great performances | B2 | Collocation | To deliver a high-quality, skilled, or impressive display of acting ability | The cast put on great performances that kept the audience thoroughly engaged throughout. |
| check it out | B2 | Phrasal verb | To look at, watch, or investigate something to see if it is worth one’s time or interest | A friend recommended the documentary, so she decided to check it out over the weekend. |
| concepts and theories | B2 | Collocation | Abstract ideas and explanatory frameworks used to understand complex topics or phenomena | The film deals with complex scientific concepts and theories that require careful attention. |
| figure out | B2 | Phrasal verb | To understand or find the answer to something after thinking carefully about it | She had to re-watch the film twice to figure out what was happening in the final scene. |
| terminologies | B2 | Noun | Specialised words and phrases used in a particular subject, field, or area of knowledge | The documentary uses a lot of scientific terminologies that can be hard to follow at first. |
| unfamiliar with | B2 | Collocation | Not knowing or having experience of something; lacking knowledge or awareness of it | He is quite unfamiliar with astronomy and finds the topic difficult to engage with. |
| actively search for | B2 | Phrase | To deliberately and intentionally look for or seek out information or something specific | She does not actively search for news about space, but reads it when it comes up. |
| affordable to the general public | B2 | Phrase | Priced or accessible in a way that ordinary people can realistically purchase or use | Electric cars are becoming more affordable to the general public as technology improves. |
| novel experience | C1 | Collocation | A new, original, and previously unknown experience that feels fresh and exciting | Living in zero gravity would be a truly novel experience unlike anything on Earth. |
| guarantee my safety | B2 | Collocation | To ensure or promise that one will not be harmed, injured, or put at serious risk | She would only agree to the trip if they could fully guarantee her safety throughout. |
| risk my life | B2 | Collocation | To put oneself in a situation where one’s life could be in danger or at serious risk | She loves adventure but would never risk her life simply for the thrill of it. |
| from a distance | B2 | Phrase | While remaining far away; observing or experiencing something without being close to it | Seeing the Earth from a distance is something many astronauts describe as life-changing. |
Sample Answer 2
1. Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?
Yes, because geography was one of the compulsory subjects during the high school and the middle school. So we have learned something about gravity, galaxy, and even something related to astronomy. So, you know, at that time, geography classes were always intriguing for me.
2. Do you like science fiction movies? Why?
Yes, you know, actually, I’m a big fan of sci-fi movies because I’m always fascinated by the special effects like the Marvel universe, I think. I should say it’s definitely a visual feast.
And also, I think sci-fi movies are always filled with stories which can be really exciting, thrilling, and very imaginative. So it always covers topics ranging from the human destiny, for example, to the end of the world.
3. Do you want to know more about outer space?
Yes, why not? Because outer space for me is always full of mystery. So I’m always curious about questions like the black hole and issues such as whether we human beings are the only life in the universe.
And also I’m very keen on topics of astronomy and astrology.
4. Do you want to go into outer space in the future?
I think maybe not. It’s quite an interesting question. I’ve never thought about it. Because I think going into the outer space should be quite demanding both mentally and physically. So I better enjoy my peaceful life at the moment. And also, it should be very risky and dangerous, but I’m not the kind of person who is adventurous a lot. So I would not like to have a try.
| Word / Phrase | CEFR | Type | Definition | Example Sentence |
| compulsory subjects | B2 | Collocation | Courses or classes that all students are required to study; mandatory | Geography and mathematics were compulsory subjects at her secondary school. |
| intriguing | C1 | Adjective | Very interesting or fascinating in a way that arouses curiosity and captures attention | She found the topic of black holes particularly intriguing and began reading extensively about it. |
| fascinated by | B2 | Collocation | Strongly attracted to or intensely interested in something | He has always been fascinated by the idea that other life forms might exist in the universe. |
| special effects | B2 | Collocation | Techniques used in films to create impressive or realistic visual or audio illusions | The sci-fi film was praised for its groundbreaking special effects and stunning cinematography. |
| visual feast | B2 | Collocation | Something that is extremely impressive, beautiful, or stunning to look at | The space documentary was a visual feast, showcasing breathtaking images from the Hubble telescope. |
| thrilling | B2 | Adjective | Causing a strong feeling of excitement, suspense, or exhilaration | The final scene of the sci-fi film was so thrilling that the entire audience held their breath. |
| imaginative | B2 | Adjective | Showing creativity and original thinking; full of inventive and interesting ideas | Sci-fi films are often praised for their imaginative storylines and thought-provoking concepts. |
| covers topics ranging from | B2 | Phrase | Includes or addresses a wide variety of subjects spanning from one area to another | The documentary covers topics ranging from the origins of the universe to the possibility of alien life. |
| full of mystery | B2 | Collocation | Containing many unknown, unexplained, or fascinating aspects that arouse curiosity | Outer space is full of mystery, with countless phenomena that scientists have yet to understand. |
| curious about | B2 | Collocation | Having a strong desire to know or learn about something; eager to understand | She is deeply curious about whether any form of life exists beyond our solar system. |
| keen on | B2 | Collocation | Very interested in or enthusiastic about a particular topic or activity | He has always been keen on astronomy and spends his weekends stargazing with his telescope. |
| demanding | B2 | Adjective | Requiring a great deal of effort, skill, endurance, or mental and physical ability | Space travel is both physically and mentally demanding, requiring years of rigorous training. |
| both mentally and physically | B2 | Phrase | Involving challenges or requirements for both the mind and the body simultaneously | Astronaut training is both mentally and physically gruelling, pushing candidates to their limits. |
| adventurous | B2 | Adjective | Willing to take risks and try new, exciting, or potentially dangerous experiences | She is not particularly adventurous and prefers the comfort and safety of familiar surroundings. |
Sample Answer 3
1. Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?
Well, when I was in university, I learned, like, nothing about outer space or what happens in the universe. But I did have a friend who was an astronomy major, and he was a really intriguing and fascinating guy. Sometimes he would go out to my cabin, which was near a lake, and you could see the stars really, really well. And at night, he would tell us different facts about the universe, the galaxies, and different stars that we could see in the sky. It was really mind-blowing.
2. Do you like science fiction movies? Why?
Oh yeah, especially if you’re super into scary horror or thriller movies, I think sci-fi movies are perfect for you. The universe is so big, and we really know nothing about it. It’s awe-inspiring. So directors can really get creative about the plots of their movie and especially the way they create aliens. I’m a horror movie lover, so seeing these hideous aliens chasing down people is a great time for me.
4. Do you want to go into outer space in the future?
No, I’m good. I have lots of things on my bucket list, but going to outer space is not one of them. I think if you take off on a rocket ship and you’re out in space for a month, there’s a lot of things that could go wrong. And living in zero gravity would also be extremely difficult. Like I said, I’m a sci-fi lover, so just experiencing space from the safety of my living room where I can watch movies, that’s enough for me. But maybe in 30 or 40 years from now, if there’s a safer opportunity, I might give it a second thought.
| Word / Phrase | CEFR | Type | Definition | Example Sentence |
| astronomy major | B2 | Collocation | A university student who specialises in the scientific study of stars, planets, and space | Her roommate was an astronomy major who could identify every constellation in the night sky. |
| intriguing | C1 | Adjective | Very interesting in a way that arouses curiosity and holds attention strongly | He was an intriguing person who always had surprising facts to share about the cosmos. |
| fascinating | B2 | Adjective | Extremely interesting and attractive; capable of holding someone’s attention completely | The documentary about the formation of galaxies was absolutely fascinating from start to finish. |
| mind-blowing | B2 | Adjective | Overwhelmingly impressive, surprising, or difficult to fully comprehend | Learning about the true scale of the universe for the first time is genuinely mind-blowing. |
| awe-inspiring | C1 | Adjective | Causing a feeling of overwhelming wonder, admiration, or deep reverence | The sheer size and age of the universe is truly awe-inspiring and humbling to consider. |
| get creative | B2 | Phrase | To use imagination and originality to develop new and inventive ideas or designs | Sci-fi directors can really get creative when it comes to designing alien worlds and creatures. |
| hideous | B2 | Adjective | Extremely ugly, unpleasant, or frightening in appearance; repulsive to look at | The aliens in the horror film were rendered as hideous creatures that were terrifying to behold. |
| bucket list | B2 | Collocation | A list of experiences or goals a person hopes to achieve before the end of their life | Visiting the northern lights has been at the very top of her bucket list for years. |
| things that could go wrong | B2 | Phrase | Potential problems, failures, or dangers that might arise in a given situation | There are so many things that could go wrong during a long-duration manned space mission. |
| zero gravity | B2 | Collocation | A condition in which the effects of gravity are greatly reduced, as experienced in outer space | Living in zero gravity for extended periods is known to have serious effects on the human body. |
| from the safety of | B2 | Phrase | While remaining in a secure, comfortable, or protected environment; without taking risks | She enjoys watching wildlife documentaries from the safety of her living room sofa. |
| give it a second thought | B2 | Phrase | To reconsider something; to think again about a decision or possibility | If space travel becomes much safer in the future, she might give it a second thought. |
Some IELTS Speaking part 1 topics you may like:
- IELTS Speaking Part 1 From May to August 2026
- (Update 2026) IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Tidiness
- (Update 2026) IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic The area you live in
Credits
Image : Photo by Jeremy Thomas on Unsplash
Vocabulary: Cambridge Dictionary
Very helpful questions and answers, thanks so much for what you are doing.