Of course! "Tea and coffee" is a very common and high-frequency topic in IELTS Speaking tests. It's a great way to talk about your daily habits, culture, preferences, and even social situations.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic, with vocabulary, sample answers, and tips for different parts of the speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
This part is about you. The examiner will ask simple, direct questions.
Possible Questions & Sample Answers
Q1: Do you prefer tea or coffee? (这是一个经典的二选一问题,直接回答并给出理由即可。)
Answer A (Prefers Tea):

"Definitely tea. I've been drinking it since I was a kid. It's part of my daily routine, especially in the morning. I find it much more soothing and comforting than coffee. Plus, there are so many varieties to choose from, from green tea to herbal infusions, so it never gets boring."
Answer B (Prefers Coffee):
"I'd have to say I'm a coffee person. I love the strong, rich flavour and the caffeine kick it gives me. It's my go-to drink when I need to stay focused, especially when I'm working or studying. I enjoy the ritual of making a good cup of espresso in the morning."
Q2: How often do you drink tea or coffee? (考察你的日常习惯。)

"I drink tea every single day, without fail. I usually have two or three cups. One first thing in the morning to wake up, another one in the afternoon during my break, and sometimes a cup of chamomile tea before bed to help me relax. It's a constant in my life."
Q3: What kind of tea or coffee do you like? (考察具体细节和词汇量。)
"For tea, I'm a big fan of Earl Grey. I love the distinct flavour of bergamot oil mixed with black tea. I usually have it with a splash of milk and no sugar. Sometimes, when I want something more refreshing, I'll have a cold-brewed jasmine tea in the summer."
Q4: Is tea or coffee popular in your country? (这是一个文化类问题,可以展开谈谈。)
"Absolutely, both are incredibly popular, but in different ways. Tea is deeply rooted in our culture and history. It's not just a drink; it's a symbol of hospitality. When guests visit, we always offer them tea. Coffee, on the other hand, has become more of a modern, urban trend. You see coffee shops on every corner, especially among young people who see it as a social hub or a place to work."
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
You will have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes on a specific topic.
Cue Card:
Describe a café that you like to visit. You should say:
- where this café is
- what it looks like inside
- what kind of drinks or food you usually order there
- and explain why you like this café.
How to Structure Your Answer (1-2 minutes)
- Introduction (Where it is & What it looks like): Start by giving the name and location. Describe the atmosphere and decor.
- Main Body (What you order & Why you like it): Talk about your usual order. Explain why you like this café. This is the most important part. You can talk about the quality of the coffee/tea, the ambiance, the people, or the fact that it's a good place to work.
Sample Answer (Script & Key Vocabulary)
"I'd like to talk about a café that I absolutely adore. It's called 'The Grind & Leaf', and it's tucked away in a quiet little side street in the city centre, not far from my office.
(What it looks like) As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a very warm and inviting atmosphere. The walls are painted a deep burgundy colour, and there are lots of plants hanging from the ceiling, which gives it a very fresh, urban jungle vibe. The main feature is a long wooden counter where you can see the baristas expertly preparing coffee. They also have a fantastic bookshelf filled with second-hand books that you can read or even buy. The seating area is a mix of comfortable armchairs and high tables, so it's perfect for both relaxing and getting some work done.
(What I order) My go-to order there is a flat white. They use locally roasted beans, and the coffee is just incredibly smooth and flavourful. On colder days, I might switch to their chai latte, which is made with a blend of spices and it's absolutely delicious. Sometimes, I'll treat myself to one of their homemade pastries, like a lemon drizzle cake.
(Why I like it) The main reason I love this place is the ambiance. It has the perfect balance of being lively enough that you don't feel isolated, but quiet enough to focus. It’s my 'third place' – not home, not work, but somewhere in between where I can unwind. The quality of their coffee is consistently excellent, and the staff are always friendly and remember your order. It’s just a really comfortable and inspiring space to be in."
Key Vocabulary from this Sample:
- Tucked away: 隐藏在
- Inviting atmosphere: 诱人的氛围
- Urban jungle vibe: 都市丛林的感觉
- Expertly preparing: 精心地制作
- Go-to order: 点单首选
- Locally roasted beans: 本地烘焙的咖啡豆
- Smooth and flavourful: 口感顺滑,风味浓郁
- Homemade pastries: 自制的糕点
- The perfect balance: 完美的平衡
- Third place: (除了家和办公室之外的) 第三空间
- Consistently excellent: 始终如一地优秀
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part is more abstract and requires you to discuss broader issues related to the topic.
Possible Questions & Sample Answers
Q1: Do you think coffee shops are just places to drink coffee, or do they have other functions? (考察对社会现象的分析能力。)
"I think they've evolved into so much more than just places to drink coffee. In modern society, they've become essential 'third spaces'. For many people, especially young professionals and students, they function as an extension of their office or study. The free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and background noise make them ideal for remote work or studying. They're also crucial social hubs where friends meet up for a chat or colleagues have informal meetings. So, while the coffee is the main product, the real value is in the experience and the space they provide."
Q2: Why do you think tea and coffee are so popular around the world? (考察对文化、历史和商业的理解。)
"I believe their popularity stems from a few key factors. Historically, both were linked to trade routes and were once luxury items, giving them a certain prestige. Culturally, they became ingrained in daily rituals – like the British tea culture or the Italian espresso tradition. From a practical standpoint, the caffeine in both is a mild stimulant that helps with alertness and concentration. Finally, the modern coffee and tea industry has done a fantastic job of branding and marketing, creating a vast variety of products to suit every taste and preference, from artisanal single-origin coffee to trendy matcha lattes."
Q3: Do you think traditional tea houses will disappear with the rise of modern coffee shops? (考察预测能力和对比分析。)
"I don't think they'll disappear, but they will certainly have to adapt to survive. Traditional tea houses offer something that modern coffee shops often don't: a sense of tranquility, cultural heritage, and a more formal, ceremonial experience. For example, a traditional Chinese tea house is about the ritual of tea-making and appreciation, which is a completely different experience from grabbing a quick takeaway coffee. The rise of modern coffee shops might push traditional ones to focus more on this unique cultural experience, offering tea ceremonies, workshops, and a more authentic atmosphere to attract customers who are looking for something beyond just a caffeine fix."
Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
Types of Tea/Coffee:
- Black tea, green tea, oolong tea, herbal tea/infusion
- Earl Grey, chamomile, jasmine, peppermint
- Espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte, flat white, macchiato
- Decaf (decaffeinated), single-origin, artisanal
Verbs & Actions:
- Brew (tea), steep (tea), grind (coffee beans), froth (milk)
- Order, grab a takeaway, have a cuppa (informal for "have a cup of tea")
- Unwind, relax, socialize, catch up with friends
Describing Taste/Experience:
- Strong, rich, bold, bitter, aromatic, smooth, flavourful, full-bodied.
- **Soothing, comforting, energizing, refreshing, invigorating
