What is IELTS Speaking Part 1?

Basic Information for IELTS Speaking Part 1

This section mainly tests self-introduction and discussion on everyday topics, which is known as the Introduction and Interview. The questions in Part 1 usually cover three topics, each with 3-5 sub-questions. Each sub-question requires a response of 20-30 seconds (2-4 sentences), and the overall response time is 4-5 minutes. We should answer each question concisely and clearly, mainly expressing our opinions and experiences.

Common topics in Part 1 include family, work/study, hobbies, travel, and social life.

Procedure Explanation for IELTS Speaking Part 1

The three commonly asked opening questions are:

1. What’s your name?
   • Answer: My name is xxx. You can call me by my English name, xx.
2. Where are you from?
   • Answer: I’m from Hangzhou, which is near Shanghai, and it is in the eastern part of China.
3. Do you work or are you a student?
   • Answer: I’ve been a high school English teacher in Hangzhou for about two years.

It’s recommended to answer these three questions as fluently as possible without any grammatical or vocabulary mistakes to leave a good first impression.

Next, we move on to Part 1 (4-5 minutes), where more basic and simple questions are asked, such as personal information, work or study-related queries, and some questions about interests or hobbies. Recommendations:

1. Your answers should not be just one or two sentences; provide additional details. At least 2-4 sentences are needed for each response.
2. Try to answer as naturally as possible without memorizing answers.

High Score Tips for Answering IELTS Speaking Part 1

Expressing Personal Feelings

When answering any question, you can combine your personal preferences or feelings. The simpler the question, the wider the range of content you can cover. With fewer restrictions, you can say more!

Example: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Answer1: My favourite leisure activity is shopping, because I love trying on new clothes and I always feel more confident when I’m wearing a new outfit.

Answer2: I enjoy reading books in my free time, especially mystery novels, because they keep me intrigued and help me relax.

Using Contrasts

A simple way to expand your response is to use “but.” When you don’t know what to say next, using “but” can help broaden your thoughts! No matter what your previous sentence was, the next one will definitely contrast with it. But remember to stay relevant to the topic!

Example: How long have you worked there?

Answer1: I’ve worked there for three years, but I’m thinking about trying a different line of work next year.

Answer2: I used to enjoy running in the mornings, but now I prefer evening workouts because the weather is cooler.

Adding Details

After giving a broad answer, don’t end it hastily. You can add some details to your response. Just make sure it corresponds to the topic and your previous answer.

Example: Do you live in a flat or a house?

Answer1: I live in a house with my two brothers and my mum. It’s got three bedrooms, a huge living room, and a spacious kitchen.

Answer2: I live in an apartment on the fifth floor. It has two bedrooms, a cozy living area, and a small balcony where I grow plants.

Comparing the Past and Present + Reasons

For some questions, you can expand by comparing the past to the present and then explaining why things are the way they are now. For example, if asked about your favorite music, you can say you used to like country music but now prefer pop music. Pay attention to the tenses!

Example: Do you play sport?

Answer1: Yes, I do. I used to love basketball, but now I play football more because that’s what my friends are into.

Answer2: I used to be really into swimming, but now I focus more on yoga because it helps me manage stress better.

Talking About the Future

After discussing the past, you can also talk about the future! After answering the question directly, you can expand by talking about your future plans. When using this method, pay attention to the tenses, such as “will” or “be + going to.”

Example: Do you work or are you a student?

Answer1: I’m at university at the moment, but I’m gonna graduate next year and hopefully I’ll get a job in advertising.

Answer2: I’m currently working as a teacher, but I plan to go back to school next year to pursue a master’s degree in education.

Discussing Reasons

You don’t have to wait for the examiner to ask “why” to give reasons. Every question has a “because” behind it. Liking or disliking certain people, items, or events always has a reason.

Example: Do you like your job?

Answer1: Yes, I really love my job because I get to help people with their everyday problems. I always get a huge sense of fulfillment when my work is appreciated.

Answer2: I enjoy cooking because it allows me to be creative and it’s a great way to share meals with friends and family.

Mentioning Drawbacks

Not all topics need to be answered positively. Sometimes mentioning shortcomings or drawbacks can make your description more vivid and realistic.

Example: Is your hometown a nice place for tourists to visit?

Answer1: Well, yeah, we’ve got a nice beach, which is great for tourists, especially those from inland cities. However, I must mention that it’s always overcrowded during weekends and holidays. It can be a real turn-off when you find there’s no place to sit on the beach.

Answer2: My hometown has beautiful parks and historic sites, but the public transportation system is quite poor, which can make it difficult for tourists to get around.

Giving Examples

This point doesn’t need much explanation. In Part 1, unlike in Part 3, you don’t need to explain too much. After giving a direct answer, providing a brief example is easier for you.

Example: Do you get along well with your roommate?

Answer1: Unfortunately, no. We’re not into the same things, like when we are both watching TV we always fight about what show to watch.

Answer2: Yes, we get along very well. For instance, we often cook dinner together and share recipes we’ve found online.

Answer Template for IELTS Speaking Part 1

Greeting and Introductions

Hello/Hi, my name is [Your Name].

Nice to meet you.

I'm from [Your Country] and I'm currently living/studying in [Current Location].

Personal Information

Age: I'm [Your Age].

Occupation/Student: I'm a [Your Occupation/ Student, if applicable].

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy [Hobbies/ activities].

Family: I live with [Family Members, if relevant].

Education

Where did you study?: I studied at [University/Course] in [City/Country].

Any notable achievements or subjects? I particularly enjoyed [Subject/achievement].

Daily Routine

What do you usually do in a typical day? I usually wake up at [Time], and then [Morning routine].