Speaking Part 1: Communication
In this section, we will cover some common questions related to communication in Speaking Part 1 of the IELTS test. Below you will find sample answers to help you prepare.
- How do you usually keep in touch with members of your family?
I mostly keep in touch with my family through phone calls, and sometimes I also make video calls. Additionally, I try to visit my family members in person as often as possible.
Example answer: "I usually keep in touch with my family members by using my phone. Since they live far away from me, it's the most convenient way to communicate with them. I call my parents and siblings regularly, and we also use video calls to see each other's faces and have more personal conversations. Whenever I get a chance, I make it a point to visit them in person and spend quality time with them."
- Do you prefer to speak to people by phone or by writing emails?
It depends on the situation. For casual conversations and quick updates, I prefer to communicate through emails or text messages, especially with friends. However, when it comes to important matters or talking to my parents, I usually choose to speak to them over the phone.
Example answer: "The choice between speaking on the phone or writing emails depends on the purpose of communication and the person I am talking to. When I need to quickly inform my friends about something or make small talk, I find emails or text messages more convenient. On the other hand, when I need to discuss important matters or seek advice from my parents, I prefer speaking to them over the phone. It allows for a more immediate and personal connection, and we can have a real-time conversation which is often necessary for such situations."
- Do you ever write letters by hand? (Why / Why not?)
No, I don't write letters by hand anymore. The main reason is that it's much easier and quicker to send an email that will be delivered instantly. Writing letters by hand can be time-consuming, and they might also take longer to reach the recipient.
Example answer: "I used to write letters by hand when I was younger, but nowadays I don't. The primary reason for this change is the convenience offered by technology. Sending an email is much faster and more efficient as it gets delivered instantly. Furthermore, writing letters by hand can be quite time-consuming, and they may not arrive at the desired destination as quickly as an email would. With the advancements in digital communication, it just makes more sense to use email or other electronic means to convey our messages."
- Is there anything you dislike about mobile phones?
Yes, there are a few things I dislike about mobile phones. One of them is the annoyance caused by people speaking loudly on their phones in public places. It can be distracting, especially when I'm trying to concentrate on something. Additionally, I also find it bothersome when someone's phone rings during a movie or a class.
Example answer: "While mobile phones are incredibly useful and have revolutionized communication, there are a couple of things that I find annoying about them. For instance, it's quite bothersome when people speak loudly on their phones in public places. It can be distracting, especially when I'm studying or trying to concentrate on something important. Furthermore, the unexpected ringing of someone's phone during a movie or a class is quite disruptive, and it can ruin the experience for others. However, overall, the benefits of mobile phones outweigh these minor inconveniences."
