IELTS Speaking Part 1: Questions, Tips, and Sample Answers

Part 1 is a 4-5 minute interview where the examiner asks you questions about familiar topics. It's designed to put you at ease — but many candidates lose marks here by giving answers that are too short or too rehearsed.

What to Expect

• The examiner will ask about 2-3 topics
• Each topic has 3-5 questions
• Topics are personal and familiar: home, work, studies, hobbies, daily routines
• The first question is always about where you live or what you do

How Long Should Your Answers Be?

Aim for 2-4 sentences per answer. Give a direct answer, then add a reason, example, or extra detail.

Too short (Band 5): "Yes, I like reading."

Just right (Band 7): "Yes, I'm quite fond of reading, especially novels. I try to read for at least 30 minutes before bed — it helps me unwind after a long day."

Too long (loses marks for coherence): Speaking for 30+ seconds on a simple Part 1 question signals you can't regulate your output.

Sample Questions by Topic

Home and Accommodation

• Do you live in a house or an apartment?
• What's your favourite room in your home?
• Would you like to move to a different place?
• How long have you lived there?

Work and Studies

• Do you work or are you a student?
• What do you like most about your job/studies?
• Is there anything you'd like to change about your work/studies?
• What did you want to be when you were a child?

Daily Routine

• What do you usually do in the morning?
• Do you prefer mornings or evenings?
• Has your daily routine changed much in the last few years?

Hobbies and Free Time

• What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
• Have you picked up any new hobbies recently?
• Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?

Technology

• How often do you use your phone?
• Do you think people spend too much time on social media?
• What was the last app you downloaded?

Food and Cooking

• Do you enjoy cooking?
• What's your favourite food?
• Do you prefer eating at home or in restaurants?
• Have your food preferences changed since you were a child?

Travel and Transport

• How do you usually get to work/school?
• Do you like travelling?
• What's the best trip you've ever taken?

Part 1 Answer Strategy: A-R-E

Use this simple structure for every answer:

1. Answer — Directly answer the question
2. Reason — Explain why
3. Example/Extra — Give a specific example or additional detail

Example: "Do you enjoy cooking?"

"Yes, I really enjoy it (Answer). It's a great way to relax after work, and I like experimenting with different cuisines (Reason). Recently, I've been trying to learn how to make Thai curries from scratch (Example)."

Common Part 1 Mistakes

• One-word answers — Always extend with a reason or example
• Starting every answer with "Well..." — Vary your openings: "Actually...", "To be honest...", "I'd say..."
• Using memorized phrases — "I'm over the moon about..." sounds unnatural in casual Part 1
• Going off topic — Answer the question that was asked, not a different one