The IELTS Speaking test has three sections. We will focus on the IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions and Answers in this lesson. So, let’s get started…
Part 1 is 4-5 minutes long and consists of fundamental questions about your life and opinions. You can increase your score by providing extended answers of 2-3 sentences for each question, but they must be relevant and specific. You can also share experiences and opinions. Remember, they want to see you express yourself!
How does the IELTS Speaking Test Start?
1) The examiner will introduce themselves.
2) They will ask for your name and ID.
3) Part 1 will begin in an interview style which
lasts for 4-5 minutes.
What questions will they ask you?
The questions in Part 1 will all be about you and your work, studies, family, friends, studies and even the place where you live. Your answers do not need to be factual, suitable for all your creatives, but if improvisation doesn’t suit, stick to what you know and share an authentic experience or opinion.
Example Part 1 Questions
- Do you live in a house?
- How often do you visit your friends?
- Do you currently work or study?
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
How To Answer Part 1 Questions
It’s a bad idea to memorise a script for the IELTS exam, as you will be marked on whether your speech is natural. One of the big NO-NO’s is answering any of the questions with a few words, or worse – with a simple yes or no.
Example Question
Do you live in a house?
Example Answer
No, I don’t.
An exciting answer, right? Wrong. This exam is not only about answering the question but showing off how you express yourself. So go on, give them some details. It might feel unnatural at first, but remember you are demonstrating you can easily use the English language. You are not being marked on your social skills.
So, let’s try the question again and, this time, provide a two-sentence answer and see the difference…
Example Question
Do you live in a house?
Example Answer
No, I don’t. I live in an apartment. I used to live in a house when I lived at home, but now I live in the city, mainly apartment living.
Can you see the difference?
By only providing two sentences, you are provided with a high-level answer. How would you answer this question? Give yourself time in the preparation stages by using dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com as handy tips to explore new words, phrases and collocations ready for your exam.
What can I say if I can’t say YES OR NO?
You can still say yes and no, but not as one-word answers. You can also use other words to answer yes and no style questions and provide more detail.
| YES | NO |
| Absolutely | I don’t think so |
| Definitely | Not really |
| Yes, in general | Absolutely Not |
| Sometimes | Definitely not |
Practise Responses By Creating Sentences
Use our Free eBook to start creating sentences for each of the common topics for the IELTS Speaking test. Create a couple of sentences for each topic to start with by using the dictionary and thesaurus tools linked above. If you are stuck on starting your sentences, here are a few handy tips…
Structure; I like … more than …
For example, I like TV more than the Cinema.
Structure; I prefer … more than …
For example, I prefer reading more than writing.
Structure; I don’t like… because…
For example, I don’t like camping because I like to be warm and cosy.
Three Things to Remember
- IELTS Part 1 is 4-5 minutes long.
- It’s about everyday topics you can prepare for and practice examples
- You can be yourself and use natural language. Not too formal or informal!
Start practising now, or continue to learn about Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test.
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