Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test
The full IELTS Speaking Test takes 11 to 14 minutes.
In today’s free materials we will look at Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test which you can expect to take 4 to 5 minutes.
Part 1: Introduction and questions on familiar topics
Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test follows a question / answer format where you need to demonstrate your ability to give information and opinions on everyday topics by answering the questions asked.
Stating your name and showing identification
The examiner will begin by asking you to state your name and show your identification.
Introductory general questions about work, study and or home
You will then be asked general questions about yourself; for example, about where you live and / or what you are currently doing (working or studying).
Example questions could be:
Work
Where do you work?
What is your job?
Why did you choose that job?
Do you like your job?
Is it a popular job in your country?
Do you get on well with your colleagues?
What responsibilities do you have at work?
Would you like to change your job?
Study
What do you study?
Do you enjoy studying?
Why did you choose to study that subject?
Do you get on well with your classmates?
Would you like to study a different subject in the future?
Hometown
Where is your hometown?
Do you like your hometown?
What is your hometown like?
How could your hometown be improved?
Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
Is there good transportation in your hometown?
Home
Do you live in a house or flat?
Who do you live with?
Are there many rooms in your home?
What is your favourite room?
What would you change about your home?
What’s your neighbourhood like?
Are there good facilities near your home?
Questions about other ‘familiar topics’
You will then be asked other questions about one or two additional ‘familiar topics’; for example, questions about music, movies, TV, books, food, your hobbies, the weather etc.
For example:
Music
Do you like music?
What’s your favourite type of music?
Do you think music is important?
Did you study music at school?
Can you sing?
Can you play a musical instrument?
If you could play any musical instrument really well, which instrument would you like to be able to play?
Note:
The examiner will ask questions from a script and will prompt you to extend your response with a “why?” or “why not? if your answer is too short.
Apart from when you are first asked your name and to show your ID, it is best to say as much as you can in response to each question. If the IELTS examiner doesn’t need to prompt you for further information and may even need to signal you should stop talking, this is a good thing!
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