IELTS Speaking Part 1 Overview, Topics and Tips

1. Introduction to IELTS Speaking Part 1

 

Part 1 will begin your IELTS Speaking test in the form of a face-to-face interview interview. Remember that IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training share the same test form as well as marking and assessment. 

 

Before the test, you will have to introduce yourself with some background information and show your identification card or passport. Then, this part will take you around 4 to 5 minutes to complete with a variety of familiar topics such as family, accommodation, hobbies, study, work, etc. 

 

This part doesn’t require lengthy or complicated answers with manifold academic words. Instead, answering those questions in the most natural and honest way, together with one or two supporting ideas.

 

 

2. Common topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1

 

These topics with some possible questions below frequently show up in the IELTS Speaking Part 1:

 

2.1 Study

 

• Do you work or study?

• Where do you study?

• What subject are you studying?

• Why did you choose that subject?

• Is it a popular subject in your country?

• Do you like that subject?

• Do you get on with your colleagues?

• What was your first day like?

• What are the main aspects of your subject?

• If you had the chance, would you change the subject?

• Do you plan to get a job in the same field as your subject?

Possible answers:

 

•   Do you work or study?

I am currently studying. I am in the 11th semester and my major is economics.

 

•   Where do you study?

I study in the (…university name…). It is one of the best private universities in our country. My major is Economics.

 

•   What subject are you studying?

My major is Economics. I completed my school majoring in commerce and studying in Economics was a long dream for me.

 

•   Why did you choose that subject?

Honestly, I did not particularly select this subject. I attended the university admission test in commerce faculty and based on my performance on the exam and interview with the faculty members, I was offered this subject from their end. I wanted to study in the commerce faculty and now I feel very lucky that I was offered this major.

 

2.2. Work

 

• Do you work or study?

• What is your job?

• Why did you choose that job?

• Do you enjoy your job?

• Do you get on well with your co-workers?

• What was your first day at work like?

• What responsibilities do you have at work?

• Would you like to change your job in the future?

• What is your typical day like at work?

• What would you change about your job?

Possible answers:

 

•   What is your job?

I’m currently an English teacher working for the British Council in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

•   Why did you choose that job?

I was previously a lawyer and found it to be really stressful and never had any free time, so after quitting that job I thought teaching might be the complete opposite of being a lawyer, you know not as stressful and more time off.

 

•   Do you enjoy your job?

Most of the time. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people every day and the students here are very hardworking and fun to teach, but you sometimes have lessons that do go so well and the money could always be better.

 

2.3. Accommodation

 

• Do you live in a house or an apartment?

• How long have you lived there?

• What is your favorite room in your home? Why?

• Which room does your family spend most of the time in?

• Who do you live with?

• Would you change anything about your home? Why / why not?

• Would you like to move to a different home in the future?

• How is your apartment decorated?

• Do you plan to live there for a long time?

• Do you have a garden?

• Are there many amenities near your home?

• What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past?

• Are the public transport facilities to your home very good?

Possible answers:

 

•   What is your favorite room in your home? Why?

Definitely my own bedroom. It’s the personal space where I can do whatever I want without getting scolded by my mom. Besides, my bedroom is an ideal place for me to avoid noise, so I tend to lock myself up in my bedroom whenever I need to concentrate on my study.

 

•   Are there many amenities near your home?

My house is located in a residential complex, so everything is within reach. There is a gym, a park, as well as a wide variety of shops, which are more than enough to cater for all residents in my area.

 

•   What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you have lived in the past?

There’re quite a few differences. My parents’ house is huge with separate rooms, each of which has its own bathroom so it’s really convenient and private. However, my apartment right now is much smaller and I have to share a bathroom with my roommate.

 

2.4. Hometown

 

• What’s (the name of) your hometown and where is it?

• Is that a big city or a small place?

• Please describe your hometown a little? (or) What’s your hometown like? (or) Tell me about your hometown.

• Are there any changes you would like to make in your hometown?

• Do you like your hometown? If yes, what do you like (most) about your hometown?

• Do you often visit your hometown?

• Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?

• Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?

• How long have you been living there?

• Is there anything you dislike about it?

Possible answers:

 

•   What’s (the name of) your hometown and where is it?

Victoria is my hometown. It is a province located in the west of my country.

 

•   Please describe your hometown a little? (or) What’s your hometown like? (or) Tell me about your hometown.

It has a breathtaking view of picturesque landscapes with rolling mountains and greenish lakes. However, due to the increasing economy, a number of businesses, especially in sugarcane, are invested in my hometown, making it very promising.

 

•   Do you like your hometown? If yes, what do you like (most) about your hometown?

Yes, I do like my hometown! I like the hospitality of people in my hometown. Also, everyone was willing to give others a hand when they needed help.

 

2.5. Hobbies

 

• Do you have any hobbies?

• What hobbies are popular in your country?

• Is it important to have a hobby?

• What sort of hobbies would you like to try in the future?

• Did you have a hobby as a child?

• Do you think hobbies should be shared with other people?

Possible answers:

 

•   Do you have any hobbies?

Definitely yes, everyone has at least one leisure pursuit and I am no exception. My perennial hobby is watching movies. Currently, I am watching a TV series called Bojack Horseman on Netflix. It’s really interesting and hopefully, I can finish the final season this weekend.

 

•   Do you think hobbies should be shared with other people?

Yes, I do think so. Sharing something in common is the best measure to connect people together and help one’s hobby develop in a more positive way. 

 

•   Is it important to have a hobby?

Due to the hectic lifestyle that most people lead nowadays, having a hobby is extremely vital. This is simply because it gives people a way to take their mind off the stresses of everyday life seek pleasure in activities that aren’t associated with work or study.

 

2.6. Daily Routines

 

• Do you think it is important to have a daily routine?

• Do you usually have the same routine every day?

• Have you ever changed your routine?

• What is the busiest part of the day for you?

• What is the busiest part of the day for you?

• What is your daily routine?

• What part of your day do you like best?

• What part of your day do you like best?

• What would you like to change in your daily routine?

• What would you like to change in your day to day routine?

Possible answers:

 

•   What is your daily routine?

My daily activities depend on my work schedule, so nothing is fixed. The only routine I never skip is writing in a diary, which gives me time to reflect on my day.

 

•   What part of your day do you like best?

My favourite time of the day would be 7 p.m., which is when I come back from work and gather around the dinner table with my family. Seeing them after a long hard-working day can help me feel recharged, so I look forward to this time of the day the most.

 

•   Do you usually have the same routine every day?

I used to, back when I was still a student. Now that I have started working, I don’t have a fixed schedule anymore. Since my working time is quite flexible, there are days I can just sleep in, but there are also days I have to wake up really early in the morning.

 

2.7. Sports

 

• Do you like sport?

• Do you like to watch sports on TV?

• Do you play any sports?

• Which is the most popular sport in your country?

• Who is your favorite sports star?

• What kinds of sports would you like to try in the future?

• What’s your favourite sport?

• What sports do children normally do at schools?

• Do you think people do enough sport these days? 

Possible answers:

 

•   Do you like sports?

I don’t think so. I’ve never really liked sports. Even in highschool I tried to weasel out of any sports classes. Maybe I should have done or do some more sports, because I’m sure it will help me with my health problems. I just can’t seem to get myself to do any and I really don’t know why.

 

•   Who is your favorite sports star?

As I’m not a big sports fan, I don’t really have one. However, I think I may like Cristiano Ronaldo. Although I don’t know anything about him or his athletic abilities, I think I’ve always been drawn to him because of his looks.

 

•   Which is the most popular sport in your country?

Soccer of course! As soccer is the sport of the world, that would be number one. People go wild when our team wins a game- they even drive around waving flags, blocking off the streets! Apart from this, many people enjoy playing tennis and doing martial arts.

 

2.8. Birthdays

 

• Do you enjoy birthdays?

• How do you like to celebrate your birthday?

• What did you do on your last birthday?

• What do people in your country do to celebrate birthdays?

• Which birthdays are considered important in your country?

Possible answers:

 

•   Do you enjoy birthdays ?

When I was younger, parties were more enjoyable. However, the more I grow up, the less enthusiastic about birthdays I become. The reason is mostly due to the fact that I’m drowning in overwhelming loads of work and don’t have much time to spend on celebrations like birthdays. That’s actually quite sad.

 

•   Which birthdays are considered important in your country?

I’m not quite sure if there are any really special or essential birthdays in Vietnam. The only thing that crosses my mind is the 18th birthday because the age of 18 is quite special. An individual of that age is legally considered to be an adult, who must be responsible for his or her actions. Also, after their 18th birthday, people can drink alcohol and obtain a driving license.

 

•   What do people in your country do to celebrate birthdays?

In Vietnam, there are several things people can do for birthday celebrations. The most common activity is organizing a party with the presence of family members and friends. In addition, the celebrated individual will receive a birthday cake, cards with best wishes and gifts from the celebrants. Still, nothing I just mentioned is obligatory.

 

2.9. Pet

 

• Did you have a pet as a child?

• Do you have a pet?

• Do you like animals?

• Do you like to see animals in the zoo?

• Have you ever had a pet before?

• What is a popular pet to have in your country?

• What is the most popular animal in Vietnam?

• What’s your favourite animal?

• Why do people have pets?

• Why do some people keep pets at home?

Possible answers:

 

•   Why do some people keep pets at home?

I think we would all agree that pets are loyal companions to humans. Especially for those who adopt pets when they were just newborns, these animals are like the precious children to many families.

 

•   Have you ever had a pet before?

I used to have a puppy corgi when I was a kid. He and I were best friends, actually. I remember taking him to the park, feeding him with milk and training him with many cool tricks. Sadly, when I got older, I discovered that I am allergic to dog fur, so I had to give him away.

 

•   Do you like to see animals in the zoo?

I’ve been to the zoo once, so I can’t really tell whether I’m into it. It was good to see exotic animals like lions or giraffes when you were a kid. But when I got older, I’ve come to realize that zoos are no different from prisons for animals, where they are caged and locked away from their natural habitat.

 

2.10. Weather

 

• Do people change in the summer?

• Do you like the weather in your country?

• Does the weather affect people’s lives in your country?

• Does the weather ever affect the way you feel?

• Does the weather in your country ever affect transportation?

• How is the weather today?

• Is the weather the same in all parts of your country?

• What is the climate like in your country?

• What’s the weather like today?

• What’s your favourite kind of weather?

• What’s your favourite weather?

Possible answers:

 

•   How is the weather today?

Well, I think today is a lovely day, even though it rained a little bit this morning. When I got out of the house, the weather seemed to brighten up and I hope it will stay like that for the rest of the day.

 

•   Does the weather affect people’s lives in your country?

I believe that the weather always affects us in every aspect. If it is a gloomy day, I’m pretty sure everyone will easily get bored or tired of whatever they are doing. In contrast, sunny days make us feel alive and upbeat.

 

•   Do people change in the summer?

It can get sweltering in the summery months, so I think it will exert a certain impact on people’s temperament. Everyone becomes less patient than usual, and they often get frustrated and easily get upset over some trivial matters.

 

2.11. Plants

 

• Do you keep plants at home?

• What plant did you grow when you were young?

• Do you know anything about growing a plant?

• Do Vietnamese people send plants as a gift?

Possible answers:

 

•   Do you keep plants at home?

I do not have the habit of keeping plants in my house as I know I do not have the time and energy to do it. Not to mention, I’ve never been good at indoor gardening either. That being said, I have some artificial hanging plants in my bedroom, which is merely for decorative purposes.

 

•   What plant did you grow when you were young?

When I was small, I used to be in charge of repotting a cactus for my science class. It didn’t require much watering, so my job was rather easy.

 

2.12. Music

 

• What kinds of music do you like to listen to?

• How much time do you spend listening to music every day?

• Do you like any foreign celebrities?

• Would you like to become a widely-known celebrity? Why?

Possible answers:

 

• What kinds of music do you like to listen to?

My music taste varies widely from West to East and from the 90s to modern EDM. But if Korean pop is considered as a kind of music, then yeah, that’s my favorite of all time. More than half of my playlists are Korean songs and I always keep myself updated with the news related to Korean showbiz.

 

• How much time do you spend listening to music every day?

As I’ve mentioned I prefer working in silence. To put it simply, no music is allowed during my working hours. After a long day at school, I probably want to pump myself up for like half an hour with music to help me stay energetic so I can get back to work later. 

 

2.13. Internet

 

• Are there any negative things about the internet?

• Do you think you use the internet too much? 

• Do you use apps? 

• How important is the internet to you?

• How often do you use the internet?

• How will the internet develop in the future?

• What are your favourite websites?

Possible answers:

 

• Are there any negative things about the internet?

Being connected all of the time is not a good thing. Before you had to sit down at your computer and log on and that took time, so you didn’t do it so much. Now all people have to do is look at their phone and this is too much for me. I’ve been trying to leave my phone at home when I socialise with friends and family to stop myself from focusing too much on the phone rather than them.

 

• What are your favourite websites?

For work my two favourite sites are WordPress and Google. WordPress is a blogging tool that allows you to publish blogs easily and maintain a professional looking website. Google of course allows me to find the information I need quickly and accurately. In my spare time, I of course use Facebook like everyone else in the world, but my favourite site is The Guardian because it allows me to keep up to date with everything that’s happening.

 

>>> Practice now: IELTS Speaking Practice Test

 

2.14. Reading

 

• Do you like reading?

• Do you read electronic books?

• Have you borrowed books from others?

• Have you lent books to others?

• What kind of books do you like to read?

• What was your favorite book as a child?

Possible answers:

 

• What kind of books do you like to read?

I love reading anything that falls under literary fiction. By this I mean authors like Virginia Woolf, Jane Austen and Haruki Murakami. I can’t get enough of Kafka on the shore!

 

• What was your favorite book as a child?

I remember being very fond of a book called “My Sister’s Keeper”. I recall that it was the story of two sisters, one of which needed a kidney transplant. Although the sister was initially apprehensive (scared; nervous) to do so, she ended up donating a kidney to her sister and saving her.

 

2.15. Newspaper

 

• Do you often read newspapers?

• Do you prefer to read local news or international news?

• Do you think newspapers will be very important to you in the future?

• Which is more popular where you live, newspapers or magazines?

Possible answers:

 

• Do you prefer to read local news or international news?

I actually don’t have any preference toward either of them. Domestic news is obviously important because those affairs have a direct impact on our lives. On the other hand, foreign news is very interesting as they can help me enrich my horizons, therefore I don’t want to lose track of either of them.

 

• Do you think newspapers will be very important to you in the future?

I think it depends. Since the development of technology never seems to come to a halt, I strongly believe that I will choose e- newspapers over the traditional edition. Besides the obvious convenience that e- news can offer, I’m drawn to the fact that it’s much cheaper and more reliable.

 

2.16. Clothes

 

• Are you willing to wear a uniform at work?

• Do you enjoy buying clothes?

• Do you wear different styles of clothes now compared to 10 years ago?

• What type of clothes do you like to wear?

• Why do you think jeans are popular?

Possible answers:

 

• Why do you think jeans are popular?

I think firstly because it is always in vogue. Youngsters are really into ripped jeans. Secondly maybe because of its price. You know, pairs of jeans are quite affordable for people from all walks of life.

 

• What type of clothes do you like to wear?

Well, I prefer casuals because I feel comfy and flexible. I also wear a pair of jeans on a regular basis as I can easily mix and match them with a T-shirt and sneakers.

 

2.17. Art

 

• Are you good at art?

• Do you like art?

• Do you think art classes are necessary? (Why?)/ How do you think art classes affect children’s development?

• How often do you visit art galleries?

• Is it easy to learn how to draw?

• What benefits can you get from painting as a hobby?

• What kind of paintings do people like?

• What kinds of things do you like to draw?

Possible answers:

 

• Are you good at art?

Art is a really vast subject, I believe and if it is about drawing things here and there, I would say I am pretty fine at it. But, I am surely not one of those who can make some masterpieces. I think I am good at it, all thanks to the art classes that I attended during my teen years. They were a great help during my growing years and taught me lot of creativity. Now, I can easily draw simple day to day things like pen or a face.

 

• What kind of paintings do people like?

In my opinion, people love hanging landscape paintings at home. Bringing in the beauty of Mother Nature somehow ease people’s mind after a long day at work. Another style of drawing that most people also like is portrait. It could be portraits of someone important to them or even their lovely pets.

 

2.18. Films/Movies

 

• Do you like watching films?

• Do you prefer foreign films or films made in your country?

• Do you like to watch films?

• What kinds of movies do you like best?

• How often do you go to a cinema to watch a movie?

• Do you like to watch movies alone or with your friends?

• Do people in your country like to go to a cinema to watch a film?

Possible answers:

 

• Do you like to watch films?

Absolutely! They are an excellent way to unwind (relax; free your mind). Moreover, my friends are really into films, so it’s a fun, relaxing way to spend time together. Afterward, we discuss and debate the film that we have just watched. Apart from just relaxing and enjoying the film, I like to delve deeper (get to the deeper meaning) to discover the subliminal messages.

 

• Do you prefer foreign films or films made in your country?

Well, I would say both, the only thing that matters is that the story should be good. I like watching films with unexpected plot twists. The plot twist plays a significant role in the success of a movie. It is the factor that captures the audience’s attention and lead them from surprise to another surprise. So, for me the story matters, everything else is secondary.

 

2.19. Sleep

 

• How many hours do you usually sleep at night?

• Do you like to get up early in the morning?

• How to have a good sleep?

• Do you have a nap during the day?

• Do you think sleep is important?

Possible answers:

 

• How many hours do you usually sleep at night?

I usually spend like five to six hours a day on sleeping, which is not really recommended by doctors, I know. What’s worse is that I’m only in my early 20s but I’m already experiencing something called sleep deprivation. There are days when I cannot even shut my eyes down in the middle of the night.

 

• How to have a good sleep?

I think the answer to this question really depends. For me, having a light dinner with no proteins might get me to sleep better. There are times when I become so desperate that I have to resort to sleeping pills, which I believe many others are depending on for a good night’s sleep.

 

>>> Read more: IELTS Speaking part 3

 

2.20. Save money

 

• Did you save money when you were young?

• Have you ever given money to other children?

• Do you think parents should teach children to save money?

• Do parents give pocket money in Vietnam?

Possible answers:

 

• Did you save money when you were young?

Yes, ever since I was a child, my parents have taught me about the value of money. Back then, my only source of income was the lucky money I received during Tet festivals. I established my own piggy bank and fed it with every dollar I got. So far, the pig is quite big, you know.

 

• Have you ever given money to other children?

Yes, but not in a direct way. A few years ago, my school started a fund-raising campaign to support the underprivileged students in the North of Vietnam. I remember donating a majority of my allowance and some of my discarded clothes to the fund.

 

2.21. Food

 

• Let’s talk about food? What’s your favorite food?

• Are there any food you dislike?

• What are some traditional food in your country?

• Do you have a healthy diet?

• Which foods from your country do most foreign people enjoy?

• What kinds of meals do you like?

• Do you often have dinner with your family or friends?

Possible answers:

 

• Let’s talk about food? What’s your favorite food?

Well, I would say that I’m not a picky eater and I can eat like the whole universe. But if I have to choose, I would definitely go for Vietnamese traditional cuisine because although it does not win any points for complexity, it is all about the combination of fresh ingredients, intense flavours, and ease of cooking and preparation, so it wins my heart.

 

• Do you have a healthy diet?

Actually, I don’t. But I try to eat clean and eat green every day because highly-processed foods or low-quality foods are linked to obesity and an increased risk of heart disease, and in some cases, cancer. So it’s vital for me and for everyone to stay healthy by eating clean in order to not only manage your weight but also help you build a stronger immune system and increase your energy levels.

 

2.22. Email

 

• Do you use email?

• Do you prefer to use email or text messaging

• Do you think it’s important to reply to emails immediately (or quickly) after you receive them?

• How often do you check your email?

• Do you prefer to write by hand or on a computer?

• Do you think emails are useful?

• Do you think people will still write letters in the future?

Possible answers:

 

• Do you prefer to use email or text messaging

Well, I personally prefer texting because what’s quicker than sending a text right? Texting doesn’t require formal greeting. Besides, texting comes pre-built on mobile phones and, unlike email, is available even without a wifi connection, which makes texting a more accessible medium.

 

How often do you check your email?

Well, regularly. Maybe on a daily basis, I would say. Mails are important for me because my work does not allow me to meet as many people for networking, so we mostly connect using mails, delaying the work does not make sense.

 

>>> Read more: IELTS Speaking Part 2

 

3. Dos and Don’ts in IELTS Speaking Part 1

 

 

Dos
Don’ts
Practice makes perfect

Speaking skill needs consistency and practice for such a long time so that you can use language flexibly whatever the topics are. 

Go off topic

Don’t try to tell an entire story but focus on important points relating to your questions.

Prepare carefully for the test

You had better have a thorough investigation into IELTS Speaking Part 1 including the format, common topics, sample answers, marking & assessment criteria, and procedure during the test. Therefore, you can get rid of the feeling of anxiety, nervousness or surprise.

Using only Yes/No answers

No one expects a too short answer with just Yes or No. You should use at least one or two supporting sentences that give more information for your answers.

Make a good first impression

Make use of your friendly smile and eye contact to create a good impression on the examiners. Pretend that this is just a normal and casual conversation and you will find it more comfortable during the test.

Hesitate to answer

In case you are nervous and don’t know what to say, you can use some sentences such as: 

• To be honest, this topic is strange to me, so let me think….

• To be honest, it’s not an area of my interest 

• Well, I don’t really know much about … because …, but I suppose …

• Frankly, this isn’t something I’m used to talking about.

• Honestly, I am a little bit nervous right now and my mind just went blank

• It’s not easy to talk about a brand new aspect without preparing beforehand and honestly I have no clue about this at all, but let me think.

Extend answers with supporting ideas

Notwithstanding the unlimited amount of words or sentences you have to answer for each question, your answers shouldn’t be too short. Instead, you should support your answers with some other following sentences illustrating your point.

Learn by heart the answers

If you are giving a learn-by-heart answer, the examiner will recognise it immediately. Therefore, instead of rote learning, you should practice your fluency and flexibility and prepare for ideas in advance.

Pretend your interest towards questions

Accepting that most of the IELTS Speaking questions are not your interest, you need to pretend that you have certain concern for those using varied intonation associated with enough eye contact and body gestures.

Try to be perfectly correct

If you constantly think about how to answer correctly without any grammar or vocabulary mistakes, you may lose your point due to the lack of fluency and pronunciation. Try to be as natural as possible!

These are some information about IELTS Speaking part 1 with some common topics and several dos & don’ts during the test. To get more sample answers with useful vocabulary, install IELTS TEST PRO now!