How to Practice for IELTS Speaking Part 1

Preparing for the IELTS Speaking test can generally be a nerve-wracking experience. Mainly, if you are unsure of what to expect, which is quite normal! As a commonly said thing, Part 1 of the Speaking module is the easiest compared to the other two. Hence, with a good amount of practice with a lot of past question papers, cracking it and creating a good first impression in front of the examiner can be a piece of cake!

Learning the secret tricks on how to practice for IELTS Speaking Part 1 is very important. Also, setting the tone and impression for the rest of the test happens in this part only. To give a brief of part 1, you will be answering familiar topics like your hometown, work, family, sports movies you love, etc. This part allows you to showcase your speaking abilities based on everyday topics.

Don’t forget that knowing and practising the most commonly asked IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics can help you ace it well. Read this blog to learn our expert tips to prepare for this part, the structure of it, some commonly asked topics, and much more!

Structure of IELTS Speaking Part 1

Duration: 4-5 minutes.

Part 1 of the Speaking test begins as the examiner introduces themself and asks your identification. Then, you will be asked one to two questions about where you’re from and so on to confirm your identity.

You will be asked questions mostly based on the topics you might have come across in life. For example,

• Friends
• Hobbies
• Daily routine
• Shopping
• Music, etc.

Do not just answer yes/no but, provide and expand your answer for at least more than 3 sentences. You can also cite a personal example in this part. Your interaction here will be a bit informal since it is based on your personal likes and dislikes, hence you must focus in being natural and relaxed.

Remember, the whole test will be recorded from the moment you step into the room. Hence, do not speak stuff that is not necessary like asking the examiner about how they are doing or if they had something to eat. Act professionally by just giving the test and stepping out with a thank you.

Example of a Part 1 Topic

Tea or Coffee

• Do people like tea and coffee nowadays?
• Do you prefer to use tea or coffee to serve your guests?
• When was the last time you had a cup of coffee or tea?
• Do you usually buy your coffee in a coffee shop?

To begin your test, the perfect way is to start speaking confidently and with a bright smile. Take a look at the following initial steps to have in mind while you perform in your actual Speaking test.

1. The examiner mentions your name along with your candidate number.

For this, you can respond with 'Yeah, that's me', and confidently greet them with a simple “Hi,” or “Good evening.” Take a deep breath to make yourself begin answering the examiner’s questions. They would have already started the recorder so be clear and patient as you speak.

2. The examiner does your identity check

The examiner will now ask for your passport to identify you and note down the number in their book. The examiner will read aloud your details and may ask you certain questions about the place you come from to confirm. For this, you can just say, “I’m from Banglore,” (or whichever city you are from) Once the paperwork and identity check is done, the actual speaking Part 1 will start.

3. The examiner asks one to two personal questions before they begin the interview.

To make you feel comfortable, they might ask a couple of simple questions about your work or study. You can answer it in a single sentence like, “I’ve completed my bachelor’s and I’m planning to do my graduate study.”

4. Watch out for the tenses and don’t forget to expand your answer.

If you are questioned in the past tense, you should only structure your answer in the past tense. Using the correct tense to answer by understanding the question’s tense is an important thing to do

For example:

Q: "What will you study next?" (Future tense)

A: “I’m planning to take up a graduate course in English Literature within the next six months.”

Regarding extending your answers, try to add more information before the examiner asks you a “why?” Let us use the same example for the answer extension part too.

Extended Answer: “I’m planning to take up a graduate course in English Literature within the next six months. This is because, as a bachelor’s student, I have learnt the basics of it and I am very much interested to learn the art of novel writing which is the prime focus in this graduate study!”

5. Speak clearly and fluently

Make sure to keep a calm pace and do not rush your answers. Open your mouth pronounce the words clearly and have a smile as you speak. Also, do not forget intonations! They are nothing but the IELTS Speaking test tone in which you can use the highs and lows to express your content. Adding on, if you don’t understand the question, you can ask for clarification.

For example: “Can you please repeat the question?”

“If I’m not wrong, is this what you meant?”

To conclude, always remember, that preparation and consistency are the key. Do not worry if you face unfamiliar questions, just be confident and answer anything related to it. So, start your practice now and do not hesitate to reach out to us if you face challenges while you prepare!

Also Check:

• Names: IELTS Speaking Part 1
• Daily Routine: IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 & 3
• Leisure Time, Hobbies IELTS Speaking Part 1