IELTS Speaking Part 1: How is Your Preparation Going On?

Introduction

IELTS Speaking Part 1 is a warm-up exercise, but it’s also an opportunity to make a good impression on the examiner. One of the most common questions asked in Part 1 is “How is your preparation going on?”

This question is a chance to show the examiner that you have prepared for the test and that you are confident in your speaking skills. It’s also a chance to practise speaking about yourself and your experiences in a clear and concise way.

In this article, we’ll provide sample answers and expert tips on how to answer the question “How is your preparation going on?” in IELTS Speaking Part 1.

What is IELTS Speaking Part 1?

IELTS Speaking Part 1 is the introductory segment of the IELTS Speaking test, lasting about 4-5 minutes. It involves a conversation with the examiner on everyday topics to assess the test taker’s ability to communicate in English and provide basic personal information.

Some of the familiar speaking part 1 topics are related to hobbies, interests, daily schedules, family, education, and personal experiences. Here are some examples of questions that you might be asked in IELTS Speaking Part 1:

• What is your name?
• Where are you from?
• What do you do for a living?
• What are your hobbies?
• What is your favourite book/movie/TV show?
• What is your dream job?
• What is your biggest fear?

To answer the questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1, you should try to be as specific and detailed as possible. You should also try to use a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures. It is also important to speak slowly and clearly, and to make eye contact with the examiner.

Now, let’s Look at Sample Answers for Speaking Part 1 question: “How is your preparation going on?”.

Sample Answers for “How is Your Preparation Going on?”

Here are some sample answers for the Speaking Part 1 question “How is your preparation going on?”.

You can refer to this when drafting your own answers:

Sample Answer 1

• “My preparation is going quite well, thank you. I’ve been dedicating a significant amount of time to practicing my speaking and listening skills. I’ve also been working through various sample tests to get a feel for the exam format.”

Sample Answer 2

• “I’ve been diligently preparing for the IELTS test. I’ve set up a study schedule that includes daily practice sessions, vocabulary enhancement, and mock speaking tests with a tutor. So far, it’s been a productive journey.”

Sample Answer 3

• “I’m putting a lot of effort into my IELTS preparation. I’ve enrolled in an online IELTS course, and I attend those classes regularly. Additionally, I’ve been doing self-study exercises to reinforce what I learn in class.”

Sample Answer 4

• “I’m still working on my preparation, but I’m making progress. I’m trying to focus on my fluency and pronunciation. I’m also trying to practise answering questions in a more concise and informative way.”

Sample Answer 5

• “My IELTS preparation is in full swing. I’ve been focusing on my weak points, especially pronunciation and fluency for IELTS Speaking. I’ve also been using language learning apps and finding speaking partners to practise regularly.”

How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 1?

The best way to prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 1 is to learn about the common topics that examiners ask about. This is because examiners use a prepared list of questions.

By preparing for Speaking part 1, you can increase your chances of doing well and getting a high band score. Your performance on the IELTS Speaking interview will largely depend on how well you prepare. So, don’t procrastinate and start preparing right away.

Here are some tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the common topics that examiners ask about. Practice answering common questions. Record yourself answering questions and listen back to identify any areas where you need to improve.
• Practice with a partner or tutor. This is a great way to get feedback on your speaking and to improve your fluency.
• Focus on improving your fluency, grammar, and pronunciation. Practice speaking English slowly and clearly, and pay attention to your grammar and pronunciation.

Expert Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1

Let’s take a look at some expert tips on how to plan and prepare sample answers for common Speaking Part 1 topics:

• Understand the question: Identify the keywords and what the examiner is asking you to do.
• Stay on topic: Answer the question that was asked, even if you have prepared answers for other questions.
• Structure your answer: Think about how you want to structure your answer before you start speaking. This will help you to speak fluently and coherently.
• Be specific and provide examples: Don’t just give general answers. Instead, provide specific examples and details to support your answers.
• Adjust your prepared answers: You may need to adjust your prepared answers slightly depending on the specific question that you are asked.
• Time your answers: Aim to speak for 2-3 minutes for each question. This means that your prepared answers should be around 150-200 words long.
• Don’t over-prepare: Don’t try to prepare sample answers for every possible question. Instead, focus on preparing a few answers for each of the common topic categories, such as people, places, objects, activities, and experiences.

Useful Links: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions with Band 9 Sample Answers

• Topic: advertisements
• Topic: art
• Topic: bags
• Topic: celebrities
• Topic: chocolate
• Topic: cooking food
• Topic: dream
• Topic: flowers
• Topic: hats
• Topic: holidays
• Topic: hometown
• Topic: house
• Topic: jobs
• Topic: study
• Topic: walking
• Topic: sports