IELTS Speaking Part 1

In IELTS Speaking part 1, the test will begin with the examiner first introducing himself/herself and then asking you about your identity. Then he/she will ask you general/ simple questions relating to your background, home, work, studies, family, interests, hobbies and so on. You’ll have to speak for about 4-5 minutes continuously after which you’ll be asked a few personal questions. You’ll have to then answer these questions very casually and honestly.

This is an example of the Part 1 conversation you might have with your examiner:

What is your name?

What do you do for a living?

Do you like your job?

Where do you live?

Whom do you live with?

Speaking Part 1 Topics

Check below for Speaking Part 1 Topics which will help you to practice IELTS Speaking Part 1

Explore Speaking Part 1 Topics

Speaking Part 1 Model Answer Papers

Explore Below for the Speaking Part 1 Band 8 Sample Model Answers

Explore Band 8-9 Sample Model Answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Practice

There are various ways through which you can practice for the IELTS speaking test to score a high band.

Understand the test format:

You have to understand the format of the speaking test in order to practice for the test in the same manner. If you practice the test in the same format you will be able to manage time as well.

Know the marking criteria:

You must know how different speaking tests are evaluated and on what basis they are evaluated. The examiner would have to take up the speaking test in a particular way.

Practice speaking daily

You must practice speaking in English daily while focusing more on grammar. You should also focus on the fluency of English so that you’ll be able to speak during the test without hesitation.

Be Prepared but Don’t Memorize

Make sure you prepare yourself for the topics you may find it difficult to speak about. Remember, more than your knowledge on the topic, the examiner will be looking for confidence when you speak. So even if you’re asked about something you haven’t specifically prepared for, don’t hesitate, but just speak from your heart, without worrying, and automatically you’ll be radiating with confidence.

Record yourself while practicing

While practicing for the speaking test you can check your language fluency by recording your own speech using a phone or any other recording device and listening to it. By this, you will be able to assess how you speak.

Evaluate your Performance

Once you’ve recorded yourself, listen to it again and try to evaluate it, and write down the areas where you can improve. It is important to focus on your weaknesses and improve on them.

Tips to follow while attending the Speaking Part 1 test

Be Confident:

The key to scoring a high band in the Speaking Test is by speaking with confidence. As soon as you begin the test, relax, and try to not treat it as a test but as a conversation with a good friend.

Know the questions that you can expect:

You must have an idea about what questions to expect from the examiner. Try to practice answering these questions mentally so that you’ll be able to speak fluently and without panicking during the test.

For example:

Prepare the questions which the examiner might ask you, according to persona topics. Suppose, you’re preparing for questions under ‘WORK’, make sure you have the answers to:

What is your job?

Where do you work?

Do you like your job?

Why did you choose this job?

What are your responsibilities?

How long have you been in this job?

How are your colleagues?

Show interest in the questions:

Even if you’re unsure about the question posed to you by the questioner, show interest towards it, and try to answer it by talking about your experiences related to the subject. At any point during the test, don’t pause for too long or hesitate in answering, that’ll only make you more nervous and will display a lack of confidence.

Try to expand on your answers:

As in speaking part 1, you’ll only be questioned on personal topics, so try to avoid giving one line, or short answers. For every question posed to you, try to expand on it, by elaborating on the subject. Replying with long and elaborate answers will show that you have confidence and that you’re comfortable in having conversations in English.

Avoid giving Yes or No answers:

You should definitely avoid giving one-word answers as it’ll display a lack of confidence. Since confidence is one of the key factors considered during the test, avoid giving one word or short answers, it is essential to remain calm so that you’ll be able to give elaborate replies.

Try to answer all the questions asked by the examiner:

Since, Speaking Part 1 will contain all personal questions, and/ or questions related to you, you should try your best to answer each and every question with honesty and confidence. In any case, if you don’t understand the question posed to you, you can always ask the examiner to explain it, as they’ll only check for your language skills and not your knowledge on the topic.