IELTS Speaking: Part 1 Basic Overview and Strategy

For IELTS speaking part 1, the examiner will introduce him or herself and ask you general questions about common topics such as home, family, work, studies, and your interests.

General Information:

1. Time: 4-5 minutes
2. Topics: 3 topic areas on common topics such as home, family, work, studies, and your interests.
3. Number of questions: 10-11 questions (examiner must ask all questions)
   • 2-3 introduction questions
   • 4 questions on topic one
   • 4 questions on topic two

Sample Topics:

Source: British Council IELTS Site

Let’s talk about your home town or village:

• what kind of place is it?
• what’s the most interesting part of your town/village?
• what kind of jobs do the people in your town/village do?
• would you say it’s a good place to live? (why?)

Let’s move on to talk about accommodation:

• tell me about the kind of accommodation you live in?
• how long have you lived there?
• what do you like about living there?
• what sort of accommodation would you most like to live in?

Basic Strategies for IELTS Speaking Part 1:

1. Focus on Fluency: Don’t hesitate or stop while you’re answering.
2. Be Short and Simple: Don’t give long, detailed answers. One or two sentences is enough.
3. Complete Your Sentences: One word answers are not enough. Make complete sentences. (e.g. “I live in Tokyo.” not “Tokyo.”)
4. Finish Strong: Say your answer and then end your sentence with confidence. Don’t keep talking on and on (rambling).
5. Be Confident: Even though your body language is not scored, your posture and even your facial expression can affect how you speak. Sit up straight but comfortable, smile, and make good eye contact.
6. Relax and get comfortable: Part 1 is a warmup and is not where your main score will be decided. Use it as a chance to get comfortable speaking with your examiner.

What other good strategies have you used for part 1? Share in the comments section.