Speaking · 4–5 minutes
IELTS Speaking Part 1
IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts about 4–5 minutes and follows a simple question-and-answer format. The examiner typically asks approximately 12 questions, usually covering three everyday topics like your work, studies, hometown, or family (amongst other options). Sometimes, you might also get more general topics such as birthdays or hobbies. The questions are straightforward and focus on your own experiences and background, making this the easiest section of the test. Your answers here can be shorter, and do not require as much development as the other two sections.
Home
- Do you live in a house or an apartment?
- What do you like most about your home?
- Is there anything you don’t like about your home?
- How long have you lived there?
- Which room do you spend the most time in?
- What would your ideal home look like?
- Do you prefer living in a big or small home?
- Have you ever moved house?
- Do you like decorating your home?
- What kind of view do you have from your home?
Hometown
- Where is your hometown?
- What is your hometown known for?
- Do you like living there?
- Has it changed much in recent years?
- What do people usually do there?
- Is it a good place for young people?
- What are the best things about your hometown?
- Are there any problems in your hometown?
- Do you think you will live there in the future?
- How does it compare to other cities in your country?
Work / Studies
- Do you work or study?
- What do you do exactly?
- Why did you choose this job/subject?
- Do you enjoy it?
- What is the most interesting part of your work/studies?
- What is the most difficult part?
- How do you usually spend your day at work/university?
- Do you prefer working alone or in a team?
- What are your future plans?
- Would you change your job/subject if you could?
Hobbies
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- How did you start this hobby?
- How often do you do it?
- Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies?
- What hobbies are popular in your country?
- Do you think hobbies are important?
- Have your hobbies changed over time?
- Do you prefer relaxing or active hobbies?
- Do you spend money on your hobbies?
- Would you like to try a new hobby?
Daily Routine
- What do you usually do in the morning?
- Do you have a fixed routine?
- What part of your day do you enjoy the most?
- Do you prefer busy days or relaxed days?
- What do you usually do in the evening?
- Do you do the same things every day?
- How has your routine changed over time?
- Do you like planning your day?
- What is the busiest time of your day?
- Would you like to change your daily routine?
Food
- What kind of food do you like?
- Do you prefer home-cooked meals or eating out?
- How often do you cook?
- Is there any food you dislike?
- What is a typical meal in your country?
- Do you eat healthy food?
- Have your eating habits changed?
- Do you like trying new food?
- Do you prefer sweet or savoury food?
- Do you think food is important in your culture?
Friends
- How often do you meet your friends?
- What do you usually do together?
- How did you meet your close friends?
- Do you prefer a few close friends or many friends?
- Are your friends similar to you?
- Do you make friends easily?
- Has your circle of friends changed over time?
- Do you keep in touch with old friends?
- What makes a good friend?
- Do you prefer spending time with friends or family?
Travel
- Do you like travelling?
- How often do you travel?
- What kind of places do you like to visit?
- Do you prefer travelling alone or with others?
- What is your favourite trip so far?
- Do you prefer short trips or long holidays?
- What do you usually do when you travel?
- Are there any places you want to visit?
- Do you prefer cities or nature?
- How do you usually plan your trips?
Technology
- How often do you use technology?
- What devices do you use most?
- Do you think you use technology too much?
- How has technology changed your life?
- What do you use your phone for?
- Do you prefer reading online or on paper?
- Are older people comfortable with technology?
- What new technology would you like to try?
- Do you think technology will improve in the future?
- Can you live without technology for a day?
Weather
- What’s the weather like in your country?
- What is your favourite kind of weather?
- Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
- Does the weather affect your mood?
- What do you usually do when the weather is good?
- Do you check the weather forecast?
- What is the worst weather you have experienced?
- Has the weather changed in your country?
- Do people in your country talk about the weather a lot?
- What activities do you do in different seasons?