IELTS Speaking Part 1: Intro & Interview

• The IELTS Speaking test evaluates English speaking skills through a recorded, face-to-face interview.
• Lasting 11-14 minutes, the test consists of three parts.
• These include an introduction and interview, an individual long run, and a two-way discussion.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

• This section lasts 4-5 minutes.
• The examiner introduces themself and confirms the test taker's identity.
• Test takers respond to general questions about themselves.
• Questions cover topics such as home, family, work/studies and interests.
• The purpose is to help the test taker to relax.
• The test helps assess their ability to communicate basic information and opinions.

Part 1: Sample Questions & Answers

• A sample question is, "What kind of housing/accommodation do you live in?".
• A possible answer is, "I live in a flat in a modern apartment building. It's quite spacious, with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a balcony".
• Another question is, "What do you like about your home?".
• A sample answer: "I appreciate its location because it's right in the city center and everything is accessible. I also like that it’s modern and has large windows that let in a lot of natural light".
• Test takers may also be asked, "What is your favorite room in your home? Why?".
• A possible answer is, "My favorite room is probably the living room. It's where I spend most of my time relaxing, reading, or watching movies. It also has a comfortable sofa and a nice view".
• Another example question is, "What subject are you studying?".
• An appropriate answer is, "I am currently studying computer science at university".
• Test takers may also be asked, "Why did you choose to study that subject?".
• A good response would be, "I have always been fascinated by technology and problem-solving. Computer science offers a great opportunity to learn about both, and it also has excellent career prospects".
• Another query is, "Do you prefer to study alone or with others? Why?".
• An appropriate answer is, "I prefer to study alone because I can concentrate better without distractions. However, I sometimes study with others to discuss difficult concepts and get different perspectives".
• A further example question is, "What do you enjoy doing in your free time?".
• A suitable response would be, "In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and playing the guitar".
• A related question is, "How much time do you spend on these activities each week?".
• A sample answer is, "I usually spend about 5-6 hours reading, I try to go for a hike once a week, and I play the guitar for about an hour every other day".
• Test takers may also be asked, "Is there a hobby or activity that you would like to try in the future?".
• A possible answer is, "I've always wanted to learn how to play the piano. I think it's a beautiful instrument, and I'd love to be able to play some of my favorite songs".

Part 2: Individual Long Run (Cue Card)

• This part lasts 3-4 minutes, including 1 minute for preparation and 1-2 minutes for speaking.
• A cue card containing a topic with points to cover is provided.
• The test taker has one minute to prepare notes, and then speaks for 1-2 minutes on the topic.
• The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions.
• This assesses the ability to speak at length on a topic, organize ideas, and use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar.

Part 2: Sample Topics

• Possible topics include describing a time when you received good advice.
  • You should say who gave the advice.
  • What the advice was.
  • Explain why you think it was good advice.
  • How you followed the advice.
• Another topic is to describe a popular product or service in the test taker's country.
  • You should say what the product/service is.
  • Who uses it.
  • Why it is popular.
  • Explain how it has affected the country.
• Test takers could also be asked to describe an interesting conversation they had.
  • You should say who you had the conversation with.
  • Where you were.
  • What the conversation was about.
  • Explain why you found it interesting.
• Another possible topic is to describe a person who enjoys cooking for others.
  • You should say who this person is.
  • How you know this person.
  • What kind of food this person likes to cook.
  • Explain why this person enjoys cooking for others.

Part 2: Sample Answer

• An example cue card asks to describe a time when you received good advice.
  • You should say who gave you the advice.
  • What the advice was.
  • Why you think it was good advice.
  • How you followed the advice
• A possible answer might be describing advice from an older sister about choosing a university major.
• The sister advised researching both fields, talking to professionals, and gaining experience.
• This was considered good advice as it was unbiased and encouraged exploration.
• The advice was followed, leading to the decision to study engineering.
• The test taker learned the importance of research and self-reflection in decision-making.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

• This lasts 4-5 minutes.
• The examiner asks more abstract, in-depth questions related to the Part 2 topic.
• Test takers should engage with the examiner and express their opinions.
• This assesses the ability to express and justify opinions, analyze, discuss, and speculate about issues.

Part 3: Sample Questions & Answers

• For the Part 2 topic of describing a time when you received good advice, follow-up questions may include:
  • "Do you think young people value advice from older generations? Why or why not?".
    • A possible response is that young people generally value advice from older generations because of their experience, though they may prefer advice from peers or online sources.
  • "What are some situations where it is better to seek advice from a professional rather than a friend or family member?".
    • A suitable answer would be that professional advice is better for legal, financial, or mental health matters due to specialized knowledge and lack of bias.
• For the Part 2 topic of describing a popular product or service in your country, follow-up questions may include:
  • "What factors contribute to a product or service becoming popular in a country?".
    • A good answer is affordability, effectiveness, marketing, word-of-mouth, and social media buzz.
  • "How does globalization affect the popularity of local products and services?".
    • A possible response is that globalization introduces competition from foreign brands.
    • It also provides opportunities for local products to reach a global audience through e-commerce and international marketing.
• For the Part 2 topic of describing an interesting conversation you had, follow-up questions may include:
  • "Why is it important to have conversations with people who have different opinions from you?".
    • A good answer is that it broadens perspectives, challenges assumptions, and fosters empathy to promote tolerance and understanding.
  • "How has technology changed the way we communicate and have conversations?".
    • A possible answer is that technology has made it easier to connect globally.
    • But face-to-face interactions have been replaced by digital exchanges, which lack nonverbal cues.
    • Technology expands reach, but can also result in more shallow conversations.

Common Themes in IELTS Speaking

• These include:
  • Home/Accommodation: Types of housing, preferences, advantages and disadvantages, future home plans.
  • Work/Studies: Job/study, reasons for choosing it, enjoyment, challenges, future career plans, the importance of work/study.
  • Hobbies/Interests: Activities you enjoy, how often, why you like them, benefits, new hobbies you'd like to try.
  • Family/Friends: Relationships, influence, spending time together, important qualities in a friend.
  • Travel/Holidays: Favorite places, types of holidays, travel experiences, benefits of travelling.
  • Technology: Use of technology, advantages and disadvantages, impact on society, future developments.
  • Environment: Environmental issues, concerns, actions to protect the environment, the impact of pollution.
  • Culture: Traditions, customs, festivals, the importance of preserving culture, cultural differences.
  • Food: Favorite foods, cooking habits, eating out, healthy eating, food traditions.
  • Health: Staying healthy, exercise habits, diet, healthcare system, common health problems.