IELTS Academic Speaking Part 1: Ultra-Interactive Step-by-Step Tutorial (LingExam | Advanced Set A)
Get ready for IELTS Academic Speaking Part 1!
This tutorial provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to maximize your performance. You will learn how to analyze questions, build strong answers, and use key language strategies to impress the examiner.
Practice each step, hover over for expert tips, and review common mistakes to avoid. Use the interactive examples below for real IELTS-style questions.
Practice each step, hover over for expert tips, and review common mistakes to avoid. Use the interactive examples below for real IELTS-style questions.
Expert Strategy: 12 Steps for IELTS Academic Speaking Part 1 Success
1
Read the question and identify the topic and focus.
Make sure you clearly understand what is being asked. Is the question about your daily habits, preferences, or experiences?
Example: If the question is “Do you enjoy reading books?”, note that it’s about your personal enjoyment and reading habits, not about books in general.
Example: If the question is “Do you enjoy reading books?”, note that it’s about your personal enjoyment and reading habits, not about books in general.
2
Pause for a second to think before answering.
Quickly decide if you’ll answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ (if required), and recall relevant details or examples.
Example: For “Do you like traveling?”, decide your answer and think of a recent trip or reason to support your view.
Example: For “Do you like traveling?”, decide your answer and think of a recent trip or reason to support your view.
3
Begin with a direct answer.
Say “Yes, I do” or “No, I don’t” (or “Sometimes, depending on...” if you want to add nuance). This sets the tone for a confident response.
Example: “Yes, I really enjoy reading books.”
Example: “Yes, I really enjoy reading books.”
4
Explain your answer with a reason.
This shows your ability to support your ideas and develop your answer, a key for high scores.
Example: “I enjoy reading because it helps me relax and learn new things.”
Example: “I enjoy reading because it helps me relax and learn new things.”
5
Add a real or imagined example to illustrate your point.
Using specific details shows fluency and the ability to personalize answers.
Example: “For instance, last month I read a fascinating book about psychology.”
Example: “For instance, last month I read a fascinating book about psychology.”
6
Link your ideas smoothly with connectors like ‘because’, ‘for example’, ‘actually’, ‘personally’, or ‘as a result’.
This makes your response more cohesive.
Example: “Actually, I often read before bed because it helps me fall asleep.”
Example: “Actually, I often read before bed because it helps me fall asleep.”
7
Try to use a mix of descriptive words, topic-specific vocabulary, and synonyms.
Avoid repeating the same words.
Example: “Reading is both enjoyable and educational for me.” (using two adjectives)
Example: “Reading is both enjoyable and educational for me.” (using two adjectives)
8
Show control of basic grammar (present simple, frequency adverbs, comparatives) and add some complex structures if you can.
Example: “Although I don’t have much free time, I always try to read a few pages every day.”
9
Maintain a steady pace and avoid long pauses or filler sounds.
If you make a small mistake, correct yourself quickly and continue.
Example: “...because it, um, I mean, because it helps me relax.”
Example: “...because it, um, I mean, because it helps me relax.”
10
Try to pronounce words clearly and use natural English rhythm.
Vary your intonation for statements and examples.
Example: “I find reading really exciting!” (intonation goes up at the end)
Example: “I find reading really exciting!” (intonation goes up at the end)
11
End your answer with a brief summary or final thought.
This signals you’ve finished and makes your answer feel complete.
Example: “So, overall, reading is one of my favourite hobbies.”
Example: “So, overall, reading is one of my favourite hobbies.”
12
After practicing, listen to your answer and think about what you could improve.
Compare your response to model answers and check for grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Example: Did you use a variety of vocabulary? Did you speak fluently without hesitation?
Example: Did you use a variety of vocabulary? Did you speak fluently without hesitation?
Pro Tips & Sample Mini-Answer
Tip 1: Always answer the examiner’s question directly—don’t change the topic.
Tip 2: Even if your real answer is ‘no’, you can always add a reason or example.
Mini-Answer Example:
Q: Do you enjoy reading books?
A: “Yes, I really do. Reading helps me relax and learn new things. For instance, I recently read a great book about history, which was fascinating. So, overall, reading is an important part of my life.”
Tip 2: Even if your real answer is ‘no’, you can always add a reason or example.
Mini-Answer Example:
Q: Do you enjoy reading books?
A: “Yes, I really do. Reading helps me relax and learn new things. For instance, I recently read a great book about history, which was fascinating. So, overall, reading is an important part of my life.”
IELTS Academic Speaking Part 1 Practice Tasks (Set A)
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Speaking Task
Step 1: Preparation Time (You have 15 seconds to think)
Step 2: Speaking & Recording (Answer in up to 40 seconds)
Tip: After recording, listen and check your pronunciation, then submit your best version!
Model Sample Answers & Step-by-Step Explanations for Each IELTS Speaking Part 1 Task
Listen to a model answer and explore a detailed, step-by-step breakdown for each question. Tap or click each section for advanced examiner commentary, strategy, and practical language tips.
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Sample Audio:
(Listen to a sample response)
Model Answer:
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5 Hardest Words for Each IELTS Speaking Part 1 Task
Tap or click each word for British & American phonetics, usage patterns, definitions, example sentences, synonyms, and typical mistakes!
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5 Hardest Phrases & Expressions for Each IELTS Speaking Part 1 Task
Tap or click each phrase to expand: see phonetics, usage patterns, definitions, examples, synonyms, and common mistakes!
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Practice: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Words & Expressions (Interactive MCQ)
Sharpen your IELTS vocabulary! Each time, 10 questions are randomly selected from 30 challenging items above.
Choose the best answer and get an instant expert explanation for every question.
Choose the best answer and get an instant expert explanation for every question.
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