IELTS Speaking Part 1 is the first section of the IELTS Speaking test. It is a short, structured interview between the candidate and the examiner that lasts 4–5 minutes. In this part, the examiner asks questions on familiar, everyday topics, such as your home, work, hobbies, daily routine, or studies. The goal is to evaluate how well you can communicate in spoken English about simple, personal subjects.
This section sets the tone for the rest of the IELTS Speaking test and is often described as a “warm-up” conversation. However, don’t underestimate its importance—it plays a significant role in your final Speaking band score.
Typically, you will be asked 9 to 12 questions in total, organized around three topics:
First topic: Questions about you (e.g., name, hometown, work or studies)
Second topic: A familiar topic (e.g., hobbies, daily routine, weather)
Third topic: A related follow-up topic (e.g., food, technology, holidays)
The questions are not academic; they are designed to make you speak comfortably about topics you already know. Your answers should be short to medium in length, typically 2–4 sentences.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 is used to evaluate your ability to:
Introduce yourself and respond to basic personal questions
Demonstrate fluency and coherence
Use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures
Speak clearly with proper pronunciation
It gives examiners a baseline of your spoken English proficiency and helps them assess how naturally and effectively you can communicate in real-life situations.
The format of IELTS Speaking Part 1 is predictable, which is good news for test-takers. Here’s what happens:
Introduction by the examiner:
The examiner will greet you, check your ID, and introduce themselves.
Identity check:
You will be asked your name and to confirm your identity.
Three sets of topic-based questions:
The first topic is almost always about work/study or home/hometown.
The next two topics are chosen from a list of common themes such as:
Hobbies
Food
Weather
Travel
Technology
Friends and family
To better understand what to expect, here are a few sample questions from Part 1:
Topic: Hometown
Where are you from?
What do you like about your hometown?
Is it a good place for children to grow up?
Topic: Daily Routine
What is a typical day like for you?
Do you usually do the same things every day?
How do you usually start your day?
Topic: Technology
Do you use a smartphone?
What apps do you use most often?
Do you think you use technology too much?
One of the most important assessment criteria for the IELTS Speaking test is Lexical Resource, which refers to your range and accuracy of vocabulary.
Here is how the examiner evaluates your vocabulary in Part 1:
You need to demonstrate that you can use a variety of words and phrases instead of repeating basic terms. For example, instead of always saying “good,” use words like “amazing,” “enjoyable,” “pleasant,” or “worthwhile.”
The examiner looks for relevant vocabulary based on the topic. If the topic is “Travel,” you should naturally include words like “luggage,” “airfare,” “backpacking,” or “sightseeing.”
Using common word combinations makes your speech more natural. For example:
“Spend time with friends” (not “use time with friends”)
“Wake up early” (not “rise early”)
Being able to express the same idea in different ways shows flexibility. For instance:
“I love watching movies” → “I really enjoy watching films in my free time.”
For Band 5–6, you are expected to:
Use common vocabulary accurately
Sometimes repeat words due to a limited range
Attempt to use less familiar words, though you may make errors
Speak understandably even with occasional misused words
Here’s a comparison of vocabulary usage across bands:
| Band | Vocabulary Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 5 | Limited vocabulary; frequent repetition; simple expressions |
| 6 | Adequate vocabulary for familiar topics; some flexibility with occasional errors |
| 7+ | Wide range of vocabulary; precise and natural use of words |
Part 1 of the Speaking test usually takes 4–5 minutes. Here’s the typical breakdown:
Introduction and ID check: ~30 seconds
First set of questions (e.g., hometown or work/study): ~1–1.5 minutes
Second topic questions: ~1.5 minutes
Third topic questions: ~1–1.5 minutes
The examiner follows a script to ensure consistency, so timing is strict.
Here are some practical strategies to improve your performance:
Familiarize yourself with 20–30 common IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics and prepare natural vocabulary and expressions for each.
Memorized responses are easy for examiners to spot. Instead, focus on building flexible language skills that allow you to respond naturally.
Avoid giving one-word or short answers. Try to give at least 2–3 sentences with reasons or examples.
Example:
Question: Do you enjoy cooking?
Poor answer: Yes.
Better answer: Yes, I really enjoy cooking, especially on weekends. It helps me relax, and I love trying out new recipes.
To sound natural, use phrases like:
“Well, let me think…”
“Actually…”
“To be honest…”
Fluency is more important than using complex words. If you get stuck, paraphrase or describe the word you don’t remember.
Q1: Do I need to speak formally in Part 1?
A: No. Part 1 is meant to be a casual conversation, so use everyday spoken English—clear, natural, and friendly.
Q2: Can I ask the examiner to repeat the question?
A: Yes. You can say: “Sorry, could you repeat that, please?” But don’t ask too often.
Q3: Will I lose marks for making grammar mistakes?
A: Occasional mistakes are acceptable at Band 5–6 as long as they don’t stop communication.
Q4: Is it okay to pause before answering?
A: Yes. Short pauses are natural. Just avoid long silences.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 is your first impression in the Speaking test. While it is not the most difficult section, it is vital to demonstrate that you can communicate clearly and confidently in everyday situations. For Band 5 to 6 candidates, mastering basic vocabulary, using simple but accurate expressions, and responding naturally to questions can make a big difference in your overall score.
By focusing on topic-specific vocabulary, practicing regularly, and understanding what examiners expect, you can significantly improve your Lexical Resource and perform strongly in IELTS Speaking Part 1.