IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Check IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics & Questions with Answers

IELTS Speaking Section Overview

As a separately-conducted section of the test, the IELTS speaking test is divided into three parts, all assessing the communication abilities of the candidate. Being interactive in nature, this section of the test will have a human examiner raising questions on real-world scenarios. The exam pattern for the IELTS speaking part 1 will remain the same between IELTS Academic and General Training tests.

According to the exam pattern, the entire section will be completed within 11-14 minutes of interaction with the interviewer. Outlined below are the three major parts of the section, including the IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 and 3.

IELTS Speaking Part 1

The IELTS Speaking part 1 will see an examiner introduce themselves to the test-taker, requesting an introduction of the candidate as well. They may raise a few questions pertaining to the candidate’s personal life, daily routine, and everyday activities, including their work, family, studies and hobbies. The objective of the IELTS Speaking part 1 is to relax the candidate for the section which may take anywhere from four to five minutes to complete.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

The second part of the speaking section will require candidates to speak on a topic that they will pick out of a cue card. The examiner will hand out the card with the instructions for the response and the points that should be included in your extempore.

Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test will require candidates to speak on the topic for a period of 1-2 minutes, during which the examiner will not intervene or interrupt. The examiner may, however, ask a few questions after you have completed your talk.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

The IELTS Speaking part 3 will include follow-up questions, further interaction with the examiner and any other tasks that the examiner may wish for the candidates to undertake. Here, the examiner may raise questions pertaining to the topic that the candidate spoke upon, even raising questions on the points made by the candidate on the topic. The IELTS Speaking part 3 will include follow-up questions, further interaction with the examiner and any other tasks that the examiner may wish for the candidates to undertake. Here, the examiner may raise questions pertaining to the topic that the candidate spoke upon, even raising questions on the points made by the candidate on the topic.

Planning to take IELTS this year, or looking for some useful information on the web to score high on the IELTS exam? The following links are worth checking out to make yourself more familiar with the IELTS exam:

Common IELTS Speaking Topics Part 1 2023

Now that you have a brief idea about the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment, here is a list of some of the most common IELTS Speaking part 1 questions and answers part 1 assessment that can be asked in your IELTS 2023 exam:

Note: Applicants should also keep in mind that these themes are intended for general discussion and that there are no correct or incorrect replies. 

Most Commonly Asked IELTS Speaking Questions Part 1

For IELTS speaking questions part 1, interviewers typically ask questions regarding the topics listed above. Some examples of possible question include that the examiner can ask you during the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment are as follows:

About You or Yourself

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on the topic ‘about yourself’ in the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment:

• What is your (full) name?

• Could you please tell me your name?

• Could you please tell me your entire name?

• What shall I refer to you as?

• How should I address you?

• Is there any significance to your name?

• Is your name significant to you?

• Do you want to change your name? Why?

• What is your zodiac sign?

• What is the meaning of your name?

• What is your age?

Study 

In the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment, the following are some of the most often asked questions about the topic ‘study’:

• What are you currently studying?

• Are you planning to study abroad?

• What is your major subject?

• What field of study do you like to pursue further?

• What are your future study plans?

• What is your favourite subject to study?

• Which is your least favourite subject to study?

• What is the scope of (the course chosen)?

Work 

In the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment, given below are some of the most frequently asked questions about your ‘work’:

• Do you work?

• What is your work all about?

• Describe the nature of your work/job.

• Where are you currently working?

• Are you satisfied/happy with the work that you do?

• What is an ideal job according to you?

• Are you willing to pursue this job permanently?

• Are you planning to switch your job?

• Are you planning to work abroad after your studies?

• What are your future work/career plans?

• How many days in a week do you work?

Hometown 

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on the topic of ‘hometown’ in the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment: 

• Describe your hometown/village

• Tell me some interesting facts about your hometown.

• Where is your hometown situated?

• Do you still visit your hometown?

• How far is your hometown from your current residence?

• How frequently do you visit your hometown?

• How are people in your hometown? Are they welcoming and helpful?

• When was the last time you visited your hometown?

• Do you prefer living in towns or cities?

• How is development in your hometown?

• What is your hometown being called?

• What did you like the most about your hometown?

Leisure Time 

Mentioned below are some of the most commonly asked questions on the topic of ‘leisure time’ in the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment: 

• What is an ideal leisure time according to you?

• What do you normally do in your free or leisure time?

• What do you wish to do next in your leisure time?

• Do you like watching movies in your leisure time?

• Do you like reading in your leisure time?

• Do you like listening to music in your leisure time?

• Do you cook in your leisure time?

• How much time do you have available each week for this?

• Do you have any other interests or hobbies?

• Do you wish to try some new things in your free or leisure time?

• What changes have occurred in leisure time over the years?

Holidays 

In the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment, given below are some of the most frequently asked questions about ‘holidays’:

• Are you fond of holidays?

• Do you like to travel during holidays?

• How have you celebrated your last holidays?

• How do you usually celebrate or spend your holidays?

• Do you like being productive or working during the holiday season too?

• Are holidays play a significant role in your life? Why? 

• Where do you next wish to go in your holidays?

• How do you use to spend your summer holidays in school?

• How do you use to spend your winter holidays in school?

Transportation 

In the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment, enlisted below are some of the most commonly asked questions about ‘transportation’:

• What public transportation do you prefer the most?

• How are the public transportation facilities in your state/country?

• How can public transportation improve in the future in your country/state?

• Which mode of transportation is the best in your region?

• Which is the fastest mode of transportation according to you and why?

• How do you usually travel?

• Which transport do you use the most?

• Do you have your own transportation/car?

Shopping 

Mentioned below are some of the generally asked questions on the topic of ‘shopping’ in the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment: 

• How much time do you spend shopping each week?

• Do you like to go shopping? If not, why not?

• Where do you typically shop?

• Why do you enjoy shopping?

• Do you find shopping therapeutic?

• Do you feel good after shopping?

• What do you shop for the most?

• When did you last go shopping?

• Do you like shopping alone or with a company?

• Are you a quick shopper?

• Do you overspend on shopping?

• Are you a rational shopper?

• Where do you shop the most?

Your Neighbourhood 

Enlisted below are some of the typically asked questions on the topic of ‘your neighbourhood’ in the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment: 

• How is your neighbourhood region?

• Have you ever been to your neighbourhood?

• Do you know people living in your neighbourhood?

• Is your neighbourhood safe at night?

• Could you tell me more about your neighbourhood?

• What activities take place in your neighbourhood?

• What do you enjoy most about your neighbourhood?

• How and why do you believe your neighbourhood can be improved?

• Is your neighbourhood safe for children and elderly people?

Reading 

Some of the frequently asked questions concerning to topic  'reading' in the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment are given below:

• What did you read recently?

• Are you into reading novels?

• How have you improved your reading skills?

• Do you think reading is important?

• Do you read in your leisure time? 

• Is reading a leisure activity for you?

• What do you feel like while reading?

• What is your favourite genre of reading?

• Do you like to read books?

• What kind of books do you like to read?

• What was the most recent book you read?

• What did you enjoy most about the book?

• What are some of the benefits of reading a book?

Sports and Games 

Some of the most frequently asked questions concerning to topic ‘sports and games’ in the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment are mentioned below:

• What is the most popular sport in your country and why?

• Do you like watching sports?

• Which is your favourite sport or game?

• What games do you like to play?

• Are outdoor games better than indoor games?

• What were your favourite sports and games to play as a kid?

• Do you like playing video games?

• Which sports are you currently following?

• Which is the most difficult sport to play according to you?

• What is the national sport of your country?

Tips to Practice IELTS Speaking Part 1

Now that you have a pool of most frequently and commonly asked IELTS speaking topics with answers, let us shed some light on some important tips that aspirants must remember to ace their IELTS speaking test: 

Use Unfamiliar and Long Words Sparingly

Using these unfamiliar words disturbs a speaker's natural flow, and there is also a risk of mispronouncing those terms. Furthermore, employing these terms incorrectly can negatively impact your IELTS overall band score.

Take Significant Pauses While Speaking 

A test-taker may require some time to consider while speaking before responding to a smart question. It is customary for candidates to stop before speaking, and they can utilise statements such as 'that is a nice point' or 'let me think' or ‘I liked the question you have asked’, etc.

Never Memorise Your Answers

Some of the common IELTS speaking part 1 questions may tempt you to memorise them. However, this will disrupt your normal speaking flow, and the examiner will immediately recognise these responses. Instead of memorizing, it is preferable to practice IELTS speaking topics with answers beforehand.

Use a Variety of Grammar and Eliminate Fillers

Candidates that demonstrate a variety of grammatical uses to communicate their words are more likely to score higher than others. It is also critical to use correct and proper grammar. Furthermore, when speaking, most non-native speakers employ fillers such as 'umm,' 'like,' and others. To achieve a good score, an applicant should avoid using these fillers. Fillers make it difficult for an examiner to understand what you are saying.

Avoid Answers that are Repetitive or Lengthy

Speaking for an extended period of time may cause a test-taker to sound flat. To prevent seeming monotonous, applicants should emphasize specific words and employ punctuation. This will make the examination more interesting for the examiner. Extending responses is also significant in the IELTS speaking exam. This is because a candidate's English fluency is graded, delivering brief replies makes it harder for the examiner to rate appropriately, and they also have to ask questions to get them to talk, which lowers the score.

Remember to Smile While Speaking Your Answer 

It is common for candidates to be nervous before the exam. Smiling when giving your IELTS speaking part 1 assessment can help you relax your nervousness and talk effectively and eloquently. Smiling will also make the examiner's dialogue more engaging and welcoming.

After going through the article, it can be easily said that the IELTS speaking part 1 assessment is undoubtedly one of the easier components of the exam if one practices IELTS Speaking topics with answers. Candidates only need to focus on a few key points to achieve a higher band. It is essential to remember to rehearse ahead of time and not memorize answers during speaking tests.