Part 1 – Introduction and interview

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Part 1 Introduction and interview

In this part, the examiner introduces him/herself and checks the test takers’ identity. They then ask the test takers general questions on some familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies and interests.

Part 1 lasts 4–5 minutes.

Common Introduction or ‘warm up’ Questions for SPEAKING PART 1

Part 1 of the test begins with some ‘getting to know you’ questions. The kind of questions you ask someone when you meet them for the first time. So, you may get questions similar to these below. Note, these are not official IELTS questions.

Use natural expressions

Sometimes, students say that they feel like a robot during the speaking test. This is common when you do not have the small words and expressions that you use in your native language(s). The vocabulary below will help you speak more naturally.

Talking about yourself

Introduction

Your past. I grew up in (place), which is . . .

Your job. I am (currently/presently) . . .

Where you live now. I’ve been living in (place) for (blank years/month).

Current plans. At the moment, I’m taking classes at . . . and . . .

Future plans. I’m hoping to . . .

Future plans. I’m planning on . . .

Hometown

Do you like your hometown?
What’s a popular part of your hometown?
Are there many shops in your hometown?

Home

Do you live in a house or a flat?
What’s your favourite room?
Is there anything you want to change about your home?

Accommodation

what kind of accommodation do you live in?

How long have you lived there?
What do you like about living there?

Work

Do you work or are you a student?
What do you do every day?
Do you enjoy your job?

Student

What do you study?
What do you like most about your study?
Why did you choose to study that?

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics

The ‘warm up’ is important, but the real evaluation begins after the warm up.

You will get around 3 to 4 questions on 2 different topics.

Below, you will see the kind of topics that are common in IELTS Speaking Part 1

Remember you need to learn to speak flexibly on a “wide range of topics”, so don’t just limit yourself to studying these topics below. Study as many topics as you can.

For each topic, you will see some sub-topics. The sub-topics are useful areas to study that I suggest to broaden your vocabulary and flexibility to talk confidently on that topic.

You can easily download some IELTS speaking part 1 sample questions and answers.

Download IELTS SPEAKING part 1