👇 Take this lesson with you! 👇
Table of Contents
This guide shows you how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions using Band 7+ templates, phrases, and sample answers.
You’ll learn how to respond naturally to common IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics such as family, work, daily routines, free time, and school subjects, without memorising full answers.
Tip:
How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 1 answer be?
A good IELTS Speaking Part 1 answer is usually 2–3 sentences, lasting about 15–25 seconds, and includes a reason or short explanation.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 - FAMILY
Part 1 Question
Who are you closest to in your family?
Band 7+ Answer Template
1. I would say the person I am closest to is ____
- my mother
- my father
- my sister
- my uncle
2. Mainly because they are _____
- friendly
- easy-going
- approachable
3. When we get together we just hit it off!
Sample Answer
I would say the person I am closest to is probably my uncle,
mainly because he is so easy-going.
When we get together we just hit it off!
IELTS Speaking Part 1 - WORK
Part 1 Questions
- Tell me about your job
- Do you like your job?
- What do you do?
Band 7+ Answer Template
1. Actually, I work as a _____
- teacher
- engineer
- doctor
2. I’ve been doing this for _____
- 5 years
- 3 months
3. I love it and I really feel in my element in this job.
OR
3. I don’t think this job suits me, so I might change in future.
Vocabulary Note:
To be in your element = you feel comfortable doing something and do it well
Sample Answers
Actually, I work as a teacher.
I’ve been doing this for about ten years.
I love it and I really feel in my element in this job.
Actually, I work as a teacher.
I’ve been doing this for about ten years.
I don’t think this job suits me, so I might change in future.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 - DAILY ROUTINES
Part 1 Questions
- What do you do at the weekends?
- What do you do in the mornings?
- What do you do in the evenings?
Band 7+ Answer Template
1. At the weekend, the most important thing for me is to _____
- spend time with family
- relax
- disconnect from work
2. So I usually ______
- go to the park with my wife and daughter
- go out with friends
- sleep in
3. To be honest, most weekends are similar, unless there’s a special occasion [like a ____]
- wedding
- birthday party
Sample Answers
At the weekend, the most important thing for me is to spend time with the family.
So I usually go to the park with my children and wife.
To be honest, most weekends are similar, unless there’s a special occasion.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 - FREE TIME
Part 1 Questions
- What do you do in your free time?
- Do you have any hobbies?
Band 7+ Answer Template
1. One thing I love doing is _____
- reading books
- playing the guitar
- listening to music
2. I find it helps me ______
- relax
- disconnect
- take it easy
3. I try to make time for this, whenever I can.
Sample Answer
One thing I love doing is playing the guitar.
I find it helps me relax and disconnect from work.
I try to make time for this, whenever I can.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 - SCHOOL SUBJECT
Part 1 Questions
Did you study _____ at school?
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Art
- Maths
Common IELTS Mistake:
Giving very short answers like “Yes, I did.” without adding more detail such as a reason or a feeling.
Band 7+ Answer Template [Negative Answer]
1. Yes, ________ was a mandatory subject
Vocabulary Note:
Mandatory = obligatory, you have to do it
2. I didn’t like it so much, the teacher was _______
- boring
- too slow
- not interested in us
3. I’m afraid most of it went in one ear and out the other.
Band 7+ Answer Template [Positive Answer]
1. Yes, _______ was a mandatory subject
2. I really enjoyed it, it was taught really well
3. And it proved useful in later life
Sample Answers
Yes, art was a mandatory subject.
I didn’t like it so much, the teacher was really boring.
And I’m afraid most of it went in one ear and out the other.
Yes, history was a mandatory subject.
I really enjoyed it, it was taught really well
And it proved useful in later life.
FAQs
I suggest you learn short phrases and practise using them flexibly, changing some words each time.
If you memorise a whole answer, the examiner will know and mark you down.
Your answers should be fairly short and succinct, around 2 to 3 sentences.
These are some of the most common IELTS Speaking questions, but there is no guarantee that you will get these answers.
Your choice of question will depend on the examiner’s choice on your test day.
These templates use simple and complex language, so they could range from band 6 to 8.
The score of course will also depend on your fluency and pronunciation.
Remember to learn these phrases rather than memorise the whole answer. When you answer be flexible, change words, add information and speak as naturally as you can.
Share your answers to one of these questions in the comments below!
Improve your Speaking Skills with this Free Course
Crack IELTS Speaking Part 1
Learn to Speak with Confidence in Part 1 of Your IELTS Test!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘It’s such a great course. I’ve learned so many usages for speaking part 1.’
Zu Htet
