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Table of Contents
Introduction
Many students get nervous at the start of the IELTS Speaking test, their mind goes blank, and they just don’t know what to say.
If this happens to you, don’t worry, let me explain exactly what happens in the test, and give you some simple phrases to use, to make sure it all goes smoothly.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Greetings
This is what happens at the start of the IELTS Speaking test.
- You enter the test centre
- You have to leave your phone in safe place
- You are asked to sit and wait outside the test room
Then when the examiner opens the door, you can simply say,
Hello
Hi
Nice to meet you
When you go in the room, the examiner will ask you to sit down, and they will start recording the interview.
First, they will ask for your ID, so make sure you have it ready.
Then they will ask for your full name, and also what they can call you. You can say,
Call me [name]
You can just call me [name]
Next they will ask you some questions about yourself. They will choose one of the following topics to begin, and ask one or two questions;
- Work
- Study
- Home / accommodation
- Hometown / the town where you live
Part 1 Questions: Work or Study
Do you work or study?
If the answer is you work, then you could say,
- what job you do
- where
- how long
- I am a ____ [teacher, nurse, manager]
- I work as a ____ /aɪ wɜːkəzə/ [teacher, nurse, manager]
- I work in a ______, not far from where I live [school, hospital, IT company]
- I work in one of the main _______ in my hometown [schools, hospitals, IT companies]
- I’ve been doing this for ____ [2 years, a number of years, 2 years or so]
Sample Answer
I am a nurse. I work in one of the main hospitals in my hometown. I’ve been doing this job for 5 years or so.
TIP: Try giving a different answer to the same question each time you practice
Do you work or study?
If the answer is you study, then you could say,
- what you study
- where
- how long
- I am student at _____ and I study _____
- I study _____ at _______
- I am in my ______ [first year, second year, last year]
- I will graduate ______ [in summer this year, in two year’s time, next year]
- I hope to graduate ______ [in summer this year, in two year’s time, next year]
Sample Answer
I am student actually. I study French at Oxford University. I am in my first year there, so it’s quite exciting, yeah.
Part 1 Questions: House or Flat
Do you live in a house or a flat?
You could say,
- which
- where
- size
- who
I live in a house in the centre of town
I live in a flat on the outskirts of town
I live in a house in the countryside
- It’s quite a _____ place, [big, cosy, spacious, comfy, comfortable]
- To be honest | it’s rather _____ [small, cramped, dingy]
- I live there with my ______ [husband, wife, spouse, parents]
- I live there on my own
- Cosy (adj.) = small and comfortable
- Comfy (adj.) = comfortable /ˈkʌm ftə bəl/
- Cramped (adj.) = not enough space
- Dingy (adj.) = small, dark and often dirty
- On my own = alone
Sample Answer
I live in a house in the countryside actually. It’s quite a big place, and I live there with my wife and daughter
Part 1 Questions: Hometown
Do you like your hometown?
You could say,
- yes or no
- why
- Yes, I love it.
- Yes, very much so.
- For sure, it’s great
- It’s full of _____ [history, amazing architecture, wonderful shops]
- I would say it’s a/an _____ city [exciting, vibrant, interesting]
- It’s a great place to _____ [shop, eat out, visit]
- Architecture (n.) /ˈɑ kɪ tek tʃə/ = the style or way a building is designed
- Vibrant (adj.) = lively
Sample Answer
Yes, very much so. I like the architecture. It’s full of interesting sites for tourists. So, it’s a great place to visit, especially in the spring, as it’s not too hot.
Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1
- Develop your answer a little
- Smile
- Speak clearly
- Speak at a natural pace
Here we have covered the introduction questions at the beginning of IELTS Speaking Part 1.
Find out more about other Part 1 topics and questions.
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‘It’s such a great course. I’ve learned so many usages for speaking part 1.’
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