In the IELTS Speaking Test, Part 1 is often called the “introduction and interview” section. Here, you’ll have a 4-5 minute conversation with the examiner, who will ask general questions about familiar topics like your home, work or studies, hobbies, travel, or personal interests. This part is intended to help you settle into the exam and allow the examiner to assess your natural speaking abilities in a comfortable setting.
For success in this part, it’s essential to focus on four key criteria to reach a high band score: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource (Vocabulary), Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Hitting each of these areas effectively can elevate your score significantly. To score in higher bands, aim to speak naturally, avoid long pauses, use varied vocabulary accurately, demonstrate control over complex grammatical structures, and pronounce words clearly with natural intonation.
An example and Answers for different Bands
Here are sample answers for the question “What is your job?” tailored to each band range:
Band Less Than 7
“I work in an office. My job is to answer calls and do paperwork. It is okay, but sometimes it gets boring. I don’t really like it very much, but it’s a job.”
In this response, simple language is used with limited vocabulary and minor detail, reflecting typical responses below Band 7.
Band 7 - 7.5
“I work as an administrative assistant in a company. My main duties include answering phone calls, organizing files, and helping with daily office tasks. It can get repetitive at times, but I enjoy the teamwork and the routine. I’ve been doing this job for about two years now.”
This answer includes more vocabulary and detail but stays within familiar, comfortable language. There’s a bit more elaboration about the job’s nature, aiming for clear, structured sentences.
Band 8 - 8.5
“Currently, I’m employed as an administrative assistant for a medium-sized company. My responsibilities range from managing schedules and assisting with reports to organizing company events. While some tasks can feel repetitive, I find the job fulfilling because it allows me to support my team effectively. Additionally, I’m learning valuable organizational skills that I hope to use in a future role.”
This response demonstrates a strong vocabulary range, good grammar, and added complexity with minor reflections on the job’s pros and cons. There is more detail, clarity, and structure.
Perfect Band 9
“I am currently working as an administrative assistant for a midsized firm, where I handle a variety of tasks, including managing the executive team’s schedules, coordinating client meetings, and streamlining internal communications. One of the aspects I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to contribute to the company’s efficiency by maintaining a smooth workflow. It’s a role that continuously challenges me and allows me to develop transferable skills, such as project management and interpersonal communication, which I believe will be beneficial as I advance in my career.”
In this answer, sophisticated vocabulary, precise grammar, and a clear, structured flow highlight the speaker’s full command of the language. The response is insightful, reflective, and highly organized, showcasing the features required for Band 9.
Sample Questions
Here are sample questions from each stage of the IELTS Speaking test, organized into various categories. Take the time to study each category, familiarize yourself with the relevant keywords and advanced vocabulary, and incorporate them into your speaking practice.
WORK
What is your job?
Where do you work?
Why did you choose that job?
Did you have to study to get your job?
Is it a popular job in your country?
Do people like you for doing your job?
Do you like your job?
Does your job involve any technical or unique skills?
Do you get on well with your colleagues?
What was your first day like?
If you had the chance, would you change your job?
Do you plan to continue with your job in the future?
Did it match your childhood dream job?
STUDY
What do you study?
Where do you study?
Why did you choose that subject?
Have you always studied that subject?
Is it a popular subject in your country?
Do you like that subject?
Do your friends and family like you studying that subject?
Do you get on well with your classmates?
Do you get on well with your teacher(s)/professor(s)?
What was your first day like?
What are the main aspects of your subject?
If you had the chance, would you change subject?
Do you read about the subject in your spare time too?
Do you plan to get a job in the same field as your subject?
Do you plan to further study that subject in the future?
HOMETOWN
Where is your hometown?
Do you like your hometown?
Do you often visit your hometown?
What is your hometown like?
What is the oldest place in your hometown?
Does your hometown have a rich history?
Does your hometown have any natural landmarks?
Is your hometown very urban or rural?
Is your hometown known for a particular product/service/industry?
What can a foreigner do or see in your hometown?
How could you hometown be improved?
Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?
Is there good public transportation in your hometown?
Do you think your hometown is a good place to raise children?
If you had the chance, would you live in your hometown again?
Have you ever lived in a different country?
HOME
Where is your home?
Do you live in a house or a flat?
Who do you live with?
Does your home have many rooms?
What is your favourite room?
How are the walls decorated?
What would you change about your home?
Do you plan to live there in the future?
What facilities are there near your home?
What is your neighbourhood like?
Do most people in your country live in houses?
Do you know your neighbours?
ART
Are you good at art?
Did you learn art at school when you were a child?
What kind of art do you like?
Is art popular in your country?
What forms of art are the most popular?
Have you even been to an art gallery?
Do you think children can benefit from going to art galleries?
BIRTHDAYS
Do you enjoy your birthdays?
Do you usually celebrate your birthday?
What did you do on your last birthday?
Who do you normally celebrate it with?
Can you remember a birthday you enjoyed as a child?
Do most people celebrate their birthdays with a party in your country?
Which birthdays are considered important in your nation?
CHILDHOOD
Did you enjoy your childhood?
What is your first memory of your childhood?
Did you have a lot of friends when you were a child?
What did you enjoy doing as a child?
What did you not like doing as a child?
Do you think it is better for children to grow up in the city or the countryside?
In what ways do you think childhood these days has changed from your own childhood?
If you had the chance, would you want to be a child again?
Is there anything in particular you would do differently?
