IELTS Speaking Part 1 is a short interview with the examiner. You’ll answer general questions about yourself and familiar topics, such as your home, studies, hobbies, or daily life.

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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

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• Time: 4–5 minutes

• Format: Q&A with the examiner

• Topics: Everyday personal topics (e.g. hometown, work, free time, food)

• Purpose: Assess your ability to speak fluently and naturally about familiar topics

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YOU NEED TO:

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• Give full but natural answers (not too short, not memorised)

• Use a range of vocabulary and grammar appropriate to the topic

• Show fluency and coherence

• Avoid one-word or overly short responses

• Expand with reasons, examples, or details

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KEY SKILLS NEEDED:

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• Answering everyday questions confidently

• Speaking clearly and fluently

• Using a variety of verb tenses (e.g. past for childhood, present for routines)

• Using linking words (e.g. “because”, “so”, “but”)

• Paraphrasing the question where possible

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SUGGESTED PRACTICE ACTIVITIES:

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• Practise speaking aloud about familiar topics

• Record yourself answering typical Part 1 questions

• Learn how to expand short answers into 2–3 full sentences

• Build topic-specific vocabulary (e.g. for weather, technology, food)

• Time yourself answering 3–4 questions in 4–5 minutes

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