IELTS Speaking Part 1

What happens in Part 1

The examiner greets you, asks your name and checks your identity document. Then the questions start. They are about things you know well: where you live, your work or studies, and everyday topics such as food, weather, music or your phone.

The examiner reads from a script and keeps time, so the questions can feel quick. That is normal. They move on when the time for a topic is over, not because your answer was wrong.

The kind of questions you will hear

These are examples written for this guide, in the style of the real test:

• Do you live in a house or a flat?
• What do you like most about your area?
• Do you work or are you a student?
• What kind of food do you usually eat at home?
• How often do you use your phone to read?
• Did you enjoy rainy days when you were a child?

See more in common IELTS Speaking topics.

How long your answers should be

Aim for two to four sentences. A one-word answer gives the examiner nothing to mark. A two-minute answer takes time from the next question and can sound memorised.

A simple shape that works:

1. Answer the question directly.
2. Give one reason.
3. Add a small detail or example from your own life.

For "Do you like cooking?": "Not really, to be honest. I find it takes too long after a full day at university. But I do make tea for my family every evening, and I'm quite proud of that."

Common mistakes in Part 1

• Memorised answers. Examiners hear them every day, and they do not answer the exact question asked.
• Repeating the question word for word before answering. Use your own words instead.
• Answering "yes" or "no" and stopping.
• Speaking very fast to sound fluent. Clear and steady is better than fast.
• Long silences while you translate from Bangla in your head. A short filler like "Let me think" is fine.

How to practise Part 1

Say your answers out loud, not in your head. Reading model answers helps with ideas, but only speaking builds the habit. Record yourself, listen back, and notice where you stop or repeat words.

BandGuru's AI examiner asks Part 1 questions out loud and gives you a practice band on the four criteria with the corrections that matter most. Book a demo to see it.