In this blog written by Ross IELTS Academy, we teach you how to improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test from the first question.
In the first part of IELTS speaking, the test will begin with the examiner introducing himself/herself and asking about your identity. Then, you will be asked general questions related to your background, daily life, home, studies, hobbies, and other common topics. Therefore, many people consider this part to be the easiest and simplest section. Thinking about the vocabulary and topics related to yourself should be easier, don’t you think so?
Here are 3 steps in this part:
- The examiner reads your name and information and asks you questions about your name and homeland.
You can answer this part briefly as it is not a part of the exam, the examiner will inform you when the test begins. You don’t have to give details here.
- The examiner asks for your ID.
Have your passport or ID, the examiner asks you for your ID to check it. You can say ‘here you go’ or ‘here you are’ and hand it.
- The test begins.
The examiner will announce that the test begins and you will be asked the questions as an interview. Answer the questions with some detail. Don’t just use short simple answers, expand your answer in about 3 sentences.
How can you perform your best?
- Be careful with the tense of the question.
You should always pay close attention to the tense that is used in the questions to make sure your answers match the questions. For example, if the question is “Where will you live?” your answer should be in the future like “I’m planning to live in a quiet neighborhood.”, then you can expand your answer.
- Extend your answer.
Always add some detail to your answer to make sure your answers are sufficient enough.
Here’s an example:
Do you live in a house or an apartment?
I currently live in a spacious apartment in the city center. It offers a convenient location with easy access to shops, restaurants, and public transportation. The apartment itself provides a comfortable living space, and I particularly enjoy the stunning city views from the balcony.
Here, the answer includes details and extra information for a more expanded response.
- Speak at a suitable pace.
Make sure you speak in a suitable tone that makes your answers clear to understand. Use intonation and rhythm, and stress more important words.
- If you couldn’t understand the question, ask the examiner to repeat it.
You can ask the examiner to repeat the question for more clarification.
- Prepare yourself for familiar questions.
Be ready to talk about yourself; make sure you can speak about general questions about yourself fluently. Topics like your job, studies, hometown, what you did before and your plans for the future are very common in this part.
Here are some common questions in part 1 of speaking:
Hometown:
What’s the name of your hometown and where is it?
Is that a big city or a small place?
Tell me about your hometown.
Do you like your hometown? If yes, what do you like (most) about your hometown?
Is there anything you dislike about it?
Friends:
Do you have a lot of close friends? (or) Tell me about your friends.
Do you think friendship is important?
Which do you prefer: to spend time with a friend or spend time alone?
How often do you go out with your friends?
What do you and your friends do together?
How do people meet and make friends in your country?
Food and cooking:
What kind of food do you like to eat?
What kind of new food would you like to try? Why?
Do you like cooking? Why/ Why not?
Do you prefer home-cooked food or food from restaurants? Why?
Hobbies
Do you have any hobbies?
Is it important to have a hobby?
Is it harmful to spend too much time on a hobby?
What free-time activities would you like to try in the future?
Being ready for the speaking task can help you perform with confidence, learn more about the steps you can take before your exam, and boost your score.
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