Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test is like a warm-up conversation. It lasts 4–5 minutes and focuses on familiar, everyday topics. The examiner asks you questions about yourself, your daily life, and common experiences. This section tests your ability to give clear, natural, and relevant answers in English without needing specialized vocabulary.
What Happens in Part 1?
First, the examiner will greet you and check your identity. You will confirm your name and show your identification, usually your passport or national ID.
Next, the examiner will ask simple personal questions about familiar topics such as your hometown, your studies or job, your hobbies, daily routines, travel, holidays, or food preferences.
The examiner may then ask follow-up questions to encourage you to speak more. For example:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy reading?”
Follow-up: “Why do you like that kind of book?”
Common Topics in Part 1
Work or study – “What work do you do?” / “What are you studying?”
Home or hometown – “Where is your hometown?” / “What do you like about it?”
Leisure activities – “What do you do in your free time?”
Food – “Do you enjoy cooking?” / “What is your favorite dish?”
Weather – “What’s the weather like in your country?”
Tips for Success
Speak in full sentences. Avoid short answers. Instead of “Yes, I do,” say “Yes, I enjoy cooking because it helps me relax after a busy day.”
Add details and examples to show you can expand on your ideas. For example: “I usually cook pasta or rice dishes, especially on weekends when I have more time.”
Sound natural by using everyday language you are comfortable with.
Be honest. If you don’t like a topic, say so and explain why.
Practice common topics by talking about your life in English, even simple things like your breakfast or your last holiday.
Example Part 1 Exchange
Examiner: “Do you prefer living in a house or an apartment?”
Candidate: “I prefer living in a house because it usually has more space. For example, in my house we have a small garden where I can grow flowers and vegetables. It also feels more private than an apartment.”
Key takeaway:
Part 1 is your chance to relax, get comfortable, and show the examiner that you can talk about familiar topics clearly and naturally.