Conquering IELTS Speaking Part 1

Part 1 is the first section of the IELTS Speaking test. So, this is just the beginning and is like a casual conversation between two people. Therefore, feel free to talk, the more comfortable and natural you are, the higher your score will be.

However, we still have the question: Is there a scoring strategy with the examiner and achieving a high score in this section? The answer is yes. Essay King will guide you on how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 1 effectively.

An Overview of the IELTS Speaking Part 1

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test is often considered the easiest section to score in among the three parts. The reason for this is that the topics in Part 1 are very familiar to you. The questions in Part 1 are all about yourself, such as your occupation, education, family, hobbies, personal experiences, and so on.

With topics that are part of your everyday life, choosing the right grammar and vocabulary to answer the questions will be much easier. Furthermore, there are no right or wrong answers in this part; the examiner will assess your language usage.

Time of Part 1: Approximately 4-5 minutes
Number of questions: Typically, the examiner will ask about 3 topics, which is approximately 12 questions.
Topics: The topics revolve around daily life and self-related subjects like family, work, health, hometown, etc.
Length of answers: For this type of question, you should provide brief answers. You can find detailed instructions below.

Some errors to avoid in IELTS Speaking Part 1

1. Avoid giving answers that are too short or too long

The purpose of the Speaking test is for the examiner to listen to you and score you, so providing very short answers to the questions won’t help you earn many points.

On the other hand, avoid rambling. Examiners have about 5 questions to ask you in 4-5 minutes. If you spend 2 minutes answering a simple question, such as where you live, there won’t be enough time for all the questions, and you won’t be able to achieve the desired score.

In summary, you should respond succinctly with about 2 to 3 sentences, which is just right.

2. Don’t memorize answers

Never memorize answers because you won’t know what questions you will receive, and choosing to memorize can overwhelm you.

If you respond in a “rehearsed“ manner, your speech will not flow naturally and you might lose points. Keep in mind that IELTS Speaking is a language proficiency test, not a memory test.

3. Don’t overthink your answers

Fluency – the smoothness of your presentation will also be affected if you overthink your answers. Examiners are not trying to discover how intelligent you are or whether you can provide clever answers; they simply want to hear you speak to assess your ability to use spoken language.

4. Don’t Panic if You Receive an ‘Unusual’ Question

Sometimes, candidates in IELTS Speaking Part 1 receive random, ‘unusual’ questions – these are the kinds of questions they may have never thought of in their lives, such as ‘What do you think about robots?’ or ‘What do you think you will be doing in ten years?’ – these questions can make candidates feel ‘stuck’ or unsure of how to answer. Keep in mind the following:

Firstly, the examiner will not assess the accuracy of the content you say. Therefore, you can craft your answer freely.

Secondly, you can respond that the topic is something you’ve never thought about and explain why. For example, for a question like ‘What do you think about robots?’ you can answer: ‘They aren’t something I’ve ever thought much about, but I suppose it would be great to have one that did the housework and cooked dinner.’

The key is to anticipate that ‘unusual’ questions may be asked and remain calm to be able to ‘cope’ with them.

Some ways to expand your answers in IELTS Speaking Part 1

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, the examiner will assess you based on your use of vocabulary and grammar structures. Below are some ways to help you expand your answers:

1. Provide an explanation
The easiest way to add additional information to a simple answer is to include an explanation. Linking words like “because,” “since,” and “the reason for this” can be very helpful.

Short answer: I socialize with friends most evenings after work and at weekends.
Expanded answer: I socialize with friends most evenings after work and at weekends because I live on my own, which often makes me feel lonely. Going out with friends or having them around means that I don’t feel as isolated.

2. Provide Detailed Combinations
Another simple way to expand your response is by connecting two pieces of information with the word ‘and.’

Short answer: During the week, I generally meet up with friends two evenings after work.
Expanded answer: During the week, I generally meet up with friends two evenings after work, and on Saturdays, I go shopping with my best friend. Sundays I save for seeing my family.

3. Provide examples
Adding examples is one of the excellent ways to enhance your responses in IELTS Speaking Part 1.

Short answer: I usually see my closest friends several times a week.
Extended answer: I usually see my closest friends several times a week. For this week, I’m meeting my best friend for a drink this evening, then we’re going to the cinema with some girls from work on Friday, and we’re all meeting up at a party on Saturday.

4. Using Adverbs of Frequency
always, usually, normally, generally, often, frequently, sometimes, occasionally, seldom, hardly ever, rarely, never

Short answer: I normally see friends most days of the week.
Expanded answer: I normally see friends most days of the week, especially my best friend, who I generally catch up with after work. On the weekends, a group of us often go to the park to play football or just relax.

5. Use contrasting conjunctions
Contrasting conjunctions can also help expand your answers, for example:
But, Although, However, Even though, Despite, While

Short answer: I try to meet up with friends several times a week.
Expanded answer: I try to meet up with friends several times a week but rarely on a Sunday because that’s when I visit my family. However, every few months I cook a barbeque Sunday lunch and invite both my friends and family around.

6. Discussing the past or future
Sometimes in IELTS Speaking Part 1, you might want to compare the current situation to what happened in the past or mention plans. For example:

Regarding the past: I used to socialize with my friends every day, but I don’t see them so often now that I have a baby and can’t go out in the evenings as much. We probably meet up just a few times a month now.

Regarding the future: I rarely see my friends as I spend all my spare time studying for my IELTS exam. When I pass the exam, I’ll meet up with my mates most evenings, just like I used to, and spend weekends with them as well.

Quick Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1

• Practice Fluency: Part 1 is about introducing yourself, so practice speaking fluently about your name, background, and interests. Try to avoid long pauses and fillers like “um” and “uh.”
• Expand Your Answers: When asked about your interests or daily routine, don’t just give one-word answers. Elaborate on your responses with additional details and examples.
• Use Formal Language: Maintain a formal tone throughout the conversation. Avoid overly casual language and slang. Use full sentences and proper grammar.
• Pronunciation and Enunciation: Speak clearly and enunciate your words. This will help the examiner understand you better.
• Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary to express yourself more precisely. Don’t repeat the same words or phrases too often.
• Practice with a Partner: If possible, practice with a language partner or tutor. It’s valuable to have someone give you feedback on your speaking skills.
• Time Management: Be mindful of the time limit. Part 1 is typically about 4-5 minutes long, and you should aim to provide detailed yet concise answers.
• Listen Actively: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions. Make sure you’re answering what’s asked, and don’t go off-topic.
• Prepare for Common Questions: Familiarize yourself with common Part 1 questions like “Tell me about your hometown” or “What do you do in your free time?” Practice your responses for these.
• Confidence: Believe in your abilities. Confidence can make a significant difference in how you come across during the Speaking Test.

How to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 1

The strategy for answering questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1 should be accurate, straightforward, natural, and effective. To achieve these, here is a suggested answer structure and the function of each sentence that you can refer to.

When looking at the structure of the answer above, you will notice two parts: the Direct answer and the Explanation. These components should always be present in your response to ensure that you at least address the examiner’s question. The final part, which includes examples, conclusions, or related information in an IELTS Speaking Part 1 answer, depends on the context, time allowance, and the candidate’s level. The ideal response should include all three of these elements.

If you follow this structure, you can maximize your score because the Direct answer directly addresses the question, while the Explanation clarifies the issue and enhances coherence through the use of linking words. The inclusion of examples, conclusions, or related information contributes to the clarity, reasoning, and expressiveness of the response.

In one answer, you can combine elements from both the Direct answer and Explanation to create a complex sentence that elevates the grammatical complexity and semantic relationships in your response.

Some people often believe that providing lengthy and multi-sentence answers will earn them more points. However, this structure suggests that you should prioritize addressing the question with all three parts rather than giving a long response that lacks one of these essential components.

In conclusion, IELTS Speaking Part 1 is an excellent opportunity to start your test on a positive note. By understanding the format, practicing regularly, and following these quick tips, you can improve your performance and achieve a higher score. Good luck with your IELTS journey, and keep working on your English language skills. With dedication and effort, you’ll be well on your way to success!