IELTS Speaking · Part 1
IELTS Speaking Part 1 question bank
The familiar topics examiners actually use, and how to extend an answer without padding it.
How Part 1 works: The opening section, roughly four to five minutes. The examiner asks your name, then short questions on familiar topics — work, hometown, free time. It is designed to settle you in and measure your everyday English.
Below are 12 topics and 48 questions from TalkSmart's exam bank, matching the question style of the real test.
The one-word answer problem
The biggest score-killer in Part 1 is answering too briefly. "Yes, I do" is technically correct but gives the examiner nothing to assess. The formula is simple: answer + reason + example.
- ❌ "Yes, I like music."
- ✅ "Yes, especially older rock. I usually put it on while I'm cooking — it makes the whole thing feel less like a chore."
The second answer is not three times longer, but it contains a reason and a scene. That is what the examiner wants to hear.
12 topics, 48 questions
Work or studies
- Do you work or are you a student?
- What do you like most about your work or studies?
- Is there anything you find difficult about it?
- What would you like to do in the future?
Hometown
- Where is your hometown?
- What do you like about it?
- Has it changed much in recent years?
- Would you like to live there in the future?
Home
- Do you live in a house or a flat?
- Which room do you spend most time in?
- What would you change about your home?
- Is it a good place to relax?
Free time
- What do you usually do in your free time?
- Do you prefer spending free time alone or with others?
- Has the way you spend free time changed?
- Do you think people have enough free time these days?
Food
- What kind of food do you like?
- Do you prefer eating at home or eating out?
- Can you cook?
- Has your diet changed over the years?
Weather
- What is the weather like in your country?
- Which season do you prefer?
- Does the weather affect your mood?
- Do you check the weather forecast?
Travel
- How do you usually travel to work or school?
- Do you enjoy travelling?
- What is the best trip you have taken?
- Where would you like to travel next?
Technology
- How often do you use your phone?
- What apps do you use most?
- Has technology changed how you study or work?
- Do you think you spend too much time online?
Music
- What kind of music do you listen to?
- When do you usually listen to music?
- Have your tastes changed since you were younger?
- Have you ever learned an instrument?
Sport and exercise
- Do you play any sports?
- How often do you exercise?
- Did you do sport at school?
- Do you prefer watching or playing sport?
Reading
- Do you enjoy reading?
- What kind of books do you read?
- Do you prefer paper books or reading on a screen?
- Did you read a lot as a child?
Friends
- Do you have a large circle of friends?
- How do you usually keep in touch?
- What makes a good friend?
- Is it easy to make new friends as an adult?
For Part 2 card topics see the cue card bank, and for the whole test and band scoring see the IELTS Speaking guide.
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