Part 1 is the first four to five minutes of the test. The examiner asks short questions about you and your everyday life. It looks like the easiest part, but it is where the examiner forms a first impression of your level.
How Part 1 runs
- The examiner introduces themselves and asks your name.
- The first topic is usually your work or studies (Work or study) or where you live (Hometown, Home).
- Then one or two more topics, with three or four questions each.
Which topics come up
The topics are familiar and everyday; no special knowledge is needed. The most common ones, with questions and model answers:
- Hometown
- Work or study
- Home
- Hobbies
- Music
- Food
- Travel
- Technology and phones
- Weather
- Friends
- Family
- Reading
- Sport and exercise
- Shopping
- Transport
- Films and TV
- Sleep and daily routine
- Social media
How long an answer should be
Two to four sentences, about 15 to 30 seconds. "Yes" or "No" alone is too short: the examiner hears none of your English. A one-minute speech is too long: the examiner will stop you, and there will be no time for other questions.
The answer shape: answer, reason, example
The most reliable method has three steps:
- Answer the question directly.
- Reason: say why.
- Example or detail: one concrete thing from your life.
Do you like cooking?
Yes, I do, especially on weekends. It helps me switch off after a busy week. Last Sunday, for example, I made plov for the whole family, and it actually turned out really well.
The answer is short, but it uses the present simple, the past simple, "especially", "switch off" and "turned out". That is exactly what the examiner wants to hear.
What to avoid
- Repeating the question word for word. Instead of "Do you like cooking? Yes, I like cooking.", start differently.
- Memorised answers. Examiners notice quickly and steer the next question somewhere unexpected.
- Stopping at "I don’t know". Even if you do not know, say why: "I’ve never really thought about it, but I guess...".
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
Useful openings
A few phrases to start an answer naturally:
- "To be honest, ..."
- "It depends, really. ..."
- "I’d say ..."
- "Not really, because ..."
- "Definitely. ..."
Next step: the Part 2 guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are there in Part 1?
Usually nine to twelve, across three topics. It depends on the examiner's timing.
Does Part 1 count towards the score?
Yes. The examiner marks all three parts together, and Part 1 is part of that judgement.
Reading is not enough: speak
In IELTS Buddy an AI examiner talks to you as in the real test and gives an estimated band on all 4 criteria. 3 mock tests are free.
