Like with Cambridge FCE and CAE tests, the IELTS Speaking Test is given by a real person (not a computer). The first part of the test is a “warm up” period, where the IELTS representative (called the interlocutor) asks the student questions about his or her life. Following these questions, the interlocutor will ask several questions on any subject. Students should be prepared to answer questions on anything from sports to travel. The best way to be prepared? Practice speaking about as many topics as you can! This will improve your vocabulary and make you more comfortable during the test.

IELTS Part 1 Speaking Practice

Here are some practice questions. Grab a friend, a private instructor, or a mirror, and practice, practice, practice!

IELTS Speaking Test Part 1 Sample Questions

Warm-up

1. Could you show me your identification card, please?
2. What is your full name?
3. What shall I call you?
4. Does your name have any special meaning?
5. Do you have a nickname?
6. Why are you studying English?
7. Do  you speak any other languages?
8. Which language do you like speaking the most? Why?

Your city

1. Where are you from?
2. Do you like living there?
3. Can you describe your hometown?
4. What are some things people do when they visit your city?
5. Does your hometown have anything interesting in its history?

Personal information

1. Are you a student or do you have a job?
2. What is your major?
3. What do you plan to do after you graduate?
4. Can you describe your job?
5. What’s a typical day like for you?
6. Would you like to continue with this job in the future?

Hobbies

1. Do you have any hobbies?
2. How have your hobbies changed over the years?
3. Are there any hobbies you would like to start in the future?
4. How often do you use technology for your hobbies?
5. Do you think some hobbies are better than others? Why?

Future plans

1. Why are you taking the IELTS test?
2. What are you planning to do in the next five years?
3. What are some other goals you have for the future?
4. Are you planning any other forms of education for yourself in the future?

IELTS Speaking Test Tips

Remember to incorporate a few things into your answers:

• More complicated tenses. Can you use the Present Perfect? What about the Present Perfect Continuous? Using more complicated tenses and sentence structures will improve your IELTS Speaking Test score.
• Conjunctions. Can you use words like “however” and “although” in your answers? Check out our post on conjunctions to help with this aspect of your IELTS exam preparation.
• Idioms. Correct use of idioms and slang will make you sound more like a native speaker. Our posts on idioms with the weather, love, and parties will help improve your speaking skills.
• Pronunciation. Do you say “want to” or “wanna”? Combining words will make you sound like a native speaker and–you guessed it–improve your IELTS score. Check out our post on blending your words to improve your pronunciation.

CISL is proud to offer IELTS (International English Language Testing System) preparation classes. As with our TOEFL and Cambridge CAE and FCE programs, our IELTS classes are intensive and prepare students incredibly well for the upcoming language proficiency test.