IELTS Speaking Common Part 1 Topics

There are quite a few IELTS speaking part 1 topics that you must be familiar with and practice before your test.

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Reading Time: 6 – 7 Minutes

IELTS speaking part 1 focuses on familiar topics related to your everyday life. Some common topics you might encounter include:

 

 

1. Hometown

 

Questions about where you come from, what it’s like, and your favorite places or things to do there. Questions like:

• What do you like the most about your hometown?
• How has your hometown changed over the years?
• What are some popular attractions or activities there?

 

 

2. Family

 

Questions about your family members, your relationship with them, and your family’s traditions or activities. Questions such as:

• Could you tell me about your family members?
• How do you maintain a strong relationship with your family?
• Who do you feel closest to in your family?

 

 

3. Studies

 

Questions about your education, favorite subjects, teachers, and plans for future studies. Questions like:

• What do you study?
• Why did you decide to study this subject?
• Is there anything you particularly like about your teachers or professors?

 

 

4. Work

 

Questions about your job, daily tasks, colleagues, and future career aspirations. Questions such as:

• What do you do?
• When did you decide to start this job?
• Is there anything that causes problems for you at work?

 

 

5. Hobbies and Interests

 

Questions about your favorite pastimes, how often you participate in them, and why you enjoy them. Questions like:

• What do you like doing in your free time?
• Do you have a lot of free time?
• Is there anything interesting you would like to start doing as a hobby?

 

 

6. Daily Routine

 

Questions about your typical day, how it differs on weekdays and weekends, and any changes you’d like to make. Questions such as:

• Do you prefer to get up early?
• How busy are your days usually?
• Would you rather work on weekends?

 

 

7. Food and Cooking

 

Questions about your favorite food, cooking skills, and experiences with trying new cuisines. For example:

• Have you tried any new foods recently?
• Did you learn how to cook when you were younger?
• Are there any special foods from other countries you would like to try?

 

 

8. Travel and Holidays

 

Questions about your recent trips, preferred destinations, and ideal vacations. For instance:

• Do you enjoy travelling alone or with others?
• When did you last travel to another city or country?
• Do you think it’s important to spend a lot of money on travelling?

 

 

9. Music and Art

 

Questions about your taste in music, favorite artists or bands, and visits to art galleries or concerts. Like these questions:

• Do you have a favorite singer?
• Have you ever wanted to be a singer?
• Are there any art galleries or concert halls where you live?

 

 

10. Sports and Exercise

 

Questions about your favorite sports, participation in physical activities, and opinions on the importance of exercise. Such as the following:

• Did you do any sports when you were younger?
• Are there any sports that are popular with young people in your country?
• Should children play sports when they are at school?

 

 

11. Weather and Seasons

 

Questions about your preferred weather conditions, changes in seasons, and how they affect your lifestyle. Such as the ones below:

• What’s the weather like in your country now?
• Do you prefer hot or cold weather?
• Does the weather change a lot in your town or city?

 

 

12. Technology and the Internet

 

Questions about your use of technology, favorite devices, and the impact of the internet on your life. Questions like:

• Do you spend a lot of time using technology?
• Are you interested in buying the latest technology?
• Is there a piece of technology that you would be buying soon?

 

 

13. Friends and Socializing

 

Questions about your friendships, how you spend time with friends, and the qualities you value in a friend. For instance:

• Do you have a lot of close friends?
• What do you usually talk about when you’re with friends?
• Do you think friends should always help each other?

 

 

14. Shopping

 

Questions about your shopping habits, favorite shops, or online platforms, and opinions on consumerism. Like the following:

• Is shopping an enjoyable activity for you?
• Do you prefer going to shops or shopping online?
• Are there many shopping centres where you live?

 

 

15. Languages

 

Questions about languages you speak, language learning experiences, and their importance in your life. Like the ones below:

• How many languages can you speak?
• Are there any languages you’d like to learn?
• Did you have many language lessons at school?

While these are some common topics, remember that the examiner may ask questions about other everyday subjects. The key is to answer confidently and naturally, proving your English fluency and coherence.

 

 

Follow-up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking test part 1, examiners may ask “why” or “why not” follow-up questions to encourage you to expand on your initial response, provide reasons, and showcase your English fluency and coherence. These questions often help the examiner assess your ability to develop your answers and use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures.

If your answers are too short, simple, or not developed enough, the examiner might ask you “why?” or “why not?” to give you an opportunity to provide more detailed and comprehensive responses.

 

Example:

Initial Question: Do you prefer living in a big city or a small town?

Answer: I prefer living in a big city.

Follow-up question: Why?

Expanded Answer: I prefer living in a big city for several reasons. First, big cities offer a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Additionally, big cities generally have better infrastructure, public transportation, and a variety of entertainment options, which makes life more convenient and enjoyable.

 

In Conclusion

It’s essential to anticipate these follow-up questions and be prepared to provide developed answers that demonstrate your English language proficiency. You can practice this by asking yourself “why” or “why not” questions while preparing answers to common IELTS topics, and rehearsing your responses with a study partner or tutor to receive feedback and improve your speaking skills.

 

Related Blog Posts:

What Happens on the IELTS Speaking Test?

Everything About IELTS Speaking Part 2