IELTS Speaking Part 1: short, simple answers

The first part of the IELTS Speaking Test lasts around 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks about 10 questions related to you, your daily life and your interests. Common topics are hobbies, family, friends, food, music etc.

Part 1 questions are supposed to be easy, and the examiner must get through all of the questions in 5 minutes or less. That's only about 30 seconds per question. If you try to give long answers, the examiner will interrupt you. My advice is to keep Part 1 answers very simple:

Do you prefer home-cooked food or food from restaurants?

I prefer home-cooked food because I think it's healthier and you know exactly what you're eating. I also enjoy cooking for family and friends.

You don't need to say any more than this. Just answer the question with a full sentence, give a reason, and maybe add one extra piece of information. Then stop speaking. Stop with confidence and look at the examiner, ready for the next question.

Comments

[JOSEPH]

DEAR SIMON,
HI HOW ARE YOU? I PERSONALLY APPRECIATE YOU FOR THE SERVICE YOU DO GLOBALLY AND CONNECT EVERYONE ON ONE THEME WHICH IS ENGLISH - IELTS. WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST.

FROM GULF- OMAN

[JOSEPH]

OK

[leila]

SIMON I GOT MY RESULTS NOW AND ALL I WANT TO SAY IS THAT I JUST ADORE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!1U R THE BEST TEACHER IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[Martin]

Thanks Simon for posting this lesson!

It seems that you are reading my mind because this is exactly what I have been telling my students lately!

You won't believe it, but there are actually some teachers suggesting students to speak as much as possible for Part 1.

[Rocky]

IELTS AUSTRALIA 10/3/2012.

SPEAKING: Talk about a letter u received.
WRITING-2: In many countries the proportion of older people is increasing than younger people. Is it a negative or positive development.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE.

[Rocky]

Hi Simon,

Got my results yesterday.

L-8.5, R-7.0, W-7.5 & S-8.5

Many thanks for all your help and guidance.

[JOSEPH]

HI ROCKY,
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS IN IELTS.
WOULD YOU MIND GIVING E-MAIL ADDRESS SO THAT I CAN GET MORE TIPS FROM YOU.

[naheed]

CONGRATULATIONS Rocky

Wish you all the best in future.

[sonia]

hi
rocky
hope u enjoyed ur result
plz can u suggest me any useful points for my IELTS. i have to take it on 14 of april
good luck

[jay]

hi Rocky congrats for your results

Could You tell me what u wrote in task 2 10thmarcch

thnx

[Simon]

Thanks Joseph!

...

Congratulations Leila and Rocky! It's great to hear that you got the scores you needed.

...

Hi Martin,

Yes, I often meet students who have been told to keep speaking in part 1. Bad advice!

[Rocky]

Hey Jay, Hope u remember me. Its me RN(changed the user name to Rocky) who asked you about writing part 2 for 25/2/2012. I also posted my answer on this website. What actually happened is I was in doubt about the result, so I booked for 10/3/2012 as well. However, I got my desired result on 9/3/2012 for the exam I wrote on 25/2/2012.
L-8.5, R-7.0, W-7.5, S-8.5

Now coming to exam on 10/3/2012, as I already booked it, I just gave a shot to see if my scores increase than the results on 9/3/2012.

Good Luck.

[Rocky]

Hi Sonia,

I understand the pain of not succeeding IELTS. The main trick in writing is to concentrate on the question given, not to cross the boundaries. Answer specifically and Concisely.
Do not opt for uncommon or tough words, instead keep it simple and clear to the point.

[jay]

Hi Rocky ... congrats YOu got your score

Unfortunately I got, dont know how, 5 band in speaking...

My last score was 6.5 in speaking
I am gonna take another date....

[dormy]

congtts rocky....

[ASIF]

I NEED UR HELP GUYZ PLEASE, I FEEL MUCH HESITATE ABT IELTS GIVE ME SM LESSON AS WELL AS SOME MATERIAL PLEASE
THANKS

[saba]

thanks