IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Introduction and Interview: Topics & Sample Questions
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
The Speaking section on the IELTS exam is an essential section to aim for a higher band score. Talking about IELTS Speaking, let us begin by understanding IELTS Speaking Part 1, as it establishes the tone for the IELTS test and helps you create a good first impression. The questions in the IELTS Speaking section's Part 1 revolve around familiar topics. IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions are generic in nature and can be easily answered. Examiners evaluate your pronunciation and fluency within this section. Good performance in IELTS Speaking Part 1 can increase your confidence, which will be helpful in other challenging parts of the Speaking test and improve your overall score.
IELTS Speaking Questions Part 1 are designed in a manner that the examiner can assess English Speaking proficiency along with four other criteria, which are -
- Fluency and Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Pronunciation
Thus, applicants should aim to speak naturally and fluently in IELTS Speaking Part 1. To further elaborate, this article can help you prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 1 and how to attempt questions on IELTS Part 1's Speaking section plus get the desired IELTS band scores.
What Is IELTS Speaking Part 1? Format and Purpose Explained
In IELTS Speaking Part 1, the examiner begins by introducing themselves and verifying your identity. This section is designed to assess your basic English communication skills, range of vocabulary used, pronunciation, use of common idiomatic expressions and grammatical accuracy through general questions about familiar topics.
You’ll be asked about everyday subjects like your work or studies, hometown, family, hobbies, and daily routine. The goal is to evaluate your ability to speak fluently and coherently, use appropriate vocabulary and grammar, pronounce words clearly, and occasionally apply simple idiomatic expressions.
Check out: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Introduction Questions
Format of IELTS Speaking Part 1: What to Expect in the First 5 Minutes
The IELTS Speaking Part 1 is the opening section of the speaking test. It lasts for 4–5 minutes and is structured like a friendly, formal conversation. The aim is to test your ability to communicate in everyday situations.
Here’s what you can expect:
🧾 Step-by-Step Format:
-
Introduction & Identity Check (30 seconds – 1 minute):
The examiner introduces themselves and asks for your name and identification (passport or ID card). -
Warm-Up Questions (1–2 minutes):
You’ll be asked basic questions about your hometown, work, studies, or daily life. These are easy, familiar topics to get you talking comfortably. -
Main Question Set (2–3 minutes):
The examiner selects 2–3 everyday topics (e.g., hobbies, family, food, holidays) and asks 3–5 questions per topic.
🕑 Total Time:
Approximately 4–5 minutes in total.
🗣️ What It Tests:
-
Fluency and coherence in basic conversation
-
Clear pronunciation
-
Range of everyday vocabulary
-
Grammatical accuracy
-
Ability to use natural expressions and connectors
This section sets the tone for the rest of the speaking test, so aim to sound relaxed, natural, and confident — even if the questions feel simple.
IELTS Speaking Topics Part 1
In IELTS Speaking Part 1, you'll be asked about topics related to familiar topics. The questions will be about yourself - your daily routine, childhood and experiences. Your answers should be natural and not memorized. This part focuses on getting to know you and help you relax.
Common Topics on IELTS Speaking Part 1
Below listed are some of the commonly asked IELTS Speaking Topics of Part 1:
- Hometown
- Work
- Studies
- Family
- Hobbies
- Daily Routine
- Holidays
- Friends
- Food
- Technology
- Travel
- Sports
- Music
- Books and Reading
- Shopping
Check out the list of General Topics for IELTS Speaking Part 1, answers, and expert tips from our in-house trainer for additional practice.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions
Various types of questions are tested in the IELTS Speaking Part 1 section. These questions are generic and can be on any common topic like family, hobbies, studies, work, favourite destinations for holidays, popular cuisines, etc. We have topic-wise suggested a set of questions covering each topic which might be tested in IELTS Speaking Part 1, they are as follows.
1. Accommodation & Hometown
- What's the most exciting part of your hometown?
- How long have you lived there?
- Are there any well-known attraction in your hometown?
- Do you plan in living in your hometown in the future?
- What type of a place you are living in right now?
2. Hometown & Weather
- Did your hometown changed over the years?
- Do you think it is a good place to live in. {Why}
- How is the weather in your hometown?
- Which season do you prefer the most? Why?
- How is the weather in your hometown? Will it change in future?
3. Work
- What do you do?
- What are your job responsibilities?
- Why did you choose this type of work?
- Do you prefer working alone or in a team?
- Do you face any challenges at work?
4. Studies
- What did you study?
- Is there any reason you chose this subject?
- Do you have any preparation strategies for the exam?
- What is your future plan after studying?
- Do you take part in any extracurricular activities?
- Is there any interesting thing you have learned recently?
5. Family
- Who all are there in your family?
- Are you close to your family?
- How often do you meet with your family?
- Does your family follow any traditions?
- When do you see your extended family?
6. Hobbies
- Do you have any hobbies?
- Is there any hobby you would like to try in future?
- How much time do you spend on your hobby?
- Have your hobbies changed as you've gotten older?
- Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies?
- How do your hobbies affect your daily routine?
7. Daily Routine
- What is your daily routine?
- Which is your favourite part of the day?
- Is your routine the same on weekends?
- How do you plan your tasks for the day?
- What do you do after a busy day?
- Is there anything you would like to change about your routine?
8. Holidays
- Which is your most memorable holiday ?
- Where do you go for holidays?
- What is your dream destination? {Why}
- How do you plan your holidays?
- What do you think makes a holiday perfect?
9. Friends
- How did you meet your closest friend?
- Which one do you prefer - large friend group or small group?
- What qualities do you value in your friends?
- How often do you meet up with your friends?
- Has your friend circle changed over time?
10. Food
- What is your favourite food?
- Is there any food you dislike?
- Do you like cooking? Who usually cooks at your home?
- How often do you eat out?
- Which is your favourite restaurant?
- Do you follow any special diet?
- What is the most unusual food you have tried?
11. Technology
- How often do you use technology in your daily life?
- What was the first gadget you ever owned?
- Are you interested in the latest technological gadgets?
- Do you think technology has had a positive or negative impact on society?
- Is there any gadget you can’t live without?
12. Travel
- Have you traveled to any interesting places recently?
- Do you travelling alone?
- What kind of places do you like to visit?
- Are there any countries you would like to travel to in the future?
- How frequent do you go on trips?
13. Music
- Do you like Music?
- Do you have any favourite musician or band?
- What is a song that has special meaning to you?
- How does music affect your mood?
- How has your taste in music changed over the years?
- Do you think music can bring people together?
14. Shopping
- Do you like shopping?
- How do you go shopping?
- Which is your favourite store?
- Do you prefer shopping online or in-store?
- What is the most expensive thing you have purchased?
- Do you enjoy shopping during the sale season?
15. Art and Photography
- Do you like Art?
- Do you enjoy taking pictures?
- Do you like taking photos yourself or having others taking them for you?
- How frequently do you click photographs?
- Do you prefer capturing photos of people or nature?
- Do you have any photographs on your home walls?
16. Neighbours
- Do you know your neighbours well?
- How often do you interact with your neighbours?
- What is your relationship like with the people living nearby?
- How do you usually communicate with your neighbours?
- Have you ever had any disputes with your neighbours?
📋 Top 10 Tips to Crack IELTS Speaking Part 1
If you are preparing for IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions, then here are a few tips which you should follow while answering and practising:
| Tip # | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ 1 | Speak naturally, not like a robot | Builds rapport with the examiner and sounds more confident |
| ✅ 2 | Answer in 2–4 sentences | Shows depth; avoids sounding underprepared |
| ✅ 3 | Use simple, clear vocabulary | Clarity is better than complexity; examiners value precision |
| ✅ 4 | Avoid memorized responses | Scripted answers lower your score; authenticity is key |
| ✅ 5 | Correct mistakes naturally | Shows self-awareness and control over language |
| ✅ 6 | Be honest in your opinions | Adds authenticity and helps you speak more naturally |
| ✅ 7 | Use basic linking phrases (e.g., “Actually”, “To be honest”) | Improves fluency and coherence |
| ✅ 8 | Know when to switch tenses | Demonstrates grammatical flexibility |
| ✅ 9 | Use good tone, smile, and body language | Enhances pronunciation score and overall impression |
| ✅ 10 | Practice with a timer (4–5 minutes) | Simulates test conditions and builds real-time speaking stamina |
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Additional Practice
Click here to read more on :
1. IELTS Speaking Part 2: Topic and Questions
2. IELTS Speaking Practice Test
3. Idioms for IELTS Speaking
Apart from IELTS Speaking Part 1, there are two more sections, that is, IELTS Speaking Part 2 and IELTS Speaking Part 3.
IELTS SPeaking Part 1 FAQs
Q. Is IELTS Speaking Part 1 important?
A: Yes, IELTS Speaking Part 1 is crucial because it sets the tone for the rest of the test. The examiner assesses your ability to speak fluently and coherently on familiar topics - work/studies, hobbies, interests, etc. Doing well in Part 1 will create a positive impression and boost your overall speaking score.
Q. How long does IELTS Speaking Part 1 last?
A: IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts about 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner will ask you several questions on familiar topics to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English about everyday subjects.
Q. Can I choose my questions in IELTS Speaking Part 1?
A:No, there is no choice in IELTS Speaking Part 1. The examiner has a set of pre-defined questions about common, everyday topics. You have to answer them fluently and naturally, showing your language proficiency.
Q. Are the questions focused on personal topics or general in IELTS Speaking Part 1?
A: The questions are based on personal topics in IELTS Speaking Part 1. They include familiar areas such as your home, work, studies, hobbies, and interests. These questions are designed to make you comfortable and encourage you to speak about things you know well.
Q. Should I speak in American English or British English while answering IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions?
A: You can speak in either American English or British English in the IELTS Speaking Part 1 test. The key is to be consistent, appropriate and adept in your language usage irrespective of any.
Q. What topics are covered in IELTS Speaking Part 1?
A: IELTS Speaking Part 1 subjects include home, family, work, studies, hobbies, daily routines, and interests. These topics are chosen to be familiar to you, helping you speak comfortably about your own experiences and opinions.
Q. How detailed should my answers be in IELTS Speaking Part 1?
A: In IELTS Speaking Part 1, responses should be concise yet detailed enough to showcase your language ability. Aim for answers that are clear, coherent, and relevant, typically lasting 20-30 seconds. Avoid one-word answers and provide some elaboration.
Q. Can I request the examiner to repeat a question in IELTS Speaking Part 1?
A: Yes, you can ask the examiner to say a question again if you did not hear or understand it clearly while attempting IELTS Speaking Part 1. It is better to request a repetition than to give an irrelevant or unclear answer. Simply say, "Could you please repeat the question?"
Q. Are there any common mistakes to avoid in IELTS Speaking Part 1?
A: Common mistakes to avoid in IELTS Speaking Part 1 include giving very short or overly long answers, going off-topic, using incorrect grammar or vocabulary, and speaking too fast or too slow. Practice answering clearly and coherently, and avoid memorized responses.
Q. How should I prepare for the IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions?
A: To prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 1, practice answering common questions on topics like home, work, and hobbies. Record yourself to improve fluency and pronunciation. Expand your vocabulary and use varied expressions. Practice speaking with a partner or tutor for feedback.
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