Common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics
What You’ll Typically Be Asked About
Speaking Part 1 of the IELTS exam is all about introducing yourself and talking about familiar, everyday topics.
Here we cover some of the common topics that you will encounter and gives example questions and tips to help you prepare effectively.
1. Home and Hometown
These questions help the examiner understand your background and where you live.
Example Questions:
Where do you live?
Can you describe your hometown or village?
What do you like about it?
Has it changed much over the years?
Would you recommend living there? Why?
Tips:
Give a little detail or reason for each answer.
Avoid memorised speeches; speak naturally.
Use linking words like because, so, or actually to connect ideas.
2. Work or Studies
Examiners often ask about your occupation or what you study.
Example Questions:
Do you work or are you a student?
What is your job/study about?
What do you enjoy most about it?
How long have you been doing this?
Tips:
Choose either work or study if you do both — this helps guide the questions.
Extend your answer with reasons: “I enjoy studying history because I love learning about how societies develop.”
3. Free Time and Hobbies
Talking about your hobbies shows your interests and ability to discuss everyday activities.
Example Questions:
What do you usually do in your free time?
Do you prefer spending time alone or with friends?
Have your hobbies changed over the years?
Is there a hobby you’d like to start?
Tips:
Give examples: “I usually read in my free time, for example, I’m currently reading a book about modern art.”
Show variety in vocabulary: enjoy, like, prefer, love, be interested in.
4. Travel and Holidays
These questions check your ability to describe experiences and plans.
Example Questions:
Do you like travelling?
What was the last place you visited?
Where would you like to go on holiday in the future?
Do you prefer travelling alone or with others?
Tips:
Use the past, present, and future tenses accurately.
Include reasons and details: “I went to Paris last summer because I love art and history.”
5. Food and Cooking
Food is a popular and easy topic for part 1 questions.
Example Questions:
What kind of food do you like?
Can you cook? How often?
What was the last meal you prepared?
Are there foods you would like to try?
Tips:
Use descriptive adjectives: delicious, spicy, sweet, fresh.
Add small stories or personal experiences: “Last weekend I tried making sushi for the first time, and it was really fun!”
6. Friends and Relationships
These questions focus on your social life and relationships.
Example Questions:
Do you have many friends?
Are your friends mostly your age?
How often do you see your friends?
Why are your friends important to you?
Tips:
Give specific examples: “My best friend and I usually meet on Saturdays to go hiking.”
Use expressions to extend answers: for example, in fact, actually, because of…
7. Daily Routine and Lifestyle
Examiners may ask about your typical day or habits.
Example Questions:
What is a typical day like for you?
Do you enjoy your daily routine?
How do you usually spend your evenings?
Has your routine changed recently?
Tips:
Use the present simple for routines and habits.
Add small details: “I usually start my day with a cup of coffee while reading the news.”
How to Use These Topics
Practice speaking aloud about each topic.
Record yourself and listen for fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Use functional phrases like:
I remember when…
Not so long ago…
Back in the day…Avoid memorised answers — speak naturally and confidently.