The IELTS Speaking Test is composed of an opening and three parts.
In this section, we look at Part 1 of the test.
In this part, the examiner asks questions and the candidate answers them. The questions are about the candidate, his / her life, plans, ideas and opinions.
The examiner does not invent the questions. For each candidate, the examiner chooses two sets of questions from a printed script BEFORE the candidate comes into the room.
In this part, the examiner introduces him/herself and checks your identity. Then the examiner asks you general questions on some familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies or interests.
In Part 1 of the Speaking Test, the examiner will ask you questions about yourself and / or your life and experiences.
All of the questions are personal - they can be about your life, your home, your education, things you like or don't like, your work or studies, your family and so on. As usual, the examiner does not invent the questions - he or she reads them from a printed script.
After the opening, the examiner will start Part 1 with the words "Now in this first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about yourself."
The questions are easy to answer because they are about everyday things in your life - but the examiner cannot invent the questions! As usual, there is a script which he or she must follow. The script gives a topic and some questions.
Part 1 is 4–5 minutes long.
This part tests your ability to give opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences or situations by answering a range of questions.
1 Let's talk about your home town or village.
a) Do you like where you live now? (Why / why not?)
b) How long have you lived there?
c) Are you friends with your neighbours in this place? (Why / why not?)
d) Do you think it's a good place to live? ( Why / why not?)
2 Let's talk about learning languages.
a) How many languages can you speak?
b) How long have you been learning English?
c) What activity do you find most useful for learning English? (Why?)
d) What do you find most difficult about learning English? (Why?)
