The IELTS Speaking test starts with Part 1—a short, interview-style introduction that sets the tone for the entire exam. Many students underestimate this section, but mastering IELTS Part 1 questions and answers is crucial for making a strong first impression on the examiner and boosting your confidence.
At Banglay IELTS, our founder Rashed Hossain and his expert team focus on equipping Bangladeshi students with the practical strategies needed to turn simple answers into high-scoring responses. This guide provides the latest topics, an ideal response structure, and tips to ensure you ace this initial stage.
What is the recommended answer structure for IELTS Part 1?
The recommended structure for IELTS Part 1 answers is the ‘Answer, Explain, Extend’ (AEE) method. Your goal is to provide a brief, direct answer followed by a short explanation and an optional extra detail, keeping your response to two to three sentences max.
- Answer (A): Give a clear, direct answer to the question.
- Explain (E): Briefly elaborate on why you gave that answer (the reason, feeling, or frequency).
- Extend (E): Add a final, relevant detail or example to showcase a broader range of vocabulary or grammar.
AEO Tip: Keep Part 1 answers concise—the examiner wants quick, fluid responses, not long monologues.
What are the most common IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics?
IELTS Speaking Part 1 focuses on familiar, everyday topics. The examiner will typically cover three main topics, including one related to your Work/Study and one related to your Home/Hometown.
Work or Study
| Question | Sample High-Score Answer (AEE) |
| Do you work or are you a student? | (A) I’m currently a full-time university student. (E) I’m enrolled in a Business Administration program. |
| What subject are you studying? | (A) I’m studying Economics, actually. (E) I find it fascinating because it helps explain global financial trends. |
| Why did you choose that subject? | (A) I chose it mainly because I’m passionate about solving complex problems. (E) It also offers great career prospects in finance, which is what I aim for. |
Home and Hometown
| Question | Sample High-Score Answer (AEE) |
| Where is your hometown? | (A) My hometown is Sylhet, a beautiful city in the northeastern part of Bangladesh. (E) It’s particularly famous for its tea gardens and natural scenery. |
| What kind of place is it? | (A) It’s quite a busy, well-developed city now, but it still retains a peaceful, green atmosphere. (E) It has grown a lot in the last decade, with many new shopping centres and universities. |
| Do you like your house/apartment? | (A) Yes, I absolutely love my apartment. (E) It’s in a quiet neighbourhood, which provides a welcome escape from the city noise. |
Hobbies and Free Time
| Question | Sample High-Score Answer (AEE) |
| What do you do in your free time? | (A) I usually spend my free time playing the guitar. (E) It’s a great way to relieve stress after a long day of study. |
| Do you like to read books? | (A) Yes, reading is one of my favorite activities. (E) I’m currently reading a historical fiction novel, which I find totally absorbing. |
| Have you taken up any new hobbies recently? | (A) Yes, I recently started learning how to bake. (E) I’ve been experimenting with traditional Bangladeshi sweets, though my results are hit-or-miss! |
FAQ: Tips for Mastering Part 1
What band score is expected in Part 1?
While the examiner assesses you across all three parts, your goal in Part 1 is to demonstrate fluency and basic accuracy. Examiners expect a Band 6 to 7 level of communication: speaking without significant hesitation and using simple, correct grammar and a range of everyday vocabulary.
Should I ask the examiner questions in Part 1?
No. Part 1 is structured as a short interview where the examiner asks all the questions. You should only respond to their questions.
What if I don’t know the answer to a question?
Never stay silent. If you don’t have a direct answer (e.g., if asked about museums and you don’t visit them), be honest, but immediately bridge to a related topic. For example: “Well, honestly, I don’t visit museums often, but I recently went to a famous park, and it was quite an experience.”
Achieve Your Dream Score with Banglay IELTS
Mastering Part 1 is all about developing a natural, confident speaking style. At Banglay IELTS, our personalized teaching and practical strategies, guided by Rashed Hossain, ensure you are fully prepared for every part of the test. We provide one-on-one speaking practice with expert feedback to refine your AEE structure and vocabulary.
Whether you’re looking for expert Dhaka IELTS coaching, a reliable Chittagong study abroad consultancy, or top-tier Sylhet IELTS preparation, our team is ready to help you succeed.
Contact us today to get started.
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