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    IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions by topic

    The interview that opens the test: short questions about you and your life. Every question here has a Band 8 sample answer.

    • 52 topics
    • 264 questions
    • The examiner's voice on every question

    4–5

    minutes

    2–3

    topics

    15–25

    seconds an answer

    Question of the day · Your hometown

    Has it changed much in recent years?

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    Sample answerBand 8
    1. Answer
    2. Detail
    3. Feeling

    Yes, quite a lot, mostly because it's become popular with tourists. Several old warehouses by the harbour have been turned into boutique hotels and seafood restaurants. I've got mixed feelings about it, because it's brought money into the town, but locals are being priced out of the housing market.

    been turned into
    been converted into something different
    mixed feelings about
    both positive and negative feelings about
    priced out of the housing market
    unable to afford a home because prices rose

    49 words · about 21 seconds spoken

    Topic areas

    Questions

    How should I answer IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions?
    Give a direct answer, then extend it with a reason, detail or example, usually across two to three sentences. Avoid one-word replies, but keep it conversational rather than over-rehearsed.
    How many questions will the examiner ask on each topic?
    Part 1 covers two or three familiar topics across four to five minutes, with a few questions each. You won't be asked every question in a bank like this, so treat them as focused practice.
    Do I have to tell the truth in Part 1?
    It helps, because talking about your real life is easier and sounds more natural, but you're scored on your English, not your honesty.