IELTS Speaking · Part 1

    People: IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions

    Last updated 2 September 2026

    In short

    People is one of the familiar-topic areas the examiner draws on in the first four to five minutes of IELTS Speaking. This page collects 12 real Part 1 questions across 3 topics in this area (your family, friends, neighbours), each with the opener the examiner typically starts from.

    Your family

    The examiner usually opens with something like: "Let's talk about your family. Do you have a large family or a small one?"

    • Who are you closest to in your family?

    • Do you spend much time together?

    • What kinds of things do you do as a family?

    • Are you similar to anyone in your family?

    Friends

    The examiner usually opens with something like: "Do you have a large group of friends, or just a few close ones?"

    • How often do you see your friends?

    • What do you usually do together?

    • How did you meet your closest friend?

    • Is it easy to make new friends where you live?

    Neighbours

    The examiner usually opens with something like: "Do you know the people who live near you?"

    • Do people in your area help each other out?

    • How often do you talk to your neighbours?

    • What makes a good neighbour, in your opinion?

    • Were neighbours closer in the past, do you think?

    Phrases for people answers

    • We've known each other for years, so ...

      Establishing a long-standing relationship

    • What I really value about them is ...

      Describing what you appreciate in someone

    • We tend to ... whenever we get the chance.

      Describing activities you share together

    • They've had a big influence on me because ...

      Explaining someone's impact on you

    Explore more IELTS Speaking practice

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