IELTS Speaking · Part 1
Society & everyday life: IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
Shopping
The examiner usually opens with something like: "Do you enjoy shopping?"
Do you prefer shopping in stores or online?
How often do you go shopping for clothes?
Do you prefer to shop alone or with someone?
Have your shopping habits changed recently?
Clothes and fashion
The examiner usually opens with something like: "What kind of clothes do you like to wear?"
Do you prefer comfort or style when you choose clothes?
Do you follow fashion at all?
Do you dress differently for special occasions?
Have your tastes in clothes changed over time?
Festivals and celebrations
The examiner usually opens with something like: "What is the most important festival in your country?"
How do people usually celebrate it?
Do you enjoy taking part in it?
What special food is eaten at that time?
Have celebrations changed since you were a child?
Giving gifts
The examiner usually opens with something like: "Do you enjoy giving gifts to people?"
How do you decide what to give someone?
Do you prefer giving gifts or receiving them?
When do people usually give gifts in your country?
Is it easy for you to choose a good gift?
Languages
The examiner usually opens with something like: "How many languages can you speak?"
When did you start learning English?
Do you find learning a language difficult?
Where do you get to practise English?
Would you like to learn another language?
Colours
The examiner usually opens with something like: "Do you have a favourite colour?"
Are there any colours you don't like?
Do colours affect your mood at all?
Do you wear a lot of one particular colour?
Was your favourite colour different when you were a child?
Phrases for society & everyday life answers
“It varies quite a lot from person to person, but ...”
Generalising carefully about people
“In my culture, it's quite common to ...”
Bringing in a cultural perspective
“Personally, I'm not a big fan of ..., though ...”
Giving an opinion with a concession
“These days, more and more people seem to ...”
Noting a social trend