IELTS Speaking · Part 1
Work & study: IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
Your work
The examiner usually opens with something like: "Do you work, or are you a student?"
What does your job involve day to day?
What do you enjoy most about it?
Is there anything you find difficult about it?
Would you like to do the same job in the future?
How did you choose this line of work?
Your studies
The examiner usually opens with something like: "Are you studying at the moment?"
What subject are you studying?
Why did you choose that subject?
What do you enjoy most about your studies?
Is there anything you find challenging about it?
What would you like to do after you finish?
Subjects and learning
The examiner usually opens with something like: "What subjects did you enjoy most at school?"
Were there any subjects you didn't like?
Do you prefer learning practical things or theory?
Do you think the subjects you studied are useful now?
Is there a subject you wish you had studied?
Phrases for work & study answers
“At the moment I'm ..., which mainly involves ...”
Introducing your job or course with detail
“The best part of it is ..., whereas the downside is ...”
Balancing the pros and cons
“I chose it mainly because ...”
Explaining a decision about work or study
“In the future I'd like to ...”
Extending into your plans and ambitions