IELTS Speaking Part 1: Practice Questions by Topic

IELTS Speaking test this weekend? Try these 50 practice questions from Part 1 first. The questions cover ten common IELTS Speaking topics and hints are also provided. 

---

You can also download these IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions as a set of cards for classroom use.

---

Hints for IELTS Speaking Part 1

Hint #1: Remember that topics in IELTS Speaking Part 1 are always about you and your culture. It is not necessary to use complex academic vocabulary or provide very long answers. It is more important to demonstrate a natural use of English and give a clear, concise answer of 2-3 sentences.

Hint #2: There are ten IELTS Speaking topics here, but in Part 1 of the actual test you will only be asked four to eight questions, usually on two different topics. These 50 practice questions are designed to get you comfortable talking about a wide range of subjects you could face in the test.

Hint #3: Try asking these questions to a native speaker to see how they respond. It doesn’t matter if they have no knowledge of IELTS. Being natural is the most important thing in IELTS Speaking Part 1.  If you need more phrases to make your speech sound natural, our Useful Language for IELTS Speaking Part 1 is a great resource.

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #1: You and IELTS

• Why are you taking IELTS?
• How many times have you taken IELTS?
• What do you enjoy about learning English?
• Is there anything you dislike about learning English?
• How will you use English in future?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #2: Lifestyle

• What do you do in your free time?
• Do you have a busy social life?
• Do you lead an active life?
• Has your life changed much in the last year?
• What would you like to change about your lifestyle?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #3: Family

• How many people are there in your immediate family?
• Who do you get on best with in your family?
• Do you have a large extended family?
• What do you do together with your family?
• Why is family important to you?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #4: Friends

• Do you have a lot of friends?
• Who is your best friend and why?
• Who would you most like to be friends with and why?
• What kind of person is it easy to make friends with?
• Who are more important to you, friends or family?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #5: Work

• Do you have a job right now?
• What did you want to be when you were a child?
• Are there good job opportunities in your home country?
• What job do you think you will be doing in five years?
• What skills and qualifications are required for this job?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #6: Hometown

• Where were you born?
• Do you consider this place your home?
• How important is your hometown to you?
• How many people live in your hometown?
• What is your hometown famous for?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #7: Books

• How many books do you have at home?
• Do you prefer to buy books or borrow them?
• What book would you take on a long journey?
• How easy is it to read books in English?
• Have you given up reading a book recently?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #8: Films

• How often do you go to the cinema?
• Are cinema tickets expensive in your country?
• What are the advantages of seeing a film at the cinema?
• Do you usually watch films alone or with others?
• Which actor would you like to play you in a film?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #9: Music

• How do you listen to music?
• Are your music tastes varied?
• Do you like to sing along to your favourite songs?
• Are you learning a musical instrument at the moment?
• Is live music popular in your country?

---

IELTS Speaking Topic #10: Travel

• Where was the last place you visited on holiday?
• Would you like to go back there again?
• What kind of tourist destination do you usually prefer?
• Has a foreign visitor ever stayed at your home?
• What’s the best way to save money while travelling?

---