IELTS Speaking Tip – Sample answers for Part 1

In this post you are going to listen to different answers for part 1 of the IELTS speaking test. In each recording, Niki will answer a question. I will give my analysis of each answer. Please do not learn these answers word for word. The examiner is trained to notice pre-prepared answers.

I’ve written this post to give you a general idea of what is required for each band.

Do you work or study?

ielts_work_5

Possible band level: 5.5-6

Niki’s answer is a little short.  She also makes a grammatical mistake: I want to later become an accountant. She should say: I want to become an accountant later or I want to become an accountant in the future.

ielts_work_6

Possible band level: 6.5

This time Niki gives a little more information. Her pronunciation is good and she doesn’t make any grammatical mistakes. However, she uses common words. To get a very high band in the IELTS speaking test, you should try to use some less common words or idiomatic vocabulary.

ielts_work_7+

Possible band level: 7.5-8

In this answer, Niki doesn’t make any grammatical mistakes. She shows that she can use collocations correctly (do a degree in something) as well as more advanced, less common words (reputable). She also uses some idiomatic vocabulary (fingers crossed) in a natural way.

What do you do to stay healthy?

ielts_health_6

Possible band level: 6-6.5

Niki doesn’t make any grammatical mistakes and uses appropriate vocabulary. However, she uses very common words in her answer so I wouldn’t give her more than 6-6.5.

ielts_health_7

Possible band level: 7

In this answer, Niki speaks in a more fluid, natural way. She connects her sentences better and uses a less common and slightly more formal expression to say that she likes coffee (I’m rather fond of coffee). Her pronunciation and accent are much better.

ielts_health_8

Possible band level: 7.5+

Although she sounds a bit formal in places, Niki demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary in this answer. She uses less common words, for example consume instead of eat, refrain from instead of avoid, have quite a fondness for instead of like. To get a band 7.5 or higher, you have to demonstrate to the examiner that you can express yourself in less common ways.

Learn from sample answers

Study sample answers for Part 1

I present and explain lots of sample Answers for Part 1 in the IELTS Speaking Masterclass course.

Take the Course