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?
Read morePossible 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.
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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.
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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?
Read morePossible 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.
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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.
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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.

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