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.

Please leave this field empty

FREE: IELTS Speaking Guidebook

Discover the questions and tasks that you might hear in the IELTS Speaking test, based on past tests and reports by candidates in 2021.

Enter your name and email to get the ebook now.

As a follow up to the IELTS Speaking Guidebook, I’ll email you a 5-day series of useful tips and videos (one tip for each day) to help you prepare for your test. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of the emails.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

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