20 Common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions (With Answers)

The IELTS Speaking Part 1 section often sets the tone for the entire speaking test. You’ll be asked general questions about yourself, your interests, and daily life. While the questions seem simple, your ability to answer fluently, clearly, and naturally is crucial for scoring Band 7 or higher.

In this post, you’ll find 20 of the most common Speaking Part 1 questions, complete with sample Band 8–9 answers to help you prepare.

📌 What to Expect in IELTS Speaking Part 1

• Duration: 4–5 minutes
• Format: Introduction + familiar topics (hobbies, work, hometown, etc.)
• Goal: Assess fluency, vocabulary, and grammatical range

The examiner may ask follow-up questions, so don't memorize — practice natural delivery.

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👥 Topic: Work or Studies

1. Do you work or are you a student?

Sample Answer:
I’m currently a university student. I’m studying computer science, and I’m in my final year. It’s a challenging field, but I enjoy solving problems and building things.

2. Why did you choose that subject?

Sample Answer:
I’ve always been interested in technology and how things work. Programming feels like solving puzzles, and I like the creativity involved in building apps or software.

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🏙️ Topic: Hometown

3. Where is your hometown?

Sample Answer:
I’m from Jaipur, which is a historic city in northern India. It’s known for its beautiful palaces and vibrant markets.

4. What do you like about your hometown?

Sample Answer:
I love the architecture and the food. The city has a unique charm, especially during festivals when everything lights up.

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🏠 Topic: Accommodation

5. Do you live in a house or an apartment?

Sample Answer:
I live in an apartment with my family. It’s on the fifth floor of a building in a quiet neighborhood.

6. What’s your favorite room in your home?

Sample Answer:
My favorite room is my bedroom because it’s where I can relax, read, and listen to music. I’ve decorated it in a way that reflects my personality.

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📚 Topic: Reading

7. Do you enjoy reading?

Sample Answer:
Yes, I love reading. I mostly read fiction, especially thrillers and mystery novels. It helps me unwind after a long day.

8. What was the last book you read?

Sample Answer:
The last book I read was The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. It was gripping, and I couldn’t put it down.

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☕ Topic: Daily Routine

9. What is your typical day like?

Sample Answer:
On weekdays, I usually wake up around 7, attend university classes, study in the afternoon, and relax in the evening. Weekends are more flexible.

10. Do you prefer mornings or evenings?

Sample Answer:
I’m more of a night owl. I feel more energetic and creative in the evenings, so I often do my best work then.

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🎧 Topic: Music

11. What kind of music do you like?

Sample Answer:
I enjoy a variety of music, but I mostly listen to pop and acoustic. I also like lo-fi music when I’m studying.

12. Do you play any musical instruments?

Sample Answer:
Yes, I play the guitar. I started learning during high school, and now I play mostly for fun and to relax.

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🌍 Topic: Travel

13. Do you like traveling?

Sample Answer:
Absolutely! I love exploring new cultures and trying different foods. Traveling gives me a fresh perspective on life.

14. What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?

Sample Answer:
I really enjoyed visiting Singapore. It’s so clean and organized, and I loved the mix of modern and traditional attractions.

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💻 Topic: Technology

15. How often do you use the internet?

Sample Answer:
I use the internet every day—for studying, watching videos, and staying in touch with friends. It’s a big part of my daily life.

16. What do you usually do online?

Sample Answer:
Mostly, I browse social media, watch YouTube videos, and do research for my assignments.

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🍽️ Topic: Food

17. What’s your favorite food?

Sample Answer:
I love biryani—it’s flavorful, spicy, and reminds me of home-cooked meals.

18. Do you prefer eating at home or dining out?

Sample Answer:
I enjoy both, but I prefer eating at home because it’s healthier and more economical.

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🎬 Topic: Hobbies

19. What do you do in your free time?

Sample Answer:
In my free time, I like watching movies, playing video games, and sometimes drawing or sketching.

20. Have your hobbies changed since childhood?

Sample Answer:
Yes, definitely. I used to play a lot of outdoor games as a kid, but now my hobbies are more indoor-based, like digital art and gaming.

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💡 IELTS Speaking Tips

• Be natural – Don’t try to memorize full answers
• Extend your responses – Give reasons, examples, or feelings
• Avoid one-word replies – Even simple questions need full sentences
• Practice common topics – Especially work, hometown, hobbies, and food

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📝 Practice Prompts

Try answering these out loud or with a study partner:

• What do you usually do on weekends?
• How do you usually spend your evenings?
• Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?
• Are you more of a city person or a countryside person?

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Practice with realistic, examiner-style mock exams for both Academic and General IELTS at 👉 ieltsexam.ai/ielts-mock-tests

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