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IELTS Speaking Part 1 - My top tips

Andrew Swift

The IELTS Speaking Part 1 is your chance to make a strong first impression. Lasting 4–5 minutes, it involves simple questions about familiar topics like your home, studies, or hobbies. While it may seem straightforward, preparation is key to speaking confidently and fluently. Here are five practical tips to help you shine.
1. Expand Your Answers
Avoid short, one-word responses. When asked, “Do you like your hometown?” don’t just say “Yes.” Instead, elaborate: “Yes, I really enjoy living there because it’s peaceful and has a strong sense of community.” Aim for 2–3 sentences per answer to show your ability to express ideas fully. This demonstrates fluency and gives the examiner more to assess.
2. Practice Common Topics
Part 1 focuses on everyday subjects like family, work, weather, or travel. Make a list of these topics and practice answering sample questions aloud. For example, think about how you’d describe your daily routine or favorite season. Familiarity with these themes reduces nerves and helps you respond naturally during the test.
3. Use a Range of Vocabulary
Repeating basic words like “good” or “nice” limits your score. Instead, vary your language. If you’re talking about a hobby, swap “I like reading” for “I’m passionate about diving into books.” Jot down synonyms and topic-specific words beforehand—like “scorching” for hot weather or “cozy” for home—and weave them into your answers. This showcases your lexical resource.
4. Focus on Clear Pronunciation
You don’t need a perfect accent, but clarity matters. Speak at a steady pace and stress key words to make your meaning clear. For instance, in “I enjoy cooking Italian food,” emphasize “enjoy” and “Italian” to highlight your point. Practice tricky sounds—like “th” or “v”—and record yourself to check where you can improve. Clear speech boosts your pronunciation score.
5. Stay Calm and Confident
Nerves can trip you up, so build confidence before the test. Practice with a friend or teacher to simulate the exam setting. If you don’t understand a question, politely ask for clarification: “Could you please explain what you mean?” During the test, take a deep breath, smile, and treat it like a friendly chat. Confidence helps you think clearly and perform better.
Success in IELTS Speaking Part 1 comes down to preparation and poise. By expanding your answers, practicing common topics, enriching your vocabulary, speaking clearly, and staying calm, you’ll set yourself up for a strong start. Dedicate time each day to practice, and soon you’ll feel ready to tackle the test with ease.

In my IELTS Speaking Practice lesson, we will have enough time to simulate Part 1 of the test, give constructive feedback, then practice your new and improved version of P
art 1. What do you think?

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This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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IELTS Speaking - Practice

25 min
2,000 Puntos

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