IELTS Speaking Section Part I: Improve Your Score With Simple Strategies

Jenn Author

Summary: This is Part I of a 3-part Series on the IELTS Speaking Section. Improve your score with simple strategies.

Why Speaking Part 1 Matters

Welcome to the IELTS Speaking series, where I’ll provide you with a valuable understanding and practical strategies to help you improve your score.

In this blog post, I will provide tips to mastering the first part of the IELTS speaking section. My goal is to help you boost your confidence and performance, so you can sail through Speaking Part 1 with ease. Remember this is part is like a warm-up, try to enjoy the conversation!

(If you would like more information on the format and assessment criteria, please see my blog posts: Unlocking IELTS Success: Master the Format and Assessment with Invaluable Insights and Essential Information – Part I & Part II )

Understanding IELTS Speaking Part 1

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test is a natural conversation with the examiner. It aims to assess your ability to communicate effectively on familiar topics. The section lasts around 4-5 minutes. The questions are about your personal experiences, hobbies, likes and dislikes, and daily routine.

The questions are relatively simple as a warm-up, and you should approach them with confidence and demonstrate your language skills. Remember, these questions are about you, so you can’t get them wrong. Just relax!

Preparation Strategies for IELTS Speaking Part 1

You’ll want to prepare, but not in a rehearsed way. Here are some simple strategies to help you make the most of your practice sessions:

1. Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly expose yourself to English materials, such as books, articles, and podcasts. Pay attention to common topics like family, hobbies, work, and travel. Practice personalizing these topics, so you can articulate your thoughts better.
2. Practice Speaking Aloud: Get comfortable expressing your thoughts verbally by practicing speaking aloud. Engage in conversations with friends or join language exchange groups. One of my personal favorites is simply to record yourself on your mobile. When you do, you can go back and write out your answers to catch the types of mistakes you are making.
3. Answer the Question in Full: Please don’t stop at yes or no. With yes or no questions, it is important to answer the question and provide reasons and examples in your answers.
4. Develop Coherent Responses: Focus on structuring your responses in a clear and organized manner. You can use a formula like Answer + Explanation + Example -but do not speak like a robot.
5. Use the Correct Tense: Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions so you can answer in the correct tense. This tests your grammatical range and accuracy. Ex: “Do you write more now or less than you did a few years ago?” Tenses: simple present, simple past, and present continuous would be appropriate.




Sample Questions and Model Answers


1. Question: "Tell me about your hometown."
Model Answer: I’m from Washington, DC, the national capital of the US. It's known for its Beltway politics and incredible free museums. It is very popular with tourists, but many people do not know it has a small-town feel. Growing up there, I was surrounded by a lively, well-educated community and enjoyed activities like neighborhood festivals, exploring Rock Creek Park, and national holidays on the Mall. It was an idyllic childhood that taught me strong democratic values and instilled a commitment to service.



2. Question: "What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"
Model Answer: I'm an avid reader and love getting lost in captivating novels. It allows me to explore different worlds and perspectives, stimulating my imagination and improving my vocabulary and writing skills. I also enjoy playing the guitar and experimenting with new chords and melodies. It’s a great stress relief, and I find it extremely therapeutic. Additionally, I enjoy playing tennis with friends to keep fit and healthy.




Final Tips and Encouragement

As you prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 1, remember that being comfortable with speaking about yourself is key. It is a natural conversation. Try to be confident, speak clearly, and showcase your language skills.


As you prepare, embrace every opportunity to engage in English conversations, inside and outside the classroom. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. They are essential for improvement and increasing fluency.


With dedication and consistent effort, you will confidently navigate through Part 1 and sail on to Part 2 and Part 3 with certainty.


Speaking of Part 2 and Part 3 - don’t forget this is a Series, so read those posts to maximize your score on the IELTS Speaking Test. See you there!




Ready to level up your IELTS game? Join one of the YEC IELTS courses and finally get the score you deserve!

Wanna boost your speaking confidence? Join a session of the Your English Compass Speaking Series!

Categories: : IELTS, Speaking