IELTS Speaking Part 1 Strategies

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Strategies

First Part

IELTS Speaking Part 1

• Familiar topics

• Short answers

• An opportunity to give a great first impression

Why use strategies?

• Give longer answers

• Increase fluency (it's key in part 1)

• Be well prepared

Why focus on question types not topics?

• Fewer question types than topics

• We will cover about 80% of question you get on your test

• Prepare language

• Reduce your brain load

• Focus on content words

Question types

Description question

• What does your home look like?

• Strategy is DIVIDING - dividing your short answer into pieces

• Strategy: General statement + point 1 + (point 2) + point 3

What does your home look like?

Well, I live on the 4th floor of a block of flats. I'd like to begin by saying that it has a fantastic view of my neighbourhood and a beautiful nearby park. On top of that I can also add that it is quite spacious and designed in a minimalistic style. Finally, I would also like to mention that it was recently renovated so it's quite comfortable to live in.

Description questions

• Well.... (general)

• I'd like to begin by saying that... (point 1)

• On top of that I can also add that... (point 2)

• Finally, I would also like to mention that (point 3)

• What does your home town look like?

• What was your favourite toy?

• What does your neighbourhood look like?

Types of question

• What kinds of restaurants are popular in your country?

• The strategy stays the same - DIVIDING

• Strategy: General statement + point 1 + (point 2) + point 3

What kinds of restaurants are popular in your country?

Well, there's quite a mixed variety of eating establishments. I think the most common ones are fast food joints as they are quite inexpensive. In addition, vegetarian restaurants are getting extremely popular for health-cautious people. Finally, we can't forget about traditional Polish restaurants which serve food which caters for all tastes.

Types of questions

• Well, there's quite a mixed variety of ... (general)

• I think the most common ones are... (point 1)

• In addition,... (point 2)

• Finally, we can't forget about...(point 3)

• What kinds of games do people play in your country?

• What kind of pets are common in your country?

• What types of food do you like to eat?

Questions about likes (what you like)

• What sort of music do you like?

• The strategy GENERAL TO SPECIFIC

• Strategy: General statement + more precise statement + reason

What sort of music do you like?

Well, in general I would say I'm really fond of classic rock and roll music. In particular, I'm really keen on the bands from the Sixties; and, I guess this is because of my father, who was really passionate about The Beatles and managed to infect me with that passion.

Likes questions

• Well, in general I would say I'm really fond of... (general)

• In particular, I'm really keen on... (more precise statement)

• I guess this is because... (reason)

• What kinds of books do you like reading?

• What kinds of food do you like?

• Do you like travelling?

• What way of shopping do you like the most?

Questions about dislikes (what you don't like)

• What sort of music do you not like?

• The strategy is the same GENERAL TO SPECIFIC

• Strategy: General statement + more precise statement + reason

What sort of music do you not like?

Generally speaking, I'd have to say that I'm not really fond of today's modern music. To be more specific, I really can't stand modern rap music. I think this is due to the fact that it is monotonous, repetitive and completely indistinguishable. It all sounds the same to me.

Dislikes questions

• Generally speaking, I'd have to say that I'm not really fond of... (general)

• To be more specific, I really can't stand... (more precise statement)

• I think this is due to the fact that... (reason)

• What types of movies you don't like?

• What places you don't like visiting?

• Do you like spending time on your own? (negative answer)

• What way of shopping do you dislike the most?

Habits questions

• What do you usually do on the Internet?

• The strategy is DEPENDS

• Strategy: Depends + if preference 1 + if preference 2

What do you usually do on the Internet?

I think it depends really on how busy I am with my work obligations. If I'm required to prepare for classes, I prefer to look for interesting materials online. But, if I have spare time, I would rather have fun playing online games or watch funny videos just to switch off.

Habits questions

• I think it depends on... (depends)

• If I'm ..... I prefer to (if proposition 1)

• But, if ..... I would rather (if proposition 2)

• When do you usually study?

• Where do you usually make shopping?

• What do you do in your free time?

• How do you usually spend your summer holiday?

Yes/no questions

• Do you like shopping online?

• The strategy is the same - DEPENDS

• Strategy: Depends + preference 1 + preference 2

Do you like shopping online?

Well, to be honest, I have to say that it really depends. Usually I prefer going to brick and mortar stores so I can see what something actually looks like. However, sometimes I'd rather take advantage of the convenience of online shopping, especially during the time of pandemic.

Yes/no questions

• Well, to be honest, I have to say that it really depends. (depends)

• Usually I prefer (proposition 1)

• However, sometimes I'd rather (proposition 2)

• Do you like dancing?

• Do you enjoy extreme sports?

• Do you prefer watching or playing sport?

• Do you use modern technology?

That's all for today now guys, but please stay with me for one more question.

Poll

Is this type of preparation helpful for you?

• Definitely yes

• I think yes

• Maybe

• Rather not

Now, it's really all folks!

Thanks