IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics 2026: Questions, Model Answers & Tips

IELTS Speaking Part 1 is your first impression on the examiner — a 4–5 minute warm-up conversation about familiar, everyday topics. While it seems easy, many Indian students underscore here by giving one-word answers, over-explaining, or using rehearsed responses. The examiner asks questions about 2–3 topics drawn from a predictable pool: work/studies, hometown, family, hobbies, food, technology, weather, travel, and daily routines. This guide provides the actual questions being asked in 2026, model answer frameworks, and the 2–4 sentence formula that Band 7+ scorers use consistently.

Part 1 — How It Works

The examiner begins by asking your name and checking your identification. Then they move to questions about 2–3 familiar topics, asking 4–6 questions per topic. Each answer should be 2–4 sentences long. One sentence is too short (the examiner cannot assess your skills). More than 5 sentences risks dominating the conversation and eating into other topics. The key is to answer directly, then extend with a reason, example, or comparison. Part 1 topics are drawn from a fixed pool that rotates every 4 months.

Work & Studies Questions

This is almost always the first topic. Common questions: “Do you work or study?” “What do you do?” “Why did you choose that field?” “What do you enjoy most about your work/studies?” “Would you like to change your job in the future?” Model answer for “Why did you choose your field?”: “I chose computer science because I was fascinated by how technology shapes our daily lives. When I was in school, I built a small website for a local business, and that hands-on experience convinced me this was the right path. Looking back, I think it was one of the best decisions I've made.” This answer uses past tense, includes a specific example, and ends with a personal reflection.

Home & Accommodation Questions

Common questions: “Where do you live?” “Do you live in a house or a flat?” “What do you like about your area?” “Would you like to move somewhere else?” Model answer for “What do you like about your area?”: “What I appreciate most about my neighborhood in Satellite area of Ahmedabad is the convenience. There are grocery shops, restaurants, and a gym all within walking distance. It's also quite green compared to other parts of the city, which makes evening walks really pleasant.” This demonstrates location-specific vocabulary, comparison, and sensory detail.

Hobbies & Interests Questions

Common questions: “What do you do in your free time?” “Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?” “Have you taken up any new hobbies recently?” “Do you think hobbies are important?” This category tests your ability to use present tenses, express preferences, and discuss abstract ideas. Use varied vocabulary: instead of “I like reading,” try “I'm an avid reader” or “I've recently gotten into podcasts about history.” Show enthusiasm through intonation — flat delivery about hobbies sounds rehearsed.

“IELTS examiners assess your ability to communicate — not your knowledge or opinions. Speak naturally, self-correct gracefully, and let your personality show.”

— EEC Expert Trainer, 27+ Years Experience

Daily Life Questions (Food, Travel, Technology)

These topics appear frequently in the 2026 rotation. Food: “What kind of food do you usually eat?” “Do you prefer eating at home or in restaurants?” “Can you cook?” Travel: “Do you enjoy traveling?” “What's the last place you visited?” “Do you prefer traveling by train or plane?” Technology: “How often do you use your phone?” “What app do you use most?” “Do you think technology has improved life?” For each, use the 2–4 sentence formula: direct answer + reason/detail + extension.

Model Answer Strategy — 2–4 Sentence Formula

Common Mistakes in Part 1

EEC Speaking Coaching

EEC speaking sessions use the latest Part 1 question pool from current exam reports. Trainers simulate the real test environment, asking questions from 2–3 topics and providing immediate feedback on answer length, vocabulary variety, grammar range, and pronunciation clarity. At ₹7,500, this is included in the full IELTS course alongside Listening, Reading, and Writing modules. Call +91 8758883889 or book a free consultation. Also see: Cue Card Topics 2026 | All Speaking Tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

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