Tips and Technique for IELTS Speaking Part 1

In this lesson we’ll cover some tips and a technique to answer IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions concisely and in the right time frame.

As the first speaking activity, speaking part 1 will often set the scene for the rest of the speaking section, it is important to be prepared and to build your confidence in this section to help you going forward.

So let’s look at some tips for IELTS Speaking Part 1.

How long should your answers be?

Speaking part 1 lasts 4-5 minutes and there are 3 sets of topics, with 4 in each topic- so 12 questions (If the examiner has time to ask them all). This means you only need to speak for around 20-30 seconds on each question (you might speak for a bit less than this on some questions and more on others, depending on the question).

You should avoid very short answers otherwise you won’t speak for long enough and you’ll get a lower score for not answering questions at length. Talking too much may come across as rambling and the examiner will keep having to stop you.

Extending your answers using ACE

An ideal speaking part 1 answer should be interesting, fluent and concise. 

A technique for IELTS Speaking Part 1 you can use is a simple structure that will ensure your answers meet these requirements.

This method is called ACE:

This simple technique consists of three parts.

Answer the question

• Give a direct answer to the question. This should be a single sentence at the most.

Context

• Provide 1 or 2 sentences providing context to your answer. For example, if they ask about your home this may include information about the area or how long you have lived there.

Extra Information

• Provide 2 pieces of additional interesting information about the answer you gave. It could include an interesting fact or very short story.

Example

Question – Where is your hometown?

This is a simple answer and the score could be improved by using more advanced vocabulary such changing “old” to “historical”.

The important element however is that this gives you as structure to which you can quickly insert relevant points to complete your answer. This structure requires you to quickly think of 3 to  4 points and then insert them to the structure.

Practice

Exercise 1

Review the part 1 question and choose the best option for each part.

Question: Would you like to learn to play a musical instrument?

A:

1. No, I don’t like music.
2. Yes, I would.
3. Yes, I can play the guitar
4. Yes, I would love to learn to play an instrument.

C:

1. I already play the guitar and piano.
2. Ideally, I would really like to play the guitar as I think it is a very beautiful instrument.
3. The piano is an excellent instrument.
4. I don’t really like these activities.

E:

1. I once tried to learn but I wasn’t very good and it hurt my fingers a lot. Maybe I will try again in the future.
2. I want to learn Stairway to Heaven.
3. I would also like to learn to ski.
4. I go to a school which doesn’t have a music department.

Show / hide answers

Exercise 2

Try to answer the following questions using ACE.

1. Do you prefer to do your hobbies alone or with other people?
2. How long have you been studying English?
3. Do you live in a house or an apartment?
4. How often do you use a computer?
5. How often do you play sports or do exercise?
6. What is your favourite food?
7. How often do you spend time with your family?

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