IELTS Speaking Part 1 is your chance to warm up and talk about familiar topics. The examiner will ask you about yourself, your home, your hobbies, and very commonly, your work or studies. This part is designed to make you feel comfortable and speak naturally.
Below are 5 sample questions about the common topic of “Work or Study” along with example answers at a Band 7+ level. Remember, your answers should be natural and reflective of your own situation, but these examples demonstrate good structure, vocabulary, and grammar.
Tips for Part 1 Answers: Aim to give slightly more than a one-word answer. Try to extend your response with an extra sentence or two, explaining why or giving a little more detail.
Question 1: Do you work or study?
- Sample Answer (Work): Currently, I am working full-time as a project manager for a software development company. I’ve been in this role for just over three years now, and it’s based right here in the city centre.
- Sample Answer (Study): I’m a university student at the moment. I’m in my second year studying Electrical Engineering at [Name of University]. My course is quite challenging but also very rewarding.
Question 2: Why did you choose that job / subject?
- Sample Answer (Work): I decided to become a project manager because I enjoy the challenge of organising tasks and leading a team to achieve a goal. I find it very satisfying to see a project successfully completed.
- Sample Answer (Study): I chose Electrical Engineering because I’ve always been fascinated by how things work, especially electronics. I love solving problems, and this field offers endless opportunities for innovation.
Question 3: What do you like about your job / studies?
- Sample Answer (Work): What I like most about my job is the collaborative environment. I work with a very supportive team, and we learn a lot from each other every day. I also appreciate the opportunities for continuous learning in the tech industry.
- Sample Answer (Study): I really enjoy the practical side of my studies, like the laboratory sessions where we get to build and test circuits. I also appreciate learning from experienced professors who are experts in their fields.
Question 4: What do you dislike about your job / studies?
- Sample Answer (Work): The only thing I sometimes dislike is the pressure during tight deadlines. It can be quite stressful, although it also pushes us to be more efficient.
- Sample Answer (Study): If I had to say something negative, it would be the sheer volume of coursework sometimes. Balancing lectures, labs, and assignments requires very good time management.
Question 5: What are your future plans related to your work / studies?
- Sample Answer (Work): In the future, I hope to advance my career in project management, possibly taking on larger, more complex projects. I’m also considering pursuing further professional certifications to enhance my skills.
- Sample Answer (Study): After graduating, I plan to work for a few years to gain practical experience. Eventually, I hope to specialise in renewable energy systems, as I believe that’s a critical area for the future.
Practice answering these questions yourself, using your own experiences and details. Focus on speaking clearly and extending your answers naturally.
Stay tuned for more sample questions and answers for other parts of the IELTS test here on ieltspracticeonline.com!
