Weather is a very common topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1 because it’s about everyday life and easy to relate to. Below, you’ll find sample answers to typical questions on the topic of weather, along with useful vocabulary, idioms, and phrases you can use to improve your scores.
Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
- heatwaves (noun) — prolonged periods of extremely hot weather
- heatstroke (noun) — an illness caused by too much exposure to extreme heat
- bitterly cold / freezing cold / icy cold (adjective phrases) — extremely cold
- winter / summer months — months belonging to winter or summer
- a sunny / dry / cold spell — a short period of sunny / dry / cold weather
- unpredictable (adj) — unable to reliably forecast or foresee
- a clear blue sky — sky without clouds, bright and blue
- torrential rain (noun phrase) — very heavy rain
- to get caught in the rain — be outside when rain suddenly begins
- weather forecast (noun phrase) — prediction about future weather
- a tropical storm (noun phrase) — a strong storm in tropical areas
- flash flood (noun phrase) — sudden flood caused by intense rain
- weather patterns (noun phrase) — the usual trends or types of weather
- changeable (adj) — likely to change frequently
- climate change (noun phrase) — long-term changes in weather conditions
These words and phrases can help your answers sound more natural and varied.
Sample Questions & Answers
Below are sample answers to common IELTS Part 1 questions on weather:
1. What kind of weather do you like most?
Many people prefer sunny days, but where I’m from, summers can become unbearable with severe heatwaves. In fact, many locals sometimes suffer from heatstroke. Therefore, I prefer the cooler months of winter — reasonably cold, but with occasional sunny spells to brighten things up.
2. What is the weather like in your hometown?
If I were to describe the weather in my hometown, I would say it’s unpredictable. You might see a clear blue sky one moment, and just a short while later, torrential rain sweeps in. Because of this, I always check the weather forecast and carry a rain jacket when I go out. That kind of sudden shift in weather has always been my strongest impression of home.
3. Is there any difference in the weather across different regions of your country?
Absolutely. In the northern parts, you experience all four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, in the south, there are generally only two seasons: dry and rainy, and the temperature tends to stay quite high year-round. In the central region, people often face tropical storms and flash floods. And now, with climate change, weather patterns have become even more changeable.
4. Do you prefer dry weather or wet weather?
I definitely lean toward dry weather. It’s easier to plan my day without the worry of rain, and sunny skies tend to boost my mood. That said, I know some people like wet weather — the sound of raindrops can be soothing, and rainy days make it cozy to curl up indoors with a good book.
5. What’s your favorite season?
For me, summer is the favorite. The possibilities are endless — beach trips, enjoying ice cream, long days, and late sunsets. It feels like everyone is more outgoing and ready to hang out.
On the other hand, if I were to pick autumn, I’d say I love the way leaves change color and how the weather becomes just right — not too hot or cold. Autumn also coincides with festive celebrations (in my case, the Mid-Autumn Festival) which add to its charm.
