IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The examiner asks: 'Do you work or are you a student?' Which answer is most appropriate?
- Work.
- I work as a software engineer for a tech company. It's quite demanding, but I find the problem-solving aspect really rewarding. (Correct answer)
- I work and I have been working for many years in the field of technology and computers and software development which is my passion.
- I am doing working in a company.
Correct answer: I work as a software engineer for a tech company. It's quite demanding, but I find the problem-solving aspect really rewarding.
A concise, natural extension with a personal reflection demonstrates fluency and vocabulary without rambling.
Question 2: Which of the following is a sign that a candidate has memorised their answer in Part 1?
- Using a variety of tenses
- Speaking at a natural pace with occasional self-correction
- Delivering a perfectly fluent, rehearsed-sounding speech without hesitation on any topic (Correct answer)
- Pausing briefly before answering
Correct answer: Delivering a perfectly fluent, rehearsed-sounding speech without hesitation on any topic
Examiners are trained to detect scripted delivery; unnaturally perfect responses on every topic suggest memorisation, which can lower scores.
Question 3: How long should a typical Speaking Part 1 answer be?
- One word or one short sentence
- At least 5 minutes to cover all aspects
- 2-4 sentences with a reason or brief example (Correct answer)
- Exactly the same length for every question
Correct answer: 2-4 sentences with a reason or brief example
Part 1 is a brief interview; 2-4 sentences per answer demonstrates extended discourse without monopolising time.
Question 4: The examiner asks: 'Did you enjoy studying at school?' Which tense strategy is most appropriate?
- Present simple only: 'I enjoy studying at school.'
- Past simple to refer to school experience, with present reflection if relevant: 'I did, especially science…' (Correct answer)
- Future tense: 'I will enjoy studying.'
- Present perfect continuous only: 'I have been enjoying studying.'
Correct answer: Past simple to refer to school experience, with present reflection if relevant: 'I did, especially science…'
Past simple correctly frames completed school experience; a present reflection ('I still…') can add natural range.
Question 5: Which common Part 1 topic should candidates be most prepared to discuss?
- Geopolitics and international trade
- Home, work/study, hobbies, and daily routine (Correct answer)
- Advanced scientific theories
- Historical events before 1900
Correct answer: Home, work/study, hobbies, and daily routine
Part 1 consistently covers familiar personal topics: home, work or study, leisure activities, and daily life.
Question 6: Which phrase best demonstrates lexical resource when describing a hobby?
- It is good and I like it a lot.
- It is really very good hobby for me.
- I find it genuinely therapeutic — it helps me switch off from the pressures of daily life. (Correct answer)
- My hobby is a nice activity that many people enjoy doing.
Correct answer: I find it genuinely therapeutic — it helps me switch off from the pressures of daily life.
'Therapeutic' and 'switch off' show precise, idiomatic vocabulary that raises the lexical resource band score.
Question 7: A candidate answers every Part 1 question with exactly one sentence. What is the likely impact?
- Higher score because answers are concise and accurate
- No impact — length does not matter
- Lower fluency and coherence score due to insufficient extended discourse (Correct answer)
- Higher pronunciation score because short answers reduce errors
Correct answer: Lower fluency and coherence score due to insufficient extended discourse
Consistently minimal answers prevent the examiner from assessing fluency, coherence, and lexical range adequately.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview 2
The examiner asks: 'Do you work or are you a student?' Which answer is most appropriate?