IELTS Speaking Part 1 Strategies: How to Extend Answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 is often called the "warm-up," but that doesn't mean it's unimportant. It is your first chance to show the examiner your fluency, coherence, and vocabulary.

The biggest mistake students make in Part 1 is giving short, one-sentence answers.

• Examiner: "Do you like your job?"

• Student: "Yes, I do."

This is grammatically correct, but it does nothing to show your English ability.

To score a Band 7 or higher, you must extend your answers.

You don't need to memorize scripts. Instead, use these two Speaking Strategies to structure your thoughts and answers in a way that examiners love.

Speaking Strategy #1: SEER

Best for: Opinions, Habits, Likes/Dislikes, and General Questions.

SEER stands for:

• S - Short Answer: Give a direct, clear answer to the question.

• E - Extend: Add a reason, detail, or explanation.

• E - Example: Provide a specific, concrete example to illustrate your point.

• R - Reflect: Conclude with a brief feeling or opinion about it.

This strategy helps you extend your answer with examples and opinions.

Examples of SEER answers:

Q1: "What is your major?" | Topic: Study

Answer:

• (S) I am currently majoring in Digital Marketing.

• (E) It basically involves learning how to analyze consumer behavior and use data to create effective advertising campaigns online.

• (E) For instance, right now I am working on a university project where we have to design a launch strategy for a new mobile app.

• (R) I find it incredibly fascinating because it combines creativity with psychology.

Q2: "Is your hometown good for children?" | Topic: Hometown

Answer:

• (S) Yes, I think it is a fantastic place to grow up.

• (E) It is a very safe and green area with plenty of parks, which allows children to play outside without their parents worrying about traffic or crime.

• (E) For example, there is a massive playground right in the city center where families gather every weekend for picnics.

• (R) So, for a family looking for a healthy environment, it is an ideal location.

Q3: "What is your favorite season?" | Topic: Weather

Answer:

• (S) I absolutely love cool, crisp autumn weather.

• (E) It’s the perfect balance—not too hot and not too cold—which makes it ideal for being outdoors.

• (E) I really enjoy going for long hikes in the nearby mountains when the air is fresh and the leaves are changing color.

• (R) It just makes me feel much more energized compared to the humid heat of summer.

Speaking Strategy #2: A123

Best for: Preference questions ("Do you prefer X or Y?") or Frequency questions ("How often do you...?").

A123 stands for:

• A - Answer: Start with a phrase like "Well, it depends..." or "To be honest, it varies..."

• 1 - Option 1: Describe one situation or context.

• 2 - Option 2: Describe a contrasting situation or context.

• 3 - Conclude: Provide a quick summarizing thought.

This method is perfect when the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no." It allows you to show off complex grammar by contrasting two different situations using phrases like "It depends."

Examples of A123 answers:

Q1: "How often do you use the internet?" | Topics: Technology/Internet/Social Media

Answer:

• (A) To be honest, it really depends on whether I am at work or at home.

• (1) During the week, I am online constantly for about eight hours a day because my job involves a lot of research and emailing.

• (2) However, on weekends, I try to disconnect and stay offline to give my eyes and my brain a rest.

• (3) So, my usage fluctuates heavily based on the day of the week.

Q2: "Do you prefer paper books or ebooks?" | Topic: Reading

Answer:

• (A) Well, it varies based on the situation.

• (1) If I am traveling or commuting, I definitely prefer ebooks because my Kindle is light and can hold hundreds of titles.

• (2) On the other hand, if I am studying or reading a classic novel, I much prefer a physical paper book so I can make notes and feel the pages.

• (3) Consequently, I use both formats depending on what I am doing.

Q3: "Do you prefer trains or planes?" | Topic: Transport

Answer:

• (A) It actually depends on the distance I need to travel.

• (1) For short domestic trips, I love taking the train because you can see the scenery and there is no long security check.

• (2) But for international travel or long distances, I will always choose a plane simply because it is much faster and more efficient.

• (3) Therefore, I choose the mode of transport that saves me the most time.

Final Tip

Want to give a clear opinion or answer with examples and explanations? --> SEER

Want to talk about 2 options and/or compare them? --> A123

These two strategies help you organize your thoughts and score higher because examiners are waiting for such extended answers from Band 7+ candidates, even to the simplest questions.

Generate your own answers using these strategies

Reading sample answers is helpful, but you shouldn't memorize them.

If you want to master these strategies using your own life details, use IELTS Speaking Lab.

It turns your rough ideas into perfect Band 7+ answers for your targeted band and length.

1. Select your question: e.g., "What is your major?" | Topic: Study

2. Input your rough idea: e.g., "My major is Business Administration".

3. Get personalized Band 7+ answers: Instantly, with the perfect vocabulary for your story.

Start Generating Your Personal Answers Now →