IELTS Speaking Part 1: Topics, Questions, Answers (2026)

IELTS Speaking Part 1 is the "Introduction" section of the test. It lasts roughly 4 to 5 minutes.

The examiner will check your ID and then ask you simple questions about your life, your habits, and your opinions. The goal is to help you relax and speak naturally before the harder parts of the exam. However, "simple" questions are a trap—if you answer too briefly, you lose the chance to show your fluency.

Latest IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics (2026)

The list below covers the most common topics for 2026.
To see the full list of questions, band 9 model answers, and vocabulary lists, CLICK on the blue Topic Name (e.g., Work).

1) The Essential Openers

These are the mandatory "ice-breakers." You must keep these separate because every exam starts here. Examiners use these to get a baseline of your English level, so you must be able to speak about them without hesitation.

• Work (Do you work? Do you like your job? Is it difficult?)

• Study (What is your major? Why did you choose it? Do you prefer studying alone?)

• Home / Accommodation (Do you live in a house or apartment? Which room is your favorite?)

• Hometown (Where are you from? Has it changed recently?)

2) Daily Life & Habits

Everything related to your routine, your body, and the people closest to you. The examiner wants to see if you can describe your routines and relationships using natural vocabulary, rather than just listing facts.

• Daily Routine (What is your morning routine? Do you like to plan your day?)

• Weekends (What do you usually do on Saturdays/Sundays? Do you work on weekends?)

• Family (Do you have a large family? Who are you closest to?)

• Friends (What do you do with friends? Is friendship important?)

• Health (How do you stay healthy? Is fast food popular in your country?)

• Food (What is your favorite dish? Can you cook? Do you prefer eating out?)

• Clothes (What is your style? Do you wear branded clothes? Do you wear a uniform?)

3) Hobbies, Leisure & Shopping

Things you do for fun, entertainment, or consumption. Be prepared to talk about your interests with energy and specific details, rather than giving generic answers.

• Hobbies (What do you do in your free time? Did you have a hobby as a child?)

• Music (What genre do you like? Can you play an instrument? Do you like live music?)

• Movies (Do you prefer watching at home or in the cinema? What was the last movie you saw?)

• Reading (Do you read often? Do you prefer paper books or ebooks?)

• Sports (Do you play any sports? Do you like watching matches on TV?)

• Art (Do you like visiting galleries? Did you learn art at school?) (Coming Soon)

• Travel (Do you like traveling? Where do you want to go next? Do you prefer trains or planes?)

• Holidays (What do you do during holidays? Do you prefer relaxing or active holidays?)

• Shopping (Do you enjoy shopping? Do you compare prices before buying?)

• Gifts (Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts? When was the last time you gave a gift?) (Coming Soon)

4) Technology & Media

Topics related to the digital world and modern communication. You need modern vocabulary to answer these effectively, often discussing how technology has changed your behavior.

• Technology (What gadgets do you use? Is technology good for children's development?)

• Internet (How often do you use the internet? What do you mainly use it for?)

• Social Media (Which apps do you use? Is social media addictive? Do you post often?)

• Advertising (Do you buy things because of ads? Are there too many ads on TV?)

5) The World Around You

Topics related to your physical environment and infrastructure. These questions require a slightly wider range of vocabulary to describe things like climate, traffic congestion, or visual elements.

• Weather (What is your favorite season? Does rainy weather affect your mood?)

• Transport (How do you travel to work/school? Is traffic a problem in your city?)

• Animals (Do you like animals? Have you ever had a pet? Are there many wild animals in your country?)

• Environment (Is there much pollution where you live? Are there any environmental problems in your country?)

How to Answer: 2 Essential Strategies

To score a Band 7 or higher, never just say "Yes" or "No." You must extend your answers. We recommend two simple strategies depending on the question type.

1. The SEER Method
Best for: Opinions, Habits, and General Questions.

• S - Short Answer: Directly answer the question.

• E - Extend: Give a reason or detail.

• E - Example: Give a specific example.

• R - Reflect: Mention how you feel about it.

2. The A123 Method
Best for: "Do you prefer X or Y?" or "How often...?" questions.

• A - Answer: Start by saying "It depends..."

• 1 - Option 1: Explain one situation (e.g., "When I am working...")

• 2 - Option 2: Explain the other situation (e.g., "But when I am relaxing...")

• 3 - Conclude: Give a final thought.

Want to master these techniques? Read our full guide on [IELTS Speaking Part 1 Strategies: SEER & A123].

Create Your Own Band 9 Answers

Reading sample answers is helpful, but you shouldn't memorize them. Examiners are trained to spot memorized scripts.
Your answers need to be true so that you can easily recall them during a stressful exam.

IELTS Speaking Lab helps you turn your real ideas into Band 9 answers.

1. Select your topic - Study.

2. Input your rough idea (e.g., "I study Data Analysis but it's really hard!").

3. Get personalized Band 9 answers instantly, with the perfect vocabulary for your story.

Start Generating Your Personal Answers Now →