How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking Part 1

Speaking Part 1 is the easiest part of the test and gives you a chance to warm up by talking about familiar topics. Still, it’s important to remember that first impressions matter. In this post, we'll guide you through a practical, step-by-step approach to studying for Speaking Part 1, so you can build fluency, confidence, and clarity from day one.

 Start with the Right Topics

IELTS Part 1 topics are limited and predictable. They repeat often, and they’re all about YOU: your life, your habits, your preferences. Some of the most common topics include:

·      Work and study

·      Hometown

·      Daily routine

·      Food

·      Hobbies

·      Family and friends

·      Weather

·      Transportation etc.

Your preparation should begin here. Focus on real, authentic questions. We absolutely recommend downloading Studdia’s Practice Questions for Speaking Part One as your foundation. You’ll also find a broader set of tools in This Is Where You Begin, which helps you build essential vocabulary and confidence from the start.

Practice with Structure

Every good Speaking Part 1 response should follow this pattern:

1. Start with a direct answer

2. Expand with details

Use one or more of the following expansion techniques:

• Give a reason for your answer

• Add a real-life example

• Compare and contrast ideas (SPLIT)

• Include specific details such as frequency, duration, or place

  
  

Aim to speak for about 15–25 seconds per answer (that’s usually 2–4 sentences). Practicing this length helps you develop a natural rhythm and control. (Full lesson - How to Answer Part 1 Questions - https://youtu.be/NjXzzEMHxN0?si=n57R4iCCypZC40pH

Don’t Practice Questions in Isolation

In the real exam, you’ll be asked 3–4 questions on the same topic. So instead of practicing one question at a time, answer them in clusters. This helps you build topic-specific vocabulary and become more fluent when discussing familiar themes.

Set a timer and give each answer in exactly 20 seconds. With regular practice, you’ll begin to feel how much you can say in that time without rushing or freezing.

Write and Highlight

If you had to look up words while answering a question, take time to write the full response in your notebook. This helps you:

• Remember new expressions

• Improve your spelling (often overlooked but essential)

• Visualize and reinforce new vocabulary

  
  

Highlight or underline the new words. Our brains retain information better when it stands out visually.

Record and Review Your Speaking

Recording yourself might feel awkward at first—but it’s one of the fastest ways to improve. Use your phone to record audio or video responses, then listen carefully. Reflect on questions like:

• Did I sound natural?

• Where did I pause or hesitate?

• What pronunciation issues did I notice?

• What am I doing well?

Begin with the positives. Recognizing what you’re doing right keeps motivation high and builds confidence.

Build a Routine

Fluency comes from consistency. Think of speaking as building a muscle. Create a schedule and stick to it. Even 15–20 minutes per day can lead to noticeable improvement in a few weeks. The more regularly you practice, the more confident and flexible your speaking will become.]

Get Professional Feedback

At a certain point, self-study reaches its limit. You need feedback. At Studdia, we offer a professional IELTS Speaking Mock Exam service that simulates the real test, provides you with a band estimate, and detailed feedback in a downloadable PDF.

If you’re part of our IELTS Academy, this service is already included in your course—you’ll get two full speaking mock tests with your teacher.

To sum up:

Begin with familiar topics and reliable questions

Use clear structure: direct answer + expansion

Practice in topic clusters and time your answers

Write and highlight new words

Record, review, and reflect on your speaking

Stick to a consistent practice schedule

Get expert feedback to move forward faster