IELTS Speaking Part 1: Practice Questions for 2024

In the 2024 IELTS Speaking test, Part 1 focuses on everyday topics and familiar themes. This section is designed to assess your ability to engage in a natural conversation, covering a wide range of common subjects. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key themes and practice questions for 2024, giving you an idea of what to expect and helping you prepare confidently for this part of the exam.

1. Work or Studies

This is one of the most frequent topics. The examiner may ask you whether you are currently working or studying, and you’ll need to explain your choice or situation.

• Are you working or studying at the moment?

• What led you to choose your current job or field of study?

• Do you enjoy your job or studies? Why or why not?

• What’s the most interesting aspect of your work or studies?

• What challenges do you face in your job or studies?

• Is there anything you dislike about what you do?

• What would you like to do in the future?

2. Accommodation

Your living arrangements may also come up as a topic. You’ll be asked to describe where you live and your feelings about your home.

• Do you live in a house or an apartment?

• How would you describe your home?

• What do you like the most about your current living space?

• Which room is your favorite, and why?

• What do you see when you look out of your windows?

• Is there anything you’d like to change about your home?

• Do you plan to move to a new home in the future?

3. Home Decoration

Questions about how you decorate your home can also appear. Here, you’ll need to describe your preferences and any trends you notice in home decor.

• What style of decoration do you prefer?

• How have you decorated your home?

• What is your favorite color when it comes to decorating?

• Are there any colors you would avoid using in your home?

• If you could repaint your room, what color would you choose?

• Is redecorating popular in your country?

• What are the current trends in home decor?

4. Hometown

The examiner may ask about your hometown, encouraging you to describe it and discuss your connection to it.

• Can you tell me about your hometown?

• What is your hometown famous for?

• Do you enjoy living in your hometown?

• How long have you lived there?

• Do you think you’ll stay in your hometown in the future?

• How has your hometown changed in recent years?

5. Your Country

Talking about your country is another potential topic. You’ll be asked about its location, population, and what it’s like to live there.

• Where is your country located?

• In which part of your country do most people live?

• What are the main industries in your country?

• What are some advantages of living in your country?

• Are there any drawbacks to living in your country?

• Do you think you’ll remain in your country in the future?

6. Sunglasses

You may also encounter lighter topics, such as sunglasses, where you’ll talk about your habits and preferences related to this accessory.

• Do you often wear sunglasses?

• When do you tend to wear sunglasses?

• Do you spend a lot on sunglasses?

• Have you ever given sunglasses as a gift?

• Have you ever misplaced your sunglasses?

7. Video Games

Another potential subject is video games, where you’ll discuss your experiences and opinions about gaming.

• Do you play video games?

• What types of video games do you enjoy?

• Do you think playing video games is beneficial for young people?

8. Singing

Singing is a common cultural topic, and the examiner may ask about your interest in it.

• Do you enjoy singing?

• Did you have singing classes in school?

• Can many people in your country sing well?

9. Money

Managing money is a common theme, where you’ll talk about saving and spending habits.

• How do you save money?

• What do you think about using mobile payment apps?

• Do you prefer using a credit card to make purchases?

• Do you think people will still use cash in the future?

10. Celebrities

The examiner might ask about famous people, which allows you to express your views on fame and celebrity culture.

• Who is your favorite celebrity in your country?

• What kinds of famous people do you see most often in the news?

11. Losing Things

This topic focuses on the experience of misplacing belongings and how people handle it.

• Do you frequently lose things?

• What can be done to avoid losing personal items?

• Why do some people tend to lose things more than others?

• What would you do if you found something someone else had lost?

12. Collecting

You might be asked about collecting, a popular hobby for many.

• Why do some people enjoy collecting things?

• Is collecting a common pastime in your country?

• What kinds of things do people typically collect in your country?

• Why do you think people like to have collections?

• Where do people usually store the items they collect?

• Do you have a collection of your own?

13. Crowded Places

Finally, the examiner might ask you about your feelings toward busy areas.

• Do you like being in crowded places?

• How do you feel when you're in a crowded place?

• What places in your area tend to be crowded?

• Is there a crowded area near your home?

• Do most people enjoy going to crowded places?

• When was the last time you were in a crowded place?

• Why do you think some people avoid crowded places?

Conclusion

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test offers a chance to talk about familiar topics. By practicing these themes, you can improve your fluency and confidence, helping you feel more comfortable during the actual exam. Be prepared to discuss everyday topics clearly and naturally, as this will showcase your ability to communicate effectively in English.