IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Common Topics and Answers

Question 1: Do you work or are you a student?

Sample Answer:
“I’m currently a student. I’m in my second year at Hanoi University, majoring in International Business. It’s a challenging but rewarding field of study because it helps me understand how global trade works and prepares me for a career in a multinational company. I also get to work on group projects, which has helped me develop teamwork and communication skills.”

Question 2: Why did you choose this subject?

Sample Answer:
“I chose this subject because I’ve always been fascinated by how businesses operate on a global scale. My uncle owns a small export company, and growing up, I would often hear him talk about his work, which inspired me. Also, this field offers a lot of opportunities to travel and work with people from different cultures, which is something I’m passionate about.”

Question 3: Do you like your job/studies?

Sample Answer:
“Yes, I really enjoy my studies, even though it can be stressful at times. The subjects are interesting, especially international marketing and logistics. I feel like I’m gaining practical knowledge that I can use in my future career. Also, my professors are very supportive and experienced, which makes learning more enjoyable.”

Question 1: Where are you from?

Sample Answer:
“I’m from Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, such as My Khe Beach, and the stunning Dragon Bridge that lights up every night. It’s a vibrant yet peaceful city, and I think it’s one of the best places to live in Vietnam.”

Question 2: What do you like about your hometown?

Sample Answer:
“What I love most about my hometown is its natural beauty. The beaches are clean, and the mountains, like Marble Mountain and Son Tra, are perfect for hiking. Also, the local food is amazing, especially dishes like banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and mi quang (a noodle dish). The people are also very friendly, which makes it a welcoming place for both locals and tourists.”

Question 3: Has your hometown changed much in recent years?

Sample Answer:
“Yes, it has changed a lot over the past few years. There are many new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, especially near the beach, because tourism has been growing rapidly. The city has also developed better infrastructure, like new bridges and wider roads, to handle the increase in traffic. However, this growth has also brought challenges, such as more crowded areas and higher living costs.”

Question 1: What do you do in your free time?

Sample Answer:
“In my free time, I enjoy reading novels, especially mystery and thriller genres. It helps me relax and escape from the stress of daily life. I also like going to the gym to stay fit. Sometimes, I meet up with friends for coffee and a chat, which is a great way to unwind and stay connected.”

Question 2: Do you have any hobbies?

Sample Answer:
“Yes, I have a few hobbies. My main hobby is photography. I enjoy taking pictures of nature, especially during sunrise and sunset. I often go to the countryside on weekends to capture beautiful landscapes. Another hobby of mine is baking. I like experimenting with different recipes, and my favorite thing to bake is chocolate cake. It’s a relaxing and creative activity that I can share with my family and friends.”

Question 3: Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities?

Sample Answer:
“I enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities, but I think I slightly prefer outdoor activities because they allow me to be active and enjoy nature. For example, I like hiking, swimming, and cycling in the park. However, on rainy days, I love staying indoors and reading books or watching movies. It really depends on my mood and the weather.”

Question 1: Do you like traveling?

Sample Answer:
“Yes, I absolutely love traveling. It’s one of my favorite things to do because it allows me to experience new cultures, try different cuisines, and meet interesting people. For example, last year, I went to Thailand, and I loved visiting the temples and trying their street food. Traveling also helps me relax and recharge.”

Question 2: What places would you like to visit in the future?

Sample Answer:
“I would love to visit Japan in the future. I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture, especially their traditions like tea ceremonies and the cherry blossom festivals. I also want to try authentic sushi and visit iconic places like Mount Fuji and Kyoto. Another destination on my list is Europe, particularly Italy and France, because of their rich history and beautiful architecture.”

Question 3: Do you prefer traveling alone or with others?

Sample Answer:
“It depends on the situation. If I want to relax and reflect, I prefer traveling alone because it gives me more freedom to explore at my own pace. However, traveling with friends or family is more fun, especially for group activities like hiking or sightseeing. I think both options have their own charm.”

Expand Your Answers: Add details, reasons, and examples to make your answers longer but natural.
Use a Range of Tenses: Demonstrate your grammar skills by using past, present, and future tenses where appropriate.
Stay Relaxed: Treat the conversation as a casual chat and avoid overthinking.
Avoid One-Word Answers: Always try to explain your response with examples or reasons.

By practicing these common topics and structuring your answers well, you’ll feel confident and prepared for IELTS Speaking Part 1! 😊