Common Vocabulary Used in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner asks personal questions about familiar topics, such as home, work, studies, hobbies, or daily routines. Responses should be natural, and using a range of vocabulary and expressions can help show your fluency. Here are some helpful phrases and vocabulary for common Part 1 topics:

1. Talking about Home/Accommodation:

• Phrases:
  • “I live in a (house/apartment) in...”
  • “My neighborhood is...”
  • “I’ve been living there for (x years)...”
  • “What I like about my home is...”
  • “I would describe my home as...”
  • “One thing I’d like to change about my home is...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Spacious, cozy, modern, well-furnished, convenient location, suburbs, quiet, lively, rural, urban, amenities, renovation, decorate, furnished.

2. Talking about Work/Study:

• Phrases:
  • “I work as a (job) at...”
  • “I’m currently studying (subject) at...”
  • “My daily routine involves...”
  • “I’m responsible for...”
  • “I chose this job/course because...”
  • “In the future, I’d like to...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Deadline, multitasking, internship, workload, demanding, rewarding, career path, promotion, major, lecture, seminar, hands-on experience, professional development.

3. Talking about Hobbies/Free Time:

• Phrases:
  • “In my free time, I enjoy...”
  • “I’ve been interested in (hobby) since...”
  • “I usually spend my weekends doing (x)/gardening/reading a new book, etc...”
  • “I try to make time for...”
  • “I find (hobby) relaxing/energizing/challenging...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Leisure time, hobby, pastime, unwind, stress-relief, physical activity, creative outlet, outdoor/indoor activities, adrenaline rush, practice regularly, socialize.

4. Talking about Daily Routines:

• Phrases:
  • “I usually wake up at...”
  • “My typical day consists of...”
  • “I start my day by...”
  • “In the evenings, I prefer to...”
  • “On the weekends, I tend to...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Routine, habit, productive, early bird/night owl, commute, schedule, organized, busy, relaxation, errands, chores, flexible, fixed routine.

5. Talking about Likes/Dislikes:

• Phrases:
  • “I’m really into...”
  • “I can’t stand...”
  • “I absolutely love...”
  • “I’m not a big fan of...”
  • “I enjoy... because it’s...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Passionate about, fond of, keen on, interested in, prefer, favorite, dislike, hate, annoying, fascinating, boring, engaging, challenging.

​6. Talking about Future Plans:

• Phrases:
  • “In the future, I hope to...”
  • “I’m planning to...”
  • “I would like to...”
  • “I’m considering...”
  • “My goal is to...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Ambition, long-term goals, short-term plans, career prospects, further studies, travel, explore, settle down, improve, enhance, achieve.

7. Talking about Friends/Family:

• Phrases:
  • “I’m very close to...”
  • “We often spend time...”
  • “I’ve known (friend) for...”
  • “My family is quite...”
  • “I get along well with...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Close-knit, bond, sibling, childhood friend, trustworthy, supportive, family-oriented, understanding, fun-loving, sociable.

8. Useful Linking Phrases:

• “To be honest...”
• “Well, it depends...”
• “Actually, I think...”
• “As I mentioned earlier...”
• “Speaking of...”
• “On the one hand... on the other hand...”
• “Let me see...”

Using these phrases and vocabulary appropriately in Part 1 will show fluency and confidence. However, we always emphasize that it's important for students to practice speaking naturally while integrating these expressions and understanding when they can be used appropriately.  Avoid simply memorizing phrases and then forcing them into sentences. Practice with a friend who has a high level of English or get feedback from a trusted teacher.