Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published August 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, you will see one of the most common IELTS speaking topics (food) and sample answers.
Please remember that in the actual test you should give honest answers and talk about your own experiences, thoughts, feelings and opinions. Do not try to memorise answers, as the examiners will probably be able to guess and you will lose marks.
However, you are able to make up information to extend your answers, but be sure that you are confident when speaking about the chosen topic and that it is believable.
TIP >> Each answer should be at least 2-3 sentences long.
TIP >> Listen carefully to the question so that you answer in the correct tense.
TIP >> When answering a yes/no question – answer then give your reasons for your answer. You must extend your answer to gain more marks.
TIP >> Just relax and think of it as a regular conversation you are having, make eye contact and be positive.
Take a look at the questions and sample answers below on the topic of ‘food‘ >>
Q: Is food important to you? (Why?)
A: Yes, I like to cook and to use fresh vegetables and try to get everything as organic as possible. I also like to eat no gluten whenever possible, no soy or dairy. eating clean is important for my health and overall well-being.
Q: What kinds of food do you particularly like?
A: I really enjoy eating fresh fish, homegrown vegetables and fruits and on special occasions meat that comes from local farmers. I also enjoy fresh eggs from neighbours and family members.
Q: Is there any food you don’t like? (Why?)
A: I don’t like processed food because it is really bad for my body. After having a particular diet, eating processed food does not agree with my body and can make me feel unwell. I also avoid dairy because I have an intolerance.
Q: What kinds of food are most popular in your country?
A: Fresh home grown vegetables, fruits and meat are part of the staple diet here in Greece. Particular dishes, such as kokinisto – beef cooked in a red wine sauce is popular, along with other signature dishes. Of course, a Greek salad is mandatory as well as a lot of olive oil in everything!
Q: Do you like cooking? (Why?/Why not?)
A: Yes, I really like to cook and since moving to Greece I have become a much better cook. I regularly cook Greek food, from various pies, meat dishes and fish to sweets and desserts. I was taught some traditional recipes and methods from my mother in law.
Q: Who usually does the cooking in your home?
A: I normally cook and look for recipe ideas online and in books. I like to experiment and make a variety of dishes, even though my husband has a preference for mostly Greek food.
Q: Do you like chocolate?
A: yes, but I can only eat very dark chocolate or chocolate that is free from dairy and gluten.
Q: Did you like chocolate as a child?
A: Of course! Until I discovered I had a lactose intolerance, then I cut it out of my diet as it was making me ill. The ‘free from’ options are great, as I can enjoy chocolate without dairy or gluten.
Q: Do you think most people like chocolate? Why?
A: Yes, as it is a lovely sweet treat. Chocolate can give you a sugar high and of course, it tastes delicious. There is nothing better than selecting chocolates and treating yourself after a long day or as a celebration. People enjoy it as a way of treating themselves.
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Expert tips and strategies for this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Includes sample responses and key vocabulary for Band 7+.
Originally published August 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, see the top 10 speaking part 1 tips that will help you to achieve a band score 7 or above.
The IELTS Speaking Test lasts 11-14 minutes.
The test has three parts, where you are interviewed by a trained examiner. You are not allowed to use a dictionary during the test. IELTS Academic and IELTS General students take the same test and it is marked in the same way.
PART 1 INFORMATION
To begin with, the examiner will introduce themselves to you, then ask you your name and for proof of identity.
Time:4-5 minutes You will be asked questions on familiar topics, like your hobbies, family, where you are from, what your hometown/city is like, etc.
The topics that are included:
Your studies/education
Hobbies/sports
Your family
What kind of movies, books, tv shows or music you like
What you like to eat / where you like to eat
Your job
Where you live
To view sample questions and answers on a variety of part 1 speaking topics, take a look at the other posts in this section.
Take a read through our top ten tips below, that will help you to gain a band score of 7 or above!
Speaking Tips
Tip 1: Be Prepared
As well as being prepared for the test questions on the day of your exam, you should also be aware of what to expect in terms of getting to the test centre and the beginning of the test. Arrive in plenty of time, so that you are not under pressure/late and have time to relax before the test.
The examiner will introduce themselves and ask you for your name and proof of identity (Passport etc), to begin with. They will also ask you where you are from, which requires a simple answer – this is more of a formality, so you don’t have to extend your answer here, but simply state, for example; “I am from Romania’ (or name the town/city etc you are from and where).
Take a look at this post for help with how to prepare for the speaking part 1 test..
Tip 2: Make A Good First Impression
Try to be relaxed and confident, having confidence will help you to do well in your test. Make eye contact with the examiner and answer any questions in a polite manner. Try to keep your body language friendly and open. Think of it as a natural conversation and try to stay calm, like you are talking to your IELTS teacher or practice partner.
Tip 3: Listen Carefully
Listen carefully to the examiner, so that you understand the questions and can answer in an appropriate way. You should also be listening for tenses – for example; “What TV Shows did you use to like as a child?’ then you know that you should answer in the past tense – ‘I used to watch…..’
You should also listen out for any yes/no questions and remember to answer and give reasons. Take a look at this post for help with how to answer those yes/no questions.
Tip 4: Show Enthusiasm
Show that you are interested in the questions by answering with enthusiasm, even if you are not really interested in the subject. Native speakers show enthusiasm by varying the pitch of their voice (intonation – the voice falls and rises) to show how they feel about something.
Listen to examples and think about how native speakers talk when answering questions, what happens to their voice? It gets higher when they are interested or excited by a subject and it falls when they are not happy or disinterested.
Watch the video clip below from the US TV show ‘Friends’ and see how the intonation falls and rises when the actors talk – can you notice the difference? How does it impact on what they are saying?
Tip 5: Extend Your Answers
When giving your answers, try to make sure that they are not too short – for example, if the examiner asks you what is your favourite TV show, saying ‘I really like Peaky Blinders’ is too short.
You can expand your answer by adding more detail of what it is about, and why you like it so much for example; ‘I really like the BBC drama Peaky Blinders, it has an excellent cast and the writing keeps me interested in the story. There is lots of action, as the story is centred on a gangster family in 1920’s Birmingham, who are up to no good!’.
The answers in part 1 should not be too long either, talking for 2 minutes or more is far too long, parts 2 and 3 will allow you to speak for a longer time and go into more detail.
You should aim to use more than one clause when you give your answers, for example;
Q: Do you work or study?
A: I work at the moment but I continue my studies at the same time. I continue to learn through courses and gain new qualifications every year, this means my knowledge is always up to date.
Take a look at this post for more information on how to extend your answers.
Tip 6: Be Confident
Show your confidence by speaking clearly and at a normal level. Don’t speak too loudly or quietly, make sure the examiner can understand and hear your answers. Have faith in yourself, to answer whatever questions you get to the best of your ability.
When answering the questions, try to be as honest as possible, telling the examiner your thoughts, feeling and opinions, for example:
Q: Do you think vacations are becoming more and more important?
A: Yes, I think that many people are working longer hours and have more stress than ever placed upon them. taking a break is necessary to unwind and recharge so that they can let go of the stress and focus on their own well-being.
Tip 8: Study/Look at past questions and sample answers
Look at past questions and sample answers to get an idea of how you can extend your answers and the type of questions that come up. There are some speaking topics that are popular, regularly being used over and over, which include;
Your studies/education
Hobbies/sports
Your family
What kind of movies, books, tv shows or music you like
What you like to eat / where you like to eat
Your job
Where you live
You may also be asked questions about any topic, recently there have been questions about flowers and photography. Going back to tip 7 – be honest, answer any questions you get with honesty, telling the examiner your own opinions, thoughts and views. Do not memorise answers to recite to the examiner, they will be able to tell and ask you something else.
Tip 9: Read The Criteria
You should read through the marking criteria and be aware of what is required for a band score 7 or above. Many students do not do this and have no idea what they need to achieve in order to get the band score they want. Read it, understand it and aim to achieve it. Ask your IELTS teacher for help to understand it and to see the level you are at now.
You should also read the scoring information to see how the band scores are given:
Tip 10: Practice
Practice as much as possible with your native speaking IELTS teacher, a partner or friend. Take a look at the most common topics (see the other posts in this section) and practice answering those questions. A good way to listen for errors is to record yourself speaking. Listen to your recording and notice any errors you have made, including grammar mistakes, pronunciation, intonation and fluency. Keep practising and use the posts in this section to help you.
