IELTS Speaking Part 1

Animals: Part 1 questions and answers

Real Part 1 questions about animals, as candidates reported them. Play each one, answer it out loud, then open a short Band 7 reply to compare.

Today's topicAnimals

4–5 minthe whole part
~12questions
~20 seach answer

Answer, add a reason or an example, then stop. The examiner moves on fast, so short and real wins.

Reported in July 2026

Question 1: How do you feel about animals?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerI feel quite positive about them. WhyI have a soft spot for animals, especially cats, because they’re comforting to have around when I’m tired after long day at work. I don’t keep a pet at the moment, so I usually enjoy animals from a distance.

Why it's a Band 7

have a soft spot for animals A natural phrase for liking something a lot.
quite positive Positive is general here; fond would be more precise.
after long day at work A missing article: after a long day at work is correct.

About 18 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 2: Did you spend much time around animals when you were a child?

About the pastUse the past: I used to, I remember…

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AnswerYes, I did. WhyI mostly grew up around chickens at my grandparents’ house, so I helped feed them before school. ExampleThere were some funny moments too, especially when one of the chicken followed me into the kitchen one morning.

Why it's a Band 7

grew up around chickens This phrasal expression gives a natural childhood connection.
one of the chicken A small spoken slip; one of the chickens is correct.

About 16 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Take it further: What's the first animal you can remember holding or touching as a child?

Question 3: What's your favourite animal?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerMy favourite animal is the cat, Whymainly because cats cheer me up when I’m tired. ExampleFor example, my aunt’s cat has some nice little habits, and I like watching her in evening when I visit, especially when she curls up beside the radio, which is really nice.

Why it's a Band 7

cheer me up This everyday phrasal verb shows a precise emotional effect.
some nice little habits Nice is vague here; funny would be more precise.
watching her in evening A missing article: watching her in the evening is correct.
which is really nice Nice is used twice; adorable would add variety.

About 19 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 4: What is the most popular animal in your country?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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AnswerI’d say the zebu is probably the most popular animal in my country, Whymainly because it shows up in rural life and traditional ceremonies. ExampleIn Antananarivo, I don’t see zebus often, but I remember seeing a small herd near a market outside from the city last year, and it was a nice sight.

Why it's a Band 7

shows up in rural life This phrasal verb gives a natural way to say appears.
it was a nice sight Nice is vague here; striking would be more precise.
outside from the city A small spoken slip; outside the city is correct.

About 21 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Phrases to borrow

have a soft spot for someone/something

/hæv ə sɒft spɒt fə ˈsʌmwʌn ɔː ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

feel especially fond of someone or something

I have a soft spot for old buildings.

grow up around something

/ɡrəʊ ʌp əˈraʊnd ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

spend your childhood near something

She grew up around horses in the countryside.

cheer someone up

/tʃɪə ˈsʌmwʌn ʌp/

make someone feel happier

A walk by the river always cheers me up.

show up in something

/ʃəʊ ʌp ɪn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

appear in something

That design shows up in many local buildings.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

Phrases from the answers above. Pick the one that belongs in the gap.

Your turn: answer the examiner

How do you feel about animals?

Answer, add a reason or an example, then stop: about 20 seconds. Nothing is uploaded.

Want a band score?Sign in free, answer the examiner's Part 1 questions out loud and get one thing to fix.

Practise Part 1

Question 1: How do you feel about animals?

Question 2: Did you spend much time around animals when you were a child?

Question 3: What's your favourite animal?

Question 4: What is the most popular animal in your country?

Which phrase fits?

More Part 1 topics