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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Fixing things: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicFixing things

  • 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: Do you often fix things?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

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

AnswerYes, I fix small household problems fairly often. WhyI mean, I’m an office worker, so I usually have a go at fixing them before calling anyone, mainly because replacing stuff can be expensive. ExampleLast month, I tightened loose chair leg and checked the screws after work.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. have a go at fixing them This natural phrase shows an attempt to repair something.
  2. replacing stuff can be expensive Stuff is vague; replacement items would be more precise.
  3. I mean, I’m an office worker I mean is a natural filler that makes the answer sound less rehearsed.
  4. tightened loose chair leg A missing article: tightened a loose chair leg is correct.

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

Question 2: What kinds of things can you fix?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI can fix loose cupboard handles and simple electrical things, although I’m not confident with anything complicated. WhyUsually, I sort out minor problems on my bicycle or desk. ExampleLast winter, I replaced broken drawer runner in my flat, but I needed two attempts to fit it properly.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. sort out minor problems This phrasal verb shows good control of everyday repair vocabulary.
  2. simple electrical things Things is vague; electrical faults would be more precise.
  3. replaced broken drawer runner A common spoken slip: replaced a broken drawer runner is correct.

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

Question 3: Who taught you how to repair things?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerMy older cousin taught me most of it when I was a teenager. WhyI mean, he showed me how to use basic tools and stuff, and we worked on old furniture together at his place. ExampleOne Saturday, he let me repair wobbly table instead of doing it himself.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. worked on old furniture This collocation shows precise vocabulary for repairing objects.
  2. I mean, he showed me how I mean is a natural filler used to clarify a thought.
  3. basic tools and stuff Stuff is vague; household equipment would be more precise.
  4. repair wobbly table A missing article: repair a wobbly table is correct.

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

Question 4: When something breaks at home, do you try to fix it or replace it?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI try to fix it first, especially if it’s a small problem. WhyI suppose I weigh up the cost and the time involved, because buying a new one isn’t always sensible. ExampleFor example, on February I repaired my kettle’s loose switch instead.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. weigh up the cost This phrase shows careful reasoning about a practical choice.
  2. I suppose I weigh up the I suppose is a natural spoken filler showing a brief pause.
  3. the cost and the time involved, because The simple linker because joins the reason plainly.
  4. on February A preposition slip: in February is correct.

About 17 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Take it further: Is there something in your home that's been broken or half-finished for ages that you just never get around to fixing?

Question 5: Is fixing things a necessary skill?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

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

AnswerYes, I’d say it’s quite a useful skill, especially if you live on your own like me. WhyIt saves money, and you don’t have to wait days for a repairman. ExampleWhen my kitchen tap started dripping in last week, I just changed the washer myself, and it was quite easy, actually.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. changed the washer myself A precise, real example of a small repair.
  2. it was quite easy, actually Quite easy is general; it took ten minutes would be more precise.
  3. quite a useful skill Quite is used twice, a small repetition.
  4. dripping in last week A small slip: last week takes no in.

About 20 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Phrases to borrow

have a go at something

/ˌhæv ə ˈɡəʊ ət ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

try to do something

I had a go at fixing the lamp myself.

sort out something

/ˌsɔːt aʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

deal with and solve a problem

She sorted out the booking problem quickly.

work on something

/ˈwɜːk ɒn ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

repair or improve something

He worked on the old bicycle all afternoon.

weigh up something

/ˌweɪ ʌp ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

carefully consider something

I weighed up the cost before ordering it.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

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

Your turn: answer the examiner

Is fixing things a necessary skill?

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

More Part 1 topics

Each question with a short Band 7 reply.

See all 69 topics+59

How the IELTS Speaking test works