IELTS Speaking Part 1

Garbage and recycling: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicGarbage and recycling

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 September 2026

Question 1: How do you usually deal with your household garbage?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI usually put my household garbage in one big bag, then leave it by the building entrance for collection. WhyI live in a flat, so this routine is easy to keep up with. The whole process can be a bit confusing sometimes.

Why it's a Band 7

easy to keep up with This natural phrase shows you can manage a routine regularly.
household garbage Garbage is general here; household waste would be more precise.
The whole process Process is a general word; collection arrangements would be more precise.

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

Question 2: Do you sort your garbage before throwing it away?

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

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

AnswerProbably not. I tend to throw everything into one bag Whybecause I’m in a hurry after work. ExampleFor example, there’s two bins beside our lift, so I often use the nearest one. I know that’s not ideal, but sorting food waste separately feels like extra work.

Why it's a Band 7

in a hurry This everyday phrase gives a natural reason for your habit.
there’s two bins A common spoken slip: there’s two bins should be there are two bins.
throw everything Everything is vague; mixed waste would be more precise.

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

Question 3: What do you do when you see garbage on the street?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI usually pick it up if it’s just one or two small pieces, Whybecause leaving that stuff there bothers me. ExampleFor example, last month I saw a plastic cup near bus stop and put it in public bin. It’s a small thing to do, but I feel better afterwards.

Why it's a Band 7

pick it up This phrasal verb clearly describes collecting litter.
that stuff Stuff is vague; litter or plastic waste would be more precise.
one or two small pieces Pieces is general; naming the litter would be more precise.
put it in public bin A missing article: put it in a public bin is correct.
near bus stop A missing article: near a bus stop is correct.

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

Question 4: Did you learn about recycling when you were a child?

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

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

AnswerYes, I did, mainly through school activities rather than a proper lesson. ExampleWhen I was about ten, my teacher asked us to make a paper box for used batteries, and we took it to collection point. I picked up the habit for a while, but I didn't really understand the wider reason.

Why it's a Band 7

picked up the habit This natural phrase shows you started doing something regularly.
the wider reason Reason is vague; environmental impact would be more precise.
took it to collection point A missing article: took it to a collection point is correct.

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

Phrases to borrow

keep up with something

/kiːp ʌp wɪð ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

manage a task or routine regularly

I struggle to keep up with the washing during busy weeks.

be in a hurry

/biː ɪn ə ˈhʌri/

have little time available

I was in a hurry and forgot my umbrella.

pick something up

/pɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ ʌp/

collect something from the ground

Please pick the wrapper up before you leave.

pick up the habit

/pɪk ʌp ðə ˈhæbɪt/

start doing something regularly

I picked up the habit of cycling to work.

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 usually deal with your household garbage?

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 usually deal with your household garbage?

Question 2: Do you sort your garbage before throwing it away?

Question 3: What do you do when you see garbage on the street?

Question 4: Did you learn about recycling when you were a child?

Which phrase fits?

More Part 1 topics