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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Languages: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicLanguages

  • 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 May 2026

Question 1: What languages can you speak?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI can speak English and some Malay, with a few Hokkien phrases too, although English is what I use most at work. ExampleI sometimes get the hang of new expressions by chatting with colleagues, and I practise Hokkien with my grandmother, mostly in weekends.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. get the hang of new expressions This natural phrase shows good control of everyday language.
  2. mostly in weekends A preposition slip: at weekends is correct.

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

Take it further: What languages can you speak, even just a little?

Question 2: What languages did you learn at school?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI learned English and Malay at school, and my first lessons were mostly focused on grammar. WhyI mean, I found Malay easier because I could fall back on words I heard at home, although the spelling was bit tricky.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. fall back on words I heard This is a natural phrasal verb used accurately.
  2. English and Malay at school, and my first Repeating and is a small spoken limit.
  3. I mean, I found Malay A filler that makes the answer sound naturally spoken.
  4. was bit tricky A missing article: was a bit tricky is correct.

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

Question 3: When did you start learning your first foreign language?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI started learning my first foreign language at about seven, when English lessons began in primary school. WhyI was shy about speaking, so I’d, I mean, I’d make a point of copying short sentences from the teacher, and I made a lot of mistakes with pronunciation.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. make a point of copying This phrase adds natural, precise vocabulary.
  2. so I’d, I mean, I’d The restart sounds natural but limits fluency slightly.
  3. a lot of mistakes with pronunciation A lot of is vague; many pronunciation mistakes is more precise.

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

Question 4: Would you like to learn a new language?

Plans and wishesUse would, I'd like to or I'm planning to.

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

AnswerYes, I’d like to learn Japanese, mainly because I enjoy Japanese films and want to understand simple conversation without subtitles. ExampleI’d probably fit it in during my commute, although I’m not sure I’d have enough time at weekdays, and I might start with some nice beginner videos.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. fit it in during my commute This everyday phrase gives a clear practical detail.
  2. enough time at weekdays A common spoken slip: say enough time on weekdays.
  3. some nice beginner videos Nice is vague; well-structured would be more precise.
  4. understand simple conversation A small slip: simple conversations is correct.

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

Question 5: How do you usually learn a language?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI usually learn a language by listening first and then trying to use it in short chats. ExampleI pick up new words from podcasts, and I keep a small notebook because writing them down helps, although I still forget a lot of vocabulary after the lunch.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. pick up new words from podcasts This phrasal verb is natural and used in the right context.
  2. a lot of vocabulary A lot of is vague; many new words is more precise.
  3. after the lunch A common spoken slip: say after lunch.

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

Phrases to borrow

get the hang of something

/ɡet ðə ˈhæŋ əv ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

understand how to do something

It took me a week to get the hang of the new software.

fall back on something

/fɔːl ˈbæk ən ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

use something when other options are difficult

When I forget a word, I fall back on gestures.

make a point of doing something

/meɪk ə ˈpɔɪnt əv ˈduːɪŋ ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

make sure you do something regularly

I make a point of checking my pronunciation every evening.

fit something in

/fɪt ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪn/

find time for something

I try to fit exercise in before work.

pick up something

/pɪk əp ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

learn something informally

She picked up some useful phrases while travelling.

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 learn a language?

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.

How the IELTS Speaking test works