heytardy
Log inGet started

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Reading: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicReading

  • 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 August 2026

Question 1: Do you like reading?

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 do, especially when I can get lost in a novel after dinner. WhyI read for twenty minutes before bed, and it’s a nice way to switch off. ExampleLast week I have read until nearly midnight, so I was really tired the next morning.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. get lost in a novel This natural phrase shows strong everyday vocabulary.
  2. a nice way to switch off Nice is vague here; relaxing would be more precise.
  3. Last week I have read A tense slip: with last week, I read is correct.

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

Question 2: Do you prefer to read on paper or on a screen?

This or thatPick one and say why.

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

AnswerI prefer paper, although I use my phone when I’m travelling. WhyPaper feels easier on my eyes, and the pages are good for concentrating, and I still read on a screen for work messages.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. easier on my eyes This useful collocation explains a personal preference naturally.
  2. the pages are good for concentrating Good is vague here; less tiring would be more precise.
  3. and the pages are good for concentrating, and I The simple linker and is repeated in one sentence.

About 14 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Take it further: Do you prefer paper books or reading on a screen? Why?

Question 3: In what situations do you need to read something carefully?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI need to read something carefully when it involves money or my job. ExampleI mean, before I signed rental agreement for my flat in Lahore, I had to go over every section because one small mistake could cause trouble.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. go over every section This phrasal verb shows precise control of everyday language.
  2. signed rental agreement A missing article: signed the rental agreement is correct.
  3. could cause trouble Trouble is general here; a legal problem would be more precise.

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

Question 4: Are your reading habits now different from before?

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

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

AnswerYes, they are. WhyI used to read whenever I had free time, but now I mostly read on my commute. ExampleLet me think, I’ve also cut down on paper books since becoming an office worker, so I get through fewer books each week.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. cut down on paper books This phrasal verb gives a clear, natural comparison.
  2. I used to read whenever I had free time, but now I mostly read Read comes again and again, which sounds a little less varied.
  3. Let me think, I’ve also cut Let me think is a natural filler before a personal detail.

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

Question 5: Have you ever read a novel that has been adapted into a film?

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 have. WhyThe film was good, but it didn’t quite live up to the novel, and it left out some quiet scenes. ExampleI read the book during my first year at university, then watched film at home with my cousin.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. live up to the novel This idiom clearly compares the film with the book.
  2. The film was good Good is vague here; entertaining would be more precise.
  3. then watched film at home A common spoken slip; then watched the film is correct.

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

Question 6: Which do you prefer, reading books or watching movies?

This or thatPick one and say why.

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

AnswerI prefer reading books, mainly because they let me imagine the characters in my own way. WhyI mean, watching movies is more convenient, but books give me more time to pause and think on quiet evenings in my apartment. ExampleI usually read there after the dinner, when my mind is less busy.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. imagine the characters in my own way This gives a clear personal reason with natural detail.
  2. more convenient This comparison is general; easier when I’m tired would be more precise.
  3. after the dinner A small slip: after dinner, with no the, is correct.

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

Phrases to borrow

get lost in something

/ɡet ˈlɒst ɪn ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

become completely absorbed in something

I can get lost in a good mystery story.

be easy on someone's eyes

/biː ˈiːzi ɒn ˌsʌmwʌnz ˈaɪz/

be comfortable for someone's eyes

This larger screen is easy on my eyes.

go over something

/ɡəʊ ˈəʊvə ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

check or review something carefully

I'll go over the report before sending it.

cut down on something

/ˌkʌt ˈdaʊn ɒn ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

do or use less of something

I'm trying to cut down on sugary drinks.

live up to something

/ˌlaɪv ˈʌp tə ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

be as good as expected

The restaurant didn't live up to its reputation.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

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

Your turn: answer the examiner

Have you ever read a novel that has been adapted into a film?

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