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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Relatives: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicRelatives

  • 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 often do you visit your relatives?

How often, how muchGive a real number, then a reason.

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

AnswerUsually, I drop by my aunt's house about twice a month, Whymainly because she lives fairly close to campus. ExampleI mean, sometimes I go in Sunday afternoon, and we have a nice meal while I tell her about my classes.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. drop by my aunt's house This natural phrase shows confident everyday vocabulary.
  2. I mean, sometimes I go in This filler makes the answer sound naturally spoken.
  3. a nice meal Nice is general; home-cooked lunch would be more precise.
  4. I go in Sunday afternoon A preposition slip: on Sunday afternoon is correct.

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

Question 2: What do you usually do when you visit them?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI usually catch up with my cousins, and we chat about university life and family news. WhyBecause the house is busy, we often sit on back veranda. ExampleLast month, I helped my uncle repair small things around the house.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. catch up with my cousins This collocation shows natural control of everyday English.
  2. and we chat about university life and family news The simple linker and is repeated in one sentence.
  3. small things around the house Small things is vague; minor repairs would be more precise.
  4. sit on back veranda A missing article: sit on the back veranda is correct.

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

Question 3: When was the last time you visited them?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerThe last time I visited them was in early September, when I made time for my grandmother after a afternoon lecture. WhyI was tired, so I nearly stayed on campus, but my cousin called and I changed my mind. ExampleWe had a nice chat about her garden.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. made time for my grandmother This useful phrase gives the answer precise personal detail.
  2. a nice chat about her garden Nice is general; a long chat would be more precise.
  3. a afternoon lecture A small slip: an afternoon lecture is correct.

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

Question 4: Do you enjoy spending time with your relatives?

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. WhyI enjoy to visit them because I don't have to rush between lectures, and I look forward to the relaxed feeling at their homes. ExampleLast Christmas, there were some old family photos at my cousin's place, and we looked at them and laughed for nearly an hour.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. look forward to the relaxed feeling This natural phrase shows a clear personal attitude.
  2. the relaxed feeling at their homes Relaxed feeling is general; an unhurried atmosphere is more precise.
  3. and we looked at them and laughed The simple linker and is used twice in a row.
  4. I enjoy to visit them A common slip: I enjoy visiting them is correct.

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

Question 5: Do you prefer to visit relatives or friends?

This or thatPick one and say why.

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

AnswerI prefer visiting friends, Whymainly because I can stick to my schedule. Most of my friends live near my hostel, so I can see one after class instead of travelling across the Lagos. ExampleLast Tuesday, I had a nice coffee with my roommate and was back before seven.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. stick to my schedule This phrasal verb shows natural control of everyday language.
  2. a nice coffee with my roommate Nice is general; a quick coffee catch-up would be more precise.
  3. I can see one after class A little unclear: I can meet one of them after class is clearer.
  4. across the Lagos An extra article: across Lagos is correct, with no the before a city.

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

Phrases to borrow

drop by someone's place

/ˌdrɒp ˈbaɪ ˌsʌmwʌnz ˈpleɪs/

visit someone briefly and informally

I might drop by your place after class.

catch up with someone

/ˌkætʃ ˈʌp wɪð ˌsʌmwʌn/

talk to someone and share recent news

I called my sister to catch up with her.

make time for someone

/meɪk ˈtaɪm fə ˌsʌmwʌn/

find time to spend with someone

She made time for her grandparents during the holidays.

look forward to something

/ˌlʊk ˈfɔːwəd tə ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

feel pleased about something expected

I look forward to the holidays each year.

stick to something

/ˌstɪk ˈtuː ˌsʌmθɪŋ/

continue following a plan or schedule

I try to stick to my study plan.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

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

Your turn: answer the examiner

Do you prefer to visit relatives or friends?

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