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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Secondary school: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicSecondary school

  • 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: Do you remember your first day at secondary school?

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 remember my first day at secondary school quite clearly. That morning still stands out in my mind Whybecause I felt nervous, and our form teacher seemed nice. ExampleI arrived late on the first morning after getting lost near science block.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. stands out in my mind This natural phrase shows strong, precise memory.
  2. seemed nice Nice is general; welcoming would be more precise.
  3. near science block A missing article: near the science block is correct.

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

Take it further: Tell me about your first day at a new job or school. What do you remember most?

Question 2: Were there any subjects you found difficult at secondary school?

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

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

AnswerYes, maths was quite hard for me, Whymainly because I couldn't get my head around algebraic formulas. I mean, algebra was the main thing I struggled with. ExampleI got confused during a Grade Ten test.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. get my head around This everyday phrase shows natural vocabulary for understanding.
  2. I mean, algebra I mean creates a natural spoken restart.
  3. the main thing I struggled with Thing is general; algebraic formulas would be more precise.
  4. maths was quite hard A plain choice; challenging would be more precise.

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

Question 3: Do you still keep in touch with friends from secondary school?

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 still keep in touch with two friends from secondary school, Whymainly because we live in the same town, and we catch up with each other even when work gets busy. ExampleWe usually talk about things in Sunday afternoon, and sometimes meet near the lake.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. catch up with This natural collocation shows good everyday vocabulary.
  2. talk about things Things is vague; school or work would be more precise.
  3. in Sunday afternoon A common spoken slip: on Sunday afternoon is correct.

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

Question 4: Would you like to visit your old school again?

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

AnswerProbably yes, I'd like to visit my old school again Whybecause I want to see whether the library is still nice. ExampleI mean, last year I was nearby for a work appointment, but I didn't drop by.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. drop by This phrasal verb shows natural vocabulary for a short visit.
  2. I mean, last year I mean gives a natural spoken restart.
  3. still nice Nice is general; well-equipped would be more precise.

About 15 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Phrases to borrow

stand out in someone's mind

/stænd aʊt ɪn ˈsʌmwʌnz maɪnd/

be remembered very clearly

Her first concert stands out in her mind.

get your head around something

/ɡet jə hed əˈraʊnd ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

understand something difficult

I finally got my head around the new software.

catch up with someone

/kætʃ ʌp wɪð ˈsʌmwʌn/

talk to someone after some time

I called my cousin to catch up with her.

drop by

/drɒp baɪ/

visit somewhere briefly

I might drop by your office tomorrow.

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 remember your first day at secondary school?

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