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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Social media: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicSocial media

  • 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: When did you start using social media?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI started using social media when I was about thirteen, probably in 2016, while I was still at school in Campinas. WhyMy cousin showed me how to keep in touch with my classmates. ExampleI mean, after dinner, I used it a lot, sharing photos and chatting.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. used it a lot The vague amount could be more precise, such as most evenings.
  2. I mean, after dinner This natural filler shows a small spoken hesitation.

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

Question 2: Do you think you spend too much time on social media?

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

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

AnswerProbably yes. WhyMore than I should, I think, because I’m an office worker in São Paulo, and I’m trying to cut back on social media as it pulls my attention away from reports and messages. ExampleLast Monday, I spend an hour scrolling through stuff before lunch, then realised I’d missed a deadline reminder.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. cut back on social media This phrasal verb shows a useful range of everyday vocabulary.
  2. More than I should, I think This slightly unusual word order sounds naturally spoken.
  3. scrolling through stuff The vague word stuff could be replaced by social-media posts.
  4. I spend an hour A tense slip: with last Monday, I spent is correct.

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

Question 3: Do your friends use social media?

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

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

AnswerYes, definitely. WhyMost of my close friends use social media, mainly to arrange meet-ups and send each other funny clips. ExampleMy friend Linh posted in our group last week to ask whether my flatmate and I was free to join a badminton game near Thao Dien, and we said yes.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. arrange meet-ups This everyday collocation shows good vocabulary range.
  2. funny clips The general word funny could be replaced by silly cooking clips.
  3. my flatmate and I was free A common spoken slip. My flatmate and I were free is correct.

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

Question 4: What do people often do on social media?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerPeople often use it to share updates or watch short clips, and some users share their hobbies online or post holiday photos. ExampleI notice that quite a lot in my feed, especially when someone visits new café in District 1. ExampleI mean, I sometimes do the same, although my posts are usually just simple photos.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. share their hobbies online This natural phrase shows a useful everyday collocation.
  2. quite a lot in my feed The vague amount could be more precise, such as several times a week.
  3. visits new café A missing article: visits a new café is correct.

About 22 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Phrases to borrow

keep in touch with someone

/kiːp ɪn ˈtʌtʃ wɪð ˈsʌmwʌn/

continue communicating with someone

I keep in touch with my university friends online.

cut back on something

/kʌt bæk ən ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

use or do less of something

I’m trying to cut back on sugary drinks.

arrange a meet-up

/əˈreɪndʒ ə ˈmiːt ʌp/

organise a time to meet someone

We arranged a meet-up at a quiet coffee shop.

share something online

/ʃeə ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɒnˈlaɪn/

put personal content on the internet

I sometimes share something online after 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

When did you start using social media?

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