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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Stages of life: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicStages of life

  • 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 July 2026

Question 1: Are you enjoying your current stage of life?

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

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

AnswerYes, mostly. I’m enjoying being in my final year at university Whybecause I’ve got more control over my time and I’m not tied down by a full-time job yet. ExampleI mean, I haven’t got much spare times, but my afternoons are usually flexible enough for a swim or a quiet coffee.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. tied down by a full-time job This natural phrase describes limited freedom in a personal situation.
  2. I mean This spoken filler makes the answer sound natural but less polished.
  3. spare times A common spoken slip: spare time is the correct uncountable form.

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

Question 2: At what stage of your life were you happiest?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerAt school, probably. I look back on my last year of secondary school in a nice way, Whybecause I had a close group of friends and far less responsibilities and more free time. ExampleWe used to meet at a small bakery after the class, and I still remember laughing there the day our exams finished.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. look back on my last year This phrasal verb shows reflection on a past experience.
  2. group of friends This precise phrase gives a natural personal detail.
  3. friends and far less responsibilities and more free time Repeating and links ideas simply, which sounds less polished.
  4. in a nice way A plain choice; fondly would be more precise.
  5. far less responsibilities A small slip: far fewer responsibilities is correct, since you can count them.
  6. after the class An extra article: after class is correct.

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

Question 3: Which stage of your life do you think is the most important?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerThe stage I’m at now is probably the most important, Whybecause I’m trying to work out what I want from a career and building habits that’ll affect my future. ExampleI mean, I’ve had to make some serious decision recently, although I still feel a bit unsure about the right direction.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. work out what I want This phrase shows natural vocabulary for deciding about the future.
  2. I mean This filler creates a small, natural spoken hesitation.
  3. serious decision recently A common spoken slip: serious decisions recently is correct.

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

Question 4: What are your plans for the next stage of your life?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI’m planning to apply for entry-level jobs after graduation, Whybecause I’d like practical experience before deciding on a master degree. ExampleI’m also hoping to move into a quieter flat near my future workplace, but I need to sort out a few things first.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. move into a quieter flat This phrasal verb gives a precise, natural detail about future plans.
  2. a few things Things is vague here; specific arrangements would be more precise.
  3. a master degree A common spoken slip: a master’s degree is correct.

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

Phrases to borrow

tie someone down

/taɪ ˈsʌmwən daʊn/

Limit someone’s freedom or flexibility

A demanding schedule can tie someone down.

look back on

/lʊk ˈbæk ɒn/

Think about something from the past

I often look back on my first year abroad.

work out what you want

/wɜːk aʊt wɒt jə wɒnt/

Understand what you really want

It took her time to work out what she wanted.

move into

/muːv ˈɪntə/

Start living in a new home

They’re hoping to move into a larger place soon.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

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

Your turn: answer the examiner

Are you enjoying your current stage of life?

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.

See all 59 topics+49

How the IELTS Speaking test works