IELTS Speaking Part 1

The sky: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicThe sky

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: Do you often look at the sky?

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 usually glance up at evening because it helps me clear my head, especially when the sky looks nice. ExampleLast Thursday, I stood outside my office for a minute and watched the clouds turn orange.

Why it's a Band 7

clear my head This natural phrase shows precise everyday vocabulary.
the sky looks nice Nice is a vague word; clear or colourful would be more precise.
at evening A common spoken slip: in the evening is the correct form.

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

Question 2: Can you see the moon and stars at night where you live?

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 can. WhyI mean, there aren't many things blocking the view, so the moon and stars are usually visible to the naked eye from my balcony. ExampleIn July, I saw a particularly clear sky after storm.

Why it's a Band 7

visible to the naked eye This useful phrase shows accurate, natural vocabulary.
I mean This filler makes the answer sound like real spontaneous speech.
many things blocking the view Things is a general word; buildings would be more precise.
after storm A missing article: after a storm is correct.

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

Question 3: Do you prefer the sky at night or in the morning?

This or thatPick one and say why.

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

AnswerI prefer the sky at night. WhyLet me think, I like how the darker colour makes things feel quieter, and it helps me wind down after a busy day. ExampleOn Fridays, I sometimes sit next my bedroom window with tea.

Why it's a Band 7

wind down This phrasal verb shows natural vocabulary for relaxing.
Let me think This filler shows natural hesitation in spoken English.
makes things feel quieter Things is vague; the room or the evening would be more precise.
sit next my bedroom window A small slip: next to my bedroom window is correct.

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

Question 4: Is there a good place near you to look at the sky?

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

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

AnswerYes, the botanical garden is the best option nearby. WhyIt has open lawns, so I can take in a wide patch of sky and look across the open space, and I usually go there at Sunday mornings. ExampleLast Sunday, I sat there for about ten minutes just watching the clouds.

Why it's a Band 7

take in This phrasal verb shows a natural way to describe enjoying a view.
and look across the open space, and I usually Repeating and is a small limit that sounds natural in speech.
at Sunday mornings A common spoken slip: on Sunday mornings is the correct form.

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

Take it further: If you could design the perfect spot to sit and watch the sky, where would it be and what would it have?

Phrases to borrow

clear someone's head

/ˌklɪə(r) ˈsʌmwʌnz ˈhed/

make yourself feel calmer and more focused

A short walk helps clear my head after studying.

visible to the naked eye

/ˈvɪzəbəl tə ðə ˌneɪkɪd ˈaɪ/

able to be seen without special equipment

The planet is visible to the naked eye tonight.

wind down

/waɪnd daʊn/

relax gradually after being busy

I usually wind down by reading before bed.

take in something

/teɪk ɪn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

look at and enjoy something fully

We stopped to take in the view from the hill.

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 often look at the sky?

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

Question 1: Do you often look at the sky?

Question 2: Can you see the moon and stars at night where you live?

Question 3: Do you prefer the sky at night or in the morning?

Question 4: Is there a good place near you to look at the sky?

Which phrase fits?

More Part 1 topics