IELTS Speaking Part 1

Typing: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicTyping

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: How often do you type on a keyboard?

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

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

AnswerI type on a keyboard every day, usually for couple of hours after work. WhyIt’s really part of my routine for replying to emails and writing reports, and I still make a lot of mistakes when I’m tired. ExampleFor example, last Tuesday I spent ten minutes correcting one paragraph.

Why it's a Band 7

part of my routine This natural phrase shows strong everyday vocabulary.
a lot of mistakes A more precise phrase would be several typing errors.
emails and writing reports, and I The simple linker and is repeated in one phrase.
for couple of hours A missing article: for a couple of hours is correct.

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

Question 2: When did you learn how to type?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI learned how to type properly in secondary school, probably when I was about fourteen. WhyActually, I’d used computers for simple stuff before, but our IT teacher made us practise without looking at the keys. ExampleIn the end of that term, I could finish short exercises much faster.

Why it's a Band 7

without looking at the keys This useful phrase describes a specific typing skill.
Actually, I’d used computers This spoken filler makes the answer sound less polished.
simple stuff A more precise phrase would be basic computer tasks.
In the end of that term A preposition slip: By the end of that term is correct.

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

Question 3: Do you find typing easy or difficult?

This or thatPick one and say why.

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AnswerTyping is fairly easy for me now, although it was slow at first. WhyI mean, I can keep up with most office stuff, but I sometimes hit wrong key when I’m rushing, so I have to correct things. ExampleYesterday, for example, I mistyped a colleague’s surname in a report.

Why it's a Band 7

keep up with This phrasal verb shows a natural way to describe speed.
I mean, I can keep up The filler makes the spoken answer less polished.
correct things A more precise phrase would be correct typing errors.
most office stuff A plain choice; most office tasks would be more precise.
hit wrong key A missing article: hit the wrong key is correct.

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

Question 4: Do you prefer typing on a keyboard or a touchscreen?

This or thatPick one and say why.

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AnswerI prefer typing on a keyboard, mainly because the keys feel more responsive and more solid. WhyIn a touchscreen, I have to watch my fingers more closely, and that breaks my concentration. ExampleLast month, I filled a form on my phone and corrected the same word many times.

Why it's a Band 7

breaks my concentration This collocation gives a precise reason for the preference.
more responsive and more solid Repeating more is a small spoken limitation.
I filled a form A common spoken slip: the correct form is I filled in a form.
many times A plain choice; three times would be more precise.
In a touchscreen A preposition slip: On a touchscreen is correct.

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

Question 5: How could you improve your typing?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI could improve my typing by slowing down and checking my posture. WhyI tend to lose my place when I use a laptop for too long. My hands get tense and I start making a lot of silly errors. ExampleFor example, I’m planning to do ten minutes of practice before the dinner this week.

Why it's a Band 7

lose my place This phrase describes a specific problem clearly.
a lot of silly errors A more precise phrase would be many typing errors.
slowing down and checking my posture The simple linker and is repeated in the answer.
before the dinner An extra word: before dinner is correct.

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

Phrases to borrow

be part of someone's routine

/biː pɑːt əv ˈsʌmwʌnz ruːˌtiːn/

be a regular part of someone's daily life

Reading before bed is part of my routine.

without looking at something

/wɪˈðaʊt ˈlʊkɪŋ ət ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

without watching or checking something

She can unlock the door without looking at the keypad.

keep up with something

/kiːp ʌp wɪð ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

continue at the same speed as something

I struggle to keep up with fast conversations.

break someone's concentration

/breɪk ˈsʌmwʌnz ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən/

make someone stop focusing properly

Loud music breaks my concentration when I study.

lose your place

/luːz jə pleɪs/

forget where you were reading or working

I lose my place if someone interrupts me.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

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

Your turn: answer the examiner

How could you improve your typing?

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: How often do you type on a keyboard?

Question 2: When did you learn how to type?

Question 3: Do you find typing easy or difficult?

Question 4: Do you prefer typing on a keyboard or a touchscreen?

Question 5: How could you improve your typing?

Which phrase fits?

More Part 1 topics