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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Video games: Part 1 questions and answers

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

Today's topicVideo games

  • 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 March 2026

Question 1: Do you like playing video games?

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

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

AnswerDefinitely, I play video games quite often, mainly to unwind after studying. WhyI usually choose a good story-based game because it lets me forget about assignments for a while. ExampleIn busy weekdays, I play for about forty minutes with headphones on, which is a good way to switch off.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. a good way to switch off This natural phrase gives a clear, fluent reason for playing.
  2. a good story-based game Good is general; narrative-driven would be more precise.
  3. I play video games quite often Play is repeated, which sounds slightly less polished.
  4. In busy weekdays A preposition slip: on busy weekdays is correct.

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

Question 2: What kinds of video games do you play?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI mostly play puzzle games and football games, but I sometimes try something more unusual. WhyI'm not very competitive, so I like games where I can take my time and work things out. ExampleLast month, I've spent two evenings in one puzzle level, which was a bit embarrassing.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. work things out This phrasal verb naturally describes solving a game gradually.
  2. something more unusual Something is vague; a specific game type would be more precise.
  3. puzzle games and football games Games is repeated, making the answer slightly less polished.
  4. two evenings in one puzzle level A preposition slip: on one puzzle level is correct.
  5. Last month, I've spent A tense slip: with last month, I spent is correct.

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

Question 3: Is it good for young people to play video games?

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

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

AnswerGenerally, yes, if they keep it under control. WhyIt can be a good way to relax and improve problem-solving, but too much gaming can affect sleep, which are a real issue for students. ExampleDuring exam week last year, I stayed up late twice and felt awful in class the next morning.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. keep it under control This everyday collocation gives a balanced, natural answer.
  2. a good way to relax Good is general; a short mental break would be more precise.
  3. which are a real issue A common spoken slip: which is a real issue is correct.

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

Question 4: Did you play many video games as a child?

About the pastUse the past: I used to, I remember…

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

AnswerYes, I did, especially during primary school. WhyMy cousin and I played on an old console because it was a good way to pass a rainy afternoon. ExampleOne Saturday, we lost track of time until dinner.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. lost track of time This precise idiom makes the childhood memory vivid.
  2. a good way to pass a rainy afternoon Good is general; simple entertainment would be more precise.
  3. I did, especially during primary school. My cousin and I played Played is repeated, which sounds slightly less polished.

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

Take it further: What was your favourite game to play when you were a kid?

Question 5: Who do you usually play games with?

Open questionAnswer it, then add one detail.

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

AnswerI usually play with two classmates online, although sometimes I join my younger brother at home. WhyI prefer them because we don't take the matches too seriously, and we laugh a lot at silly mistakes. ExampleLast Friday, one classmate explained me a tricky level, so I finally got past it and felt relieved.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. got past it This phrasal verb clearly describes overcoming a difficult level.
  2. laugh a lot at silly mistakes A lot is general; laugh frequently would be more precise.
  3. explained me a tricky level A common slip: explained a tricky level to me is correct.

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

Phrases to borrow

be a good way to switch off

/biː ə ɡʊd weɪ tə swɪtʃ ɒf/

be an effective way to relax

Reading before bed is a good way to switch off.

work something out

/wɜːk ˈsʌmθɪŋ aʊt/

solve or understand something

I couldn't work out why the computer had stopped.

keep something under control

/kiːp ˈsʌmθɪŋ ʌndə kənˈtrəʊl/

prevent something becoming excessive

I try to keep my spending under control.

lose track of time

/luːz træk əv taɪm/

forget how much time has passed

I lose track of time when I'm drawing.

get past something

/ɡet pɑːst ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

successfully move beyond a difficulty

It took me ages to get past that difficult stage.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

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

Your turn: answer the examiner

Who do you usually play games with?

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