It has been observed that students often provide too brief answers in the IELTS speaking exam, which can result in a lower band score. Understanding how to answer introductory questions properly is crucial for success in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test.
Tips for Answering Introductory Questions (Part 1)
- Students should answer 3-4 lines
- Answer with a reason
- Do not answer in just yes or no
10 Common Mistakes with Correct Examples
1. Q: Do you work or study?
Incorrect Answer:
"I am doing IELTS at an institute near my home."
Correct Answer:
"I am a student. Recently, I have completed my Senior Secondary from [name of your school]. Currently, in order to improve my communication skills, I am attending language classes as I have a desire to move abroad."
2. Q: Do you like to listen to music?
Incorrect Answer:
"Yes, I like to listen to music."
Correct Answer:
"Yes, I love listening to music. It's my hobby, whenever I feel low, I play instrumental music on my mobile phone and enjoy it."
3. Q: Do you like to travel?
Incorrect Answer:
"Yes, I love to travel."
Correct Answer:
"I am fond of travelling. Recently, I went to the Taj Mahal during my last holiday. I enjoyed the mesmerizing view of the Taj Mahal at night, too."
4. Q: Do you like to click photographs?
Incorrect Answer:
"I like to click photographs."
Correct Answer:
"I am not that fond of clicking photographs because I do not have a photogenic face. However, I like to click selfies occasionally. Sometimes, I click photographs with my family and friends, but only on special occasions."
5. Q: How do you deal with daily challenges in life?
Incorrect Answer:
"I do not have any challenges in my life."
Correct Answer:
"I always consult my parents whenever I face any difficulty, especially my father is very good at decision-making. His guidance has helped me a lot in coming out of troublesome situations several times in my life."
6. Q: In which stage of life were you the happiest?
Incorrect Answer:
"I was happy in my childhood."
Correct Answer:
"I believe that childhood is the golden period of one's life. At that time, I was free of worries. I had no obligations. Therefore, I can say without any doubt that childhood was the best stage of my life."
7. Q: Do you fight with your sibling?
Incorrect Answer:
"Yes, I fight with my sibling."
Correct Answer:
"I used to fight with my sibling a lot during my childhood. However, at present, I have developed a strong understanding with my sister. Now, we hardly fight with each other."
8. Q: Do you have many friends?
Incorrect Answer:
"Yes, I have many friends."
Correct Answer:
"I am a person who believes in quality and not quantity. I have only two friends with whom I share all my secrets. And they are close to my heart."
9. Q: How often do you go to the cinema?
Incorrect Answer:
"I like to go to the cinema."
Correct Answer:
"I go to the theatre once a month. I love to watch Punjabi movies there. I love to eat popcorn while watching movies. It acts as a stressbuster for me."
10. Q: Are you good at bargaining?
Incorrect Answer:
"I am not good at bargaining."
Correct Answer:
"To be honest, I am not good at bargaining, but my mother is very good at bargaining. When I go for shopping, I go with her. She helps me save money."
Key Takeaways
- Always elaborate your answers – Don't give one-word or one-line responses
- Provide reasons and examples – Explain why you feel a certain way or give specific examples
- Use personal experiences – Share real-life situations to make your answers authentic
- Aim for 3-4 lines per answer – This shows fluency and helps you develop your response
- Avoid simple yes/no answers – Always expand on your initial response
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