Test section – Speaking Part 1
Question making
Activities
1. Making questions about typical Part 1 topics
2. Part 1 Speaking practice
Aims
• to raise awareness of different Part 1 topics, practice writing questions, and practice
of Speaking Part 1
Learning outcomes
• Students will be more aware of the range of possible Part 1 topics.
• Students will have practised a number of Part 1 questions.
Information about this section of IELTS
In Part 1 of the Speaking section, the examiner will introduce themselves and ask the test
taker to do the same and to confirm their identity. The examiner will then ask general
questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, work, studies and interests. This part lasts for 4-5
minutes.
Time 60 minutes (depending on amount of
speaking practice)
Level B1+
Class Suitable for groups / large classes,
F2F / Online
Interaction Pair or group work
Materials Worksheet attached
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP IELTS; and Cambridge University Press & Assessment [Link]
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Activity 1: Question making
Material: Worksheet
Time: 40 minutes
Procedure:
• make a copy of the worksheet for each student.
• introduce the focus of the activity – Speaking Part 1.
• put students into pairs and tell them they should write 5 or 6 questions about each
of the topics on cards A – D using the question words to help them with ideas.
• monitor and help with correction of question forms. You may wish to make a note of
typical grammatical errors / problems to discuss later.
Activity 2: Part 1 speaking practice
Material: Worksheet
Time: 20 minutes (more or less depending on number of pairs)
Procedure:
• put students into different pairs.
• tell them to take turns to ask and answer the questions on topics A and B.
• tell them to take turns to ask and answer the questions on topics C and D.
• monitor the pair work and make notes on any common errors/problems.
Follow-up
• give students more ‘typical’ part 1 topics.
• tell them to write 5-6 questions for each topic for homework.
• do further Part 1 Speaking practice in the next class.
Possible topics:
shopping, sport and exercise, holidays, work or studies, food
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP IELTS; and Cambridge University Press & Assessment [Link]
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Speaking Part 1 Worksheet
Question making
1 Work in pairs. Write a set of 5 or 6 questions for the four topics below. Use the
question words to help you with ideas.
A B
Tell me about your weekends. Tell me about your capital city.
What? What?
Where? Where?
Who (with)? Who (with)?
When? When?
Why? Why?
How long/often/much/many? How long/often/much/many?
C D
Tell me about your use of the Internet. Tell me about the films you watch.
What? What?
Where? Where?
Who (with)? Who with?
When? When?
Why? Why?
How long/often/much/many? How long/often/much/many?
2 Work with a different partner. Take turns to choose a topic and ask your partner
the questions. Answer the question your partner asks you.
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council; IDP IELTS; and Cambridge University Press & Assessment [Link]
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