IELTS Speaking Part 1: Common Questions

Summary

In this IELTS speaking lesson, Liz focuses on the various types of questions that may be asked in Part One of the exam. She emphasizes the importance of preparing for different topics such as family, hobbies, and cooking, and understanding the different question words like 'how often,' 'who,' 'where,' 'when,' and 'what kind.' The lesson also covers common question formats including 'can you,' 'do you like,' 'what's your favorite,' 'do you prefer,' 'do you usually,' 'what do you usually,' 'do you ever,' and 'have you ever.' It highlights the need to listen for tense cues in questions and provides strategies for answering effectively, ensuring that students are well-equipped for the speaking section.

Takeaways

• 📝 The lesson focuses on preparing for IELTS Speaking Part One, emphasizing the need to be ready for various topics and question types.
• 🍳 A common topic discussed is cooking, which can include questions about frequency, people, places, times, and preferences.
• 🗣️ Question words like 'how often', 'who', 'where', 'when', and 'how long' are crucial for understanding the type of information required.
• ❓ The 'can you' question format is common, requiring a simple yes or no followed by additional information.
• 💡 'Do you like' and 'what's your favorite' questions are typical, asking for expressions of enjoyment and preferences.
• 🔄 'Preferring' questions address choices between two options, necessitating a clear preference and explanation.
• 🛎️ 'Do you usually' questions pertain to habitual actions, seeking confirmation and further details.
• 🍲 'What do you usually cook' inquires about common dishes prepared, aiming to understand regular cooking practices.
• 🏠 'Do you ever' questions explore occasional actions in the present tense, expecting a yes or no and rationale.
• 🌍 'Have you ever' delves into past experiences, looking for past tense responses about unique food experiences.
• 👶 Questions like 'did you ever cook when you were a child' are specific to past actions during childhood, testing grammar skills.
• 🧐 The lesson also touches on questions about people in general or in one's country, requiring a broader perspective beyond personal experience.

Q & A

What are the different types of questions that can be asked in IELTS Speaking Part One?

In IELTS Speaking Part One, the examiner might ask questions about various topics such as family, hobbies, going out, and birthdays. The questions can be about frequency, person, place, time, length of time, and preferences.

Why is it important to understand the question words in IELTS Speaking Part One?

Understanding the question words is crucial because they dictate the type of information you need to provide in your answer. Each question word focuses on a different aspect like frequency, person, place, time, or preference.

What does the question 'How often do you cook?' focus on?

The question 'How often do you cook?' focuses on frequency, asking for the number of times you cook in a week or a month.

What information does the question 'Who usually does the cooking?' require?

The question 'Who usually does the cooking?' requires you to identify the person who cooks, either yourself or someone else in your family.

Can you explain the difference between 'when did you learn to cook' and 'how long have you been cooking'?

The question 'when did you learn to cook' asks for a specific time or date when you learned to cook, while 'how long have you been cooking' inquires about the duration or length of time you have been cooking.

What is the significance of the question 'What kind of dishes do you like?' in IELTS Speaking Part One?

The question 'What kind of dishes do you like?' is significant as it tests your ability to express preferences and discuss specific types of food.

How should you respond to a 'Can you' question in IELTS Speaking Part One?

For a 'Can you' question, you should respond with either 'Yes, I can' or 'No, I can't' followed by additional information to support your answer.

What is the purpose of the question 'Do you like' in the context of IELTS Speaking Part One?

The question 'Do you like' is used to gauge your preferences and requires you to express what you enjoy or dislike in relation to the topic.

Why is it important to differentiate between 'Do you usually' and 'What do you usually cook'?

The question 'Do you usually' is about your common habits, while 'What do you usually cook' is specific to the type of dish you prepare. Differentiating between these helps in providing accurate and relevant information.

How should you answer a 'Do you ever' question in IELTS Speaking Part One?

For a 'Do you ever' question, you should answer with 'Yes' or 'No' and then explain why or give examples, focusing on current habits or actions.

What does the question 'Have you ever' focus on, and why is it important?

The question 'Have you ever' focuses on past experiences, asking about events or actions that occurred at some point in your life. It is important because it tests your ability to use past tense correctly.

Why might you be asked 'Why do some people dislike cooking?' in IELTS Speaking Part One?

The question 'Why do some people dislike cooking?' is asked to assess your ability to discuss general opinions and behaviors, not just your personal experiences.