IELTS Speaking Part 1: Headphones
4 common Part 1 questions on headphones, each with a sample answer at the length Part 1 actually wants.
Do you use headphones?
Yes, I use headphones on a daily basis, and I'd honestly struggle to get by without them. They're essential for listening to music, watching videos and taking calls, especially when I want a bit of privacy. They've really become part of my everyday routine.
In what situations would you use headphones?
I mainly use headphones when I'm commuting, exercising or studying, as they let me enjoy music or podcasts without disturbing anyone else. They're also great for blocking out background noise when I need to concentrate. And of course, I use them for online meetings and video calls.
What type of headphones do you use?
I generally prefer wireless earbuds, as they're compact, convenient and easy to carry around. I like not having to deal with tangled wires, and they're perfect for exercising. That said, for longer listening sessions at home, I sometimes use larger over-ear headphones because they're more comfortable and have better sound.
In what situations would you NOT use headphones?
I avoid using headphones in situations where I need to stay alert to my surroundings, such as crossing a busy road or walking alone at night. I also take them off when I'm spending time with family or friends, as it would be rude to shut them out. Safety and politeness are the main reasons.
Reading a model answer is not the same as saying one. The sample above shows what a strong Part 1 answer sounds like. What it cannot tell you is how yours sounds — whether you hesitate, repeat the question back, or run out of things to say at forty seconds.
You can record an answer to this exact question and get it marked on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and pronunciation — the same four criteria the examiner uses.
Common questions
How long should Part 1 answers be?
Two or three sentences. Part 1 is a warm-up and one-word answers stall the conversation, but a ninety-second speech on your home town is the wrong length too — the examiner has a list of questions to get through.
How long does Part 1 last?
Four to five minutes, covering three familiar topics. Your identity is checked first, then the questions start.
Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question?
Yes, and it costs you nothing. Asking for a repeat is normal conversational English; guessing at a question you misheard and answering the wrong one is far more damaging.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.