IELTS Speaking Part 1: Shoes
7 common Part 1 questions on shoes, each with a sample answer at the length Part 1 actually wants.
How often do you buy shoes?
Not very often, maybe two or three times a year, unless something wears out unexpectedly. I try to buy good-quality shoes that will last a while rather than replacing them constantly. That said, I do sometimes treat myself to a new pair if I see something I really like.
How much money do you usually spend on shoes?
It really depends on the type of shoe, but I'd say I spend a moderate amount, nothing too extravagant. I'm willing to pay a bit more for comfort and durability, especially for shoes I'll wear every day. For occasional or trendy pairs, I tend to look for cheaper options.
Have you ever bought shoes online?
Yes, quite a few times actually, since it's often more convenient than going to a physical shop. The tricky part is getting the sizing right, so I've had to return a pair once or twice. Overall, though, I find it saves a lot of time compared to shopping in person.
Do you like to wear shoes that are comfortable or good-looking?
Comfort is definitely my priority, especially since I'm on my feet a lot during the day. That said, I do try to find a balance, since I don't want to sacrifice style completely. Luckily, there are plenty of options nowadays that manage to be both comfortable and stylish.
Do people like to wear shoes that are comfortable or good-looking?
I think it varies a lot from person to person, and often depends on the occasion. Younger people especially seem to prioritise style, even if it means sacrificing a bit of comfort. On the other hand, a lot of people, particularly as they get older, tend to value comfort more.
What is your favourite type of shoes?
I'm quite fond of trainers, mainly because they're versatile and comfortable enough to wear all day. They go with almost any casual outfit, which makes getting dressed a lot easier. I probably wear them more than any other type of shoe.
Why do some people have too many shoes?
I think for some people it becomes almost like a hobby or a form of self-expression, similar to collecting. Having a shoe for every outfit or occasion can feel practical, even if it's not strictly necessary. For others, it might just come down to enjoying shopping and buying new things.
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.