IELTS Speaking Part 1: Work and studies
6 common Part 1 questions on work and studies, each with a sample answer at the length Part 1 actually wants.
Do you work or are you a student?
I’m currently a student, majoring in Environmental Science at a local university. Being in full-time education allows me to focus deeply on my studies without the distraction of a job. I find the academic environment incredibly stimulating and rewarding.
What work do you do? / What subjects are you studying?
I study Environmental Science, which covers ecology, climate change policy, and renewable energy systems. The interdisciplinary nature of the subject means I get to explore both hard sciences and social sciences. It’s a perfect blend for someone who cares about the planet’s future.
Why did you choose that job? / Why did you choose to study that subject?
I chose Environmental Science because I’ve always been fascinated by nature and worried about human impact on the environment. The growing urgency of climate issues makes this field incredibly relevant and meaningful to me. I want to contribute to tangible solutions rather than just feeling anxious about the problems.
Do you like your job?
Yes, I truly enjoy my studies. Every day I learn something new that changes how I see the world, from the way ecosystems function to how policy can drive green innovation. The sense of purpose keeps me motivated even during stressful exam periods.
Is there anything you dislike about your job?
The only downside is the sheer volume of reading and data analysis required, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Also, balancing group projects with different work styles can be frustrating. Still, these challenges are part of what makes the degree rigorous and worthwhile.
What do you like about your studies?
I love the fieldwork components most – getting out of the classroom and collecting real data from rivers or forests. That hands-on experience makes abstract concepts concrete and memorable. Plus, my professors are genuinely passionate, which is infectious.
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.