IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Practice (Family and Friends)

How the drill works

1. Record your answer. You hear the question, start recording on your phone, and answer when the timer starts.
2. Learn useful words for that question, with an example for each.
3. Learn one grammar pattern and make your own sentence with it.
4. Hear two sample answers: an extrovert (a more outgoing speaker) and an introvert.
5. Get one pronunciation tip.
6. Record again and listen to both of your answers.
7. Drill the key words: listen and repeat, shadowing, fill the gap, and say it with the pattern.
8. Take a mock test with the examiner, then check the recap.

Pause the video whenever you see the pause sign. The more you do, the more you’ll improve.

Question 1

Do you have a large or small family?

Words: tight-knit, hang out, keep in touch

Pattern (describe your family): I come from a ___ family.

• I come from a big family.
• I come from a pretty small family.

Extrovert: “I come from a big family, and we’re really tight-knit. We hang out a lot during the holidays, and we always help each other out.”

Introvert: “I come from a pretty small family. We’re quite quiet, but we’re tight-knit, and we always keep in touch, even though we live far apart.”

Pronunciation tip (silent letters): tight-knit → “tight-NIT”, not “tight-k-NIT” (the k is silent).

Question 2

How much time do you spend with members of your family?

Words: catch up, bond over, family time

Pattern (say how often): We often ___ .

• We often have dinner together.
• We often watch movies on Fridays.

Extrovert: “Quite a lot, actually. We often hang out on weekends, or have dinner together. Family time is really important to us.”

Introvert: “Not too much during the week, but we often catch up on Sundays. I like having quiet time, but I still enjoy bonding over meals.”

Pronunciation tip (syllables): family → “FAM-lee” (stress the first syllable).

Question 3

Do you have many friends? Why or why not?

Words: hit it off, circle, clique, quality over quantity

Pattern (talk about your habits): I tend to ___ .

• I tend to make friends quickly.
• I tend to stay with a small group.

Extrovert: “Yeah, I’d say I have a lot of friends. I love meeting new people, and I tend to hit it off with others pretty quickly. Plus, I try to keep in touch, even with friends in other cities. So I feel like I have a good circle.”

Introvert: “Not many, but the ones I have are close. I tend to avoid big groups or cliques, because I value deep conversations. So I prefer quality over quantity.”

Pronunciation tip (spelling and sound): clique has two correct pronunciations: “KLEEK” in British English, and often “KLIK” in American English. Both are correct; it’s an accent difference, so choose one and use it consistently.

Question 4

Do you prefer to spend time alone or with your friends? Why or why not?

Words: chit-chat, now and then, balance

Pattern (say how you feel): I feel happier when ___ .

• I feel happier when I’m with friends.
• I feel happier when I have quiet time.

Extrovert: “Definitely with friends! We often go out for coffee, and chit-chat about random stuff. It really helps me relax. I feel happier when I’m around people.”

Introvert: “Mostly alone, to be honest. But I do enjoy meeting a close friend now and then, for some chit-chat. I feel happier when I find the right balance.”

Pronunciation tip (rhythm): chit-chat → “CHIT-chat” (two short, quick beats).

All 4 questions: words and patterns

Practise it yourself

1. Record yourself answering all four questions without looking at this page.
2. Listen back. Did you use a pattern and at least one new word in each answer?
3. Try this routine with any Part 1 topic: record, learn, drill, and test yourself. Then try the practice question below.