IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Practice (Teenagers)

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 like spending time with teenagers? Why or why not?

Words: lively, young at heart, wear me out

Pattern (describe people): They’re ___ to be around.

• They’re fun to be around.
• They’re easy to be around.

Extrovert: “Yes! They’re so much fun to be around. I sometimes hang out with my younger cousins. They keep things lively, and help me stay young at heart.”

Introvert: “It depends. They’re interesting to be around, but I prefer small groups. If they’re calm, we can bond over books. But too much noise wears me out.”

Pronunciation tip (word stress): teenager → “TEEN-ay-jer”, not “teen-AY-jer” (stress the first syllable).

Question 2

What are the best things about being a teenager? Why or why not?

Words: freedom, carefree, pressure

Pattern (pick the best thing): I think the best part is ___ .

• I think the best part is the freedom.
• I think the best part is having more time.

Extrovert: “I think the best part is the freedom to explore new things, and hang out all the time. You’re not stressed about work yet. So life feels more carefree and exciting.”

Introvert: “I think the best part is having time to discover who you are. Teenagers can make mistakes, and learn without too much pressure.”

Pronunciation tip (the sh sound): pressure → “PRESH-er”, not “PRES-sure” (ss = sh).

Question 3

What would you like to do if you were a teenager again? Why or why not?

Words: outgoing, fit in, personal growth

Pattern (imagine the past again): If I were a teenager again, I’d ___ .

• If I were a teenager again, I’d join more clubs.
• If I were a teenager again, I’d read more.

Extrovert: “If I were a teenager again, I’d join more school clubs, and hang out with more people. I was quite shy back then. So this time, I’d be more outgoing.”

Introvert: “If I were a teenager again, I’d spend more time reading. Back then, I felt pressure to fit in with a clique. Now I’d focus more on personal growth.”

Pronunciation tip (vowel sound): were → “WUR”, not “WAIR” (rhymes with fur).

Question 4

Will you follow teenage fashion in the future? Why or why not?

Words: trend, suit, flashy, stick with

Pattern (a possible future): I might ___ .

• I might try some new styles.
• I might wear it for fun.

Extrovert: “Maybe! Some teenage trends are pretty fun and bold. If a style suits me, I might try it out for fun. So I wouldn’t say no.”

Introvert: “Not really. Teenage fashion is often too flashy for my taste. I might try a new color, but I’ll probably stick with simple clothes.”

Pronunciation tip (tricky words): clothes → “KLOHZ”, not “KLO-thes” (only 1 syllable).

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.