IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Practice (Weekends)

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 weekends? Why or why not?

Words: look forward to, recharge, deadline

Pattern (say why it’s good): It’s the perfect time to ___ .

• It’s the perfect time to relax.
• It’s the perfect time to see friends.

Extrovert: “Yes, weekends are the best! I get to catch up with people I haven’t seen all week. It’s the perfect time to chill, and forget about deadlines. So I always look forward to it.”

Introvert: “Definitely. Weekends give me space to enjoy some me-time, without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect time to take it easy, and do things that help me recharge.”

Pronunciation tip (weak sounds): forward → “FOR-werd”, not “FOR-ward” (short second part).

Question 2

What are the differences between where you go on weekdays and weekends?

Words: head to, change of scene, shift

Pattern (show a difference): On weekdays, I ___ , but on weekends, I ___ .

• On weekdays, I work, but on weekends, I rest.
• On weekdays, I get up early, but on weekends, I sleep late.

Extrovert: “On weekdays, I’m usually at school or work, but on weekends, I head to new cafés or the beach. It’s a nice change of scene, and it makes me feel more alive.”

Introvert: “On weekdays, I just go to work, and maybe the grocery store. But on weekends, I stay home, or head to quiet parks to unwind. So my mood shifts from busy to peaceful.”

Pronunciation tip (silent letters): scene → “SEEN”, not “SKEEN” (the c is silent).

Question 3

What do you usually do on weekends? Do you study or work?

Words: lie in, chores, catch up on

Pattern (say what you usually do): Most of the time, I ___ .

• Most of the time, I relax at home.
• Most of the time, I meet my friends.

Extrovert: “I try not to work too much. Most of the time, I lie in, and then hang out with friends. Sometimes I binge a TV series, if I’m home.”

Introvert: “Most of the time, I do my chores on Saturday, and use Sunday to unwind and read. I might study a bit, or catch up on emails, but I like to take it easy overall.”

Pronunciation tip (the ch sound): chores → “CHORZ”, not “SHORZ” (ch, like in cheese).

Question 4

Do you make plans for your weekends? Why or why not?

Words: flexible, spontaneous, make it count

Pattern (give a careful answer): It depends on ___ .

• It depends on the weather.
• It depends on my work.

Extrovert: “Yes, almost every weekend! It depends on my friends, but we usually plan to get away somewhere nearby. I don’t like wasting time, so I try to make it count.”

Introvert: “Not always. It depends on my mood, so I like to keep things flexible. If I plan too much, it doesn’t feel like real downtime. So I prefer to be spontaneous.”

Pronunciation tip (word stress): spontaneous → “spon-TAY-nee-us”, not “SPON-tay-nee-us” (stress the second 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.