Speaking Part 1 — Introduction
Part 1 is a short interview that opens the test. For 4–5 minutes the examiner asks familiar questions about you — your home, work or studies, and everyday interests. Answers are short: two to three sentences each. The goal is to sound natural and fluent, not rehearsed.
How to score Band 7+ in Part 1
- 1 · Answer + extendNever give one-word answers. Answer the question, then add a reason, example or detail. Two to three sentences is the sweet spot.
- 2 · Sound naturalUse everyday spoken English and contractions (I'm, I'd). Memorised, over-formal answers actually lower your score — fluency and coherence matter most.
- 3 · Use good vocabularySlip in topic-specific words and natural phrases. Accurate, varied vocabulary is one of the four things the examiner scores.
- 4 · Keep it flowingDon't stop to correct every small slip. Hesitation hurts more than a tiny mistake — stay relaxed and keep talking at a steady pace.