IELTS · Articles · October 20, 2026 · 4 min read

IELTS Speaking introduction: the first minute, sample answers and the first Part 1 questions

The IELTS Speaking test opens with a short introduction and then moves straight into Part 1. According to ielts.org, in Part 1 the examiner introduces themselves, checks your identity and then asks general questions on familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies or interests. The whole of Part 1 lasts 4–5 minutes.

The test is recorded from the start. Nothing about the first minute is difficult, but it sets the tone: a calm, natural start makes the next ten minutes easier.

What happens in the first minute

The examiner follows a fixed script. It sounds roughly like this:

Examiner: Good morning. My name is Sarah. Can you tell me your full name, please? You: Good morning. My full name is Ananya Sharma. Examiner: And what can I call you? You: Ananya is fine. Examiner: Can I see your identification, please? You: Yes, here you are. Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself.

That is the whole introduction. You are not asked to “tell me about yourself” in a free monologue. There is no score for the greeting or the ID check: they are formalities, so keep the answers short and natural.

Useful tips for this minute:

• Say your name clearly at a normal pace. Do not spell it unless you are asked.
• Bring the same ID document you used to book the test. Without it you cannot take the test.
• “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” is enough. You do not need to ask the examiner how they are, but a short “Nice to meet you” is fine.
• If you did not hear a question, ask: “Sorry, could you repeat the question, please?” This does not lower your score.

The first Part 1 topic

After the introduction, the first topic is almost always one of three: your work or studies, your hometown, or your home. The examiner asks three or four questions on it, then moves to one or two other everyday topics.

Work or studies

Examiner: Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

Weak answer: “I am a student.”

Better answer: “I’m a student at the moment. I’m in my final year of a computer science degree in Pune, and I’m hoping to do a master’s abroad next year, which is why I’m taking IELTS.”

Typical follow-ups: Why did you choose this subject? What do you like most about your job? What would you like to do in the future?

Your hometown

Examiner: Let’s talk about your hometown. Where is your hometown?

Better answer: “I’m from Kochi, a coastal city in Kerala in the south of India. It’s known for its old port and the Chinese fishing nets along the shore, so it’s quite a popular place for tourists.”

Typical follow-ups: What do you like most about it? Has it changed much since you were a child? Would you like to live there in the future?

Your home

Examiner: Let’s talk about where you live. Do you live in a house or a flat?

Better answer: “I live in a flat with my parents and my younger brother. It’s on the fifth floor, so it’s fairly quiet, and the best thing about it is the balcony, where I usually study in the evenings.”

How long should the answers be?

Two to four sentences. Answer the question directly in the first sentence, then add one reason, detail or example. Part 1 questions are short on purpose; a one-word answer is too little, and a one-minute speech is too much, because the examiner has to cover several topics in 4–5 minutes and will interrupt you.

A simple pattern: answer + reason or detail + (optional) example.

What to avoid

• Memorised introductions. Examiners hear many prepared speeches and recognise them by their rhythm and vocabulary. A memorised answer that does not quite match the question can lower your Fluency and Coherence score.
• Talking about your whole life. If the question is about your studies, do not start with your family and hobbies.
• Questions back to the examiner such as “And you?” The examiner will not answer them, and they waste your time.
• Very formal language. Part 1 is conversational. I’m, it’s and quite sound natural; I would like to inform you that does not.

Common questions

Is the introduction marked? The name and ID check are a formality. Your score is based on your answers across the whole test, and from the first Part 1 question everything you say counts.

Can I say I’m unemployed or between jobs? Yes. Say so in one sentence and add what you are doing now: “I’m between jobs at the moment. I left my last company in June and I’m using the time to prepare for IELTS.”

Will the examiner ask where I’m from? Often, through the hometown topic. Have two or three sentences ready about where it is and what it is known for, but do not learn them by heart.

What if I am nervous? Breathe out slowly before you answer the first question and speak a little slower than usual. Most candidates relax after the first two or three questions.

The best preparation is to answer the opening questions aloud, with a timer, until they sound natural. In the practice room you can answer real-format questions about work or studies, your hometown and your home, and get a band for each criterion. More Part 1 topics with sample answers are in IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions, and for clear delivery see IELTS pronunciation.