How long does the IELTS speaking test last?

IELTS speaking test takes about 11 to 14 minutes in total and is divided into three parts: Introduction, Cue Card, and Discussion.

Can I take notes during the Speaking test?

Yes, In Part 2 (Cue Card round), you get 1 minute to prepare and can take notes before speaking.

What happens if I don’t understand a question?

You can politely ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question, but they won’t explain the meaning.

Is accent a factor in scoring?

No, as long as your pronunciation is clear and understandable, your accent won’t affect your score.

Can I use informal language in the test?

A conversational tone is fine, but avoid slang or overly casual expressions. Aim for natural yet well-structured speech.

IELTS Speaking Introduction Questions with Answers

The IELTS Speaking Test begins with something that seems simple introducing yourself. But the moment you sit in front of the examiner, suddenly, even “What’s your name?” feels like an existential question.

Do I just say my name?

Should I add more?

What if I sound too robotic?

Relax! This part isn’t about testing your deep philosophical thoughts, it’s just a warm-up to see how naturally you can communicate. The examiner will ask about your name, where you're from, what you do, and maybe even your hobbies.

Think of it as a friendly chat (just with the scores involved).

In this blog, we’ll walk you through common IELTS speaking introduction questions with sample answers to help you sound confident, natural, and not like a nervous wreck.

Just a friendly thought: This section is your moment to shine. Make sure you nail it!

IELTS Speaking Test Format

The IELTS speaking test usually lasts about 11-14 minutes and is divided into three parts:

Introduction: The examiner asks basic personal questions about your name, hometown, studies, work, or hobbies.
Cue Card/Long Turn: You’ll get 1 minute to prepare and then speak for up to 2 minutes on a given topic.
Discussion: A deeper two-way discussion based on the Part 2 topic.

As we focus on the Introduction and Interview today, let’s dive deeper and understand what it holds in the IELTS speaking test.

To enhance your IELTS preparation, book a call with Yocket Prep experts for personalized advice, expert tips, and tailored strategies.

What is IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction?

This is the first part of your speaking exam, and while it may seem simple, it plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your performance. IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts 4-5 minutes and includes basic, everyday questions about your life. The examiner will first introduce themselves and verify your identity before asking you discussion topics.

Here are some common icebreaker topics that are covered in this part of the test.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Common Topics

Personal details: Your name, hometown, studies, or job.
Daily life & hobbies: Your interests, leisure activities, or favourite things.
General experiences: Topics like travel, technology, family, or food.

Even though the questions are straightforward, this part helps the examiner assess your fluency, pronunciation, and natural speaking ability. A smooth and confident start can ease your nerves and make you feel more comfortable as you move into the next sections of the IELTS test.

Now, let’s explore common introduction questions and sample answers to help you prepare effectively!

IELTS Speaking Test: Introduction Questions

Since the IELTS speaking test starts with an introduction, let’s break it down further and look at the kind of questions you might face. This part is all about YOU - your background, interests, and daily life. Think of it as a warm-up conversation rather than an interrogation.

Below are four IELTS speaking introduction samples to help you understand how you can address this part of the test.

Common IELTS Introduction Questions with Answers

Sample 1

This sample demonstrates how to talk about your hometown naturally while adding descriptive details. Instead of just naming the city, the candidate highlights what makes it unique, making the answer more engaging.

Topic: Hometown

Examiner: Good morning. My name is Catherine Bravo. What is your name?

Candidate: Good morning. My name is Sathish Shah.

Examiner: What is your candidate number?

Candidate: My candidate number is BD633.

Examiner: Could you tell me about yourself and where you live?

Candidate: I'm Sathish, a 25-year-old residing in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. My parents are Pranatheesh Shah and Shailaja Shah. I completed a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Tamil Nadu. I now work as a Physics teacher at a local college.

I live in a peaceful neighbourhood near the river. The area is home to government workers. It's one of Chennai's most serene localities.

Examiner: What are some of the best features of your area of residence?

Candidate: The riverfront area has tall trees and birds. It creates pleasant mornings and evenings. It's an almost pollution-free zone, ideal for walks. The area draws tourists for its historic fountain and famous clock tower. Great cafes and restaurants serve local South Indian and international dishes.

Examiner: What would be the best way for me to reach your locality?

Candidate: You can land at Chennai International Airport. Then, take a cab or auto-rickshaw. The local train station also connects to other Tamil Nadu cities and major Indian cities. Or, you could hire a car or take a bus from anywhere in Chennai.

Examiner: Should I plan to visit at a particular time of year?

Candidate: The summer is the peak tourist season. My city hosts many outdoor events. Many attractions are available. This is when you'll experience my locality at its most vibrant and beautiful. I'd recommend planning your visit during the warmer months.

Sample 2

This sample shows how to introduce your job, explain your role, and discuss future career plans confidently. Keep your job description concise and structured, while avoiding long explanations unless there is something unique about your work.

See how the candidate gives a clear, structured response while keeping it natural.

Topic: Work

Examiner: Good afternoon. I am Eric Martin. What's your name?

Candidate: Good afternoon, sir. I am Surendra Hirwani.

Examiner: What can I call you by?

Candidate: You can call me Surendra.

Examiner: Tell me about your job.

Candidate: I have worked as a store manager at a major Indian retail chain for around four years. I oversee store operations. I boost sales through product placement and promotions. I also grow our in-house brands.

Examiner: Do you have to work in a team?

Candidate: Yes, I work with a team of 30 members. We collaborate on promotions, in-house product sales, attracting foot traffic, and marketing campaigns. Customer service is a top priority, which includes billing, packaging, delivery, and more. Seamless teamwork is essential to keep customers satisfied while accomplishing all these tasks.

Examiner: Will you change your job in the future?

Candidate: I'm not considering a job change now. I enjoy my work. I was recently promoted to a supervisory role. The company is a generous employer offering good compensation and benefits. Change is inevitable for personal growth. I will explore new opportunities.

Sample 3

This example highlights how to describe a past travel experience in a vivid yet structured way. Use descriptive words (e.g., “breathtaking,” “mesmerizing”) to make your answer more engaging. You don’t need a long response, just a few impactful details.

Let's check how Priya addresses her travel experience in the sample below.

Topic: Travel and Tourism

Examiner: Good morning, I'm Anna Smith. What's your name?

Candidate: Good morning, Anna. My name is Priya Patel.

Examiner: Could you please provide your candidate number?

Candidate: Of course. It's PT948.

Examiner: Priya, can you tell me about a memorable travel experience you've had?

Candidate: I took a memorable trip to the Himalayan region in northern India. I went trekking with a group of friends, and it was an unforgettable adventure. We explored mountain landscapes. We saw sunrises. We camped under the stars. The experience rejuvenated me and deepened my connection with nature.

Examiner: That sounds incredible! What made you choose that destination?

Candidate: I've always found the Himalayas and the region's unique culture fascinating. I wanted to challenge myself. I did this by embarking on a trek in a majestic setting. I couldn't resist the chance to escape city life and enjoy the peaceful mountains.

Examiner: How did you prepare for your trek?

Candidate: I was trained with hiking and strength exercises. I planned logistics by researching the route, arranging accommodations, and packing gear. I acclimatized to high altitude to reduce altitude sickness risk. It required careful preparation and attention to detail, but it was worth it in the end.

Examiner: It sounds like a remarkable experience! Thank you for sharing, Priya.

Sample 4

This response effectively explains educational background and career motivation. If discussing education, dont just mention your degree or university, but show passion for your field if possible. Take a look at how Rahul shines in this segment while showing his genuine excitement for the field!

Topic: Education

Examiner: Good afternoon, I'm David Johnson. What's your name?

Candidate: Good afternoon, David. My name is Rahul Sharma.

Examiner: Rahul, could you please state your candidate number?

Candidate: It's RS752.

Examiner: Rahul, can you tell me about your educational background?

Candidate: Sure. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Delhi. I earned a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence from IIT. I work at a top AI research lab. I assist in projects on machine learning and natural language processing.

Examiner: That's impressive, Rahul. What motivated you to pursue a career in this field?

Candidate: I always found artificial intelligence fascinating. It can transform industries and improve lives. I became interested in AI and linguistics during my studies. This interest led me to specialize in natural language processing. I push AI boundaries and contribute to advancements in the evolving field.

Examiner: It sounds like you're doing important work. How do you stay updated with the latest developments in AI?

Candidate: I stay updated on AI by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars. I follow leading researchers through academic journals, online forums, and social media. I experiment with new technologies through personal projects. Collaborating with colleagues is also part of my experimentation. Staying updated on recent advancements is crucial in a fast-moving field.

Examiner: Thank you for sharing your insights, Rahul. It's been a pleasure speaking with you.

Tips for Strong IELTS Speaking Introduction

Clearly! Sathish, Surendra, Rahul and Priya nailed their IELTS speaking introductions.

Now it’s your turn!

Part 1 of the IELTS speaking test may seem simple, but now you would agree that it does set the tone for your exam. The way you greet the examiner, introduce yourself, and respond to basic questions determines how smoothly the rest of your test will go. A confident, natural start can boost your fluency score and reduce nervousness.

Here are some key tips to make your introduction stand out. Don’t forget to check out the Do’s and Don’ts to really excel in this section.

Salutation and Welcome: Begin with a polite and confident greeting to create a positive first impression. A simple "Good morning/afternoon" with a smile shows confidence. Avoid overly formal greetings like “Dear Examiner” or “Respected Sir/Madam”, as they sound unnatural.
Topic Introduction (When Required): IELTS Part 1 questions are about you (your life, work, hometown, interests), so respond naturally. If asked about a topic, introduce it smoothly, e.g., "I’d love to talk about my city it’s a great place to live."
Transition to Personal Introduction: Make your responses flow naturally, connecting the question to your personal experience. Example: "I live in Mumbai, a city known for its energy and diversity. It’s my hometown, and I’ve lived here all my life."

Do's and Don’ts in IELTS Speaking Test

A strong first impression is essential, so keep this list of do’s and don’ts close at hand. After all, thorough preparation is something everyone values. And when it comes to scoring points, it makes all the difference!

Do’s (What You Should Do) s	Don’ts (What to Avoid)
Speak naturally and confidently, like in a friendly conversation.	Don’t sound like a robot with memorised answers.
Keep your answers clear and concise (2-3 sentences max).	Don’t just say “Yes” or “No” always add a little detail.
Use contractions (I’m, it’s, I’ve) to sound fluent and natural.	Don’t speak too fast or too slow maintain a smooth pace.
Add a personal touch by sharing small details to make your answers engaging.	Don’t give vague or generic answers with no depth.
Use a variety of words instead of repeating the same ones.	Don’t keep using “good” and “nice”. Learn and expand your vocabulary.
Smile and maintain good eye contact to show confidence.	Don’t look tense or avoid eye contact it affects your fluency.
Use fillers like “That’s an interesting question…” if you need a second to think.	Don’t freeze or stay silent if you get stuck keep the conversation going.
Practice speaking aloud before your test to build fluency.	Don’t try to sound overly formal speak naturally.

Suggested: IELTS Sample Paper 2025

From the Desk of Yocket

Preparing for the IELTS speaking test requires more than just good English it’s about confidence, clarity, and structured responses. At Yocket Prep, we help students refine their speaking skills with mock tests, expert feedback, and AI-powered evaluation tools. Whether you're aiming for a Band 7+ or just looking to improve fluency, our resources ensure you're fully prepared.