Listening and speaking tests are the same for IELTS Academic / General Training tests.

The essence of part 1 is a chat.

Sample questions

• Do you enjoy looking for gifts for people? Why / Why not?
• Do you ever take a gift when you visit someone in their home? Why / Why not?
• When did you last receive a gift? What was it?
• How often do you make telephone calls? Why?
• Who do you spend most time talking to on the telephone? Why?
• Do you sometimes prefer to send a text message instead of telephoning? Why / Why not?
• Do you enjoy the advertisements on television?
• Do you think it would be a good idea for schools to ask students their opinions about lessons?
• Do you like making other people laugh?
• What’s your favourite subject at school?
• What’s your favourite season?
• What’s your favourite colour?
• How often do you ride a bicycle? Why / Why not?
• Do you think bicycles are suitable for all ages? Why / Why not?
• How popular are bicycles in your home town? Why?
• Do you play any games? Why?
• How do people learn to play games in your country?
• Do you think it’s important for people to play games?
• Do you think it’s impolite to use mobile phones in public places?
• What are some of the good ways that can help people sleep better?
• Do you think people should have different bags for different occasions? Why?
• Do you think it’s important to learn a musical instrument? Why?
• Do you like to send postcards to friends? Why?
• What are some good ways to improve concentration?
• Are there any disadvantages to living in the countryside?
• Do you think it’s important to be a patient person?
• Are cooking shows popular in your country?
• Do you think trees and forests are important to us?

Hometown / Your House / You flat / Housework

• What do you like about your hometown?
• What do you dislike about your hometown?
• Do you think your hometown is good for young people?
• What’s the nightlife like in your hometown?
• What would you change about your city?
• What types of public transport can be found in your hometown?
• Do you do housework?
• Do you have a driver’s license?
• Do you live in a house or a flat?
• Is your landlord charging a high rent for the flat?
• Is there anything hanging on the wall?

Your Studies / Your Work

• Are you working or studying?
• What do you like about your studies?
• What’s your major? Do you like it?
• Is there anything you don’t like about it?
• What did you do on your first day in this school / university?
• What do you like / dislike about your job?
• Do you think people should be paid more if they work at weekends?

Hobbies & Habits

• Do you have any hobbies?
• What do you usually do at weekends?
• What do people usually do to relax in your country?
• Do you like boating?
• Do you wish to own a boat? Why?

Sports / Outdoor Activities

• What sports are most popular in your country?
• Do you think it’s important to play a sport?
• Do you like outdoor activities?
• Do you like swimming?
• What are the benefits of swimming?
• Do you like biking / cycling?
• Are bikes popular in China?
• How old were you when you first learned to ride a bike?
• Do you often play games?
• What games are popular in China?

The Media

• What types of TV program do you like watching?
• What types of TV programs are popular in your country?
• Why do we need ads?
• What kind of radio program do you like best?
• What types of film do you like watching?
• What are the differences between local newspapers and international newspapers?