B1 | IELTS-style Speaking Part 1 | 10 min

Topic: Phones and messaging

In Part 1 the examiner asks short questions about your daily life. Here each topic has one main question and one follow-up question, and you answer both in one recording.

You will record 3 times. Each time, you answer one main question and one follow-up question.

How to answer

1. Answer the question directly.
2. Give one reason.
3. Add a short example from your life.

Tip: answer in 3 steps (direct answer, reason, example) to speak for about 40 seconds.

Useful phrases

To be honest, ... = says what you really think
It depends on ... = says the answer changes with the situation
Most of the time, ... = usually
The main reason is that ... = gives your most important reason
For example, ... = gives an example
These days, ... = at the present time

Question 1: Using your phone

How often do you use your phone, and what do you mostly use it for?

Has the way you use your phone changed in the last few years?

This is an open answer: you talk about your own life (real or imagined). Suggested time: about 40 seconds.

Before you record

✓ Did you answer both questions?
✓ Did you give a reason or an example?
✓ Did you compare the past and now, using past and present tenses?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

Question 2: Messages or calls

Do you prefer to send messages or to make phone calls? Why?

Is there anyone you always call instead of sending a message?

This is an open answer: you talk about your own life (real or imagined). Suggested time: about 40 seconds.

Before you record

✓ Did you say clearly what you prefer?
✓ Did you use prefer ... to / rather than or more ... than to compare?
✓ Did you talk about a specific person?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

Question 3: Phone-free time

Do you ever switch your phone off or leave it at home? When, and how do you feel?

Do you think people should have some phone-free time every day?

This is an open answer: you talk about your own life (real or imagined). Suggested time: about 45 seconds.

Before you record

✓ Did you say when you turn off your phone or leave it behind?
✓ Did you use when or if to describe the situation?
✓ Did you give your opinion and one reason for the follow-up question?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

Model answer and useful phrases

This is an open answer. The sample answer is only one example; you can use other information and ideas, and you do not need to copy it.

Question 1 - example answer

To be honest, I use my phone all day. Most of the time I use it for messages, maps and short videos. A few years ago, I only used it for calls and texts. These days, I also use it for banking and online classes, so I check it more often than before. I've used it more and more since I started my new job. It is useful, but it takes a lot of my time.

Question 2 - example answer

Well, I usually send messages rather than make calls, because I can think before I answer. It depends on the person, though. Texting is quick, but a call feels warmer. For example, I always call my grandmother. She finds typing difficult, and she likes to hear my voice. So I call her every Sunday evening, and we talk for about half an hour. But for small things, like a time or a place, I choose a message.

Question 3 - example answer

Yes, sometimes. I switch my phone off when I'm in a meeting, or when I go hiking on the weekend. At first, I feel a bit nervous, but after an hour I feel calm and free. The main reason is that notifications never stop, and they make me tired. I think everyone should have one phone-free hour every day, because we need time to rest our minds. I would like to have more phone-free time myself.

Phrase	Meaning	Example in another situation
To be honest	says what you really think	To be honest, I didn't enjoy the movie.
Most of the time	says what happens usually	Most of the time, I walk to work.
These days	says what is true at the present time	These days, my sister works from home.
rather than	says what you choose instead of something else	I'd like tea rather than coffee.
It depends on	says the answer changes with the situation	It depends on the weather.
For example	introduces an example	I enjoy sports. For example, I play badminton on Sundays.
The main reason is that	introduces your main reason	The main reason is that the apartment is too small.

Speaking Part 1: Phones and Messaging

Topic: Phones and messaging

How to answer

Useful phrases

Question 1: Using your phone

Before you record

Question 2: Messages or calls

Before you record

Question 3: Phone-free time

Model answer and useful phrases

Question 1 - example answer

Question 2 - example answer

Question 3 - example answer

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