IELTS Speaking Part 1: 15 Useful Phrases

Introduction

• Presenter: Keith from English Speaking Success
• Aim: Help students improve English speaking skills for IELTS, especially Part 1
• Importance of making a good first impression
• Focus on being calm, in control, and well-prepared

Common Question Types in Part 1

• Topics include:
  • Things you like
  • Things you are good at
  • Frequency of activities
• Important not to force phrases into answers

Practice Tips

1. Review phrases with a list of questions to find applicable uses.
2. Practice with a speaking partner.
3. Work with a teacher for feedback.
   • Recommended platform: Cambly (details provided later)

Phrases for Expressing Likes

1. "I can't get enough of it"

   • Usage: Express strong liking (singular/plural)
   • Example: "Yes, I can't get enough of it" (singular)
   • Example: "Yes, I can't get enough of them" (plural)

2. "What I like most about it is..."

   • Usage: Describing what’s appealing about something
   • Example: "What I like most about science is it's so interesting."

3. "I love that it allows me to..."

   • Usage: Show how something benefits you
   • Example: "I love that it allows me to understand the world around us."

Phrases for Expressing Skills

1. "I have a knack for it"

   • Usage: Indicate talent or skill
   • Example: "Yes, I have a knack for cooking."

2. "I'm hopeless at it"

   • Usage: Indicate lack of skill
   • Example: "No, I'm hopeless at cooking."

Phrases for Frequency of Activities

1. "From time to time"

   • Usage: Indicates occasional activity
   • Example: "Yes, I play football from time to time."

2. "More often than not"

   • Usage: Describes frequency (usually)
   • Example: "I play football on Saturdays more often than not."

3. "I'm not in the least bit interested in that"

   • Usage: Express disinterest
   • Example: "No, I'm not in the least bit interested in that."

Connectors for Opinions

1. "Without a doubt"

   • Usage: Strong affirmatives in responses
   • Example: "Without a doubt, I prefer cold weather."

2. "In all seriousness"

   • Usage: Introduce serious opinion
   • Example: "In all seriousness, I prefer cold weather."

3. "To be totally upfront"

   • Usage: Honest opinion
   • Example: "To be totally upfront, I prefer cold weather."

Phrases for "Would" Questions

1. Positive Response: "I wouldn't think twice about it"

   • Example: "Yes, I wouldn't think twice about being famous."

2. Negative Response: "Not for the love of money"

   • Example: "No, not for the love of money would I want to be famous."

Conclusion and Encouragement

• Practice using phrases naturally, not forced.
• Consistent daily practice is essential for improvement.
• Reminder to check out Cambly for practice with native teachers and available discounts.

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Cambly Information

• Online platform with native teachers
• Offers IELTS courses and mock tests
• Special discounts for first-time users (10-minute free class and 40% off a 12-month plan with code KEITH-YT)