IELTS Speaking · Foundation
Build the basics first
New to the speaking test? Start here. These are simple phrases you can use in any answer. Say each one out loud a few times. When you can use them without thinking, you're ready for the program.
One important rule
These are tools, not answers. Use them with your own ideas. Don't memorize whole answers — the examiner can tell, and it lowers your score.
1 · The shape of every answer
Use this same shape for almost any question. Answer → Why → Example.
- Answer it
- Say why
- Give one example
Example
Q: Do you like your city?
“Yes, I really like it. The main reason is the food. For example, there's a great noodle shop near my home.”
2 · Don't freeze — take a second
It is okay to pause. Say one of these, then answer. Never stay silent.
- Well, let me think for a second.
- That's a good question.
- Hmm, I'd say…
Example
Q: What's your favourite season?
“Hmm, let me think for a second. I'd say autumn.”
3 · Say what you think
Start with your opinion in one clear sentence.
- In my opinion…
- Personally, I think…
- For me,…
Example
“Personally, I think small classes are better.”
4 · Give a reason
After your answer, say why. One reason is enough.
- The main reason is…
- …, because…
- This is mainly because…
Example
“I love that park, because it's quiet and green.”
5 · Give an example from your life
A real example makes your answer strong. Use your own life.
- For example,…
- In my case,…
- I remember when…
Example
“For example, last summer I visited my grandmother there.”
6 · Keep going — add a little more
Don't stop after one sentence. Add one more idea.
- What's more,…
- Another thing is…
- Also,…
Example
“Also, the people there are very friendly.”
7 · Show the other side
Add what other people might think. This is what lifts your score the most.
- On the other hand,…
- That said,…
- but some people…
Example
“That said, some people prefer big cities, because there are more jobs.”
8 · Build longer sentences
Join two ideas. This is the quiet secret to a higher score.
- I ___ because ___.
- ___, which is ___.
- If ___, I would ___.
Example
“I study at night, because it's quiet. I have a dog, which is very playful. If I had more time, I would travel more.”
9 · Stuck on a word? Don't stop
If you forget a word, talk around it. Keep speaking.
- What's the word…
- It's a kind of…
- something like…
Example
“It's a kind of small boat… something like a canoe.”
10 · Part 1 — short answers
For quick questions, just: answer + reason + one detail.
- Answer + reason + one small detail
Example
Q: Do you cook?
“Yes, I do. I cook because I find it relaxing. These days I make a lot of soup.”
Try it — no score, just the shape
Say one answer out loud
Use the shape from tool 1: Answer → Why → Example. We'll check you hit all three — not a band, just the moves.
Your question
Do you like the city or town where you live?
Our specialty — a first taste of Part 3
Part 3 is the discussion — the part that lifts your band the most, and what we focus on. Here's the beginner version: give your opinion, a reason, an example, then the other side. Stuck for ideas? We give you a few to start. When this feels easy and you reach band 5.5, the full Part 3 program opens — more topics and a deeper idea bank.
Part 3 starts here — our specialty
Give your opinion — the Part 3 way
Part 3 is the discussion — the part that lifts your band the most. Use the Part 3 shape: Opinion → Reason → Example → Other side. We'll check you hit all four — not a band, just the moves.
Your question
Some people think children spend too much time on phones. Do you agree?
Need an idea? Try one of these
- it can hurt sleep and study
- but phones also help them learn
- it depends how they use it
Practise out loud — say each phrase five times. Once they come easily, you can speak without freezing, give a reason, and add an example. That's enough to start. Come back and begin.