IELTS Speaking Part 1: Sample Questions with Answers

1. Do you have any pets?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Yes, I have a pet cat named Luna. She’s been with me for four years now, and she’s become an integral part of my life. I love spending time with her, playing with her, and taking care of her.

Yes, I have a cat named Luna. She’s been my companion for four years, and I enjoy playing and caring for her.

Affirmative, I am a proud owner of a feline named Luna. She’s been an invaluable companion for four years, and I take immense pleasure in nurturing her needs and enjoying her company.

2. What are some common pets in your country?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

There are many common pets in my country. Dogs and cats are the most popular, but people also keep birds, fish, rabbits, and hamsters as pets. Some people even keep exotic animals like snakes or lizards, although these are less common.

In my country, people tend to have a variety of pets. Dogs and cats are the most popular ones, but other common pets include birds, fish, rabbits, and hamsters. There are also some people who like to keep more unusual pets like snakes or lizards, although these are not as popular.

Pets of all kinds are popular in my country, with dogs and cats being the most common. People also keep a range of other animals as pets, such as birds, fish, rabbits, and hamsters. Additionally, some people have more exotic pets like snakes or lizards, although these are not very common due to the specialized care they require. Overall, there is a great diversity of pets in my country, reflecting the varied interests and lifestyles of its people.

3. What is your favorite animal and why?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

My favorite animal is the dolphin. I find them fascinating creatures because they are intelligent, social and have a unique way of communication. I also admire their agility and gracefulness in the water, which makes them seem almost magical.

I really like dolphins as my favorite animal because they are smart, friendly, and communicate with each other in a way that’s very different from other animals. I think they are amazing creatures to watch and learn about.

The dolphin is my all-time favorite animal, primarily because of its intelligence, social behavior and remarkable communication skills. Watching these graceful creatures swim effortlessly through the water with such precision and speed is truly awe-inspiring. The way they interact with each other in a complex and sophisticated manner also makes them unique and fascinating animals to study. Overall, the dolphin’s qualities and abilities make it one of the most captivating animals in the world in my opinion.

4. Have you ever been to a zoo or a wildlife sanctuary?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Yes, I have been to both a zoo and a wildlife sanctuary. I enjoy seeing animals up close and learning about them, but I also feel conflicted about their captivity.

Yes, I have visited a zoo and a wildlife sanctuary before. I like seeing the animals and learning about them, but I also feel a bit uncomfortable because they are not in their natural habitats.

 Indeed, I have had the opportunity to visit both a zoo and a wildlife sanctuary. I find it fascinating to observe and learn about different species, but at the same time, I am aware of the ethical concerns surrounding keeping animals in captivity for human entertainment.

5. Are there any animals you are afraid of?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Yes, there are a few animals that I am afraid of, such as snakes, spiders, and sharks. I have a fear of snakes and spiders because of their appearance and the fact that some of them can be venomous. As for sharks, I am afraid of them because of their size and strength, and the fact that they are predators.

Yes, I am scared of some animals, like snakes, spiders, and sharks. The reason for my fear is their appearance and the fact that some of them can be venomous. Sharks scare me because they are huge, powerful, and dangerous.

Undoubtedly, there are some animals that fill me with fear, including snakes, spiders, and sharks. The reason behind my fear is their appearance, behavior, and the fact that some of them are venomous. I find sharks particularly terrifying because they are giant, ferocious, and have a reputation for attacking humans.

6. Have you ever gone on a safari or seen animals in their natural habitat?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Yes, I have been fortunate enough to go on a few safaris and see animals in their natural habitat. It was an incredible experience seeing lions, elephants, and giraffes up close and in their natural environment. It’s one thing to see them in a zoo, but seeing them in the wild is a completely different feeling.

Yes, I’ve been lucky to go on a few safaris and see animals in the wild. It was amazing to see lions, elephants, and giraffes up close in their natural homes. Seeing animals in their natural environment is an entirely different experience than seeing them in a zoo.

Indeed, I have had the privilege of going on several safaris and observing animals in their natural habitats. It was a breathtaking experience to witness lions, elephants, and giraffes at close range in their natural homes. While viewing them in a zoo is still informative, nothing compares to observing them in their natural environment.

7. What do you think are the benefits of having a pet?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Having a pet can bring many benefits such as companionship, emotional support, and improved physical health. Pets can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and even provide a sense of purpose and responsibility.

Owning a pet can be beneficial in many ways, such as providing a sense of companionship, emotional support, and improved physical health. Pets can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The advantages of having a pet are many and varied, including emotional support, improved physical health, and the sense of responsibility and purpose that comes with caring for another living creature. Pets can help reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood and self-esteem, and even provide a sense of social connectedness and belonging.

8. What are some disadvantages of having a pet?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

There are several disadvantages of having a pet, including the cost of food, veterinary care, and other expenses. Additionally, pets can be demanding and require a lot of attention, which can be difficult to manage if you have a busy schedule. Some people may also be allergic to certain types of pets, which can make it impossible for them to own a pet without experiencing health problems.

There are a few downsides to having a pet. For example, it can be expensive to provide food and medical care for your pet, and taking care of a pet can be time-consuming. Also, if you or someone in your household has allergies, having a pet may not be a good idea.

Despite the many benefits of having a pet, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One significant disadvantage is the financial cost of owning a pet, including expenses for food, veterinary care, and other supplies. Additionally, pets can be demanding and require a lot of time and attention, which can be challenging to balance with work or other obligations. Finally, some people may have allergies or other health conditions that make it difficult or impossible to have a pet in their home.

9.Have you ever volunteered at an animal shelter or worked with animals in any way?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Yes, I have volunteered at an animal shelter in my community for the past two years. I spend a few hours every week walking the dogs, feeding the cats, and helping with adoption events. It’s been a really rewarding experience, and I feel like I’m making a difference in the lives of these animals.

Yes, I’ve been volunteering at an animal shelter for a couple of years now. I usually go there once a week to take the dogs for walks and help out with taking care of the cats. It’s a really nice way to spend some time and I feel like I’m helping out the animals.

Absolutely. For the past two years, I’ve been regularly volunteering at a local animal shelter, where I help out with tasks such as dog walking, cat feeding, and assisting with adoption events. I find it to be an extremely gratifying experience, as I am able to connect with the animals on a personal level and make a real impact in their lives.

10. Do you think it's okay to keep animals in zoos or aquariums?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

I believe that the issue of keeping animals in zoos or aquariums is a complex one. While these facilities provide opportunities for people to see animals they would never otherwise have the chance to, it’s important to consider the welfare of the animals. It’s crucial that their living conditions and care are of the highest standard possible, and that they are not subjected to unnecessary stress or harm.

In my opinion, it’s a complicated question whether animals should be kept in zoos or aquariums. Although it gives the public a chance to observe animals they might not otherwise see, it’s vital to think about the animals’ wellbeing. It’s essential that they’re kept in good conditions and treated well, and that they’re not exposed to excessive stress or mistreatment.

The issue of whether animals should be kept in zoos or aquariums is a multifaceted one that demands careful consideration. While there are unquestionable benefits to public education and scientific research, it is critical to ensure that the welfare of the animals is given top priority. It’s important to maintain the highest possible standards of animal care, and to ensure that animals are not subjected to conditions that cause them undue stress, harm or boredom.

11. Have you ever had a bad experience with an animal? What happened?

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Yes, I have had a bad experience with an animal. I was on a hiking trip and came across a snake on the trail. I got too close to it, and it lunged at me. I managed to jump out of the way, but it was a scary experience.

Yes, I’ve had a scary encounter with an animal before. I was hiking and saw a snake on the trail. I got too close, and it almost bit me. I was really frightened, but luckily I managed to avoid it.

I recall an unfortunate encounter with an animal during a hiking trip. As I was walking on the trail, I suddenly saw a snake nearby. I unintentionally approached it, and it unexpectedly attacked me. It was a frightening moment, but fortunately, I managed to dodge it in time.