IELTS Speaking Part 1

Crisps: questions and Band 8 answers

The examiner asks three to five short questions on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. Here are 5 questions about crisps written by BandLadder in the examiner's style, each with a Band 8 sample answer. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 5 questions
  • 5 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

5 answers

Sample answers

1

Do you often eat crisps?

Not really, to be honest. I tend to avoid them during the week because they are quite salty, but I might grab a small packet at the weekend when I'm watching a film or having a picnic with friends in the park.

2

What flavour of crisps do you like best?

I'm a big fan of cheese and onion. There is something really savoury and punchy about that combination that just hits the spot. If that's out of stock, I usually go for classic salted or maybe something a bit spicy.

3

Did you eat a lot of crisps when you were a child?

I did, actually. My mum used to pack a small bag into my school lunchbox almost every day. Looking back, it probably wasn't the healthiest habit, but back then it was just a standard midday treat that all my classmates had as well.

4

Are crisps popular in your country?

Absolutely, they're everywhere. You see them stocked in virtually every corner shop, supermarket, and petrol station. People eat them as a quick on-the-go snack or alongside sandwiches during their lunch breaks at work.

5

Do you think you will eat more or fewer crisps in the future?

Probably fewer, I suppose. I'm trying to be a bit more conscious of my health and cut down on processed foods. I will likely swap them for healthier alternatives like roasted nuts or dried fruit instead.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

Answer out loud and get a band

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7 words

Useful vocabulary

  • punchy

    having a strong, sharp, or distinctive flavour

  • hits the spot

    satisfies a craving or need completely

  • out of stock

    unavailable because all supplies have been sold

  • corner shop

    a small local shop selling everyday groceries

  • on-the-go

    done while travelling or busy moving around

  • cut down on

    reduce the consumption or amount of something

  • processed foods

    food altered with additives or preservatives during manufacturing

  • →If you do not eat crisps often, give your reasons and mention alternative snacks you enjoy.
  • →Try to use descriptive taste and texture words, such as savoury, crunchy, or spicy.
  • →Keep your answers concise and conversational without turning them into long speeches about nutrition.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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