IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Drinks questions and answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions are short and personal: the examiner asks three to five on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. These are the 4 questions about drinks in the BandLadder test bank, with Band 8 sample answers for the most frequent ones and useful vocabulary. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 4 questions
  • 4 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes
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4 answers

Drinks questions with sample answers

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1

What do you like to drink with your dinner?

I usually stick to sparkling water with a slice of fresh lemon when I have dinner. It acts as a perfect palate cleanser after a savoury meal, and I find the fizz makes the whole dining experience feel a little more sophisticated than just plain tap water.

2

Do you drink a lot of water every day?

Actually, I make a conscious effort to stay well-hydrated throughout the day. I carry a reusable bottle everywhere I go, which helps me hit my daily target of two litres, especially since I find that drinking enough water significantly boosts my concentration levels at work.

3

Do you prefer drinking tea or coffee?

If I had to choose, I would definitely lean towards tea, specifically a strong English breakfast blend. Coffee tends to give me the jitters if I have more than one cup, whereas a warm pot of tea provides a much more mellow and comforting caffeine kick.

4

If people visit you in your home, what do you usually offer them to drink?

Whenever I have guests over, I always offer them a variety of options including herbal infusions or freshly brewed coffee. I think it is important to be a hospitable host, so I keep a selection of premium teas in my pantry to cater to different tastes.

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

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6 words

Useful vocabulary and tips

  • palate cleanser

    a small item of food or drink to refresh taste

  • stay well-hydrated

    ensuring you drink enough water for good health

  • the jitters

    a feeling of extreme nervousness or physical restlessness

  • mellow

    a pleasant, calm, and relaxed feeling or state

  • herbal infusions

    beverages made from steeping herbs or fruit in water

  • hospitable

    friendly and generous to guests or new visitors

  • →Give a direct answer immediately before providing additional context or personal reasons.
  • →Use specific examples to make your answers sound more authentic and natural.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in IELTS Speaking Part 1?+

Usually about ten to twelve, over four to five minutes: a few on your work, study or home, then three or four short questions on each of two everyday topics.

How long should a Part 1 answer be?+

Two or three sentences, about 15 to 20 seconds: a direct answer, a reason and one detail. One-word answers cost fluency marks, and long speeches eat into the examiner's time.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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