IELTS Speaking Part 1

Fans: 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 fans 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

Are you a fan of any particular sports team or musician?

Yes, definitely. I'm a massive supporter of our local football team. I try to catch all their home matches on the weekends with my brother, and I've even got a couple of their official scarves hung up in my bedroom.

2

Have you ever bought merchandise from someone you admire?

To be honest, I have. A few years ago, I went to a concert by an indie rock band and bought an oversized graphic hoodie at the venue. It was pretty pricey, but I still wear it all the time around the house.

3

Did you have a favourite artist or band when you were younger?

I did, actually. When I was about twelve, I was completely obsessed with a pop singer. My bedroom walls were covered in posters from teen magazines, though looking back now, I find my taste back then a bit embarrassing!

4

Have you ever met someone famous that you really like?

Not properly, no, but I did catch a glimpse of a well-known novelist at a book signing in London once. I was far too shy to queue up and say hello, so I just watched from a distance.

5

Would you like to join a fan club in the future?

I don't think so, really. While I enjoy following various musicians on social media, being in an organised community takes up a lot of spare time, and I'm usually far too busy with work and studies to stay active in one.

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

  • massive supporter

    an enthusiastic follower of a team or person

  • merchandise

    goods linked to a performer, brand, or team

  • indie rock

    alternative rock music produced independently

  • completely obsessed

    thinking about someone or something all the time

  • catch a glimpse of

    see someone or something for a brief moment

  • queue up

    wait in a line of people

  • spare time

    free time when you are not working

  • →Focus your answers strictly on your own personal habits and memories rather than speaking about fans in general.
  • →Use conversational discourse markers like 'to be honest' or 'actually' to make your speaking sound natural and spontaneous.
  • →If you are not a devoted fan of anyone, simply explain why and talk about how you casually enjoy music or sports instead.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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