IELTS Speaking Part 1

Moods: 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 moods 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

What kind of things usually put you in a good mood?

Honestly, it's usually small everyday things, like listening to upbeat music or catching up with a friend over coffee. Just yesterday, my neighbour brought round some homemade biscuits, and that completely brightened my day because it was such an unexpected, thoughtful gesture.

2

What do you do if you are feeling a bit down?

If I'm feeling a bit low, I generally go for a long walk in the local park to clear my head. Getting some fresh air and stepping away from my mobile phone really helps me reset, especially after a chaotic day at work.

3

Does the weather ever affect how you feel?

Definitely, yes. I find that gloomy, overcast days make me feel a bit lethargic and sluggish. On the other hand, whenever the sun comes out, I instantly feel far more energetic and motivated to get things done around the flat.

4

Do you find it easy to stay calm when you are stressed?

To be honest, it depends on the situation. I tend to keep my cool quite well during minor mishaps, but if I'm facing tight deadlines, I can get rather irritable. Taking a few deep breaths usually keeps me grounded, though.

5

Did your mood change more quickly when you were younger?

I suppose so, yes. As a teenager, I was definitely more prone to mood swings and could get frustrated over trivial matters. Nowadays, I've learnt to take things in my stride and don't let minor annoyances get to me as much.

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

  • brightened my day

    made me feel happy and cheerful

  • clear my head

    stop worrying and think more clearly

  • lethargic

    lacking energy or enthusiasm

  • keep my cool

    remain calm in a difficult situation

  • irritable

    easily annoyed or made angry

  • mood swings

    sudden, unpredictable changes in emotional state

  • take things in my stride

    deal with problems calmly without getting upset

  • →Use a range of precise adjectives for feelings rather than repeating common words like happy or sad.
  • →Mention specific triggers, such as poor weather or a busy workday, to make your responses concrete.
  • →Show grammatical range by using conditional structures when explaining how different situations affect your emotions.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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