IELTS Speaking Part 1

Trainers: 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 trainers 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 wear trainers?

Pretty much every day, actually. I work in a fairly casual office where there's no strict dress code, so I usually pair some plain white trainers with jeans. They're just so much more comfortable than leather shoes when I'm walking to the station.

2

What kind of trainers do you prefer?

I definitely lean towards minimalist designs with good arch support. I'm not really into flashy, chunky styles with bright colours. I'd rather have something versatile in a neutral shade like grey or navy that goes with almost everything in my wardrobe.

3

Did you have a favourite pair of trainers when you were younger?

Yes, I remember having a pair of light-up running shoes when I was about seven. They had tiny red lights in the heels that flashed whenever I took a step. I wore them until they literally fell apart at the seams.

4

Have you ever bought an expensive pair of trainers?

Once or twice, yes. A couple of years ago, I splashed out on some proper running trainers from a specialist sports shop. They cost a fair bit, but the extra cushioning was completely worth it to prevent knee pain.

5

Do you think you will buy more trainers in the future?

Without a doubt. My current everyday pair is starting to look a bit scuffed and worn down around the soles. I'll probably treat myself to a fresh pair before the summer holiday starts, mainly for walking tours.

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

Answer out loud and get a band

The AI examiner asks Part 1 questions like these, listens, and scores fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, with the words that cost you.

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7 words

Useful vocabulary

  • dress code

    rules about what clothes people should wear

  • arch support

    structural reinforcement inside a shoe for the foot

  • minimalist

    simple and plain in design, without unnecessary decoration

  • fell apart at the seams

    became damaged or broken through heavy use

  • splashed out on

    spent a lot of money on something special

  • cushioning

    soft padding that absorbs impact

  • scuffed

    marked or scratched on the surface

  • →Avoid naming commercial brands and focus on features like comfort, durability, or style.
  • →Use specific descriptive vocabulary like 'cushioning', 'soles', and 'support' to demonstrate lexical resource.
  • →Keep Part 1 answers concise by giving a direct response followed by a brief personal example.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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