IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Answer

These are high-scoring sample answers for the following IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions. Read them to understand what you need to talk about and the kind of answers you need to start your IELTS speaking test well. For advice, strategies and tips on the best ways to answer (because 1 minute is very short), this article will help.

Sample Answers

Old Buildings

1/ Have you ever seen some old buildings in the city?

Yes, there are some old buildings in this city. I come from a city which is full of old buildings, but in this city there’s not so many, but there are some, and I really like that. I think a city should remember its heritage.

2/ Do you think we should preserve old buildings in cities?

Yes, I do think old buildings should be preserved, not any old building. If it’s old and run down and it’s going to fall down, then it should be knocked down and rebuilt, or a new building should be built. But, you know, if it’s something of historical significance, or a particularly beautiful building of maybe architectural significance, then they should be preserved.

3/ Do you prefer living in an old building or a modern house?

I think there’s advantages in both old buildings and modern houses. Personally, I prefer older buildings because I’m very tall and the ceilings are usually higher, although sometimes there’s issues with draughts and insulation.

4/ Are there any old buildings you want to see in the future? Why?

Yes, ancient rather than old buildings. I’d still like to see some ancient buildings. I’ve been to many places, but I’ve never been to Egypt or Greece or some of these really historic places in the Middle East, some of which are huge stone buildings, which I just think are absolutely incredible.

Speaking Analysis

This is my opinion of the above answers. The answer was given as in a test, with minimal preparation time.

Question 1 – This answer is not very good. It doesn’t say anything. It should have been more specific and maybe mentioned a favourite building.

Question 2 – Although ‘preserved’ was used twice (which was in the question), there was good use of vocabulary (see below).

Question 3 – Good answer. The question is answered, and reasons added for the choice made, using good vocabulary (see below).

Question 4 – Good. First, the context, then the reasons, with some good vocabulary (see below).

Less Common and Idiomatic Vocabulary

heritage – valued objects and qualities such as historic buildings and cultural traditions that have been passed down from previous generations.
run down – (especially of a building or area) in a poor or neglected state after having been prosperous
fall down – to fall to the ground
knock down – demolish a building or other structure
rebuilt – to build again
historical significance – associated with an event or period in history
particularly beautiful – really beautiful
architectural significance – associated with an event or period in architecture
ceilings – the top of a room, the opposite of a floor
draughts – a cool wind that comes through a hole in a wall or under the door
insulation – using materials to save energy by keeping heat in a building
ancient – belonging to early history
absolutely incredible – impossible to believe