What is the purpose of Part 1?
The examiner wants to hear you answer questions on a few simple topics to find out if you can talk about yourself and everyday situations. Talk about personal topics is usually easier then talking about more abstract topics.
How will the test begin?
The examiner will begin with some introductory question. You should answer these questions briefly and clearly.
He or she will then ask to see your passport or photo identification.
The examiner does not need a long reply to the introductory questions.
What will happen next?
The examiner will introduce the first part 1 topic, which is always about your home town or your studies /work
Answer these questions about your home town.
a. What's your home town called?
b. Where is it?
c. How long have you lived there?
d. Do you like living there? Why?
e. Is there any thing you dislike about your home town?
*Think of some other question you could be asked about your studies / work using the word in bold above to help you.
What other topics will the examiner cover in part 1?
You may get questions on any general, everyday topic, so you need to have some ideas. Normally the examiner will a few question on three topics in total and will introduce each new topic clearly. So once you have answered a few question on one topic, be prepared for a change of topic.
What sort of questions will the examiner ask?
The questions will be quite easy and will ask you to describe your likes and dislikes, your everyday life, your plans etc. You may have to talk about the past, present or future and you may have to give simple opinions.
Look at the question below on the topic of holidays. Which question
a. asks about your like / dislike
b. asks you about your personal preferences?
c. requires a past tense answer?
d. invite you to suggest reasons?
e. asks you how regularly you do something?
f. asks you to give a general view on the topic?
g. asks you to give an account?
How long should my answer be?
In Part 1, your answers should not be very long, but try to give a full answer. You need to show that you can keep talking, without too much hesitation, and that you can link your idea together. The examiner cannot give you high marks if your responses are always every short. Here is an example of a short answer and a good answer.
[ How often do you go on holiday? ]
Bad : Twice a year, usually.
Good: I usually go on holiday twice a year but sometime I can only go one during the year because we are busy at work. So it depends, really.
What if I can't think of anything to say?
Remember that Part 1 is about you. Draw on your own experience. and don't afraid to say how you feel about something.
How can I improve my accuracy?
Listen carefully to the question, which will help you to decide what tenses to use and how to form your answer. Here is an example of a past tense question and answer.
[ How old were you when you left school? ]
I was only 15 when I left my high school but I went back to college two year later.