IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Freetime

Free-time questions invite you to talk about your interests with enthusiasm. Explain what you do, how often, and why you enjoy it, and use the present perfect for how long you've done it.

Practise freetime questions now

Freetime questions

What type of activities do you like to do in your free time?
How long have you been interested in these activities?
Do you like to do theses activities alone or with other people?
Why?
Do you think people have enough free time?

Sample answers

What type of activities do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I mostly play badminton and watch documentaries. I play badminton twice a week at a sports centre near my office, and documentaries are my way of switching off at the end of a busy day.

How long have you been interested in these activities?

I've been playing badminton for about six years. I started at university because a friend needed a doubles partner, and I got hooked. The documentaries are more recent; I got into them during the pandemic, when I had a lot more time at home.

Original examples written for SpeakingIELTS. Notice the pattern—a direct answer, then a reason or detail—and use your own true information. Do not memorise them.

Useful words and phrases

my way of switching off
I got hooked
I got into it
I've been doing it for
it helps me unwind
whenever I get the chance

Common mistakes

Saying "I like watching TV" without any detail about what or why.
Using "since" with a period of time ("since six years"); it should be "for six years" or "since 2019".
Giving the same answer for every reason: vary between fun, health, social and relaxation.

Practise it now

Answer each question above aloud in 20–30 seconds, or start a timed session that begins with freetime and adds two other random topics, just like the real test. Record yourself, listen once, and check your answers with the self-evaluation checklist.

Start a timed Part 1 session