IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Diaries questions and answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions are short and personal: the examiner asks three to five on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. Here are 5 questions about diaries written by BandLadder in the examiner's style, each with a Band 8 sample answer and useful vocabulary. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 5 questions
  • 5 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

5 answers

Diaries questions with sample answers

1

Do you keep a diary?

Yes, I do, though not every single day. I try to jot down a few thoughts in a notebook before going to sleep, mostly just to clear my head. Last night, for instance, I wrote about a stressful meeting at work, which really helped me unwind.

2

Did you write in a diary when you were younger?

I did, actually. When I was about ten, I had a little notebook with a tiny padlock and key. I used to write about school gossip and silly arguments with my brother. Looking back, it was quite amusing, though I would probably cringe if I read it now.

3

Do you prefer writing things by hand or using a digital app?

I definitely lean towards pen and paper. Typing on a mobile phone feels a bit too much like work, whereas physically writing helps me slow down. I find putting pen to paper much more therapeutic, especially after staring at a computer screen all day.

4

What sort of things do people usually record in diaries?

I suppose it varies. A lot of people use them to track daily events or vent their frustrations, while others might focus on travel memories or personal goals. My sister, for example, mainly logs her fitness progress and healthy recipes.

5

Do you think you will keep a journal in the future?

I reckon so, yes. Life seems to pass by so quickly nowadays, so having a written record of key milestones sounds really appealing. Even if it is just a weekly summary, I would love to have something meaningful to look back on when I am older.

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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8 words

Useful vocabulary and tips

  • jot down

    write something down quickly

  • clear my head

    stop worrying and calm your mind

  • unwind

    relax after a period of work or stress

  • cringe

    feel embarrassed about something you did

  • lean towards

    prefer one option rather than another

  • therapeutic

    helping you feel relaxed or peaceful

  • vent

    express strong or negative feelings freely

  • milestones

    important stages or events in life

  • →Clarify whether you mean a reflective journal or a daily planning diary to show precise vocabulary.
  • →Use natural discourse markers like 'looking back' or 'I reckon' to sound fluent and conversational.
  • →Avoid just saying yes or no by adding a specific detail about what you actually write.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in IELTS Speaking Part 1?+

Usually about ten to twelve, over four to five minutes: a few on your work, study or home, then three or four short questions on each of two everyday topics.

How long should a Part 1 answer be?+

Two or three sentences, about 15 to 20 seconds: a direct answer, a reason and one detail. One-word answers cost fluency marks, and long speeches eat into the examiner's time.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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