IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Sportswear 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 sportswear 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

Sportswear questions with sample answers

1

Do you often wear sportswear?

Quite a bit, actually. Even when I'm not heading to the gym, I tend to slip into a pair of comfortable joggers or running trainers at weekends. They're just far more practical for running errands or lounging around the flat.

2

What kind of sports clothes do you prefer wearing?

I usually go for breathable fabrics, like lightweight cotton t-shirts and moisture-wicking shorts. If I'm jogging outside during winter, I'll layer up with a warm hoodie or a windbreaker so I don't catch a chill.

3

Do you wear sports clothes only when exercising, or at other times too?

Definitely at other times as well. I think casual fashion has really shifted lately, so I often wear a smart tracksuit or simple trainers when meeting friends for a casual coffee. It's just so much more laid-back.

4

Did you wear different kinds of sportswear when you were younger?

Yes, absolutely. As a child, my sports kit was mainly dictated by my school's PE uniform, which wasn't very stylish at all. Now that I buy my own gear, I pay a lot more attention to fit and comfort.

5

Do you think people will wear sportswear even more casually in the future?

I reckon they will, yes. People seem to prioritise comfort over formal dress codes these days, especially with so many working from home. I imagine activewear will become even more acceptable in everyday settings.

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

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7 words

Useful vocabulary and tips

  • slip into

    to quickly put on an item of clothing

  • running errands

    doing short everyday tasks away from home

  • breathable fabrics

    materials that allow air and moisture to pass through

  • layer up

    to wear several layers of clothing together

  • laid-back

    relaxed, informal, and easy-going

  • sports kit

    the standard clothes and equipment used for sport

  • activewear

    casual clothing designed for both exercise and daily wear

  • →Distinguish clearly between wearing sports gear for physical workouts and wearing it for casual leisure.
  • →Use precise clothing vocabulary such as joggers, windbreakers, or breathable materials to boost your lexical score.
  • →Explain your reasons based on comfort and lifestyle rather than just listing clothing items.

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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