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Lesson

Speaking Part 1: Talking about where you live

Learn to give Part 1 answers that are long enough: an answer, a reason and a detail. Then practise with a timer and listen back to yourself.

Speaking Band 4–5 · A2–B1 10 questions Sign in to save

What happens in Part 1

The examiner asks short questions about familiar topics: your home, studies, work, hobbies and daily life. Part 1 lasts 4–5 minutes.

The 2–3 sentence rule

A one-word answer is too short, and a one-minute speech is too long. Aim for answer + reason + detail.

Q: Do you live in a house or an apartment?
Apartment.
I live in an apartment on the third floor of a building near the city centre. It's quite small, but it's really convenient because my college is only ten minutes away.

Useful phrases

  • Starting: Well,… / Actually,… / To be honest,…
  • Giving reasons: …mainly because… / The main reason is that…
  • When it depends: It depends on… / Sometimes…, but other times…
  • Choosing: I'd say… / Probably…

Don't memorise whole answers. Examiners notice, and it lowers your score.

Practise freelySign in to save your scores and track your progress.

Questions 1–3

Choose the best answer, A, B or C.

  1. "Do you live in a house or an apartment?" Which is the best answer?

  2. "What do you like most about your hometown?" Which is the best answer?

  3. Which phrase introduces a reason?

Questions 4–7

Match each examiner question with the best answer, A–E. There is one answer you don't need.

A
Probably the park by the river. It's the only green space nearby, so it gets busy at weekends.
B
Yes, a lot. When I was a child there were mostly fields, but now there are shops and new flats everywhere.
C
I'd say the transport. The buses are always crowded, so I'd add more of them.
D
I've lived there all my life, so about twenty years now.
E
I usually go by rickshaw because it's cheaper than a taxi.

  1. How long have you lived in your hometown?

  2. Has your hometown changed much in recent years?

  3. What would you change about your hometown?

  4. Where do people in your area go to relax?

Questions 8–10

Complete the answers with a phrase from the box.

To be honestIt dependsI'd say

  1. "Do you like living in a big city?" " , not really. It's too noisy for me."

  2. "Do you prefer mornings or evenings?" " on the day. On weekdays I prefer mornings."

  3. "What's the best thing about your area?" " the people. Everyone is very friendly."

Your turn: answer Part 1 questions

Answer these four questions out loud, one after another. Give each one 2–3 sentences.

  1. Where is your hometown?
  2. What do you like most about it?
  3. Is it a good place for young people? Why or why not?
  4. Would you like to live somewhere else in the future?
Speaking 2:00

Check your answer

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