IELTS Speaking Part 1: Free time
Tests the language of habits and preferences: adverbs of frequency, "tend to", and comparing now with the past.
Questions and sample answers
1. What do you usually do in your free time?
I tend to spend most of my free time outdoors. I play badminton with friends twice a week, and at weekends I often go cycling.
2. Do you prefer spending your free time alone or with other people?
It depends on my mood, but mostly with other people. If I’ve had a busy week, though, I’m happy to stay in and read.
3. Has the way you spend your free time changed in recent years?
Yes, quite a bit. A few years ago I spent hours gaming, but since I started working I’d rather do something active after sitting at a desk all day.
4. Do you think people in your country have enough free time?
Not really. Most people I know work long hours and commute, so by the time they get home they only have an hour or two to themselves.
Each sample is two to four sentences: the answer, a reason or example, then stop. Use them to hear the shape, not to memorise. Examiners are trained to spot a rehearsed answer, and it costs fluency marks.
Language this topic rewards
- I tend to / I usually end up …: Describes habits naturally.
- unwind / recharge: Better than "relax" every time.
- I’d rather … than …: A preference structure examiners note.
- it depends on …: An honest opener that buys a moment to think.
- time to myself: A natural phrase for free time alone.
The trap on this topic
Saying "I like to watch movies and listen to music" and stopping. That is the most common answer the examiner hears; add what kind and why, and it stops being generic.
Answer these out loud and get marked
The Part 1 practice runs the interview the way the examiner does: your work or studies first, then two topic sets. It records you, transcribes what you said and marks it on the four official criteria.
Start Part 1 practiceMore Part 1 topics
Ready for the long turn? Browse the Part 2 cue cards.