In your IELTS Speaking test, part one, for a simple question such as, “Do you like running?” you only need to say if you like running or not. And then explain why.
Let’s take a look at how to answer this question, including 10 good example answers (go straight to the answers here).
What to Say If You Like Running
If you do like running or jogging, you might talk about:
- How it keeps you healthy, makes you stronger, or helps you lose weight
- How it wakes you up in the morning
- How it gets you some fresh air outdoors
- How you can listen to music or an audiobook while you run
- How it’s social for you, you run with your friends (or with your dog)
- How often you go running
- Where you do it
- Who you do it with
- How you prepare for it
- What you wear for your runs
- What you see while you run
- What you think about while you run
- Any other reason you like running, or details you want to mention
What to Say If You Don’t Like Running
If you don’t like running, you might say:
- It’s too difficult, you don’t like to work out often
- Why it’s boring for you
- How running is bad for your knees
- Why you prefer other exercises, and talk about them
- If you ever liked running in the past
- If you’d like to take up running in future
- Any other reason you dislike running
The Three-Step YES Method
You can use the simple YES Method to answer this (or any) part-one question. Just say:
- Your answer the question directly (‘yes, I do like it’ or ‘no, I don’t’)
- Explain your answer, or add more details (with one or two simple sentences)
- Stop talking (wait patiently for the next question)
This last step (STOP) is very important. Many students get nervous and keep talking and talking.
Talking too much is a mistake in Part 1. The examiner has to ask you 10-12 questions in four to five minutes, so there is no time for long answers.
Focus on Being Fast and Fluent
So in part one keep your answers simple, and focus on answering quickly and fluently. And then stop talking.
You don’t need to show off uncommon vocabulary or complex grammar in part one. You can do all that in parts two and three.
Part one is all about warming you up with some easy questions and answers. So just answer quickly, with simple English, and try not to hesitate or make mistakes.
Here are 10 example answers to this question about running.
‘Yes, I Do’ Answers
1. Yes, I really like running. I go jogging around my neighborhood 3 or 4 times a week because it keeps me fit and healthy.
2. Yes, I do. I enjoy running because when I go for a run I feel relaxed, and it helps me relieve stress. I usually listen to music while I jog, which is even more calming.
3. Yes, I’ve always liked running. Actually, I like any kind of exercise. I’m a very sporty person, so I try to exercise every morning to clear my head and get ready for the day.
4. Yes, I do. I think running is one of the easiest exercises to do because all you need is a good pair of sneakers. You can do it anywhere you like, at any time.
5. Yes, these days I enjoy jogging a lot. When I was younger I never used to run, and I put on a lot of weight. Then two years ago I decided to change my habits. So now I run regularly, and I’ve lost a lot of weight because of it.
‘No, I Don’t’ Answers
6. To be honest, I don’t like running at all. I’m quite a laid-back person. I’d rather chill out at home than go running outside in the cold.
7. I like to work out but I don’t like running. I heard that too much running or jogging is bad for your knees, so I prefer to go cycling or swimming instead.
8. Well, I haven’t tried running before, but it looks quite difficult and tiresome to me. If I have to work out, I’d rather do some sports with my friends. That’s much more fun, I think.
‘Sometimes’ Answers
9. I can’t say I’m a big fan of running, but I know it’s important to exercise, so I’m trying to get into the habit of regular running. Maybe I’ll enjoy it more in future.
10. I used to really like running. When I was in college, I played soccer and often went running to keep fit enough to play. Unfortunately, these days I’m pretty lazy, and I rarely go running anymore.
Now, It’s Your Turn
To answer this question yourself, you can use the YES Method and just say the first thing that comes into your head.
Set up the recorder on your phone and ask yourself out loud, “Do you like running?”
When you’ve finished answering, listen to your answer, and quickly write it down.
Notice if you made any mistakes or hesitated. Think about how you might improve your answer. Then try again.
Keep repeating this process for all of your IELTS Speaking part-one questions. It’s a wonderful way to improve!
