In IELTS Speaking part one, the examiner may ask you, “What do you do when you feel bored?” To answer, you can just talk about what you do in your free time, or describe one of your hobbies.
Let’s look at how to give a great answer, with 10 good examples (go straight to the answers here).
What You Can Talk About
For all part-one questions, it’s best to say the first thing that comes into your mind.
Just talk about one thing you like to do in your free time. On pastime or hobby. Then add one or two simple sentences about that thing. You can say:
- Why you do that activity
- How you feel when you do it
- How often you do it
- Who you do it with
- How long you’ve been doing it for
- Describe the activity in more detail
- Anything else you think of
Focus on Fluency, Not Vocabulary
While preparing for IELTS, you’re probably learning lots of advanced vocabulary.
But don’t try to think of advanced vocabulary in part one.
That will probably slow you down.
Part one is only to warm you up. So focus on fluency – answer as quickly as you can, without hesitation.
You can use very simple English. That’s fine in part one.
Fluency will make the examiner happy. You can worry about vocabulary in part two when you have more time to think.
Use the Three-Step YES Method
Also, don’t give very long answers in part one. Short 10 or 20-second answers are fine.
The examiner has many questions to ask you, so help them by keeping your answers short.
Practice using the three-step YES Method for your part-one answers. Just say:
- Your answer (say one pastime or hobby you enjoy)
- Explain your answer (say why you enjoy it) or add more details
- Stop talking (wait patiently for the next question)
Example Answers
Here are 10 good examples. Read them and see if you can borrow some ideas for your own answer.
Browse Social Media
1. To be honest, whenever I’m bored I just browse social media. I scroll through Facebook or Instagram and see what my people are doing and talking about.
Watch a Movie
2. I’m a big fan of movies, so when I feel bored and have nothing to do, I find a new movie to watch. My favorite genres of movies are action movies and science fiction.
Meet a Friend
3. I’m quite a social person so when I feel bored I meet up with one of my friends. We usually go shopping or meet in a coffee shop, and we just catch up and joke around. I love spending time with my friends.
Read a Book
4. When I feel bored I usually read a book. I suppose I’m a bit of a bookworm. I love reading novels, especially romance novels. I can read those kinds of stories all day long.
Play Computer Games
5. I play computer games whenever I get bored. I’m really into League of Legends. It’s a strategy and roleplay game that you play on the PC. I’ve been playing League of Legends for five years now.
Go for a Walk
6. Well, I like to go for a walk when I’m bored. I live in a nice green area, with lots of trees and pretty scenery. I find it very relaxing and peaceful to stretch my legs and get some fresh air.
Go Shopping
7. To be honest, I usually go shopping when I’m bored. I buy things online or meet my friends in the shopping mall. I don’t think it’s a good habit though, because I spend too much money on things I don’t really need.
Exercise
8. I’m really into exercise, so when I feel bored I just go to the gym. I love running and lifting weights. It makes me feel fantastic.
Sleep
9. My favorite pastime is sleeping. Whenever I have free time or I feel bored, I just get into bed and have a nap. I think it’s a great way to spend my time.
Never Feel Bored
10. Well, that’s a tricky question because I never really get bored. I’m always so busy with work and family and friends and all my responsibilities. I think I would love to feel bored one day. It sounds relaxing!
Now It’s Your Turn
Give this question a try yourself.
Set up the recorder on your phone and ask aloud, “What do you do when you feel bored?”
Speak as quickly as you can, using the YES Method.
When you’ve finished, listen to your answer, and repeat it again.
Try to improve your answer a little each time.
This is a terrific way to prepare for part one of your IELTS Speaking test.