Should I memorise an introduction?

No. The examiner asks specific questions, and a memorised speech usually doesn't answer them. Prepare things to say about where you live and what you do, but say them in your own words when you're asked.

Is it OK to say my nickname?

Yes. If the examiner asks what to call you, give the name you actually use. It's a normal, friendly part of the conversation.

Is the introduction part of my score?

The ID and name check aren't scored as answers, but the examiner is already listening from the first question about your home, work or study, so treat it as part of the test.

What if I'm nervous at the start?

Almost everyone is. Breathe, smile and give short, honest answers to the first few questions. They're designed to be easy, so use them to settle in.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 · Introducing yourself

How do you introduce yourself in IELTS Speaking?

In the real test the examiner doesn't say "introduce yourself". They ask your name, check your ID, and then ask where you live or whether you work or study. A memorised one-minute introduction doesn't fit any of those questions, and examiners recognise them instantly.

What works is a relaxed, short answer to each question as it comes. The first two minutes aren't scored separately, but they set the tone, and a calm, natural start makes the rest of the test easier.

Answer it out loud with the AI examiner

Sample answers at 3 bands

Same question, three answers. Read them out loud and notice what changes: not longer words, but more detail, better linking and a bit of you in it.

Band 5.5 answer

Examiner: Can you tell me your full name? Candidate: My full name is Nguyen Thi Lan, but you can call me Lan. I am from Vietnam. I am 22 years old and I am a student of economics. My hobbies are reading and travelling.

Why it scores Band 5.5: The examiner only asked for a name, and this is a memorised introduction. It sounds rehearsed and gives the examiner nothing to build on.

Band 7 answer

Examiner: Can you tell me your full name? Candidate: Sure, it's Nguyen Thi Lan. Examiner: And what can I call you? Candidate: Just Lan is fine. Examiner: Where are you from? Candidate: I'm from Da Nang, in central Vietnam, though I've been living in Ho Chi Minh City for the last three years for university.

Why it scores Band 7: Each answer fits its question, short where it should be short and a little longer when there's something to add. That's exactly what a good opening sounds like.

Band 8 answer

Examiner: Where are you from? Candidate: Originally Da Nang, on the central coast, but I've been in Ho Chi Minh City for three years now, so I'm never quite sure which one to say. Da Nang is home, but I know Ho Chi Minh City's streets much better these days.

Why it scores Band 8: Natural, precise and a little personal, with present perfect continuous used accurately. This is what a fluent, relaxed opening sounds like.

Bands are our estimate against the public IELTS Speaking band descriptors. In the real test your band comes from all three parts, not one answer.

The follow-up questions

Part 1 stays on one topic for three or four questions. These are the ones that usually come next.

Should I memorise an introduction?: No. The examiner asks specific questions, and a memorised speech usually doesn't answer them. Prepare things to say about where you live and what you do, but say them in your own words when you're asked.
Is it OK to say my nickname?: Yes. If the examiner asks what to call you, give the name you actually use. It's a normal, friendly part of the conversation.
Is the introduction part of my score?: The ID and name check aren't scored as answers, but the examiner is already listening from the first question about your home, work or study, so treat it as part of the test.
What if I'm nervous at the start?: Almost everyone is. Breathe, smile and give short, honest answers to the first few questions. They're designed to be easy, so use them to settle in.

Words that lift this answer

originally from: Where you were born or grew up, if you live elsewhere now.
I've been living in… for…: Present perfect continuous for an ongoing situation.
you can call me…: Only when you're asked what name to use.
I'm in my final year of…: Natural way to describe studies.
I'm currently working as…: Natural way to describe a job.
to be honest: Fine to use once, but not in every answer.

Mistakes that cost marks here

Reciting a memorised introduction with your age, hobbies and dreams. It answers questions nobody asked.
Saying your age, family and hobbies when only your name was asked.
Answering the first questions with one word because you're nervous. Two sentences is perfect.

Reading answers won't move your band. Saying them will.

Take a full Cambridge Speaking test: the examiner's questions are played out loud, you answer, and you get a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. 10 free corrections a day.

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