Hometown, study, work and food: ready-made answers you can adapt

Some Part 1 topics come up again and again. The first questions are usually about your home or hometown, and whether you work or study. Food is also a very common topic. You should never be surprised by these. Prepare them well, and the first minute of your test will feel easy.

One warning before we start. Prepare ideas and vocabulary, not word-for-word scripts. Lesson S09 explains why memorised answers hurt your score.

Why this matters

The first questions set the mood for the whole test. If you answer them smoothly, you relax. If you stumble on "Where are you from?", your nerves get worse.

Topic 1: Hometown

Useful language:

"I'm originally from... but I've been living in... for..."
"It's a fairly small / busy / laid-back town."
"It's best known for..."
"It's changed a lot over the last few years."
"The best thing about it is... The downside is..."

Sample answer: What's your hometown like?

"I'm originally from Rajshahi, in the north-west of Bangladesh. It's a fairly calm city compared to Dhaka, with wide roads and a lot of greenery. It's best known for its mangoes and its silk, so in summer the whole city smells of mangoes. I moved to Dhaka for university, and honestly, I still miss how quiet it is."

Topic 2: Studies

Useful language:

"I'm in my second / final year of a degree in..."
"I'm doing a BSc / BBA / MSc in..."
"I chose it because..."
"The most challenging part is..."
"After I graduate, I'm hoping to..."

Sample answer: What do you study?

"I'm in my final year of a BSc in Civil Engineering. I chose it because I've always been interested in how bridges and buildings are designed. The maths can be quite heavy, but I enjoy the practical projects. After I graduate, I'm hoping to do a master's abroad."

Topic 3: Work

Useful language:

"I work as a... at..."
"I'm responsible for..."
"A typical day involves..."
"What I like most about it is..."
"I've been there for about... years."

Sample answer: Do you enjoy your job?

"Mostly, yes. I work as a junior officer at a private bank, so I deal with customer accounts and loan paperwork. The hours are long, especially at the end of the month. But I've learned a lot about finance, and my colleagues are really supportive."

What if you're between study and work?

Many Bangladeshi students take the test after graduating, while preparing to go abroad. Just say so honestly.

"Actually, I've just finished my bachelor's, and right now I'm preparing to apply for a master's abroad. So most of my time goes on IELTS and applications."

That's a perfectly good answer.

Topic 4: Food

Useful language:

"I'm a big fan of..."
"It's a dish made with..."
"It's quite spicy / rich / light / filling."
"I usually have it..."
"Nothing beats my mother's..."

Sample answer: What's your favourite food?

"It has to be hilsa fish, especially cooked in mustard sauce. It's a very traditional Bengali dish, and it's quite rich and a bit spicy. My mother makes it on special occasions, so for me it's connected to family gatherings."

Tip: almost everyone says "biryani". That's fine, but a more specific or personal answer helps you stand out and gives you more to talk about.

Try it yourself

Using the language above, prepare short answers to these. Write only key words, not full sentences.

Where do you live?
Why did you choose your subject or job?
Is there any food you don't like?
Has your hometown changed since you were a child?

Honest note

Your real answer is always the best answer. Don't invent a fancy job or a famous hometown. Real details come out naturally, and the examiner can usually tell the difference.

Your task today

Make a one-page sheet with key words for each of the four topics. Then practise answering without looking at it.