Talking about yourself: learn

In this lesson you will

Extend short answers with a reason and an example
Use the right tense to talk about habits, experiences and the past
Answer personal questions for 20–45 seconds without long pauses

Before you start

Think about these questions, or answer them aloud.

→How would you describe yourself in three words?
→What do you usually do on a Saturday morning?

What the examiner wants

In IELTS Speaking Part 1, the examiner asks short questions about familiar topics: your home, your work or studies, your free time, food, the weather and so on. In the TOEFL interview, a recorded interviewer asks you questions and you have about 45 seconds for each answer, with no preparation time.

In both tests, a one-word or one-sentence answer is too short. But a long, memorised speech is also a problem: examiners notice it, and it often doesn't answer the question. Aim for a natural, complete answer: about 20–30 seconds in IELTS Part 1 and up to 45 seconds in the TOEFL interview.

The A-R-E method

Build each answer in three steps:

Answer the question directly. Yes, I do. / I'm a student.
Reason: say why. …because it helps me relax.
Example or Extra detail: give a real example, compare past and present, or add a feeling. For example, last weekend I…

For longer TOEFL answers, you can add a fourth step: a short concluding sentence that returns to the question.

A weak answer and a strong answer

Q: Do you like cooking?
Weak: Yes, I like it.
Strong: Yes, I do, especially on weekends. It's relaxing after a busy week, and I like trying new recipes. For example, last Sunday I made a Thai curry for the first time, and it was actually pretty good!

Useful language for personal answers
Purpose	Phrases
Habits (present simple)	I usually… / I tend to… / Most evenings I…
Experience up to now (present perfect)	I've lived here for ten years. / I've never been to…
Past habits (used to)	When I was younger, I used to… but now I…
Preferences	I'm really into… / I'm not a big fan of… / I'd rather… than…
Being honest	To be honest,… / Actually,… / I have to say…
Future plans and wishes	I'm planning to… / I'd love to… one day

Put in order

Quick check: build an A-R-E answer

Question: “What do you like doing in your free time?” Put the answer in a natural order.

1For example, last Friday I had a really stressful day, but after an hour in the pool I felt completely calm.
2Mostly, I like going swimming.
3So swimming is definitely my favourite way to relax.
4The main reason is that it helps me forget about work, and it keeps me fit.

Audio

Model: IELTS Speaking Part 1

In the exam you usually hear it once.

Try the questions first.

How a strong candidate does it

Each answer starts with a direct answer (I live in an apartment, I'm a student), so the examiner knows the question has been answered.
Then the candidate adds a reason or detail (it's bright and it has a small balcony; I've always wanted to help people).
The candidate uses the right tense for each question: present simple for now, present perfect for I've always wanted, used to for childhood habits.
Every answer is about 20 seconds. That's the right length for Part 1: long enough to show your English, short enough to sound natural.
The candidate uses natural phrases like to be honest and I'd love to… one day, not memorised sentences.

Matching

Match the question to the best answer

Match each question to the answer that fits it best. There is one extra answer that you do not need.

AIt's a fairly small town by a river. It's quiet, but there's a lovely market every Sunday.
BI visited my cousins in the countryside. We went for a long walk and had a barbecue.
CI'm going to stay at home and watch a few films, I think.
DI work, actually. I'm a sales assistant in a sports shop, so I'm on my feet all day.
ENot really, to be honest. I'm not very patient, so I usually make something quick, like pasta.
FNo, I haven't, but I'd love to spend a year in Canada and improve my English.

1.Do you work or are you a student?
2.What's your hometown like?
3.Do you like cooking?
4.Have you ever lived in another country?
5.What did you do last weekend?

Gap fill

Complete the answers

Complete each sentence with a word or phrase from the box. Use each one once.

1. I in this city since 2015, so it really feels like home. 2. When I was a child, I play football every weekend, but now I don't have time. 3. On weekdays I get up at seven and take the bus to work. 4. I enjoy cooking, Italian food, because it's quick and simple. 5. I've never been to Japan, but I go there one day. 6. , I'm not a big fan of social media. 7. I prefer studying in the morning my mind is fresher then. 8. There's lots to do in my town. , there's a big park with a lake.

Speaking task

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Answer without preparing, as in the real test. Use A-R-E: answer, reason, example or extra detail.

Let's talk about where you live. Do you like the area where you live? Why or why not?

No preparation time · 0:30 speaking

Speaking task

TOEFL Take an Interview

Imagine a researcher is interviewing you for a study about daily life. Answer with no preparation time. You have 45 seconds.

Tell me about a typical weekday for you. What do you usually do, and which part of the day do you enjoy most?

No preparation time · 0:45 speaking

Save words to review them later with flashcards.

hometown
the town or city where you were born or grew up
“My hometown is a small fishing village.”
neighbourhood
the area of a town where you live
“It's a friendly neighbourhood with lots of cafés.”
on the edge of
at the outside part of a place
“We live on the edge of the city, near the fields.”
degree
a course of study at a university
“She's doing a degree in nursing.”
routine
the things you usually do every day, in the same order
“My morning routine starts with a cup of tea.”
be into something
to like something a lot (informal)
“I'm really into rock climbing at the moment.”
not a big fan of
not liking something very much
“I'm not a big fan of spicy food.”
tend to
to usually do something
“I tend to go to bed quite late.”
on my feet
standing up, for example at work
“I'm a waiter, so I'm on my feet all day.”
fresh
(of your mind) rested and able to think clearly
“My mind feels fresh in the morning.”

Key points

Give full answers: about 20–30 seconds in IELTS Part 1 and up to 45 seconds in the TOEFL interview.
Use A-R-E: Answer, Reason, Example or Extra detail.
Choose the tense that fits the question: present simple, present perfect, used to, or would love to.
Sound natural, not memorised. Honest, simple answers with real details work best.

Check your answers in the practice exercises to record a score.

Up next · Speaking B1 Foundation

Listen and repeat

Go to lesson

Warm-up

In this lesson you will

Before you start

What the examiner wants

The A-R-E method

Quick check: build an A-R-E answer

How a strong candidate does it

Match the question to the best answer

Complete the answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1

TOEFL Take an Interview

Key points

Warm-up

In this lesson you will

Before you start

What the examiner wants

The A-R-E method

Quick check: build an A-R-E answer

How a strong candidate does it

Match the question to the best answer

Complete the answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1

TOEFL Take an Interview

Key points