IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Hairdryers questions and answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions are short and personal: the examiner asks three to five on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. Here are 5 questions about hairdryers written by BandLadder in the examiner's style, each with a Band 8 sample answer and useful vocabulary. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 5 questions
  • 5 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

5 answers

Hairdryers questions with sample answers

1

Do you often use a hairdryer?

To be honest, practically every single day. I usually wash my hair in the morning before heading to the office, so I don't really have time to wait for it to dry on its own. Using one gives my hair a bit of volume as well.

2

Did you use a hairdryer much when you were a child?

Not particularly, no. Back then, my mother would just give my hair a quick towel dry after a bath, and I'd let the rest air dry while playing or doing homework. We only ever brought one out during the freezing winter months.

3

Do you prefer to dry your hair naturally or use a hairdryer?

I'd definitely rather let it dry naturally whenever I can, especially at weekends. Constant heat can cause quite a bit of frizz and split ends, so giving my hair a break from hot styling tools keeps it much healthier in the long run.

4

What features do you look for when choosing a hairdryer?

For me, weight is key because my arms get tired if it's too clunky. I also look for multiple heat and speed settings, plus a cold-shot button to set my style in place. Quietness is a bonus so I don't wake up my flatmates.

5

Do you think hairdryers will change much in the future?

I suppose so. They'll probably become far lighter, quieter, and more energy-efficient. I imagine newer models might also use smarter sensors that automatically adjust the temperature to prevent any heat damage whatsoever.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

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7 words

Useful vocabulary and tips

  • air dry

    to dry naturally in the air without heat

  • towel dry

    to remove moisture from hair using a towel

  • frizz

    hair that is puffy, dry, and unruly

  • split ends

    damaged hair strands divided at the tips

  • styling tools

    appliances used to shape and groom hair

  • clunky

    heavy, awkward, or inconveniently large

  • energy-efficient

    using relatively little power or electricity

  • →If you rarely use a hairdryer, explain your alternative routine rather than just giving a one-word answer.
  • →Incorporate specific grooming vocabulary like 'split ends', 'air dry', or 'heat damage' to demonstrate range.
  • →Keep your answers light and conversational, using natural discourse markers to link your ideas smoothly.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in IELTS Speaking Part 1?+

Usually about ten to twelve, over four to five minutes: a few on your work, study or home, then three or four short questions on each of two everyday topics.

How long should a Part 1 answer be?+

Two or three sentences, about 15 to 20 seconds: a direct answer, a reason and one detail. One-word answers cost fluency marks, and long speeches eat into the examiner's time.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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