IELTS Speaking Part 1

Clothes: IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions and answers

Questions the examiner may ask about clothes, each with a natural band 8–9 sample answer. Read them aloud, then try your own.

What kind of clothes do you usually wear?

Mostly casual things. On a normal university day I wear jeans or chinos with a cotton shirt or a polo, because Dhaka is hot and humid for most of the year and anything heavier becomes unbearable. When I have a presentation, though, I switch to a formal shirt and trousers so I look a bit more polished.

Do you wear different clothes at weekends?

Yes, I dress down even more. At home I'm usually in a lungi or tracksuit bottoms and an old T-shirt, which is about as comfortable as it gets. If I go out with friends I'll put on jeans, but I won't bother ironing anything, whereas on weekdays I try to look reasonably presentable.

Do you prefer comfortable clothes or fashionable ones?

Comfort wins for me, almost every time. With the heat here, a stylish but tight outfit just isn't worth it if I'm sweating through it by midday. That said, I don't think the two have to be opposites; a well-cut linen shirt can be cool to wear and still look quite smart.

Do you ever wear traditional clothes? When?

Yes, mainly on religious and cultural occasions. On Eid I always wear a new panjabi, usually one my mother has picked out, and I wear one again for weddings and for Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year. I actually enjoy it, because a panjabi feels festive and also happens to be very breathable.

Where do you usually buy your clothes?

It depends on what I'm buying. For everyday shirts and jeans, I go to local brand outlets near home, because the prices are reasonable and I can try things on. Before Eid, though, the whole family still makes a trip to one of the big markets, which is chaotic but strangely fun. I occasionally order online, although sizes can be hit and miss.

Do you follow fashion trends?

Not really, no. I notice them, of course, because my feed is full of influencers wearing oversized shirts or whatever is popular that month, but I rarely buy into them. Trends change so quickly that following them feels wasteful. I'd rather own a few good pieces that I'll still be happy wearing in three years.

Sample answers written by Abroadway as models of natural, high-band speaking (not official IELTS samples).

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