Do you like taking photos?
Yes, though I'm very much an amateur. I like having a record of places I've been and small moments I'd otherwise forget. I'm not one of those people who photographs every meal, though. I'd rather enjoy the moment first.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Photography questions and answers
The examiner is checking whether you can talk about an everyday habit in some detail and give opinions. Knowing technical photography terms doesn't matter.
All Part 1 topics
The questions
Answer each one aloud before you read the model — two to four sentences, then stop.
- Do you like taking photos?
- What do you usually take photos of?
- Do you use a camera or your phone?
- Did you take photos when you were a child?
- Do you like having your photo taken?
- Do you ever print your photos?
- Would you like to learn more about photography in the future?
Model answers
Written to be spoken, at about band 8. Useful phrases are in bold. Borrow the structure and the phrases — never the whole answer.
What do you usually take photos of?
Mostly landscapes and nature, since I go walking quite a lot. I'm especially fond of early morning light, when everything looks a bit softer. I also take plenty of photos of my nieces, mainly to send to the rest of the family.
Do you use a camera or your phone?
Just my phone at the moment. Phone cameras have improved so much that, for what I do, a separate camera would be overkill. It's also always in my pocket, which means I'm ready whenever something catches my eye on a walk.
Did you take photos when you were a child?
A little. I had a cheap disposable camera on school trips, and there was always a nervous wait to get the film developed. Half the photos would be blurry or have my thumb in the corner, but that was part of the fun.
Do you like having your photo taken?
Not particularly. I tend to feel awkward and never know what to do with my hands. I'm fine with relaxed group shots where nobody's really posing, but I dread formal photos, like at weddings, where you have to hold a smile for ages.
Do you ever print your photos?
Hardly ever, which is a shame. I've got thousands of photos sitting on my phone that I never look at. I did get a few of my favourite landscape shots printed and framed last year, though, and it's lovely seeing them on the wall every day.
Would you like to learn more about photography in the future?
Yes, I'd like to do a short course at some point. I understand the basics, but I'd like to learn how to use light and composition properly, rather than just relying on luck. Maybe then I'd finally invest in a decent camera.
Useful vocabulary for photography
- a record of
- Something that keeps a memory or detail of an event so you don't lose it.
- overkill
- More than is needed for the purpose.
- catches my eye
- Suddenly gets your attention because it's interesting or attractive.
- get the film developed
- To have old camera film turned into printed photos.
- group shots
- Photos of several people together.
- hold a smile
- To keep smiling for a long time, usually for a camera.
- printed and framed
- Turned into a physical photo and put in a frame.
Now answer them with the clock running.
Timed Part 1 practice with an AI band for each criterion.