"Tell Me About Yourself": The Key to Acing IELTS Speaking Part 1

It’s one of the most deceptively simple questions in the IELTS Speaking exam: “Tell me about yourself.” And yet, this opening line can make or break the rhythm of your test. It’s your moment to shine, connect confidently, and show the examiner you’ve got what it takes—without sounding like you're reciting from a script.

Here’s how to nail it with flair and finesse.

Sample Band 7+ Response

"Sure! My name is Alex, and I currently live in Vancouver. I'm preparing for the IELTS because I plan to study abroad—I'm really interested in psychology and hope to attend university in Canada. In my free time, I enjoy reading non-fiction, especially books on human behavior, and I love hiking when the weather’s nice. I find spending time in nature really helps me clear my mind and stay focused."

What works here:

• Natural and fluent delivery

• Clear organization and purpose

• Good vocabulary range (e.g. human behavior, focused, non-fiction)

• Touch of personality and enthusiasm

 Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Mistake	Why It Hurts
Sharing overly personal info	It’s irrelevant and could feel awkward
Sounding rehearsed	Examiners can tell—it weakens authenticity
Going off-topic	You lose coherence and impact
Using slang like “I’m chillin’”	It lowers your language register
Negative talk like “I’m not good at English”	It can reflect poorly on confidence

IELTS Insider Tip: The Speaking Part 1 is designed to be warm-up territory, but don’t underestimate its importance. Think of it as a casual first impression—friendly, confident, and engaging.

At Admire Education, we help you master not just your grammar, but your presence. Practice with real speaking prompts, get instant feedback, and learn to talk like a Band 8 candidate—because why settle for 7?