IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Mornings

In this post, we are looking at a common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Mornings topic. This section is often used to test your ability to use specific vocabulary related to mornings and routines.

1. Do you like to get up early?

No, not at all. I’d much rather have a lie in but I have to get up at the crack of dawn for school/college/work. It’s a pain and I prefer the weekend when I can switch off my alarm.

I’d much rather = I’d prefer to

a lie in = to stay in bed after the normal time for getting up

at the crack of dawn = very early

It’s a pain = it’s annoying

2. What is your morning routine?

My alarm goes off at 6.30 and usually I click the snooze button and stay in bed for another ten minutes. I tend to go on my phone and check social media. Then I have a quick shower and get ready.

to go off = to make a sound

the snooze button = a button that allows you to have extra time before it goes off again e.g. 10 minutes

I tend to go = I usually go

3. Do you like the morning or the evening?

Definitely the latter. I’m a night owl rather than an early bird. It takes me a few hours to get going in the morning and I need a few coffees before I feel alert.

Definitely the latter = 100% the last thing i.e. the evening

a night owl = a person who prefers the evenings

an early bird = a person who prefers the mornings

to get going = to start to be active

alert = awake and able to think in a clear and intelligent way

4. Do you usually eat breakfast?

As a rule, yes, but I usually have it a few hours after I’ve got up. I can’t stomach food at 6.30am so I tend to have it around 8.30 instead. I’ll grab something on my way to work/school/college.

As a rule = usually

I can’t stomach food = I can’t eat it because I’ll feel ill

to grab something = to get something