Tip # 14 CreatE a Speaking stage 1: self-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Self-Assessment Checklist

Instructions: After practicing a question, grade yourself (✅/❌) on each skill used. Aim for 4+ checks per response.
Do so based on the following skill types of questions
1. Current Actions/State 

2. Habits & Routines

3. Past Habits/Key Moments
Example:
"I used to play piano as a child. The last time I played was at my sister’s wedding—I wish I still practiced regularly because at times I come across a piano and like playing songs from memory!"


4. Likes/Preferences
Example:
"I prefer tea over coffee—it’s more soothing. I love trying different kinds of tea types. For example, the other day I tried authentic Japanese matcha and I'd like to try out Korean Ginseng someday!"

5. Importance & Value
Example:
"Sleep is essential for me because it directly affects my creativity at work." If I get less than 5 hours, I just don't seem to come up with any new ideas or ways to improve existing work

6. Changes & Comparisons
Example:
"My neighborhood has become much noisier than 5 years ago. There are more  and more establishments, particularly those that cater to the night time crowd. While I miss the quiet, the new cafes are quite convenient."

1. Current Actions/State
✅ Used Simple Present (I work, I live)
✅ Used Present Perfect Continuous (I’ve been studying)
✅ Added duration/location (for 2 years, in Berlin)
 Example:
"I currently work as a supply contractor for landscape services. I’ve been doing this work since 2020 at a local company."


2. Habits & Routines
✅ Used adverbs of frequency (usually, often)
✅ Included time clauses (whenever, after, before)
✅ Used "It depends" + conditional (If X, I Y)
Example:
"I usually go jogging in the mornings, after I eat my breakfaast. It depends on the weather though—if it rains, I’ll usually just head over to the indoor swimming pool instead."


3. Past Habits/Key Moments
✅ Used "used to/would" for past habits
✅ Mentioned first/last time (The first time I...)
✅ Added nostalgic contrast (I miss..., Now I...)
Example:
 Example:
"I used to play piano as a child. The last time I played was at my sister’s wedding—I wish I still practiced regularly because at times, I come across a piano and like playing songs from memory!"


4. Likes/Preferences
✅ Used preference verbs (prefer, enjoy, adore)
✅ Made comparisons (more/less than)
✅ Added wish/hope (I’d love to..., I hope to...)
Example:
"I prefer tea over coffee—it’s more soothing. I love trying different kinds of tea types. For example, the other day I tried authentic Japanese matcha and I'd like to try out Korean Ginseng someday!"
5. Importance & Value
✅ Used value words (crucial, essential)
✅ Gave clear justification (because, since)
✅ Linked to personal impact (affects, improves my...)
 Example:
"Sleep is essential for me because it directly affects my creativity at work." If I get less than 5 hours, I just don't seem to come up with any new ideas or ways to improve existing work


6. Changes & Comparisons
✅ Used change verbs (has transformed, improved)
✅ Made clear comparisons (more crowded than before)
✅ Balanced pros/cons (While X, Y...)
Example:
"My neighborhood has become much noisier than 5 years ago. There are more  and more establishments, particularly those that cater to the night time crowd. While I miss the quiet, the new cafes are quite convenient."
 
Fluency & Pronunciation Bonus Checks
✅ Stressed content words (I LOVE hiking on WEEKends)
✅ Natural intonation (↗rise for lists, ↘fall to conclude)
✅ Paused after clauses (After work... I go to the gym)
✅ Minimized fillers ("Well..." instead of "Umm...")


How to Use This Checklist:

1. Record yourself answering 5 Part 1 questions.
2. Transcribe 1 response and grade it.
3. Focus on weak areas (e.g., if "Past Habits" is ❌, practice "used to" sentences).

Pro Tip: For Band 7+, aim to demonstrate all 6 skills across your Part 1 responses.