SELT Practice
IELTS Life Skills A1 sample test with example answers
An IELTS Life Skills A1 sample test has four phases and lasts no more than 18 minutes. IELTS publishes two samples, and this page links to them, as of 10 November 2026. It also gives you our own sample tasks with example answers for each phase, so you can practise at home.
What the published A1 sample test looks like
IELTS says the Life Skills test takes around 20 minutes and that you take it with one examiner and one other test taker (IELTS format page). The A1 sample test frame says it should not be longer than 18 minutes. It has four phases, as of 10 November 2026.
| Phase | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1a | 4 to 5 minutes | The examiner asks each of you personal questions, for example about work or study, where you live and free time. |
| 1b | 5 minutes | You prepare questions for 1.5 minutes, then ask the other candidate about a topic for up to 2 minutes. Then you swap. |
| 2a | 4 minutes | You listen to two recordings. You pick the main idea from three choices, then answer two detail questions for each recording after the second play. |
| 2b | 3 to 4 minutes | You and the other candidate talk about a topic together. The examiner may give prompt questions. |
Source: the IELTS A1 sample test A frame (PDF on ielts.org). Timings can be checked there. The fee and result time are not confirmed here, so check the test centre.
Get the published sample tests
IELTS publishes two sample tests, A and B, for A1, with audio. We link to them but do not copy them. Practise with them first if you can.
All links are on the IELTS Life Skills sample questions page.
Our own sample tasks with example answers
These tasks are our own, written for practice. They follow the same kind of phases but are not IELTS questions. Each one is a free item you can also try with the AI examiner. The answers are examples at A1, not the only good answer.
Phase 1a: personal questions
Our task: Free time. The examiner asks questions like these.
What do you do in your free time?
“I watch TV and I cook.”
Do you like football?
“Yes, I like football. I play on Sunday.”
What do you do at the weekend?
“I go to the market with my wife.”
Where do you go?
“I go to the park.”
Tip: answer in a full short sentence and listen to the other candidate. Do not interrupt.
Phase 1b: questions and a short talk
Our task: The weather in your city. You have 1 minute 30 seconds to prepare. Write key words only: summer, winter, rain, your favourite weather. Then ask the other candidate your questions. Your questions could be:
- What is the weather like in your city?
- What is it like in winter?
- Do you like the weather in the UK?
Then the other candidate asks you about the same kind of topic. Example answers:
What is the weather like in your city?
“It is hot and dry.”
What is it like in winter?
“It is cool. It is not cold.”
Do you like the weather in the UK?
“No, I don't. It rains too much.”
Phase 2a: listening
Our task: Pharmacy and library. You hear two short recordings. For each, you choose one answer for the main idea, then you hear it again and answer two spoken questions. Listen to the recordings on our practice page first: A1 phase 2a practice.
Example questions and answers for the pharmacy message:
Why does the woman call? (the shop is closed / the bus is late / the medicine is ready)
“The medicine is ready.”
When can you get the medicine?
“Today, before five o'clock.”
How much is it?
“Nine pounds.”
And for the library message:
What is the message about? (the library / a train time / a football game)
“The library.”
How many books can you take?
“Five.”
When does the library open?
“At nine o'clock.”
Tip: make notes while you listen. Write numbers and times.
Phase 2b: talk and decide together
Our task: Warm at home in winter. Talk together for three to four minutes. Say what you think and agree or disagree. Things to talk about: a hot drink, a warm jumper, the heating.
If you stop, the examiner may ask a prompt question. Example answers:
Is your home cold in winter?
“Yes, it is cold in the morning.”
Is the heating expensive?
“Yes, it is very expensive.”
What is best?
“I think a jumper and a hot drink.”
Tip: give an opinion with a reason: “I like a jumper because it is cheap.” Then ask your partner “Do you agree?”
Practise each part
The AI examiner can also play the other candidate, so you can practise alone. See the IELTS Life Skills A1 page for the whole test and the topics page. Not sure of your level? Try the free level check.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your situation before you book.
How long is the IELTS Life Skills A1 sample test?
The A1 sample test frame says it should not be longer than 18 minutes. The phases are about 4 to 5, 5, 4 and 3 to 4 minutes.
Where can I find the IELTS A1 sample test?
IELTS publishes sample tests A and B with audio on its Life Skills sample questions page. We link to the PDFs and audio above.
Are your sample tasks real IELTS questions?
No. They are our own original tasks, written for practice. They follow the same kind of phases, but we do not use or recall real test questions.