IELTS Speaking Part 1: Headphones

NEW May-Aug 2026Part 1 Speaking Topic
Q1

Do you use headphones?

Absolutely, I’m a heavy user of noise-cancelling headphones. I pop them on during my daily commute to block out traffic ruckus, and also use them for virtual meetings to ensure crystal-clear audio.

noise-cancelling /ˈnɔɪz ˈkænsəlɪŋ/:降噪的

crystal-clear /ˌkrɪstl ˈklɪə(r)/:极其清晰的

heavy user /ˈhevi ˈjuːzə(r)/:高频使用者

block out /blɒk aʊt/:隔绝,遮挡

commute /kəˈmjuːt/:通勤

ruckus /ˈrʌkəs/:喧闹,嘈杂

Q2

When do you use headphones?

I predominantly use headphones during my daily commute to tune out background noise while listening to podcasts or indie playlists. I also pop them on for virtual meetings to ensure crisp audio without distracting others in my shared apartment.

virtual meetings /ˈvɜːtʃuəl ˈmiːtɪŋz/:线上会议

predominantly /prɪˈdɒmɪnəntli/:主要地

crisp audio /krɪsp ˈɔːdiəʊ/:清晰音质

tune out /tjuːn aʊt/:隔绝,不理会

podcasts /ˈpɒdkɑːsts/:播客

commute /kəˈmjuːt/:通勤路程

Q3

What type of headphones do you use?

I currently use a pair of noise-cancelling over-ear headphones from a reputable audio brand. They’re perfect for blocking out background chatter when I study in crowded cafes, and they deliver crisp, immersive sound for my weekly podcast binges.

noise-cancelling /ˈnɔɪz ˌkænsəlɪŋ/:降噪的

podcast binges /ˈpɒdkɑːst bɪndʒɪz/:一次性大量收听播客

reputable /ˈrepjətəbl/:口碑好的

block out /blɒk aʊt/:隔绝

immersive /ɪˈmɜːsɪv/:沉浸式的

chatter /ˈtʃætə(r)/:闲聊声

Q4

In what occasions will you not use headphones?

I never reach for headphones when navigating busy pedestrian zones, as I need to stay alert to surrounding traffic. I also avoid wearing them during family dinners, since I value unbroken casual conversations with my loved ones at the table.

pedestrian zone /pəˈdestriən zəʊn/:步行区

stay alert /steɪ əˈlɜːt/:保持警惕

reach for /riːtʃ fɔː(r)/:取用

navigate /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/:穿行(于复杂路况)

unbroken /ʌnˈbrəʊkən/:不间断的