IELTS is set into three sections.
Part 1 is generally something about you, where you are from, do you like something, what do you think of something etc.
So you can prepare before the test to answer some of these questions. Of course you can’t prepare for all things, as the examiner may throw in a few curve balls (tricky). This exchange of questions is going to be about 5 minutes.
When asked a question, for example, “Where is your hometown?” you might answer“Shanghai” This is correct but hardly a worthy answer that will convince the examiner to expect a lot from you.
Give the place and then say something about it as this shows you can engage in a conversation and not just regurgitate (give) facts and names. Maybe say something about the city, location, size, the fact you might not know much about it because you left at a young age.
“I come from China’s largest city Shanghai, on the coast; do you know the area of Minhang in Shanghai? That is the part of Shanghai I was born”
A bit more than just one word.
Chances are you will get a follow up question as this is a conversation and in conversations you garner (get) information from those you are talking too.
“Can you describe… to me” or “How has the city changed” or “What do you like/don’t like… about…” or “What are the people like” or "Who lives in your neighbourhood" or"Where do you buy groceries"
Answer how you feel. This isn’t a test on facts, if you lie all the way through then be prepared as lying or non-truths can come back to haunt you.
“I come from the state of Nanjing in Beijing, next to India” Completely wrong but no one is taking notes on that. You will get a follow up question about it so chances are you will have todig yourself out of that hole (talk your way out of a lie). The truth is often easier to talk about.
There is a good chance you will also be asked about school or work as that is one of the main questions asked to someone you don’t know.
If you are in school then maybe something about enjoying school or not enjoying school or maybe something about a topic in school, why do you study that?
If you are working then questions about what your job might be, how long have you been there, do you like it, will you stay long?
Again you don’t have to tell the truth, maybe just half truths in case you feel you shouldn’t give out too much information.
“I am an International spy here to assassinate you”
If you feel uncomfortable about a question then, just as in a conversation, say so and give the reason in a polite way. Politeness goes a long way. The examiner will understand as they are nice people and will try to reword the question so it isn’t so invasive (direct) but they will also be able to tell if you are saying that just to bypass a question you find difficult or just don't like.
Other questions are likely to be about basic everyday things. Something about your family, neighbours, workmates, perhaps the weather or something to do with food or shopping. These are everyday things, or what you might ask someone you just met. Every question will likely have a follow up related to them. They are direct questions about the topic.
So food questions may deal with local dishes or if you like sweet food or who should do the cooking and why?
Something about your family might be the size of the family, what someone in the family does, your role in the family etc.
Be clear and precise, don’t go off topic too much and don’t repeat, don’t repeat what you want to say. Be yourself, take a deep breath before you speak and if you spend a second thinking about it before you start talking, then nod in acknowledgement to the question. A little dead air for a second or two is fine as that is natural in conversations. A second or two, not five or 10 seconds.
Here are some other topics to think about. You can probably answer questions on them in your native tongue so now practice using English only.
Family, Language, your routine, holidays and festivals, travel, sport, Foreigners in China, Entertainment like TV and reading, cultural areas like art and architecture.
There is something called the 5Ws of Who What Where When Why and How. Basic words used to gather information. Maybe 'Have' and 'Will' should be in there too.
Pick a topic and try making questions using the Ws along with how, have and will. This isn't how questions are chosen but it is good way to practice and to help you anticipate the next question.
Like Sun Tzu says, "If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperilled in a hundred battles... if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperilled in every single battle." The questions are the battle not the examiner.
