In IELTS Speaking Part 1, social media is a common topic, given its relevance in everyday life. These questions allow you to show off your vocabulary and ability to discuss trends, habits, and personal experiences with social platforms. Below are some sample answers with useful phrases for discussing social media.

### 1. What Do People Often Do on Social Media?

When answering this question, focus on the broad range of activities people typically engage in and provide specific examples.

Example Answer:

Generally speaking, people engage in a variety of activities on social media. For instance, they share updates about their lives, post photos, and interact with friends and family by liking and commenting on their posts. Moreover, social media platforms are often used to stay informed about current events, follow trends, and discover new content. In a nutshell, social media serves as a hub for communication, entertainment, and information.

Why this answer works:

• Variety of activities: The answer covers a wide range of actions people take on social media, showing depth.

• Structure: The use of “for instance” and “moreover” helps in presenting a structured and cohesive response.

### 2. Do Your Friends Use Social Media?

This question gives you a chance to talk about social media in the context of your social circle, adding personal elements to your answer.

Example Answer:

Absolutely, nearly all of my friends are active on social media. For one thing, it’s a convenient way for us to stay connected, especially with those who live far away. Additionally, many of my friends use social media to network professionally, share their achievements, and keep up with industry trends. All things considered, social media plays a significant role in our daily interactions.

Why this answer works:

• Personalized answer: You are discussing how your friends use social media, making the response more engaging.

• Strong conclusion: The phrase “all things considered” wraps up the response, reinforcing the importance of social media.

### 3. Do You Think You Spend Too Much Time on Social Media?

This type of question invites introspection. You can talk about both the positive and negative aspects of social media usage.

Example Answer:

To be honest, I sometimes feel that I spend too much time on social media. For example, it’s easy to get caught up scrolling through feeds or watching videos, which can be a bit of a time drain. That being said, I try to set limits and be mindful of how much time I’m spending online. At the end of the day, it’s about finding a balance between staying connected and not letting social media consume too much of my time.

Why this answer works:

• Balanced viewpoint: By acknowledging both the downsides and how you manage your time, you present a thoughtful and well-rounded response.

• Real-life example: Referring to “scrolling through feeds” or “watching videos” makes the answer relatable and realistic.

### 4. When Did You Start Using Social Media?

Here, you can discuss how your relationship with social media has evolved over time, using both past and present perspectives.

Example Answer:

If memory serves me right, I started using social media in my early teens. Initially, it was just a fun way to connect with friends and share photos. However, over the years, my use of social media has evolved, and now it’s also a tool for networking, staying informed, and even professional development. Looking back, it’s interesting to see how integral social media has become in my life.

Why this answer works:

• Narrative style: The response tells a story, showing how your habits and perspective on social media have changed.

• Reflection: Using phrases like “looking back” gives the answer depth, showing that you’ve thought about the topic critically.