IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Names

Examiner: How did your parents choose your name?
Candidate: There are a few possibilities for how my parents chose my name. Maybe they had a family tradition of naming children after historical figures, liked the sound of the name, or chose a name with a specific meaning. Unfortunately, I don’t have personal memories of that time!

Examiner: Is your name common or unusual in your country?
Candidate: My name is (common/unusual) in my country. I (often/rarely) meet other people with the same name.

Examiner: If you could change your name, would you? (Why/Why not?)
Candidate: I (would/wouldn’t) necessarily change my name. I’ve grown accustomed to it, which feels like a part of my identity. However, if I could choose, I might consider a name with a specific meaning or unique sound.

Examiner: Did your family have a particular nickname for you when you were a child?
Candidate: Yes, many families have nicknames for their children. My family used to call me (mention your childhood nickname), which was likely a shortened version of my name or a term of endearment.

Examiner: Are there any interesting traditions or customs related to naming children in your culture?
Candidate: There are some fascinating traditions in my culture related to naming children. For example, naming children after deities, consulting with elders for name suggestions, or giving children multiple names.

Examiner: Do you think a person’s name can influence their personality?
Candidate: This is an interesting question! There’s no definitive answer, but some believe a person’s name can subconsciously influence their personality traits or how others perceive them. However, I think personality is shaped by a combination of factors beyond just a name.

Examiner: Have you ever met someone with a name that you found particularly interesting?
Candidate: Yes, I have! Once, I met someone with a name (mention the interesting name). I found it interesting because it was a historical name, had a unique meaning, or came from a different culture.

Examiner: In your opinion, what makes a good name?
Candidate: A good name is subjective, but for me, it should ideally be easy to pronounce and remember, have a positive meaning, and reflect the cultural background. Ultimately, a good name is one that the person carrying it feels comfortable and confident with.

Examiner: Do you think it’s important to learn how to pronounce names correctly?
Candidate: Absolutely! Taking the time to learn how to pronounce someone’s name correctly demonstrates respect and shows you care. It can also make them feel valued and included.

Examiner: Have you ever struggled to pronounce someone’s name?
Candidate: I have struggled to pronounce someone’s name before. If I’m unsure, I always politely ask the person how to say their name correctly. Most people are happy to help with pronunciation.

Examiner: Do parents in your culture typically choose names with meanings in mind?
Candidate: Many parents in my culture prioritize names with meanings. They might choose names that represent strength, virtue, or good fortune or hold significance in their religion or cultural heritage. The meaning behind a name can be a source of pride and personal connection for the individual.

Examiner: Are there any superstitions or beliefs in your culture associated with names?
Candidate: There might be some! Some cultures believe certain names bring good luck or prosperity, while others might avoid names associated with negative connotations. These beliefs can influence parental choices when naming their children.

Examiner: Have you ever changed your name or considered doing so legally?
Candidate: No, I haven’t personally changed my name legally. However, some people choose to do so for various reasons, such as adoption, marriage, or a preference for a different cultural identity.

Examiner: Do you think nicknames can be just as important as a person’s given name?
Candidate: Absolutely! Nicknames can become an important part of someone’s identity, especially in close-knit circles of friends and family. Nicknames can be endearing, reflect shared experiences, or simply be a shorter, more familiar way to address someone.

Examiner: In your opinion, how does a person’s name shape the way they interact with the world?
Candidate: A person’s name can influence their interactions in a few ways. Suppose they have a name that’s often mispronounced or difficult to remember. In that case, they might need to be more assertive in correcting others. A unique name can sometimes spark conversation or make a lasting impression. Ultimately, a person’s confidence and comfort with their name likely play a more significant role in shaping their interactions than the name itself.

Top 10 Topic Vocabulary for  “Names”