Speaking Part 1 – Lesson 1: How to Answer Liking Questions (Type 1 of 13)
About This Course
The 13 Types Cathoven Course is your step-by-step system to master all 13 question types in IELTS Speaking Part 1. Each lesson focuses on one type — with real examples, fluent structures, and targeted feedback.
What Are Liking Questions?
These ask about your preferences and interests. Common formats include:
- "Do you like…?"
- "Are you into…?"
- "What kind of [X] do you like?"
At first glance, they seem easy. But short answers like "Yes, I do" or "I like it" could hold you back from your target band score. Let's fix that.
What the Examiner Wants to Hear
To score Band 6.5 or higher, your answer should show:
- More than one sentence
- A variety of ways to say "I like…"
- A clear, fluent structure
Cathoven Lab Structure
General → Specific → Reason → Feeling
Start with a general opinion → give a specific example → explain why → say how it makes you feel.
General
Start broad – category-level
- "I'm really into music."
- "I've always enjoyed outdoor activities."
- "I'm quite a fan of reading in general."
Specific
Zoom in — use "especially" or "particularly"
- "Especially acoustic guitar and indie pop."
- "In particular, I enjoy hiking in the mountains."
- "I especially love fantasy novels like Harry Potter."
Reason
Explain why you like it
- "I think it's because it helps me relax."
- "The appeal lies in how immersive it is."
- "It lets me escape from daily stress."
Feeling
Describe how it affects you emotionally or mentally
- "It always lifts my mood."
- "It gives me a sense of peace."
- "I feel recharged afterward."
Top 5 Native "Liking" Phrases (Tested & Trusted)
Use just one per answer. These are fluent, flexible, and non-cliché:
- I'm really into… – casual, confident
- I've always had a thing for… – long-term interest
- I'm quite a fan of… – soft, natural
- I'm totally obsessed with… – high energy (use with control)
- There's just something about [X] that I love. – warm, expressive
Band 5 vs Band 8 Answer
Question: Do you like animals?
Band 5 Answer:
"Yes, I like animals. I like cats and dogs. They are cute."
Band 8 Answer:
"I've always had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. There's just something about their loyalty and emotional intelligence that I find really comforting. Whenever I'm around them, I feel instantly more relaxed — they kind of absorb your stress without doing anything at all."
Practice These Real Questions
Try answering these on our platform using the structure above:
- Are you into watching movies at home or in the cinema?
- Do you like perfume?
- What kind of music do you like?
Watch how it works:
See how students practice speaking questions inside the Cathoven IELTS Lab:
Want to Check Your Band Score — and Get Smart Feedback?
Take a mock speaking test in the Cathoven IELTS Lab.
Submit your answer to the Cathoven Speaking Checker, and you'll instantly receive:
- Your real-time Band score
- Detailed feedback on fluency, grammar, and vocabulary
- Targeted tips for your next morning study session
Preview of Your Feedback Report:
Coming Next in the Course
Lesson 2 – "Not a Fan"
How to Talk About Things You Don't Like (Disliking Questions)
