INVESTIGATING LEARNER DIFFICULTIES IN IELTS SPEAKING PART 1

This exploratory action research aims to identify and understand the common difficulties faced by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in IELTS Speaking Part 1. As an introductory segment of the IELTS Speaking test, Part 1 requires test-takers to answer familiar, everyday questions, yet many learners still underperform. This study was conducted with 20 intermediate-level learners at a language center in Uzbekistan. Data was collected through classroom observations, learner interviews, and audio-recorded speaking tasks. Findings revealed several recurring challenges, such as lexical limitations, pronunciation problems, lack of fluency, and anxiety. Based on the results, targeted speaking strategies were introduced, followed by reflective practice. The study concludes that while Part 1 seems simple in structure, it poses unique challenges for non-native speakers, emphasizing the need for practical fluency-building and confidence-enhancing activities in the classroom.