Speaking
Talking about likes and dislikes in IELTS Part 1 is almost unavoidable, and it is one of the clearest places for an examiner to see how wide your vocabulary really is. A candidate who says I like it six times has demonstrated one structure. A candidate who moves between I am quite keen on, I cannot stand and I would far sooner has demonstrated a range, on exactly the same opinions.
An answer, a reason, and something the reason is set against. Two sentences minimum, three is better.
Take three from each column, not all twenty. Vocabulary you can produce without thinking is worth far more in a fourteen-minute test than vocabulary you recognise on a page.
When you express a preference, English speakers routinely acknowledge the other side before returning to their own. Doing this gives you a longer sentence, a more complex structure and a more thoughtful answer, all at once.
Do you prefer studying in a group or one to one?
I much prefer a group. Admittedly, you get far more individual attention in a one-to-one class, and there is nowhere to hide, which is probably good for you. But you learn a surprising amount from the other students — from their mistakes as much as anything — and there is a rhythm to a group that I find easier to keep up with.
Do you enjoy trying new food?
I am keen on anything new, yes, and I particularly like restaurants where you can order several small things and try a bit of everything. Having said that, I do have a handful of meals I never get tired of, and I suspect if I am honest I order those more often than I would admit.
Like, love, hate and prefer can be followed either by an -ing form or by a to infinitive, and the two are not identical.
I like to study every day. This is habit and judgement — the speaker thinks it is a sensible thing to do, whether or not they enjoy it.
I like studying in the morning. This is genuine enjoyment of the activity itself.
Being able to use both deliberately, in the same answer, is a small thing that examiners notice: I like to get up early, though I cannot say I like getting up early.
Answer each aloud in three sentences: your position, a reason, and a concession. Thirty seconds each.
Would you rather read a book or watch the film of it?
Do you prefer spending time indoors or outdoors?
Is there any music you actively dislike?
Do you prefer to plan a trip or improvise it?