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IELTS Speaking Test

IELTS Speaking Test Format

Timing

11-14 minutes.

Speaking Skills Assessed

A wide range of speaking skills are assessed, including:

  • the ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences and situations by answering a range of questions
  • the ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language and organising ideas coherently
  • the ability to express and justify opinions and to analyse, discuss and speculate about issues.

Speaking Marking

You are assessed on your performance throughout the test by certificated IELTS examiners according to the IELTS Speaking test assessment criteria (Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation).

The public version of the assessment criteria can be found at www.ielts.org/criteria. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Sections of the IELTS Speaking Test

There are 3 parts.

Part 1 Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes)
The examiner introduces him/herself and asks you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. The examiner asks you general questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, family, work, studies, and interests.

Part 2 Individual long turn (3-4 minutes)
The examiner gives you a task card which asks you to talk about a particular topic and which includes points you can cover in your talk. You are given 1 minute to prepare your talk and are given a pencil and paper to make notes. You talk for 1-2 minutes on the topic. The examiner may then ask you one or two questions on the same topic.

Part 3 Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes)
The examiner asks further questions which are connected to the topic of Part 2. These questions give you an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas.

IELTS Speaking Tips

Be Conversational
Avoid using big and unfamiliar words. When you are not familiar with certain words, there is a higher chance of mispronunciation or using them in the wrong context.

Pause and Think
There is nothing wrong in stopping and thinking about what you are going to say next. Gather your thoughts and plan your answer in your head.

Self-Correction is Essential
If you happen to make a mistake while speaking, DO NOT PANIC. Try correcting yourself and go on with your answer. People make mistakes in their speech all the time.

Avoid Fillers
Be confident while you are speaking and absolutely avoid these fillers during your speaking test – like, umm, etc.

Have Colour in your Speech
You must not have a monotonous tone while speaking. Use hand gestures, different intonations – this will make your speech more natural and smoother.

IELTS Speaking FAQs

Practice Makes Perfect
Talk in English a little bit everyday to better your skills. This will make you more comfortable using the language.

How is it marked?
The speaking test is marked on the following four criteria. Each criterion makes up 25% of the total marks.

  • 1. Fluency & Coherence
  • 2. Vocabulary
  • 3. Grammatical Range & Accuracy
  • 4. Pronunciation

Do I need to dress formally for my speaking test?
Test takers may wear anything they like. Just dress comfortably.

What about my accent?
You are not marked on your accent. You just need to be eloquent and clear in your speech.

IELTS Speaking Practice Test

The speaking practice test is designed for two people working together. Find yourself a partner and practice the given topics. You may want to record yourself so that you can review your performance. Access free IELTS speaking practice test today!