IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts, and it lasts between 11 and 14 minutes from start to finish. Each IELTS Speaking test gets recorded, and it assesses how well you use spoken English in different situations.
IELTS Speaking – A Detailed Breakdown
We’ll walk you through each section of the IELTS speaking sample so you can get a good idea of what will happen at every stage of the IELTS speaking test.
Part One – Interview and Introduction (Four to Five Minutes)
| Task Format and Type | The examiner will introduce themselves and check the identity of the test taker. They’ll start asking IELTS speaking questions regarding the test taker’s familiar topics. You could answer questions about your work, family, interests and studies. The examiner will use a script to ensure that it’s consistent. |
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| Focus | The first part of this exam is to test the person’s ability to communicate information and opinions on common experiences and general topics by answering several questions. |
| IELTS Speaking Sample | What kind of place is your home? Would you say it’s a good place to live and why? How long have you lived in your home? What kinds of jobs are available? |
Part Two – Long Turn (Three to Four Minutes)
| Task Format and Type | Part two of the IELTS speaking test focuses on the person’s long-turn speaking ability. The test taker will get a card with a topic. The card will have important points for the test taker to talk about, and they’ll have to explain one aspect of the topic in detail. You get one minute to prepare yourself, and you can take notes. You’ll have to talk for two minutes following your notes, and then you’ll answer one or two questions at the end. |
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| Focus | The focus of part two is to determine the test taker’s ability to speak at length on a given topic without prompting. They examine the test taker’s ability to organise their ideas coherently and use appropriate language. |
| IELTS Speaking Sample | Describe something that you own that is very important. You should talk about where you got the item, what you use it for and how long you’ve had it. Follow-Up Questions – Does it have monetary value? Would it be easy to replace? |
Part Three – Discussion (Four to Five Minutes)
| Task Format and Type | The final stage of the IELTS speaking test involves discussing issues related to the topic the test taker got in part two. You’re going to do this in a more abstract and generalised way, and you’ll also go into greater depth on your topic if it’s appropriate to do so. |
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| Focus | The final part of the exam focuses on the test taker’s ability to justify their opinions, express said opinions, and speculate and discuss any issues. |
| IELTS Speaking Sample | How have things changed in your country since your parent’s time? What types of things give people status in your country? Do you think advertising influences how people shop? |
When you finish, the examiners will grade you on a scale from one to nine on
IELTS Speaking Tips
Now that you’ve looked at a short IELTS speaking test sample, we’ll give you a few quick IELTS speaking tips to help you do well on this portion of your exam.
- Take advantage of the ability to write notes for part two of the exam. You can use these notes to guide you along for the full two minutes.
- Pay close attention to your pronunciation when you speak, and speak clearly.
- Take a deep breath and relax before you begin speaking.
