The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face conversation with a certified examiner. It is the same for both the Academic and General Training tests. The goal is to see how well you can use English in real life.
1. Test Structure and Timings
The entire test takes between 11 and 14 minutes. It is recorded to make sure the marking is fair.
| Test Part | What Happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | The examiner checks your ID and greets you. | 1 minute |
| Part 1 | You answer questions about home, work, or hobbies. | 4–5 minutes |
| Part 2 | You talk about a topic on a card for up to 2 minutes. | 3–4 minutes |
| Part 3 | You have a deeper talk about ideas related to Part 2. | 4–5 minutes |
Part 1: The Interview
The examiner asks you about your life. Common topics include your hometown, your job or studies, and your hobbies.
- Tip: Try to give 2 to 3 sentences for each answer. Don’t just say “Yes” or “No”.
Part 2: The Solo Talk
You get a “Cue Card” with a topic.
- Preparation: You have 1 minute to write notes. You are given a pencil and paper.
- Speaking: You speak for 1 to 2 minutes. The examiner will stop you when the time is up.
- Tip: Try to speak for at least 1 minute and 30 seconds to show you can talk at length.
Part 3: Deep Discussion
This part is a real conversation. You talk about “big ideas” rather than just your own life. For example, if Part 2 was about a teacher, Part 3 might be about the education system in your country.
2. How You Are Marked (The 4 Criteria)
The examiner gives you a score from 0 to 9 in four different areas. Each area is worth 25% of your final score.
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you keep talking without too many long pauses? Do your ideas connect logically?
- Vocabulary (Lexical Resource): Do you use the right words? Can you explain something even if you forget the exact word?
- Grammar: Do you use a mix of simple and complex sentences? How many mistakes do you make?
- Pronunciation: Is your speech clear? Do you use emphasis and “music” (intonation) in your voice? You don’t need a British or American accent, but you must be easy to understand.
3. Band Score Guide (Simplified)
- Band 9 (Expert): Speaks perfectly and naturally like a native.
- Band 7 (Good): Can talk for a long time. Uses some “less common” words. Makes only small grammar mistakes.
- Band 6 (Competent): Generally clear but makes frequent mistakes with harder grammar. May repeat words.
- Band 5 (Modest): Can talk about familiar topics but struggles with new ones. Uses very basic grammar.
4. Sample Questions
Part 1
- “Where is your hometown?”
- “What do you like to do in your free time?”
- “Do you prefer to read books or watch movies?”
Part 2 (Cue Card)
- “Describe a person who has influenced you.”
- Who is this person?
- How did you meet?
- What are they like?
- Explain how they helped you.
Part 3
- “How has technology changed the way families talk to each other?”
- “Is it more important to have a high salary or a job you enjoy?”
5. Expert Tips from Examiners
- Don’t memorize: Examiners can tell if you are reciting a script. This will lower your score.
- The ARE Method: To give longer answers, use Answer, Reason, Example.
- Ask for help: If you don’t understand a word, it is okay to say, “Could you repeat that, please?”.
- Smile: Smiling makes you sound friendlier and helps you feel more relaxed.