IELTS Speaking

Understanding IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is the same for Academic and General Training candidates. It’s a real conversation with a certified examiner, recorded for quality assurance. 

The speaking section is conducted in one of two formats: Face-to-Face or Video Call Speaking (VCS). Both formats are identical in terms of content, timing, scoring, and structure. The only difference is the medium used to connect you with the examiner. With VCS, you will be in a private test room at your centre. You will use a computer, a high-definition camera, and noise-canceling headphones to speak with your test examiner via a video call. If you are taking IELTS Online (from home), the Speaking test is conducted via the IELTS exam software using a live video call. 

Preparation – Digital vs. Paper:

• In computer-delivered tests (and VCS), your "cue card" and instructions are displayed on a screen. While you are still typically provided with physical paper and a pencil for notes, you will be looking at a monitor for the prompt.

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR):

• If a candidate performs poorly only in the Speaking section, they may be eligible to retake just that portion of the exam rather than the entire test. 

Test Format Overview

Part Duration Description
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Part 1 4-5 min Introduction/interview about familiar topics
Part 2 3-4 min Individual long turn on a given topic
Part 3 4-5 min Two-way broad/abstract discussion related to P2

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

What to Expect

• The examiner introduces themselves and checks your ID
• General questions about familiar topics: home, work/studies, hobbies, family, social media habits, artificial intelligence in daily life, and environmental sustainability.
• 3 topic areas with 3-4 questions each
• Questions become gradually more complex 

Sample Topics and Questions

Home/Accommodation - Do you live in a house or an apartment? - What’s your favorite room in your home? - Would you like to change anything about your home?

Work/Studies - What do you do - do you work or study? - Why did you choose this job/course? - What do you like most about it?

Free Time - What do you enjoy doing in your free time? - How often do you do this activity? - Would you recommend it to others?

Part 1 Strategies

Answer Length: Aim for 2-4 sentences per question - Answer the question directly - Add a reason or example - Extend naturally without rambling

Example Response: Q: “Do you like cooking?” A: “Yes, I really enjoy cooking, especially on weekends when I have more time. I find it relaxing to try new recipes, and I love the satisfaction of making a delicious meal for my family. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with Thai cuisine.”

Common Mistake: Becoming too comfortable and simply answering “yes” or “no” as you may in a regular, friendly interaction. 

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

What to Expect

• Receive a topic card with instructions
• 1 minute to prepare your notes (use the paper and pencil provided)
• Speak for 1-2 minutes about the topic
• The examiner may ask 1-2 follow-up questions

Cue Card Example

Describe a book you have recently read.
You should say:
- what the book was about
- why you decided to read it
- how long it took you to read it
and explain whether you would recommend it to others.

Part 2 Strategies

Use Your Preparation Time Well 1. Note key points for each bullet point 2. Think of specific examples or details 3. Plan a clear structure

Structure Your Talk - Introduction: Introduce the topic - Body: Address each bullet point - Conclusion: Answer the final “explain” part

Tip: You are not being scored on your factual accuracy. Some people find it easier to discuss a real-life example, but if you can’t think of one, make it up! 

Example Notes:

Book: "Atomic Habits" by James Clear
- About: building good habits, breaking bad ones
- Why: friend recommended, self-improvement
- Time: 2 weeks, read before bed
- Recommend: yes - practical, easy to apply

Timing Tips - Don’t finish in under 1 minute - Keep talking until the examiner stops you - If you finish early, add more details

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

What to Expect

• More abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic
• Opportunity to express and justify opinions
• Questions may challenge or probe your views
• Lasts 4-5 minutes

Question Types

Opinion Questions - “Do you think reading books is important?” - “Why do some people prefer e-books to printed books?”

Comparison Questions - “How has reading changed compared to the past?” - “What’s the difference between reading for pleasure and reading for study?”

Future/Speculation Questions - “How might technology change the way we read in the future?” - “Do you think printed books will become obsolete?”

Part 3 Strategies

Develop Your Answers - State your opinion - Explain why with reasons - Give examples - Consider other perspectives

Example Response: Q: “Why do you think some people don’t read much anymore?”

A: “I think there are several reasons for this. Firstly, people lead busier lives nowadays, and reading requires dedicated time and concentration that many feel they don’t have. Secondly, there’s so much competition for our attention from social media and streaming services, which provide instant entertainment. Having said that, I do think audiobooks and e-readers have helped some people read more, especially during commutes. In my own experience, I know friends who’ve rediscovered reading through audiobooks.”

Scoring Criteria

1. Fluency and Coherence (25%)

What Examiners Look For: - Speaking at a natural pace - Using discourse markers (well, actually, however) - Developing ideas logically - Not repeating or self-correcting excessively

To Improve: - Practice speaking without long pauses - Learn linking words and phrases - Develop ideas fully - Don’t panic if you need to pause briefly

2. Lexical Resource (25%)

What Examiners Look For: - Range of vocabulary - Appropriate word choice - Paraphrasing ability - Idiomatic language

To Improve: - Learn topic-specific vocabulary - Use collocations naturally - Avoid repetition - Use synonyms - Learn some idiomatic expressions

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%)

What Examiners Look For: - Variety of sentence structures - Complex sentences used accurately - Consistent tense usage - Few errors

To Improve: - Practice different tenses - Use a mix of simple and complex sentences - Self-correct when you notice errors - Don’t oversimplify to avoid mistakes

4. Pronunciation (25%)

What Examiners Look For: - Clear pronunciation of sounds - Appropriate word stress - Natural sentence intonation - Easy to understand

To Improve: - Listen to native speakers - Practice word stress patterns - Record yourself and analyze - Focus on being clear, not accent-free

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What if I don’t understand a question?

You can politely ask the examiner to repeat or explain: - “Could you repeat that, please?” - “Sorry, could you explain what you mean?” - “Do you mean…?”

Q: Can I change my answer?

Yes! Self-correction is natural: - “Actually, what I mean is…” - “Sorry, let me rephrase that…”

Q: What if I don’t know about the topic?

Be honest, then redirect: - “I don’t have much experience with this, but…” - “I haven’t thought about this before, but I suppose…”

Q: Should I use formal or informal language?

Use semi-formal language - not too casual, not too stiff. Imagine speaking to a teacher you respect.

Practice Tips

Daily Practice

1. Record yourself answering practice questions
2. Listen back and identify areas for improvement
3. Practice with a timer for Part 2
4. Think in English throughout the day

Before the Test

1. Get adequate sleep the night before
2. Review common topics, but don’t memorize
3. Prepare mentally - think of it as a conversation, not an exam
4. Arrive early to settle your nerves

During the Test

1. Make eye contact with the examiner
2. Speak clearly and at a natural pace
3. Stay calm - pauses are natural
4. Be yourself - let your personality come through

Note: The examiner may interrupt or stop you; this is normal to keep the test within the time limit. Don’t let it rattle you.

Band Score Descriptors (Simplified)

Band Description
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9 Expert - effortless, natural communication
8 Very good - occasional inaccuracies
7 Good - communicates with ease on most topics
6 Competent - effective despite some limitations
5 Modest - manages basic communication