The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face or a video call interview with a certified examiner, lasting between 11 to 14 minutes. It evaluates your ability to communicate in English through a natural conversation. Let’s dive deep into what happens in each part, what skills are assessed, and how you can impress your examiner confidently!
Test Format Overview
| Section | Time | Task Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 4–5 minutes | Introduction & Interview | Personal questions to ease into the test |
| Part 2 | 3–4 minutes | Long Turn – Cue Card (1-minute prep + 2-min talk) | Extended speech on a given topic |
| Part 3 | 4–5 minutes | Discussion – Abstract Questions | Deeper discussion related to Part 2 topic |
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
What to Expect:
- The examiner greets you and checks your identity.
- You’ll be asked general questions about familiar topics like:
- Your hometown
- Your work or studies
- Your hobbies, daily routine, or family
Purpose:
This part tests your ability to:
- Speak naturally about everyday topics
- Use basic grammar and vocabulary confidently
Pro Tip:
Don’t give one-word answers. Always extend a bit:
Q: Do you work or study?
A: I work as a teacher at a local school. I’ve been doing this for three years and I really enjoy it!
Part 2: The Long Turn (Cue Card)
What to Expect:
- You’ll get a task card with a topic and bullet points.
- You have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak.
- The examiner will not interrupt during your talk.
Example Cue Card:
Describe a place you like to visit.
You should say:
– where it is
– what you do there
– who you go with
and explain why you like it.
Purpose:
This part checks your ability to:
- Organize thoughts quickly
- Speak fluently without long pauses
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammar
Pro Tip:
Use the 1-minute prep time wisely! Write down keywords, not full sentences.
Add personal stories to sound more natural and go beyond the bullet points.
Part 3: Discussion
What to Expect:
- The examiner will ask more abstract and opinion-based questions related to the topic in Part 2.
- You’ll discuss ideas like causes, effects, comparisons, and future predictions.
Sample Questions:
- Why do people enjoy traveling?
- How has tourism changed in recent years?
- Do you think people will travel more in the future?
Purpose:
This part assesses:
- Your ability to develop complex ideas
- Use of cohesive devices and advanced structures
- Skills like reasoning, justifying, and comparing
Pro Tip:
Use linking phrases like “I believe…”, “In contrast…”, or “One reason could be…” to structure your thoughts clearly.
Scoring Criteria
| Criterion | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | Speak smoothly without unnatural pauses; ideas should flow logically |
| Lexical Resource | Use a variety of vocabulary naturally and accurately |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Use both simple and complex structures with fewer errors |
| Pronunciation | Be clear, use correct stress and intonation, and sound natural |
Each of these is scored from 0 to 9, and your final band score is the average of the four.
Quick Memory Tools
F-L-G-P = Fluency, Lexis, Grammar, Pronunciation – Know what’s being tested!
3-1-3 Rule – 3 parts of the test, 1 minute prep in Part 2, 3 scoring minutes in Part 2.
SEE Method – State, Explain, Example – great for expanding your answers!
Final Speaking Tips to Boost Your Band
Be natural, not perfect Pause and breathe, but don’t freeze Use varied sentence types (questions, comparisons, conditions) Be expressive — let your tone and rhythm flow Practice with a partner or tutor, or even talk to yourself in English!
Remember:
The IELTS Speaking test is your time to shine through your speech — not to be perfect, but to show that you can communicate effectively, clearly, and confidently.