IELTS Speaking Overview

The IELTS Speaking test is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. It evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English through a face-to-face interview with an examiner. The test is divided into three parts and lasts between 11 to 14 minutes.

Test Format

• Duration: 11-14 minutes.
• Parts: 3 sections.
• Face-to-Face: Conducted in person or via video call with an examiner.
• Scoring Criteria: Fluency & coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, and pronunciation.

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

In Part 1, the examiner will introduce themselves and ask general questions about familiar topics, such as:

• Your home, studies, or work.
• Your hobbies and interests.
• Daily life and personal experiences.

This part lasts 4-5 minutes and allows you to demonstrate your ability to give clear and natural responses.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In Part 2, you will be given a task card with a topic and some bullet points. You will have 1 minute to prepare and then must speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Common topics include:

• A memorable event or experience.
• A person who has influenced you.
• A place you have visited.
• Your favorite book, movie, or hobby.

The examiner will listen and may ask a follow-up question after you finish.

Part 3: Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more complex questions related to the topic in Part 2. This section assesses your ability to express opinions, discuss abstract ideas, and provide justifications. Common themes include:

• Social issues and global trends.
• Education, technology, and the environment.
• Personal and cultural perspectives.

This part lasts 4-5 minutes and requires you to give in-depth answers with explanations and examples.

Scoring

The IELTS Speaking test is scored based on four key criteria:

• Fluency & Coherence: How smoothly and logically you speak.
• Lexical Resource: The range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: The complexity and correctness of your sentences.
• Pronunciation: Clarity, stress, and intonation of your speech.

Preparation Tips

To improve your IELTS Speaking performance, practice speaking English daily on various topics. You can also use our IELTS Academic Speaking Preparation or if you plan to take the IELTS General Exam, use our IELTS General Speaking Preparation service, which provides:

• Exam-Style Practice.
• Instant band score feedback.
• Personalized tips to improve fluency and pronunciation.

You can take the full exam or choose to take the Reading, Listening, Writing, or Speaking exam individually.

With our IELTS Speaking simulation, you can confidently prepare for the test and improve your speaking band score.

IELTS Band Score