IELTS SPEAKING EXAM FORMAT
The IELTS Speaking Test is one of the four components of the IELTS exam, alongside Listening, Reading, and Writing. It is the same for both the Academic and General Training versions and aims to assess your spoken English proficiency. This part of the exam is conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner and typically lasts between 11 to 14 minutes.
The Speaking Test is divided into three parts, each with a specific purpose and style of interaction.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)
This section is similar to a short, structured interview. The examiner begins by introducing themselves and asking you to confirm your identity (usually with a passport or ID). The examiner then asks general questions about familiar topics such as:
IELTS SPEAKING EXAM FORMAT
– Your home
– Work or studies
– Your hometown
– Hobbies or daily routine
– Travel, music, or sports
The questions in Part 1 are straightforward and aim to make you feel comfortable. It’s your chance to show fluency and confidence in talking about yourself.
Tips for Part 1:
– Give full answers, not just one-word responses.
– Try to add a reason or example to every answer.
– Speak naturally and avoid memorized responses.
IELTS SPEAKING EXAM FORMAT
Part 2: Long Turn (3–4 minutes total)
In this section, the examiner gives you a task card with a topic and some bullet points. You are given 1 minute to prepare your response, and you can make notes during this time. Then, you must speak for 1–2 minutes on the topic without interruption. After your talk, the examiner may ask you one or two follow-up questions.
Example Topic Card:
Describe a book you recently read.
You should say:
– what the book was
– what it was about
– why you read it
and explain how you felt about it.
This part tests your ability to speak at length on a given subject, organize your ideas, and use appropriate language.
IELTS SPEAKING EXAM FORMAT
Tips for Part 2:
– Use your 1-minute preparation wisely: make a quick outline.
– Try to cover all bullet points in your response.
– Aim to speak for at least 1.5 minutes.
– Use linking words like “Firstly,” “In addition,” “For example,” etc.
Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)
This section is more abstract and involves a two-way discussion between you and the examiner. The questions are thematically related to the topic in Part 2 but explore broader ideas and issues. For instance, if Part 2 was about a book, Part 3 might involve discussing the importance of reading, the future of books, or children’s reading habits.
The examiner will ask open-ended questions that require you to analyze, justify opinions, and speculate. This section evaluates your ability to express and justify opinions, analyze issues, and discuss hypothetical situations.
IELTS SPEAKING EXAM FORMAT
Tips for Part 3:
– Support your ideas with examples or reasons.
– Use a range of grammar, including conditionals and complex sentences.
– Don’t be afraid to pause briefly to think.
– Be willing to develop your ideas, not just answer the question directly.
Assessment Criteria
The Speaking Test is scored using four criteria:
1. Fluency and Coherence – How well you speak without hesitation and organize your ideas logically.
2. Lexical Resource – The range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Your control of grammar and sentence structures.
4. Pronunciation – How clearly and naturally you speak, including stress, intonation, and rhythm.
IELTS SPEAKING EXAM FORMAT
Each criterion is worth 25% of your total Speaking Band Score.
The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. It’s not about using fancy vocabulary or having a native accent, but about how clearly and confidently you can express yourself. The more you practice speaking about a variety of topics, the more fluent and natural you’ll become. Consistent practice, familiarity with the format, and developing confidence are key to success.
IELTS SPEAKING EXAM FORMAT
