Concerned about the IELTS speaking test? We walk you through how to prepare, including best practice strategies, how the test is graded, and what questions you could be asked.
The IELTS speaking test may be the shortest component of the exam, but it can also seem the most stressful. Not only is it taken independently from the other sections of the IELTS test, but you also meet with an examiner and try to demonstrate your conversational skills and vocabulary. Do not be afraid; with preparation and practice, you will be well-positioned to exhibit your abilities. We explain what the IELTS speaking test is all about, what to expect, and how you may prepare and practice.
How is the IELTS speaking test structured?
Understanding how the IELTS speaking exam is designed provides you an edge throughout preparation and on test day. There will be no surprises. The IELTS speaking test is rather short, lasting between 11 and 14 minutes. The test is often administered on the same day as the other portions. However, depending on the schedule, it may be seven days before or after.
The test is administered in the presence of an examiner, often at a table in the IELTS test center. However, you may be able to take the speaking test online using a video platform. Always verify the criteria before scheduling your test. Don’t forget that the IELTS speaking test is recorded for inspection and quality assurance.
The IELTS speaking test is divided into three sections. The first section includes an introduction and interview that lasts around five minutes. The second portion asks you to address a topic assigned to you by the examiner for four to five minutes. Finally, you will engage in a two-way debate about the issue from part two.
What types of questions are asked in the IELTS speaking test?
The sorts of questions you may be asked and the topics you must speak about may differ based on the examiner. However, how you respond depends on the exam portion.
IELTS speaking test part one
Part one of the IELTS speaking test will most likely include questions about your interests, family, studies, and home. Consider it an introduction chat and an opportunity to tell the examiner who you are. Other typical topics covered in Part One include:
- Work
- Hobbies
- Sport
- Television and films
- Weather
- Daily routine
- Technology
- Shopping
- Socialising
- Food
IELTS speaking test part two
In part two of the IELTS speaking test, you are given a card with a subject and some information about the important topics to address. You will have approximately a minute to take some preparation notes before speaking. You are supposed to speak on the topic for one to two minutes, after which the examiner will ask some follow-up questions.
The topics for part two focus on your life experience and can include topics such as:
- Art
- Books
- Advice
- Communication
- Hobbies
- Routines
- Sport
- Family
- News
- Music and film
- Travel
- Values
For example, you may be asked about a sport that you are interested in. You would need to describe what the sport is, how you would prepare for it, what equipment you would need to play it, and why you are interested in it. A helpful suggestion for part two of the IELTS speaking test is to speak as long as feasible or until the examiner instructs you to stop.
IELTS speaking test part three
Part three of the test consists of speaking on the same topic as part two. The distinction is that you may debate the issue with the examiner and go further into it. You’ll be asked for your thoughts and insights on the subject.
For example, if art was chosen as the topic of discussion for part two, you may be asked questions like:
- What do you think the value of art is?
- What art do you like and why?
- What makes a piece of art good?
- What is your opinion on the benefits of learning about art?
- What are the artistic traditions and styles from your country?
Don’t be scared to offer your viewpoint or demonstrate your understanding of a topic. Remember that Part 3 of the examination is timed, so pay attention to the indications provided by the examiner.
How is the IELTS speaking test marked?
Examiners for the IELTS speaking test want you to demonstrate many abilities and competences. This includes:
- Your ability to communicate opinions, ideas and information
- Your choice of vocabulary and fluency
- How long you can speak and hold a conversation for
- How well you organise your thoughts and if you are coherent
- Your ability to analyse and discuss topics
The IELTS examiner will make use of four marking criteria:
- Pronunciation (25 per cent) – how you sound
- Grammar (25 per cent) – accuracy of grammatical use
- Fluency and coherence (25 per cent) – how clear and coherently you speak
- Vocabulary (25 per cent) – your choice of words
Each of these characteristics is rated on a scale of 0 to 9. Your overall test score is calculated by combining the results from each and dividing by four. Remember that IELTS test results are determined in increments of 0.5, therefore if your score falls between 0.25 and 0.75, it is rounded up.
What are the best ways to practice for the test?
One of the most effective approaches to prepare for the test is to speak as much English as possible. It’s ideal to practice with family, friends, or even strangers. You could even create a game with a penalty if you switch to a language other than English.
Take the time to become acquainted with some of the basic themes you may need to discuss by reading English language websites, watching English language programs, and keeping up with the news. You’ll be shocked at how many phrases and words you can learn. These may come in helpful on exam day.
Practice speaking about popular subjects and answering questions from the IELTS website’s free practice tests. Consider what terminology you could use and how long you could speak about a certain topic. Try to practice answering all of the possible questions on a topic that an examiner could ask you.
Are there any other tips that could help improve my IELTS score?
Some of the other top tips you can use:
- Don’t memorise your answers. Examiners can tell, and this will affect your score.
- Use different grammatical structures, including simple and complex sentences, direct speech, passive voice, and different tenses.
- Practice your pronunciation but don’t stress too much about your accent. Examiners are looking for intonation and the correct emphasis on pronunciation. You need to be clear and enunciate your words well.
- Try not to use filler words which may make the examiner think you can’t find the right words. Examples to avoid include “like”, “ahh”, “well”, and “umm”.
- Practice using phrases that allow you to gather your thoughts or process your response like “that’s an interesting question” and “let me think about that for a minute”.
- Try to vary your tone and the pace at which you speak.
- Practice extending your answers and including all the relevant information.
- Develop both formal and informal ways of speaking
- Choose your words deliberately and accurately. Don’t use words that you don’t understand. Take time to develop your vocabulary.
While the IELTS speaking examination may appear scary, remember that it is a dialog between you and the examiner. They do not expect you to be flawless, but rather to express ideas clearly, logically, correctly, and effectively.
For more Tips read this article: