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What should I do if I can't think of anything to say for my IELTS Speaking topic?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
Speaking test tends to examine your ability to effectively communicate and converse with a live person. If you are not able to gather thoughts on the topic given, it would still be highly recommended to talk about something rather than staying silent. You may create phrases and talk about you being unfamiliar with the topic given. You can use general knowledge and speculate on the topic which will award you a score for the speaking ability.
I would recommend you review IELTS speaking resources and brush up on how to achieve a good score in the speaking test here .
Read more
Aug 4, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Focus on some of the key words in the question first and talk about them. You may find that you can link them together. Besides, you can always speculate on the topic - you are judged on your language skills, not your knowledge.
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I can assure you this is a very rare thing to happen, and if it happens it may just be nerves. All IELTS Speaking questions and topics are carefully constructed so the topics are not too specialized or obscure. If you can’t think of anything to say, it is fine to tell the examiner things like “Well, it’s a tough one. I am trying to remember”. It’s best not to stop and stay silent. In the end, if nothing comes to mind, be creative and make up stories. You do not get or lose points for telling the truth. It’s OK to make up stories. The Speaking Examiner only looks at how well you speak.
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Feb 7, 2025
Answers
What should I do if I can't think of anything to say for my IELTS Speaking topic?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
Speaking test tends to examine your ability to effectively communicate and converse with a live person. If you are not able to gather thoughts on the topic given, it would still be highly recommended to talk about something rather than staying silent. You may create phrases and talk about you being unfamiliar with the topic given. You can use general knowledge and speculate on the topic which will award you a score for the speaking ability.
I would recommend you review IELTS speaking resources and brush up on how to achieve a good score in the speaking test here .
Read more
Aug 4, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
Focus on some of the key words in the question first and talk about them. You may find that you can link them together. Besides, you can always speculate on the topic - you are judged on your language skills, not your knowledge.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I can assure you this is a very rare thing to happen, and if it happens it may just be nerves. All IELTS Speaking questions and topics are carefully constructed so the topics are not too specialized or obscure. If you can’t think of anything to say, it is fine to tell the examiner things like “Well, it’s a tough one. I am trying to remember”. It’s best not to stop and stay silent. In the end, if nothing comes to mind, be creative and make up stories. You do not get or lose points for telling the truth. It’s OK to make up stories. The Speaking Examiner only looks at how well you speak.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
I’m feeling really nervous about the Speaking test, especially my examiner. Any tips on overcoming this?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s very normal to feel nervous before the speaking test: we sometimes lack confidence about our speaking, we are too stressed about getting the score we need, we have had previous stressful experiences with a test, or we may have heard stories of other people’s experiences and their challenges. I think if you work out where your stress comes from, it’s much easier to deal with it. As a rule, keep reminding yourself that every speaking test is unique so what you have heard from other test takers may not be true in your case, the examiner is a trained professional who is there to help you feel calm and show your best performance, and that being stressed is part of being serious about the test. On the day of the test a few things work for me: keep smiling, spend half an hour or an hour before you go to the test doing an activity that you like and enjoy (going to a café? listening to music? walking? catching up with a friend?). Also like athletes need warm up, you may need to and a good 20-30 minute warm up before the test is repeating after a recording of a speaker you like and who speaks good English (an actor, a sportsperson, a politician, an influencer, e.g) and trying to reach their pace of fluency and clarity of pronunciation.
Read more
Aug 6, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They are only human, so don't worry about them. In fact, they try to put test takers at ease, not try to pressure them. Just be yourself.
Jun 17, 2025
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Don’t worry – you're not alone. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before any test. Here are a few things you can do to build your confidence. Get familiar with the types of questions you’ll be asked in the Speaking test by watching our IELTS Speaking samples playlist on our YouTube channel. Try to avoid speaking quickly as this will affect your pronunciation. Remember that good fluency does not mean speaking fast – it means you can speak without hesitation and extend your answers. Speak naturally and use your own words. It’s hard to speak with good pronunciation and accuracy if you are trying to respond to the examiner’s questions with memorised answers.
Read more
Feb 5, 2025
Answers
I’m feeling really nervous about the Speaking test, especially my examiner. Any tips on overcoming this?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s very normal to feel nervous before the speaking test: we sometimes lack confidence about our speaking, we are too stressed about getting the score we need, we have had previous stressful experiences with a test, or we may have heard stories of other people’s experiences and their challenges. I think if you work out where your stress comes from, it’s much easier to deal with it. As a rule, keep reminding yourself that every speaking test is unique so what you have heard from other test takers may not be true in your case, the examiner is a trained professional who is there to help you feel calm and show your best performance, and that being stressed is part of being serious about the test. On the day of the test a few things work for me: keep smiling, spend half an hour or an hour before you go to the test doing an activity that you like and enjoy (going to a café? listening to music? walking? catching up with a friend?). Also like athletes need warm up, you may need to and a good 20-30 minute warm up before the test is repeating after a recording of a speaker you like and who speaks good English (an actor, a sportsperson, a politician, an influencer, e.g) and trying to reach their pace of fluency and clarity of pronunciation.
Read more
Aug 6, 2025
Rocco Nigro
IELTS Expert
They are only human, so don't worry about them. In fact, they try to put test takers at ease, not try to pressure them. Just be yourself.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Don’t worry – you're not alone. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before any test. Here are a few things you can do to build your confidence. Get familiar with the types of questions you’ll be asked in the Speaking test by watching our IELTS Speaking samples playlist on our YouTube channel. Try to avoid speaking quickly as this will affect your pronunciation. Remember that good fluency does not mean speaking fast – it means you can speak without hesitation and extend your answers. Speak naturally and use your own words. It’s hard to speak with good pronunciation and accuracy if you are trying to respond to the examiner’s questions with memorised answers.
Read more
Feb 5, 2025
How can I manage my time in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
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- Oldest
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The IELTS Reading test has 3 parts and you have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. It’s best to spend no more than 20 minutes on each part. The reading passages get more challenging as you move through the test, so make sure you leave enough time to complete the final part.
During your preparation, focus on learning and practising reading techniques that help you read more quickly and accurately. Some examples include skimming, scanning and strategies for guessing words you don’t know.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As a rule of thumb, become a good reader: read for pleasure daily. It can be anything; news, a novel, social media posts, or magazines. When we read for pleasure, we don’t get stuck with words. We try to guess and move on, so make a habit of it. There are some techniques though that can help you: read the questions first, remember key words, and then scan the passage quickly. You don’t need to read every line at this stage. Look at headings and graphs or pictures and read the first couple of sentences of each paragraph to know what it is about and where you can find information. You then only go to the relevant section in the passage to find the piece of information you’re after.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Answers
How can I manage my time in the IELTS Reading test?
Reading Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Test tips
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
The IELTS Reading test has 3 parts and you have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. It’s best to spend no more than 20 minutes on each part. The reading passages get more challenging as you move through the test, so make sure you leave enough time to complete the final part.
During your preparation, focus on learning and practising reading techniques that help you read more quickly and accurately. Some examples include skimming, scanning and strategies for guessing words you don’t know.
Read more
Aug 5, 2025
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
As a rule of thumb, become a good reader: read for pleasure daily. It can be anything; news, a novel, social media posts, or magazines. When we read for pleasure, we don’t get stuck with words. We try to guess and move on, so make a habit of it. There are some techniques though that can help you: read the questions first, remember key words, and then scan the passage quickly. You don’t need to read every line at this stage. Look at headings and graphs or pictures and read the first couple of sentences of each paragraph to know what it is about and where you can find information. You then only go to the relevant section in the passage to find the piece of information you’re after.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Do I have to bring my passport when I do my IELTS test or can I use another type of ID?
Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Test day procedures
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You are only allowed to bring a valid passport or national ID (if acceptable) on the day of the test. If there are exceptional circumstances and you don't have any of the acceptable IDs available, you may reach out to the test centre in your country to review the options available to you.
Jul 22, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Yes, you will need to bring your passport with you on test day so we can check your identity. In some situations, a national identity card may be accepted instead of a passport, but it is best to check with your local test centre if you are unsure.
Feb 7, 2025
Answers
Do I have to bring my passport when I do my IELTS test or can I use another type of ID?
Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Test day procedures
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
- Most recent
- Oldest
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You are only allowed to bring a valid passport or national ID (if acceptable) on the day of the test. If there are exceptional circumstances and you don't have any of the acceptable IDs available, you may reach out to the test centre in your country to review the options available to you.
Read more
Jul 22, 2025
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Yes, you will need to bring your passport with you on test day so we can check your identity. In some situations, a national identity card may be accepted instead of a passport, but it is best to check with your local test centre if you are unsure.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Can I use AI tools during my IELTS test?
Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Test day procedures
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, you are not able to use any AI tools during your test, but they may be useful to help you in your IELTS preparation journey. Just make sure you don't become reliant on them as they won't be there on test day!
Jun 4, 2026
Answers
Can I use AI tools during my IELTS test?
Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Test day procedures
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
No, you are not able to use any AI tools during your test, but they may be useful to help you in your IELTS preparation journey. Just make sure you don't become reliant on them as they won't be there on test day!
Read more
Jun 4, 2026
Can I ask my examiner for an alternative Speaking topic?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You can’t ask your examiner for a different Speaking test question. However, what you can do is build up your confidence by practising with a wide range of different questions before your test.
Oct 30, 2025
Answers
Can I ask my examiner for an alternative Speaking topic?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
You can’t ask your examiner for a different Speaking test question. However, what you can do is build up your confidence by practising with a wide range of different questions before your test.
Read more
Oct 30, 2025
Is the IELTS Video Call Speaking test easier or more difficult compared to the in-person Speaking test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Vincent
Answers from experts
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Some IELTS test Centres offer for your Speaking test to take place via video-call. In this case, your Speaking test examiner will not be in the same test room as you, but instead, you’ll speak with them via a video call in a private test room at your centre. You get a noise-cancelling headset and do your Speaking test on a high-definition video call with a human examiner. All aspects of the Speaking test will remain the same, including the question types, timing and marking. So, doing a video-call Speaking test is not easier or more difficult.
Read more
Jul 29, 2025
Answers
Is the IELTS Video Call Speaking test easier or more difficult compared to the in-person Speaking test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Vincent
Answers from experts
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Some IELTS test Centres offer for your Speaking test to take place via video-call. In this case, your Speaking test examiner will not be in the same test room as you, but instead, you’ll speak with them via a video call in a private test room at your centre. You get a noise-cancelling headset and do your Speaking test on a high-definition video call with a human examiner. All aspects of the Speaking test will remain the same, including the question types, timing and marking. So, doing a video-call Speaking test is not easier or more difficult.
Read more
Jul 29, 2025
Does IELTS test delivery differ within your region as opposed to other regions?
Listening General Training & General Training UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
The IELTS test delivery and standards are similar across the board and partnership. You can give an IELTS test in Canada or U.A.E. and will have a similar experience. Policies, procedures and protocols remain same across the IELTS brand.
Jul 22, 2025
Answers
Does IELTS test delivery differ within your region as opposed to other regions?
Listening General Training & General Training UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Fahad
Answers from experts
Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
The IELTS test delivery and standards are similar across the board and partnership. You can give an IELTS test in Canada or U.A.E. and will have a similar experience. Policies, procedures and protocols remain same across the IELTS brand.
Read more
Jul 22, 2025
I got a band 6 in IELTS Speaking. How can I get a band 7 next time?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
First thing is you need to find out where you need most improvements to take you one band up. A good place to start is to look at the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors. They are available to the public in full detail now. Look at all the descriptors for band 6 and band 7.
A good exercise is to record yourself answering some IELTS questions and then listen to your speaking. Do you speak rather comfortably and at length? Do you use less common words and idioms? Do you use complex grammar structures? And when you hear yourself do you feel you keep your rhythm when speaking at length? These are some of the features of band 7. If to the answer to any of the questions is no/maybe, then it means you need to focus on that area.
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Jul 2, 2025
Answers
I got a band 6 in IELTS Speaking. How can I get a band 7 next time?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
First thing is you need to find out where you need most improvements to take you one band up. A good place to start is to look at the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors. They are available to the public in full detail now. Look at all the descriptors for band 6 and band 7.
A good exercise is to record yourself answering some IELTS questions and then listen to your speaking. Do you speak rather comfortably and at length? Do you use less common words and idioms? Do you use complex grammar structures? And when you hear yourself do you feel you keep your rhythm when speaking at length? These are some of the features of band 7. If to the answer to any of the questions is no/maybe, then it means you need to focus on that area.
Read more
Jul 2, 2025
What’s the difference between a band 4 and band 5 in IELTS Speaking?
Speaking Life Skills (A1, A2 and B1) Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I’d like to refer you to the information on the global description of IELTS band scores IELTS Scoring . At band 4, a candidate’s ability is “limited” to familiar situations, and they frequently have problems communicating. At band 5, the test taker is a “modest” user of English and they are usually able to communicate in their own field but tend to make many mistakes.
Read more
Jul 1, 2025
Answers
What’s the difference between a band 4 and band 5 in IELTS Speaking?
Speaking Life Skills (A1, A2 and B1) Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I’d like to refer you to the information on the global description of IELTS band scores IELTS Scoring . At band 4, a candidate’s ability is “limited” to familiar situations, and they frequently have problems communicating. At band 5, the test taker is a “modest” user of English and they are usually able to communicate in their own field but tend to make many mistakes.
Read more
Jul 1, 2025
Will my accent affect my IELTS Speaking score?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
You do not get a lower or higher score just because of your accent. If you look at the descriptors for the IELTS speaking test and the rating criteria you will find out that things like speech rate, word and sentence stress, correctly pronouncing sounds and things like this are all looked at and accent only matters when it affects intelligibility (that is how easily you are understood by other people when you speak).
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Answers
Will my accent affect my IELTS Speaking score?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
You do not get a lower or higher score just because of your accent. If you look at the descriptors for the IELTS speaking test and the rating criteria you will find out that things like speech rate, word and sentence stress, correctly pronouncing sounds and things like this are all looked at and accent only matters when it affects intelligibility (that is how easily you are understood by other people when you speak).
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Is eye contact important in the IELTS Speaking test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s not part of the rating criteria, so the short answer is no. However, like in any human interaction, maintaining natural eye contact helps to better communicate ideas and avoid confusion.
Jun 30, 2025
Answers
Is eye contact important in the IELTS Speaking test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
It’s not part of the rating criteria, so the short answer is no. However, like in any human interaction, maintaining natural eye contact helps to better communicate ideas and avoid confusion.
Read more
Jun 30, 2025
Trending
Fahad Rafique
Canada
16 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hello! I'm Fahad, and I've been a part of IELTS since April 2010. Having been born and raised in the UAE and then migrating to Canada, I can truly say that IELTS takes you places. I firmly believe that success belongs to those who actively seek it. I'm here to help answer any questions you may have about IELTS and guide you on how to take that crucial first step toward achieving your international dreams – whether it's study, migration or work. I look forward to supporting you!!
Last online Aug 2, 2025
Trending
Jess Christie
Australia
8 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi, I'm Jess and I’m an IELTS Expert who has worked in the world of IELTS for 7 years. I help test takers do the best they can in the IELTS test by providing them with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth test day. I am originally from regional Victoria in Australia, but I was an international student when I went to Ireland for University. I came back and decided to work in the world of international education, which led me to IELTS.
Last online Jun 25, 2025
Trending
Lewis Crannitch
New Zealand
2 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi, I’m Lewis. I’ve worked with IELTS in New Zealand since 2017 and taught English in Japan, China, and NZ. Having also learned a language myself in China, I understand the challenges test takers face. I track English proficiency requirements in NZ and deliver IELTS Masterclasses and familiarisation sessions to support preparation, share resources, and make test day easier. I look forward to connecting with you on your IELTS journey.
Last online Sep 15, 2025
Trending
Linda Alley
Australia
11 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi! I’m Linda. I’m here to help you reach your IELTS goals by answering any questions you might have about the test and how to prepare. You may have seen me on our video podcast, IELTS Prepare by IDP. I also create learning materials and blog posts for IELTS test takers. Over the past 10 years, I’ve taught English as a Second Language to students from all over the world, so please get in touch if you have any questions on how to improve your language skills.
Last online Sep 16, 2025
Trending
Reza Tasviri
Australia
18 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi, I’m Reza. I’m here to help you with advice on how to effectively use your knowledge of English to get the best outcome in your IELTS test. I can answer questions on what the test asks you to do, how it assesses your performance, and how you can show you have what it takes. I’ve been involved with IELTS for 17 years now. I’ve been an English Language teacher for 27 years and a lifelong learner (English is not my first language. I started when I was 17 and haven’t stopped since).
Last online Jul 9, 2025
Trending
Rocco Nigro
Australia
26 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hello, my name is Rocco and I am one of the IELTS Experts here at IDP. Since 1995, I've been involved in English language teaching, teacher training, assessment and academic management, which has helped me develop a wealth of knowledge about the IELTS test. I enjoy meeting students and test takers from all over the world. If you have any questions about how to do your best in the IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking tests, I can give you some good approaches to help you on test day.
Last online Jun 18, 2025
Trending
Vincent Blokker
Australia
11 years
Experience
IELTS Expert
Hi! I’m Vincent, and I'm here to help you succeed in your IELTS journey. I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, but I work with students from all over the world. I can help with advice and resources and answer your questions about IELTS. I also write blogs with tips for the test and have created study materials for IELTS. I’m an expert on any questions about the organisations, universities, and governments that accept IELTS for work, study, or your visa. Feel free to contact me!
Last online Jul 1, 2025
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Last answered by Fahad