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How does the Speaking test work in the IELTS Online test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Answers from experts
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Your IELTS Speaking test always takes place with a real human. Speaking with a person is more natural than talking to a computer, like some other English tests. After all, we speak with people every single day! When you do IELTS Online, your Speaking test takes place on a secure platform via a video call. It’s similar to a Zoom call where you can speak directly with the examiner. Just like a face-to-face Speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions and you can respond. My tip: Don’t forget you can ask the examiner questions if something is unclear, or you didn’t understand them. It won’t affect your score if you say “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Can you please repeat the question?”.
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Feb 7, 2025
Answers
How does the Speaking test work in the IELTS Online test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Vincent
Answers from experts
Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Your IELTS Speaking test always takes place with a real human. Speaking with a person is more natural than talking to a computer, like some other English tests. After all, we speak with people every single day! When you do IELTS Online, your Speaking test takes place on a secure platform via a video call. It’s similar to a Zoom call where you can speak directly with the examiner. Just like a face-to-face Speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions and you can respond. My tip: Don’t forget you can ask the examiner questions if something is unclear, or you didn’t understand them. It won’t affect your score if you say “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Can you please repeat the question?”.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
How early should I arrive for my IELTS test?
Listening Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Test day procedures
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
A good rule is to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test.
However, some test centre or locations may ask you to arrive earlier than that. Make sure you allow plenty of time and check with your test centre if you are unsure!
Jun 26, 2025
Answers
How early should I arrive for my IELTS test?
Listening Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Test day procedures
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
A good rule is to arrive at least 30 minutes before your test.
However, some test centre or locations may ask you to arrive earlier than that. Make sure you allow plenty of time and check with your test centre if you are unsure!
Read more
Jun 26, 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
I live in a small town in Vietnam where most people don’t know English. How can I improve my speaking skills for IELTS?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I know the feeling as I learned English long before internet or social media and there was no one around to speak in English with. It can be frustrating, but the upside is there are a few things you can do. There are sone very good language learning forums or language exchange platforms online where people get together, share ideas and have chat rooms or speaking clubs where they speak. Also, more and more chatbots are becoming available for free speaking practice. If you are interested in computer games and online gaming, there is also some opportunity there to communicate with other players in real-time. Last, but not at all least, solo practice of talking, recording yourself and listening back to yourself is a proven technique.
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Aug 6, 2025
Answers
I live in a small town in Vietnam where most people don’t know English. How can I improve my speaking skills for IELTS?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
Reza Tasviri
IELTS Expert
I know the feeling as I learned English long before internet or social media and there was no one around to speak in English with. It can be frustrating, but the upside is there are a few things you can do. There are sone very good language learning forums or language exchange platforms online where people get together, share ideas and have chat rooms or speaking clubs where they speak. Also, more and more chatbots are becoming available for free speaking practice. If you are interested in computer games and online gaming, there is also some opportunity there to communicate with other players in real-time. Last, but not at all least, solo practice of talking, recording yourself and listening back to yourself is a proven technique.
Read more
Aug 6, 2025
I’m a native speaker. Do I need to do any study to prepare for the IELTS test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Even if you’ve been using English all your life, it doesn’t mean you will achieve a band 9 in the IELTS test without doing any preparation.
While you might be confident in your language skills, I’d recommend reading the IELTS Band Descriptors to find out what the examiners are looking for. It’s also important to become familiar with the test format and the types of questions you’ll be asked. Take some practice tests and time yourself, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve sat any formal exams.
Many native English speakers find that it’s not as easy as they think to complete both of the IELTS Writing tasks in 60 minutes.
If you’re planning to take your IELTS test on a computer, you can take our free IELTS Familiarisation test from home so you know what to expect on test day.
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May 14, 2025
Answers
I’m a native speaker. Do I need to do any study to prepare for the IELTS test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Even if you’ve been using English all your life, it doesn’t mean you will achieve a band 9 in the IELTS test without doing any preparation.
While you might be confident in your language skills, I’d recommend reading the IELTS Band Descriptors to find out what the examiners are looking for. It’s also important to become familiar with the test format and the types of questions you’ll be asked. Take some practice tests and time yourself, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve sat any formal exams.
Many native English speakers find that it’s not as easy as they think to complete both of the IELTS Writing tasks in 60 minutes.
If you’re planning to take your IELTS test on a computer, you can take our free IELTS Familiarisation test from home so you know what to expect on test day.
Read more
May 14, 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 Jess
Answers from experts
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.
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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 Jess
Answers from experts
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
I’m feeling really nervous about the Speaking test, especially my examiner. Any tips on overcoming this?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
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
Answers
I’m feeling really nervous about the Speaking test, especially my examiner. Any tips on overcoming this?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Rocco
Answers from experts
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
I’m feeling really nervous about the Speaking test, especially my examiner. Any tips on overcoming this?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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
Answers
I’m feeling really nervous about the Speaking test, especially my examiner. Any tips on overcoming this?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Reza
Answers from experts
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
If I do my IELTS Speaking test on the same day as the rest of the test, how much time is given between finishing the Writing test and starting the Speaking test?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
This will depend on how the test centre schedules their tests, and which session you select when you book. It might be 10 minutes, or it might be 2-3 hours. If you do have a larger break, take that time to get some fresh air, go for a walk, eat something, and relax before the rest of your test-but don't forget to come back with enough time!
If you have a shorter window, don't worry, the Speaking test won't start without you if you're in your other sections!
Read more
Jun 26, 2025
Answers
If I do my IELTS Speaking test on the same day as the rest of the test, how much time is given between finishing the Writing test and starting the Speaking test?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
This will depend on how the test centre schedules their tests, and which session you select when you book. It might be 10 minutes, or it might be 2-3 hours. If you do have a larger break, take that time to get some fresh air, go for a walk, eat something, and relax before the rest of your test-but don't forget to come back with enough time!
If you have a shorter window, don't worry, the Speaking test won't start without you if you're in your other sections!
Read more
Jun 26, 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
Is it bad if the examiner stops or interrupts me during the Speaking test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Whilst it can seem odd when the examiner interrupts you, there are many reasons why this occurs. The main reason that examiners interrupt test takers is due to limited time. Within the 12-15 min, the examiner must cover a certain number of different topics. This is to give you a chance to talk about different things. The examiner also interrupts to keep the test taker on track and keep the interview flowing. The examiner needs to assess you on different topics and skills to gain a complete assessment of your English skills so will direct the conversation in the necessary path.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Answers
Is it bad if the examiner stops or interrupts me during the Speaking test?
Speaking Academic & Academic UKVI Test day Speaking test
Last answered by Jess
Answers from experts
Jess Christie
IELTS Expert
Whilst it can seem odd when the examiner interrupts you, there are many reasons why this occurs. The main reason that examiners interrupt test takers is due to limited time. Within the 12-15 min, the examiner must cover a certain number of different topics. This is to give you a chance to talk about different things. The examiner also interrupts to keep the test taker on track and keep the interview flowing. The examiner needs to assess you on different topics and skills to gain a complete assessment of your English skills so will direct the conversation in the necessary path.
Read more
Feb 7, 2025
Is it better to use a particular accent in the IELTS Speaking test?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Not all at. IELTS examiners are trained language teachers, and they’re certified to assess how well you speak English—not your accent.
They expect to hear a wide variety of accents during the Speaking test. What matters is how clearly you speak. Your accent can affect the way you say your words – like how you use stress, intonation and rhythm.
If there are sounds or stress patterns you find difficult, practise them before your test so there are no communication issues or misunderstandings.
Read more
Jun 17, 2025
Answers
Is it better to use a particular accent in the IELTS Speaking test?
Speaking General Training & General Training UKVI Test day General information
Last answered by Linda
Answers from experts
Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Not all at. IELTS examiners are trained language teachers, and they’re certified to assess how well you speak English—not your accent.
They expect to hear a wide variety of accents during the Speaking test. What matters is how clearly you speak. Your accent can affect the way you say your words – like how you use stress, intonation and rhythm.
If there are sounds or stress patterns you find difficult, practise them before your test so there are no communication issues or misunderstandings.
Read more
Jun 17, 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
Trending
Vishal Ramesh
India
1 year
Experience
IELTS Expert
Your friendly neighbourhood community manager
Last online Mar 4, 2025
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Last answered by Vincent