IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking is the same for both the General Training test and the Academic test and assesses your use of spoken English. Each speaking test is given face-to-face with an IELTS-certified examiner, and each one is recorded in case further review is necessary.

The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts where you will discuss a variety of topics with an IELTS examiner.

You will be given a quiet environment for the examination, and the examiner will encourage you to talk more. An IELTS examiner, as opposed to an AI test, will be able to relax and reassure you. Additionally, they can recognise your accent to help you receive the highest possible grade.

The Speaking test consists of three parts:

IELTS Speaking Test Part 1: Introduction and questions on familiar topics

You will be asked general questions about who you are as well as questions about a variety of familiar subjects, including your home, family, job, studies, and interests. This part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. You will be asked a couple of scripted questions by the examiner. If your answers are too brief, the examiner will ask you to elaborate with a “why?” or “why not?”.

How to answer IELTS speaking part 1?

This part of the exam uses a question-and-answer format and focuses on your capacity to share thoughts and knowledge on common topics by responding to a variety of questions.

IELTS Speaking Test Part 2: Individual long turn

Following Part 1, the examiner will provide you with a topic and ask you to speak for one to two minutes about it. You will be handed the topic on a card, and you will also be handed a pencil and a piece of paper for making notes. You will see the speaking prompt and some points related to it on the card. You will have exactly one minute before speaking to prepare and make notes. When your time is up, the examiner will use a timer to notify you. You will then start your ‘Long Turn’ where you need to speak for up to 2 minutes.

How to answer IELTS speaking part 2?

Your talk will begin at the specified time, and the examiner will remind you that they will stop you once you have reached two minutes. You can use the task card's points to help you come up with ideas for your talk, and you should aim to speak for the full two minutes. Before moving on to the next part, they might ask you a question regarding what you have said. This part of the exam evaluates your ability to speak at length on a certain topic while using proper language and structuring your thoughts logically. During the long turn, you can talk about your personal experience on the topic.

IELTS speaking Part 2: how many minutes?

IELTS speaking Part 2 duration is 3 to 4 minutes.

IELTS Speaking Test Part 3: Two-way discussion

The questions in the third and final section will relate to the general topic you discussed in Part 2. In order to demonstrate to the examiner that you have the ability to express and explain your thoughts as well as analyse, discuss, and speculate on the subject in greater detail, you will discuss the topic in a more general and abstract manner.

In this part, the examiner will speak more with you and may ask you to defend your arguments in order to assess how effectively you can talk about abstract concepts in contrast to the more personal and familiar topics you discussed in Parts 1 and 2.

In Part 3, your proficiency in expressing and defending viewpoints, as well as in analysing, debating, and speculating on a variety of subjects related to the broad theme you covered in Part 2, will be evaluated.

How long is IELTS speaking Part 3?

IELTS speaking Part 3 is 4 to 5 minutes long.

When can you take the IELTS Speaking test?

The Speaking test can be taken on the same day as the other components of the tests, or a week before or after, please check with your local test centre.