IELTS Academic Speaking

Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question in the IELTS Speaking test. You can also ask for clarification if you don't understand a word or what they are trying to ask.

If you take an IELTS on computer test, the Reading, Writing and Listening parts of the IELTS test are completed on a computer, but the Speaking test is completed face-to-face with an IELTS examiner.

The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are completed immediately after each other on the same day. In some test centres, you will sit the Speaking test on the same day, or up to 7 days before or after your test date.

If you take IELTS on computer, the Speaking test will be taken on the same day, either before, or after the other three parts of the test.

Smiling can help you feel relaxed which in turn might help you perform better. However, if you smile or laugh too much, it might not be appropriate for the topic you are discussing. Every examiner is trained and monitored closely to be fair to every candidate and to assess your level of English. The examiners will not give you more or fewer marks if you are smiling and laughing. It is best to try and relax as much as you can and communicate in a natural way.

In the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner knows where you are from because they ask for your passport. They may also ask you about where you are from, but it will not affect your score. Accent is not a problem unless you do not have some natural features of English, such as the sounds or rhythm.