IELTS Speaking

Test Overview

Everything you need to know about the Speaking test format, assessment criteria, and how to prepare.

In this guide:

  • • Test format & timing
  • • Assessment criteria
  • • Interview structure
  • • Tips for success

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Speaking Test Format

The speaking test is a face-to-face interview lasting 13-14 minutes in total. After a short introduction, you will answer 8 short questions on two topics, followed by a 2-minute long turn, and finally a discussion on topics related to your long turn response.

14 min Duration
3 Parts
1:1 Interview

The 3 Parts of the Speaking Test

Let's look at the three sections of the interview in more detail:

👋

Part 1 - Introduction and Short Answer Questions

(4-5 minutes)

Part 1 - Introduction and Short Answer Questions example

General topic questions about your home, work, study, and two sets of four short answer questions

🎤

Part 2 - The Long Turn

(3-4 minutes)

Part 2 - The Long Turn example

1 minute preparation time, then speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic card

💬

Part 3 - Discussion

(4-5 minutes)

Part 3 - Discussion example

Discussion of topics related to your Part 2 response with follow-up questions

Interview Flow

All IELTS interviews are recorded for the full duration. Here's exactly what happens during your speaking test:

1

Introduction

Examiner reads date, venue details, and verifies your ID

2

Part 1 Questions

Questions about home/work/study plus two topic sets (8 questions total)

3

Part 2 Preparation

Receive topic card, 1 minute to prepare notes

4

Part 2 Speaking

Speak for 1-2 minutes uninterrupted on your topic

5

Part 3 Discussion

Extended discussion with follow-up questions

6

Conclusion

Examiner thanks you and ends the interview

Assessment Criteria

During the Speaking Test interview, the examiner uses the official IELTS Speaking Test Assessment Rubric to assess your performance across 4 speaking assessment criteria. You must demonstrate all descriptors at a particular band level to achieve that score.

Four Assessment Criteria

Fluency & Coherence (FLC) 25%

Your ability to speak at length with natural flow and logical organisation

Lexical Resource (LR) 25%

Range and accuracy of vocabulary and ability to paraphrase

Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA) 25%

Variety and correctness of grammatical structures

Pronunciation (PR) 25%

Correct use of rhythm, stress, intonation and overall intelligibility

Key Success Factors

  • Speak at length without long pauses (FLC)
  • Organise ideas logically with connective features (FLC)
  • Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately (LR)
  • Demonstrate varied grammatical structures (GRA)
  • Maintain clear pronunciation and intonation (PR)
  • Demonstrate correct chunking and use of phonological features (PR)

Important Guidelines

Many candidates get very nervous before taking the IELTS Speaking Test interview. The key to performing well is to:

  • Be familiar with the interview format and content
  • Understand the IELTS speaking assessment criteria
  • Practice speaking at length on various topics (and don't worry too much about being 'truthful')
  • Focus on clear communication rather than perfection
  • Try to relax!

Remember :
Part 1 is not a discussion - the examiner will only use "Why/Why not?" prompts if you need to extend your answers.
In Part 2 you must speak non-stop for at least 1:30 without 'drying up'.
Part 3 is a discussion - the examiner will develop the conversation more naturally with follow-up questions.

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