IELTS Speaking

Test Overview

Everything you need to know about the IELTS Speaking test — format, timing, examiner behaviour — plus a free practice test with instant feedback.

In this guide:

  • • Official test format & structure
  • • Insider knowledge from examiners
  • • IETPP programme preview
  • • Free practice test

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The Official Speaking Test

The speaking assessment is a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner. It consists of three parts: an introduction with eight short questions across two topics, a two-minute extended monologue, and a discussion section. All interviews are recorded for the full duration.

14 min Duration
3 Parts
1 : 1 Interview

4-5 min

Part 1 — Introduction

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

3-4 min

Part 2 — Long Turn

1-minute prep with a topic card, then speak for 1–2 minutes uninterrupted

4-5 min

Part 3 — Discussion

Extended discussion with follow-up questions related to your Part 2 topic

Interview Flow

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

How You're Assessed

The examiner uses the official IELTS Speaking Assessment Rubric to rate your performance across four criteria, each worth 25% of your final band score. You must demonstrate all descriptors at a given band level to achieve that rating.

FLC

Fluency & Coherence

Speaking at length with natural flow and logical organisation

LR

Lexical Resource

Range and accuracy of vocabulary, including paraphrasing ability

GRA

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Variety and correctness of grammatical structures

PR

Pronunciation

Rhythm, stress, intonation and overall intelligibility

Key Descriptors

  • 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)

Insider Knowledge

Inside

The examiner follows a preset script and cannot deviate — your Part 1 interaction is more constrained than you think.

Inside

If you stop speaking before 1:40 in Part 2, the examiner will prompt you — but after that they stay silent until time is up.

Inside

Pronunciation is the most common cause of lower-than-expected scores — technically strong speakers regularly underperform here.

Inside

Paraphrasing is scored as a distinct skill under Lexical Resource — the examiner is specifically watching for whether you can restate ideas in different words.

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Go Deeper with the InsideIELTS Programme

The Speaking module covers everything you need — from test format to mastering each assessment criterion:

  • Introduction to the Speaking Test
  • Part 1, 2, 3 deep-dive with Virtual Examiner videos
  • Fluency & Coherence — master criterion
  • Lexical Resource — master criterion
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy — master criterion
  • Pronunciation — master criterion
  • Full practice test with AI feedback

28 lessons • All 4 skills • Expert-led

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Master all 4 speaking criteria with expert analysis and personalised feedback.

28 Expert Lessons All IELTS skills covered Final LIVE coaching call
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Answer three Part 1 questions & get your band score instantly. Duration: ~ 3 min.

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