Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your spoken English skills.

It lasts about 11-14 minutes in total and is divided into three parts :

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

• You'll introduce yourself and answer questions about familiar topics, such as your home, studies, work, and interests.

• This part aims to make you comfortable and assess your ability to speak on common subjects.

Part 2 : Long Turn/ Cue Card (3-4 minutes)

• You’ll receive a task card with a topic and some prompts. You’ll have one minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes.

• This tests your ability to speak at length on a given topic without interruption.

Part 3 : Discussion (4-5 minutes)

• The examiner will ask you more in-depth questions related to the topic from Part 2, allowing for a discussion.

• This part assesses your ability to discuss abstract ideas and express opinions clearly.

Marking Criteria

Certified IELTS Examiners assess the candidate’s performance throughout the test and the marking is based on the following four criteria-

Fluency and Coherence: It basically refers to the ability to talk at a normal pace and effort. The ideas have to be linked together to form coherent and connected speech.

Lexical Resource: This refers to the range of vocabulary used with great precision so as to express the meaning clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The grammatical resources of the test taker comprises of accurate and appropriate use of grammar.

Pronunciation: The ability to produce error-free speech comes under this criterion.

Sample Speaking Test

Part 1 Introduction:

EXAMINER:

Let’s talk about your home town or village.

What kind of place is it?

What is the most fascinating part of your town/ village?

What kind of job opportunities do the people in your town/village have?

Would you say it’s a decent place to live? (Why?)

Let’s move on to talk about accommodation.

What kind of accommodation do you reside in and what kind of house is it?

How long have you stayed there?

What is the main thing you like about living in such a place?

What kind of accommodation would you, for the most part, like to live in?

Part 2 – Cue Card

EXAMINER:

Describe something you own, which is extremely important to you.

You should say:

Where did you get it from?

How long you have owned it?

What you use it for?

And explain its importance in your life You have to talk about the given topic for one to two minutes. You now have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make notes if you wish.

Rounding off questions

Is it precious in terms of money?

Would it be difficult to replace?

Part 3 – Two-way discussion

Let’s consider how people’s values have changed over the years

What kinds of things give status to people nowadays in your country?

Have things enormously changed since your parents’ time?

Finally, let’s talk about the function of advertising. Do you think advertising influences the choice of people?

General Tips for IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly

• Engage in Conversations : Find a language partner or join English conversation groups. The more you speak, the more natural it becomes.

• Role Play : Simulate the speaking test with a friend or tutor, using IELTS-style questions.

• Daily Speaking : Try to incorporate English into your daily life—describe your day, talk about your plans, or discuss topics of interest.

2. Listen Actively

• Focus on Questions : Make sure you fully understand what the examiner is asking before you answer. If you're unsure, it's okay to ask for clarification.

• Practice Listening Skills : Listen to English podcasts, watch movies, or engage with English media to train your ear to different accents and vocabulary.

• Paraphrase Questions : When responding, consider rephrasing the question in your answer to demonstrate comprehension.

3. Use a Variety of Vocabulary

• Synonyms : Instead of using the same word repeatedly, try to think of synonyms. For instance, instead of saying "good," use "excellent," "fantastic," or "beneficial."

• Contextual Vocabulary : Use words that fit the topic. For instance, when discussing hobbies, terms like "recreational," "enthusiast," or "leisure activities" can add depth to your responses.

• Idiomatic Expressions : Incorporating common phrases or idioms (like “a piece of cake” for something easy) can enhance your speech, but ensure they fit the context appropriately.

4. Stay Calm

• Breathe and Pause : If you feel nervous, take a deep breath and allow yourself a moment to think. It's better to take a moment than to rush into an answer.

• Positive Mindset : Remind yourself that the examiner is there to assess your speaking skills, not to judge you personally. Approach it as a conversation rather than a test.

• Familiarization : Knowing the format and types of questions can reduce anxiety. Familiarize yourself with common topics to build confidence.

5. Record Yourself

• Self-Assessment : Record your practice sessions and listen to them. Note any frequent errors in grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary usage.

• Identify Patterns : Look for patterns in your speech—are you using filler words (like "um" or "uh") too often? Are your sentences varied in structure?

• Monitor Progress : Over time, recordings can help you track improvements and highlight areas that still need work.