| Speaking Duration | 11–14 Minutes |
| Test Parts | 3 Tasks |
Introduce and interview (4–5 minutes). The examiner introduces himself or herself and asks you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. The examiner asks you general questions on familiar topics such as family, work, studies or interests.
Individual long turn (3–4 minutes). The examiner gives you a task card that asks you to talk about a particular topic and includes points you can cover in your talk. You are given 1 minute to prepare your talk and you are given a pencil and paper to make notes of your talk for 1 to 2 minutes on the topic. The examiner then asks you one or two questions on the same.
Discussion (4-5 minutes). The examiner asks a question that is connected to the topic of Part 2. This allows you to discuss more general issues and ideas.
Skills Assessed
A wide range of speaking skills are assessed including:
- The ability to communicate opinion and information on everyday topics and common experiences and situations by answering a range of questions.
- The ability to speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language and organising ideas coherently.
- The ability to express and justify opinion and to analyse, discuss and speculate about issues.
Marking
You are assessed on your performance throughout the test by a certificated IELTS examiner according to the IELTS speaking test assessment criteria (fluency and coherence, Lexicon resource, grammatical range and accuracy and pronunciation). Contact your nearest test centre for the public version of the assessment criteria.
Top 5 approved examiner speaking tips
- In the lead-up to the speaking test, make sure you take the time to practice speaking English with friends at work and on the phone; you should also consider recording yourself so that you are confident speaking English during your test.
- There are no right or wrong answers in the speaking test; the examiner will assess you on how well you can express your ideas and opinions in good English.
- It will help you feel relaxed if you imagine you are talking to a friend. Remember that you are not being asked about your opinion but rather about your use of English.
- Try to avoid repeating the words used in the examination question; use your way to show the examiner your full ability.
- Speak clearly and at a natural pace. If you speak to me, please make sure to pronounce words correctly.
