The IELTS speaking section is the only component of the test where test takers and the examiner interact face-to-face. Interacting with an unknown person, like an examiner, might make you anxious and nervous, but don’t worry; we are here to help you out.
It should be noted that the speaking section remains the same for both academic and general training tests. This blog will help you understand the format of the IELTS speaking section, including the types of questions that may come up, and provide useful tips you should follow to achieve the best results.
Table of Contents
IELTS Speaking Section: An Overview
- The IELTS speaking section involves the face-to-face interaction between the test taker and the examiner.
- It is the only section of the test that does not require the use of paper or a computer to answer the questions.
- It assesses the use of spoken English.
- The test usually takes place in a quiet room with the examiner.
- Below, we have tabulated the overview of the IELTS speaking section.
| Number of Parts | 3 |
|---|---|
| Marks per question | Depending on assessment |
| Negative marking | No |
| No. of Questions | 7-11 |
| Duration | 11-14 minutes |
Format of the IELTS Speaking
- The format of the IELTS Speaking section is the same for both Academics and General Training tests.
- The IELTS Speaking test usually lasts between 11 and 14 minutes and covers a variety of topics.
- It consists of 3 parts-
- Part 1: Introduction and questions on familiar topics
- Part 2: Individual long turn
- Part 3: Two-way discussion
IELTS Speaking Part-1: Introduction & Questions on Familiar Topics
- The IELTS speaking part 1 starts with the examiner asking you about your name and showing your identification.
- The examiner will also ask you general questions about yourself, your home, family, work, studies, and hobbies.
- The examiner usually asks scripted questions, and depending on your response, they may prompt you to extend your answers.
- This part lasts between 4-5 minutes.
Some Common Questions
The questions that might be asked in this part are similar to the ones below. However, the following questions are just samples and for illustrative purposes only.
- Can you tell me your name, please?
- Where are you from?
- What do you do?
- Where is your hometown?
- Can you tell me about your family?
- What are your hobbies?
Skills to be Evaluated
- Ability to give opinions and information
- Fluency and vocabulary
- Grammer
- Pronunciation
IELTS Speaking Part-2: Individual Long Turn
- In IELTS speaking part 2, you will be given a topic and asked to discuss it for two minutes.
- The duration of this part is around 3-4 minutes.
- The topic is usually provided on a card, along with a piece of paper and pencil for making notes.
- You will be given 1 minute to prepare and make notes before you speak.
- The examiner will tell you when to start and stop.
Some Common Topics
The topics that might be allotted differ from the ones below. The following topics are just samples and for illustrative purposes only.
- Describe a place you would like to visit
- Describe a person you admire
- Describe an important event in your life
- Describe a book or movie that you recently watched
- Describe a time when you helped someone
- Describe a skill you would like to learn in the future
Skills to be Evaluated
- Ability to speak at length
- Fluency and vocabulary
- Grammer
- Pronunciation
- Organising your ideas in a logical way
IELTS Speaking Part-3: Two-Way Discussion
- This part is connected to the part 2
- You will be required to discuss the allotted topic in a more abstract way than you spoke about in the previous part.
- It involves justifying your opinions and discussing the topic in more depth.
- The duration of this part is around 4-5 minutes.
- There is no preparation time beforehand.
- This section aims to expand on the answers to part 2 in a more general rather than personal way.
Some Common Questions
- The questions in IELTS speaking part 3 require test takers to delve deeper into the allotted topic.
- It should be noted that the following questions are just samples and for illustrative purposes only.
- How do you think tourism has changed in recent years?
- What are the advantages/disadvantages of travelling to foreign countries?
- How can tourism impact the environment?
- Why is it important to promote tourism?
IELTS Speaking Marking System
- For the IELTS speaking section, test takers are assessed on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical accuracy and range, and pronunciation.
- The speaking results are provided as band scores, which range from band 0 to band 9.
Preparation Tips for IELTS Speaking Section
Below, we have discussed some important tips related to pre-test and on-day test prep for the IELTS speaking section.
Pre-Test Prep Strategies for IELTS Speaking Section
- Familiarise yourself with the IELTS speaking format and patterns.
- Read and listen to English content, such as news articles and podcasts.
- Practice forming complex sentences correctly by practising with a proficient speaker.
- For detailed feedback, you can ask experienced counsellors or IELTS mentors or join the AdmitX Smart Academy.
On-Day Test Prep Strategies for IELTS Speaking Section
- Do not hesitate to speak; stick to what you know.
- Stay calm and take a deep breath before speaking.
- Listen to the questions carefully, and if you are unsure, ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question.
- Share about your day-to-day activities with the examiner in the way you do with your friends.
Key Takeaways by Smart Academy
The IELTS speaking section is the same for both academic and general training tests. It assesses speaking skills such as vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, sentence structure, pronunciation, and flow of thoughts.
The section consists of three parts, which are completed in 11-14 minutes. Depending on the assessment and examiner, the number of questions is between 7 and 11. Test takers should prepare for this section strategically with the help of an experienced tutor.
FAQs
What is IELTS speaking part 1?
Part 1 of the IELTS speaking section requires test takers to introduce themselves to the examiner. In return, they ask them general questions about themselves, their home, family, work, studies, and hobbies.
What is IELTS speaking part 2?
In part 2 of the IELTS speaking section, test takers are given a topic on which they must speak for about two minutes.
What is IELTS speaking part 3?
In part 3 of the IELTS speaking section, test takers are required to discuss the allotted topic more abstractly. It also involves justifying their opinions and analyses and discussing the topic in more depth.
What are IELTS speaking topics derived from?
The IELTS speaking topics are primarily derived from everyday life experiences, personal opinions, social issues, global trends, and current events.
Can I retake the IELTS speaking section only?
Yes, you can retake the IELTS speaking section with the help of an IELTS one-skill retake, but only after the original test results are declared.
