IELTS Speaking Overview

The IELTS Speaking test is a one-to-one overview with an examiner which is recorded.  You may bring only your ID to the test.  You will not be able to take the test without it.

It lasts between 11 and 14 minutes and has 3 parts.

Part One 4-5 minutes

A series of questions on familiar topics, for example, family, home, job, hobbies. There are sample questions here.

Part Two 2-3 minutes

You are asked to speak for 2 minutes on a given subject.  You are allowed one minute to make notes but you do not have to.  The examiner has paper and pencils. The subject matter is again familiar, for example, favourite teacher, your hobby, your ambition.  Go here for some practice.

Part Three 4-5 minutes

You have to answer questions on a subject related to Part Two.  For example, if you spoke about your favourite teacher in Part Two, in Part Three you will talk generally on education, school subjects or the skills of a teacher.  The questions are more abstract and you will be asked to give opinions, speculate, talk about trends and make suggestions. Click on any of these to go to a worksheet. There are sample questions here.

 In General

In Parts One and Two, the examiner has a script that they must stick to.  They can repeat the question but they cannot change it to make it easier.  In Part Three, the examiner is allowed to change the wording of the questions.

You cannot ask to change the subject.  In Part One, where a subject could be sensitive, for example family, the examiner will ask "Do you mind talking about that?" In that case, you may change the subject but only do so if it really is something which is difficult for you to talk about.