Unlike the other sections of the IELTS exam, the speaking test may be taken up to 7 days before or after the other 3 tests. I recommend taking all sections of the IELTS tests on the same day and get done with it. If however you have a busy weekend then it's good to know that you can at least move the speaking test around.
IELTS Speaking test has 3 parts:
- Part 1 is an interview about you. The examiner will ask questions about you, your family, your studies, your job etc. There are no right or wrong answers here so just be yourself and don't over think your answers. Speak for 4-5 minutes for this section.
- In Part 2 you need to speak for up to 2 minutes about a topic. The examiner hands you a card with some questions. You have a few minutes to prepare for this before the examiner starts the tape recorder.
- Part 3 is a general discussion related to Part 2. This is more interactive and impromptu and you are not given extra time to prepare for this part.
Your voice will be recorded for each of these sections using a tape recorder. There have been instances when examiners have forgotten to start the tape recorded for the exam and candidates were called again to take the speaking test :) .. so make sure that your examiner hits the record button before you start speaking.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about IELTS speaking test.
Question:
How many parts are there to the IELTS speaking test?
Answer:
There are 3 parts. There is an interview, a talk and a discussion with the examiner.
Question:
How long does the speaking test take?
Answer:
It takes a total of 11 to 14 minutes. Part 1 is 4-5 mins, part 2 is 3-4 mins and part 3 is 4-5 mins.
Question:
Is the speaking test face to face with an examiner or by computer?
Answer:
Your speaking test will be face to face with an IELTS examiner. There is no option to do your IELTS speaking test by computer.
Question:
How will the speaking test be marked?
Answer:
You will be marked on fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Each one accounts for 25% of your marks.
Question:
What kinds of topics will be asked in the speaking test?
Answer:
There are many different topics for each part of the speaking test. Follow the link to get a list of common topics and questions for part 1, part 2 and part 3.
Question:
How many questions will I be asked?
Answer:
You will be asked 12 questions in part 1 (these are based on 3 different topics) and in part 3, you will be asked 5 or more questions – it depends on the length of your answers. Try to aim for long, detailed answers in part 3.
Question:
Why do I need to expand my answers in my speaking test?
Answer:
To get band score 6 and above for the criterion of fluency, you must show the examiner that you are willing to speak at length. This means you are happy to give longer answers.
Question:
Do I need to talk for 2 minutes in part 2?
Answer:
In part 2, you must talk for between 1 and 2 minutes. I recommend you aim for between 1.5 to 2 mins which will show a good level of fluency and the ability to speak at length.
Question:
What happens if I continue talking past 2 mins in speaking part 2?
Answer:
The examiner will control the time very strictly in your test. The examiner will stop you when you reach 2 minutes and then he/she will move on to part 3.
Question:
Can I choose my topic to talk about in part 2?
Answer:
No, the examiner will give you a topic card which contains a list of prompts.
Question:
Can I ask the examiner to change the topic is part 2 if I can't talk about it?
Answer:
No, you can’t change the topic. You must try to talk on the topic you are given.
Question:
Do I need to follow the prompts on the cue card in speaking part 2?
Answer:
No, you don’t have to, it’s not compulsory. However, I recommend that you do follow the prompts because they offer a good structure for your talk. This is part of the criterion of fluency.
Question:
What's the difference between part 1 and part 3 in the IELTS speaking test?
Answer:
Part 1 is like an interview. The examiner will ask you short answer questions on common topics relating to your life or your country. In part 3, it is more similar to a discussion. The examiner will ask you about world issues or broader, more complex questions. In part 3, your answers should be longer and more detailed.
Question:
Should I give examples in my answers?
Answer:
Yes, it is very useful to do that, particularly in part 3 when you need to give longer, more detailed answers.
Question:
What can I do if I don't understand the question?
Answer:
In speaking part 1, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question but the examiner can’t explain it or help you. In part 2, the examiner will give you a topic and you can’t change it. In part 3, you can ask the examiner to explain the question, just say ” I’m sorry could you explain that, please?
Question:
Will I get a lower score if I ask the examiner to repeat the question?
Answer:
No, it will not affect your score. However, only do this two or three times and no more.
Question:
What can I do if I don't have any ideas for the answer in part 3?
Answer:
It sometimes happens that you are asked a question for which you have no ideas. Here’s a typical example “What are the risks of artificial intelligence to mankind?” If you get a question but you have no ideas for the answer, you can say “To be honest, I’ve never really thought about it before. I guess there are risks of artificial intelligence but I can’t say what they are.” This answer is still good. You are still using a range of good language.
Question:
Does it matter if I have an accent when I talk?
Answer:
No, as long as the examiner can understand clearly. If your accent prevents the examiner from understanding you, it will lower your score drastically.
Question:
Why did the examiner interrupt my answer?
Answer:
It is possible for the examiner to interrupt your answer and not let you finish. There are three main reasons why this might happen.
- Firstly, there is a time limit and the examiner must move on to the next question.
- Secondly, the examiner is satisfied with the language in your answer and wants to move quickly to a new question which tests another part of your English.
- Thirdly, your answer has gone off topic and the examiner wants to start a new question.
So, if the examiner interrupts your answer, don’t worry about it. Just focus on the next question and answer confidently.
Question:
Can I ask the examiner for his or her opinion?
Answer:
No, this is a language test, the examiner wants to hear your English and your opinions.
Question:
Should I correct my mistakes when I'm speaking in the test?
Answer:
It is ok to correct some mistakes but make sure it doesn’t affect your fluency. Every time you stop speaking to correct a mistake, it will affect your fluency score.
Question:
What should I wear for my speaking test?
Answer:
You can wear whatever you want. This is not a formal interview, it is only a speaking test. Wear clothes that you are most comfortable in.
Question:
What happens if my answer includes the answer to the next question on the examiner's list?
Answer:
The examiner has quite a long list of possible questions and they choose which questions to ask and which not to ask. So if you answer includes the answer to the next question on the examiner’s list, he or she will skip that question and move on to the question after that. So never worry about adding extra information to your answer – it won’t affect the next question.
In the case where you feel you have already answered the question, just repeat your answer using slightly different words. It will show the examiner that you have a wide range of vocabulary and grammar.
Question:
Can I use body language in my speaking test?
Answer:
The examiner is only interested in hearing your English language. It is your choice if you want to use body language or not. Most people find it natural to use body language while talking so feel free to use it. It is important that you are relaxed and talk naturally during your test.
Let me spare you the boredom of going through that document and highlight the main things to watch out for to get a band 7 or more:
Fluency
To score a Band 7 or above you MUST do the following
- Speak without long pauses. Do not take a long break between words to think.
- Understand the examiner's question correctly and develop your answer accordingly.
- Keep hesitation, repetition and self-correction to a minimum.
- Use a variety of sentence structures and don't give yes/no answers.
Vocabulary
To score Band 7+ you must use some less common words in their proper context.
You should be able to throw in a few idioms and phrases in your answers too.
The more precisely you can uncommon words, idioms and phrases related to your topic in your speech the higher you will score.
Paraphrase Effectively
Paraphrasing refers to expressing the meaning of something using different words, especially to achieve greater clarity.
In order to score Band 7+ you need to show that you can paraphrase effectively.
Grammar range and accuracy
For IELTS Band 7+ you should be able to use a range of complex grammatical structures in your sentences correctly.
Pronunciation
Lastly, to score Band 7+ you should be able to pronounce words correctly. Bear in mind that pronunciation is not the same as accent. In fact you not judged on your accent at all. Pronunciation score is based on
- clarity (speaking clearly)
- speed (not too fast, not too slow)
- intonation (the rise and fall of your voice)