IELTS Speaking

A face-to-face interview with an examiner, recorded.

Format
11–14 minutes · 3 parts
Scoring
Four criteria: Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, Pronunciation.

Part 1 · Introduction & interview

Short questions about familiar topics: home, work, studies, hobbies.

Show format & tips

Format

  • 4–5 minutes
  • 3 topics, about 4 questions each

Tips

  • Answer in 2–3 sentences: answer + reason + example.
  • Don't memorise answers — examiners notice and mark it down.
  • Use natural spoken English: contractions, simple linking (actually, to be honest).

Part 2 · Long turn (cue card)

Talk for up to 2 minutes about a topic on a card, after 1 minute to prepare.

Show format & tips

Format

  • 1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak
  • The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions

Tips

  • Use the minute to note one keyword per bullet point, not full sentences.
  • Tell it as a story: set the scene, say what happened, say how you felt.
  • Keep talking until the examiner stops you — 2 minutes is the target.

Part 3 · Discussion

Abstract questions linked to the Part 2 topic: society, causes, the future.

Show format & tips

Format

  • 4–5 minutes
  • Longer, more complex answers expected

Tips

  • Give an opinion, explain why, and consider the other side.
  • Talk about people in general, not only about yourself.
  • Use speculation language: it's likely that…, I'd imagine…, in the long run…