IELTS Speaking Test, Everything About Part 1, 2 and 3, Know Here
IELTS Speaking: Learn about IELTS Speaking test, test structure, and how to answer confidently, expert tips, practice samples, and strategies to improve your English speaking skills.
Porishmita Paul19 Jan, 2025
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IELTS Speaking: The IELTS Speaking test is a crucial component of the IELTS exam. This section assesses the English-speaking skills of test-takers in a structured format. The IELTS Speaking section lasts 11-14 minutes and is divided into three parts. IELTS speaking can significantly boost your overall IELTS Academic and General Training test scores. Here, we have offered key aspects of the IELTS Speaking test, test format, scoring system, tips and tricks to score high in IELTS Speaking, and more. We have also included various IELTS speaking practice questions to help students better understand the test format and question types to achieve high scores.
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Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS speaking is divided into three major parts:- IELTS Speaking Part 1: General Questions about the Candidate
- IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card + Follow-up Questions
- IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion with the Examiner
- IELTS exam eligibility requirements
- Documents Required for IELTS Registration
- IELTS Test Slot Booking
IELTS Speaking Band Score
Here's a structured table for IELTS Speaking Band Scores :| IELTS Speaking Band Score | ||
|---|---|---|
| Band Score | IELTS Speaking Fluency and Coherence | IELTS Speaking Pronunciation |
| 9 | Speaks fluently, rare self-correction, fully develops topics | Full range, effortless to understand |
| 8 | Fluent, occasional self-correction, develops topics well | Wide range, minimal L1 effect |
| 7 | Speaks at length, with rare hesitation, uses discourse markers | Clear, occasional lapses |
| 6 | Speaks at length but with some self-correction and hesitation | Generally clear, occasional mispronunciations |
| 5 | Maintains flow, slow speech, repetition | Can be understood, limited control |
| 4 | Pauses, simple speech, breakdowns | Limited features, mispronunciations frequent |
| 3 | Long pauses, simple responses, coherence issues | Difficult to understand |
| 2 | Pauses before words, little communication | Often unintelligible |
| 1 | No communication possible | No rateable language |
| 0 | Absent | Absent |
IELTS Speaking Test Pattern
Here’s detailed information about the IELTS speaking format :| IELTS Speaking Parts | IELTS Speaking Duration | IELTS Speaking Description |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Speaking Part 1 | 4-5 minutes | General Questions about the Candidate |
| IELTS Speaking Part 2 | 3-4 minutes | Cue Card + Follow-up Questions |
| IELTS Speaking Part 3 | 4-5 minutes | Discussion with the Examiner |
IELTS Speaking Part 1
IELTS Speaking Part 1 is the introductory phase of the IELTS Speaking test which includes a wide range of general questions about the personal lives of aspirants, their daily life, interests, and familiar topics like work, study, hobbies, family, or hometown.IELTS Speaking Part 1 Features
Some key features of IELTS Speaking Part 1 are as follows:- IELTS Speaking Part 1 Duration: 4 to 5 minutes
-
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Format:
- General questions on familiar topics (hobbies, work, studies, etc.)
-
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Question Types:
- Open-ended questions requiring short but detailed answers
-
IELTS Speaking Part 1Goal:
- Assess the ability to communicate and express opinions clearly
- Evaluate fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary
-
Topics Commonly Covered in IELTS Speaking Part 1
:
- Hometown and Accommodation
- Work or Studies
- Daily Routine
- Hobbies and Interests
- Travel and Holidays
- Food and Cooking
- Films and TV Shows
- Books and Reading
- Festivals and Celebrations
| IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Topics | |
|---|---|
IELTS Speaking Part 2
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 is the second phase or "long turn” of the IELTS Speaking test. In this section, the interviewer allows test-takers to speak at length on various topics.IELTS Speaking Part 2 Features
Some key features of IELTS Speaking Part 2 are as follows:- IELTS Speaking Part 2 Duration: 3-4 minutes
-
- 1 minute to prepare
- 1-2 minutes to speak
- 1 minute for follow-up questions
-
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card
Structure (Example):
-
Describe a place you have visited that you liked
.
- Where it is?
- When you go there?
- What you did do there?
- Explain why you liked it.
-
Describe a place you have visited that you liked
.
- IELTS Speaking Part 2 Follow-up Questions: After your speech, the examiner may ask 1-2 follow-up questions to dive deeper into the topic.
| IELTS Cue Card Topics | |
|---|---|
IELTS Speaking Part 3
The IELTS Speaking Part 3 is the third phase of the IELTS Speaking test which involves a two-way discussion between the interviewer and candidate. The questions are generally related to the second part of the IELTS exam.IELTS Speaking Part 3 Features
Some key features of IELTS Speaking Part 3 are as follows:- IELTS Speaking Part 3 Duration: 4-5 minutes
- IELTS Speaking Part 3 Format: Abstract or complex topics related to Part 2.
-
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Types of Questions:
- Opinion-Based
- Comparisons
- Problem-Solution
- Future Predictions
- Cause and Effect
IELTS Speaking Practice Questions
Find below the IELTS Speaking Practice questions with sample answers:IELTS Speaking Part 1: Hometown
Can you describe your hometown?
Sample Answer: My hometown is Guwahati known as the gateway of North-East India. The city is situated on the bank of river Brahmaputra. Guwahati, the commercial center of Assam, is known for its river port, industries, and tourist attractions.What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Sample Answer : I love to do crafting and reading novels during my free time. Sometimes I watch movies and sleep for a few hours to spend my free time. However, sometimes I go for outings with my friends during my free time.Do you prefer reading books or watching movies? Why?
Sample Answer : I prefer reading books rather than watching movies. I like to read novels based on Indian mythology and the history of Indian culture. However, sometimes I do enjoy watching tragedy and suspense movies in my free time.IELTS Speaking Part 2: Holiday
Describe a memorable holiday you had.
Where did you go?
Sample Answer : I went to Manali during the holiday. It was a two-night, three-day trip with my family. We visited ancient temples, waterfalls, and popular places in Manali. We also enjoyed various adventure activities together.Who were you with?
Sample Answer : I went with my elder sister and brother-in-law. We planned the trip for the New Year’s Eve 2025. It was a very memorable trip for all of us.What made it memorable?
Sample Answer : The trip was memorable because of the beautiful scenery and the fun activities we did together. We enjoyed trekking in the snow, paragliding, and trying local food. The best part was watching the snowfall on New Year's Eve.IELTS Speaking Part 3: Tourism
How has tourism affected your country?
Sample Answer : Tourism has boosted our country’s economy, created jobs, and promoted cultural exchange. However, it has also caused overcrowding and pollution in some areas.What are the advantages of traveling abroad?
Sample Answer : Traveling abroad helps you explore new cultures, try different foods, and gain unique experiences. It also broadens your perspective.Do you think travel will become more popular in the future? Why?
Sample Answer : Yes, because people love exploring new places, and technology makes travel easier and more affordable.How to Improve English Speaking Skills in IELTS Speaking?
Here are some effective strategies to improve your IELTS Speaking band score:| IELTS Speaking Tips | |
|---|---|
| Tips | Description |
| Speak English Daily | Engage in conversations with friends and families in English |
| Watch IELTS Speaking Samples | Use platforms like YouTube to listen to IELTS speaking samples |
| Use IELTS Speaking Practice Materials | Use numerous IELTS speaking practice books and online resources to practice sample questions |
| Elaborate Your Answers | Avoid short responses and expand your answers by providing examples |
| Record Yourself Speaking | Record yourself to practice on IELTS speaking topics |
| Practice Time Management | Practice IELTS Speaking questions within the limited time period to experience the original test environment |
| Stay Calm and Confident | In case of any mistakes, stay calm and continue speaking without hesitation |
| Use a Range of Vocabulary | Use a wide vocabulary to boost your score |
Guidance to PW IELTS Prep
The IELTS Online Courses is a great initiative taken by Physics Wallah to help IELTS aspirants better prepare for the exam. Follow our below pages to learn more about the IELTS exam.| Section wise IELTS Band Score Links | |
|---|---|
| IELTS Reading Band Score | IELTS Listening Band Score |
| IELTS Speaking Band Score | IELTS Writing Band Score |
IELTS Speaking FAQs
Q. How can I improve my English speaking skills for IELTS?
Ans - Not always, though. The Listening, Reading, and Writing parts of the test are always done simultaneously. Depending on the exam venue, the Speaking test can be taken up to 7 days before or after the scheduled day.
Q. What are common IELTS Speaking topics?
Ans. Topics include hobbies, travel, work, education, and daily routines. Be ready to describe experiences and express opinions.
Q. How is the IELTS Speaking test structured?
Ans. It has three parts – an introduction, a long turn on a topic, and a discussion. The test lasts 11-14 minutes.
Q. What tips help during the IELTS Speaking test?
Ans. Speak clearly and confidently. Avoid memorized answers and expand on your responses. Practice with IELTS speaking samples.
Q- Will the Speaking test be recorded?
Ans - Yes, it was recorded using a digital recorder.
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