Which Part of IELTS Speaking is Most Important?

Which Part of IELTS Speaking Is Most Important?: The IELTS Speaking section is often challenging for many candidates. The IELTS Speaking test has three distinct parts, each testing different abilities. Many students often wonder which part of IELTS Speaking is most important. All IELTS Speaking sections differ in terms of complexity, skills assessed, and expectations. Understanding how each part works can improve your overall performance in the IELTS exam. 

Here, we will explain the purpose and function of each part of the IELTS Speaking test. It also offers insight into which part deserves your close attention during your practice sessions.

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Which Part of IELTS Speaking Is Most Important?

The IELTS Speaking part uses four major criteria to evaluate your language proficiency: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. 

IELTS Speaking Structure Overview

The Speaking test lasts 11 to 14 minutes and is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. It is divided into three parts.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: The Introduction and Interview

The IELTS Speaking part includes general questions about your life, such as where you live, your interests, or your job. 

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Measures:

• Your ability to communicate basic information clearly

• Comfort and naturalness in simple conversations

• Familiar vocabulary and sentence structures

How it affects your score:

Since the questions are simple and predictable, this part gives you a chance to relax and settle into the test. However, it offers limited scope for demonstrating complex language or deep thinking.

Check:-

• IELTS Speaking Test Format
• IELTS Speaking Myths

IELTS Speaking Part 2: The Long Turn

Part 2 includes an IELTS cue card on different topics. Students need to speak for around 2-3 minutes continuously in front of the examiner. 

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Measures:

• Ability to organise ideas under time pressure

• Fluency in extended speech

• Use of linking phrases and storytelling techniques

• Vocabulary variety and grammatical accuracy

How it affects your score:

This part plays a key role in highlighting your ability to develop ideas logically. Speaking continuously can improve your overall performance in the test. 

IELTS Speaking Part 3: The Discussion

Part 3 involves a series of follow-up questions based on the cue card topic in the IELTS Speaking Part 2. 

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Measures:

• Ability to deal with abstract ideas and complex arguments

• Flexibility in using advanced vocabulary and grammar

• Logical reasoning and explanation

• Comfort with extended answers and interaction with the examiner

How it affects your score:

The IELTS Speaking Part 2 shows your ability to think more deeply and fluent use of advanced language. 

Should you focus on it?

Yes. Preparing for Part 3 can significantly improve your chances of achieving a higher IELTS Speaking band score. It demonstrates your ability to speak confidently in an academic setting or in daily life circumstances.  

Also Check:

• IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics
• IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics
• IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics

IELTS Speaking Test Difficulty Comparison

The table below compares the focus and difficulty level of each part:

How to Prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test Sections?

To improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, consider these preparation strategies:

• Practise timed responses to a wide range of topics

• Use a simple structure: Introduction, Main points, and Conclusion

• Record yourself to evaluate your speaking fluency and mistakes

• Develop IELTS vocabulary for common themes such as travel, family, education, and technology

• Express your opinions independently and confidently, with proper examples and reasons

• Use linking words such as “however”, “on the other hand”, and “as a result”

• Discuss topics like global issues, social trends, or environmental problems

• Work on building balanced answers with examples and logical support

Also Check:

• IELTS Speaking Vocabulary
• IELTS Speaking Practice Tests
• Family Vocabulary for ielts speaking part 1
• Idioms for IELTS Speaking

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Preparation for the IELTS Speaking test parts can be challenging. Many students focus specifically on only one part, which can lead to a loss of marks in other parts. Here are some tips to avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t memorise full speeches, learn to generate ideas naturally

• Avoid giving short, undeveloped answers in Part 3

• Speak clearly, but don’t rush through your answers

• Maintain eye contact and a calm tone during the test

IELTS Speaking Band Descriptor

Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.