IELTS Speaking format has three parts including the interview (Part 1), the long turn (Part 2), and the discussion (part 3). All three must be answered within 11-14 minutes.
The video call approach to taking the Speaking test is now an option for select test centers. This method is exactly the same as the face-to-face exam in terms of scoring, duration, and difficulty.
IELTS Speaking is assessed through four criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
IELTS Speaking band score descriptors, especially for Bands 7 to 9 are labeled based on your ability to answer the topics provided by the test examiners. Band 7 demonstrates good competence with some limitations, Band 8 shows high proficiency with occasional errors, and Band 9 represents native-like fluency.
IELTS Speaking overall score is calculated by taking the sum of your four criterion scores and dividing them by four.
Anxiety and nervousness are often the challenges encountered by test-takers in the actual IELTS Speaking exam. Rely on the two distinct types of motivation that assist students when taking the exam which are extrinsic (i.e.,university admission, and job requirements) and intrinsic (i.e.,enjoying the learning process itself) motivation.
Effective IELTS Speaking preparation strategies vary across beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners. For beginners, familiarize yourself with the test format and structure. Meanwhile, for intermediate learners, practice with timed responses to build speaking stamina. On the other hand, for advanced learners, simulate complete test conditions with unfamiliar partners. Additionally, reviewing an IELTS speaking topics overview can help learners identify common themes and questions that frequently appear in the exam. This targeted preparation allows candidates to build relevant vocabulary and articulate their thoughts more clearly. Regular practice with a variety of topics will enhance confidence and fluency.
IELTS Speaking test tips involve showcasing your language proficiency, managing test anxiety, and developing authentic responses.
IELTS Speaking practice tests are available on official IELTS websites like IDP IELTS, British Council, and IELTS.org.
What is the Format of the IELTS Speaking Test?
The IELTS Speaking test is similar for both Academic and General Training formats, which is conducted in a face-to-face or video call option. It has three distinct parts which include the interview, the long turn, and the discussion, all covered in 11-14 minutes.
Part 1: The Interview (4-5 minutes)
The IELTS Speaking Test Part 1 starts with questions about your life like your name, current occupation, hometown, family, hobbies, and daily routines. January 2025 test takers mentioned encountering specific questions about recreational fishing, various outdoor activities, and job preferences.
Part 2: The Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
The IELTS Speaking Part 2 evaluates your ability to speak for 1-2 minutes without interruption. The examiner will give you a task card with a topic and you have 1 minute to prepare your response. Recent cue card from the exam questioned test-takers to “Describe something important that you lost,” and some additional questions regarding the topic.
Part 3: The Discussion (4-5 minutes)
The IELTS Speaking Part 3 further elaborates your response on Part 2 but more complex. Questions in this part mostly ask about your opinions and how you can discuss, analyze, and speculate about the issue related to the Part 2 topic. In this section, it’s essential to not only provide your personal opinions but also support them with relevant examples and reasoned arguments. Practicing this will enhance your overall communication skills and help you articulate your thoughts more clearly. An understanding of the IELTS writing format overview can also aid in effectively organizing your ideas for both speaking and writing tasks. In preparation for this segment, it’s beneficial to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Engaging with a variety of topics can help you familiarize yourself with potential questions. Additionally, applying some IELTS writing task 2 tips can enhance your critical thinking skills, which will be advantageous during the speaking portion of the exam. To effectively prepare for this section, it’s important to practice structuring your thoughts and articulating your viewpoints clearly. Additionally, reviewing some IELTS grammar tips for success can greatly enhance your fluency and coherence during the speaking test. Engaging in discussions with others can also help you become more comfortable with expressing complex ideas.
How Does the IELTS Speaking Video Call Format Work?
The IELTS Speaking Test is now available in a video call format at select test centers. The video call test option is exactly similar to face-to-face test in terms of scoring, timing, and difficulty. It is required that you use a computer and headset, with strict compliance to punctuality. You must have your ID with you and be polite to raise your concerns especially when you can’t hear the examiner.
What Assessment Criteria Do Examiners Use?
The examiners assess you via four criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
| Assessment Criterion | Description | Key Question |
| Fluency and Coherence | This criterion evaluates your ability to speak at a natural pace, use connecting words appropriately, and develop a smooth flow of ideas. | Can you speak smoothly and logically, connecting ideas without too much hesitation? |
| Lexical Resource | This criterion assesses your command of vocabulary such as range and precision of word choice, use of idiomatic expressions, and ability to paraphrase when needed. | Do you use a variety of words, and can you explain things in different ways? |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | This criterion examines your ability to use various sentence structures, maintain grammatical control, and minimize errors that might interfere with communication. | Do you use a mix of sentence types, and are most of your sentences correct? |
| Pronunciation | This criterion focuses on how clear you say individual words, appropriate word stress, and effective intonation patterns. | Are you easy to understand, and do you use natural stress and intonation |
What Are the IELTS Speaking Band Score Descriptors (Bands 7–9)?
The IELTS Speaking test is marked using four main criteria, each scored from 0–9. To easily differentiate between Bands 7-9, refer to the table below.
| Band | What It Means (General Summary) |
| 9 | Fully fluent, uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammar accurately, speaks naturally, and is easy to understand at all times. |
| 8 | Speaks fluently with only rare errors, uses a wide vocabulary and complex grammar with few mistakes, and is easy to understand. |
| 7 | Can speak at length, uses a range of vocabulary and grammar with some errors, and is generally clear and coherent. |
How is My Overall Speaking Score Calculated?
Your IELTS Speaking overall score is calculated by taking the average of your scores from the four criteria. To get your overall score, use the formula: Overall Speaking Score = (Fluency and Coherence score + Lexical Resource score + Grammatical Range and Accuracy score + Pronunciation score)/4.
What Common IELTS Speaking Topics Will Appear in 2025?
The common topics that appear in IELTS Speaking include family structure, relationships, hobbies, study experiences, etc. The following are examples of common IELTS Speaking topics.
- Self-introduction
- Family structure and relationships
- Hometown description and feelings
- Hobbies and leisure activities
- Sports participation or spectating
- Daily routines and habits
- Study experiences and preferences
- Job responsibilities and satisfaction
- Future career aspirations
- Environmental concerns
- Technology impacts
- Cultural preservation
- Gender equality
- Immigration
What Psychological Aspects Should I Consider in Test Preparation?
Many candidates became anxious and nervous during the actual examination, especially as soon as the timer starts. To lessen the chances of you experiencing the same scenario, being familiar with them is helpful.
There are two distinct types of motivation that assist students when taking the exam, which are extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation includes studying to achieve specific goals (university admission, job requirements), working toward avoiding negative outcomes, and meeting institutional requirements. Meanwhile, intrinsic motivation consists of enjoying the learning process itself, finding satisfaction in skill improvement, and embracing the challenge of language mastery
What Are Effective Preparation Strategies?
Effective preparation strategies vary across beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners. It is a sequential method that starts with familiarizing yourself with the test format and structure to receiving expert feedback on your performance and making final adjustments.
What Should Beginner Learners Focus On?
If you’re just starting your IELTS Speaking preparation, focus on these 5 fundamental steps.
- Familiarize yourself with the test format and structure
- Study the assessment criteria and band score descriptions
- Build essential vocabulary for common IELTS topics
- Practice basic conversation skills with simple questions
- Develop confidence speaking English for short periods
What Should Intermediate Learners Focus On?
As you progress in your IELTS Speaking preparation, concentrate on these 5 development strategies.
- Practice with timed responses to build speaking stamina
- Expand topic-specific vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
- Improve grammatical accuracy and sentence complexity
- Record yourself speaking and analyze for improvement areas
- Practice paraphrasing techniques to demonstrate flexibility
What Should Advance Test-Takers Focus On?
To achieve the high band score you want, follow the 5 recommendations below.
- Simulate complete test conditions with unfamiliar partners
- Perfect natural rhythm, stress patterns, and intonations
- Incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Study recent test questions and trending topic themes
- Receive expert feedback on your performance and make final adjustments
What Are the Key Tips for Success in IELTS Speaking Test?
Some key tips you could use to achieve a high scoring IELTS Speaking test are to showcase your language proficiency, manage test anxiety, and develop authentic responses.
To showcase your language proficiency effectively, follow the strategies below.
- Maintain coherence: Connect your ideas by using linking words and transitions.
- Speak at length: Talk in a detailed manner to make sure that you support your arguments and ideas well.
- Engage confidently: Approach each question with a mindset that you can provide an answer even if you are not familiar with the topic being discussed.
For managing test anxiety, try these helpful approaches to stay calm and confident.
- Practice timed tests: Record yourself by mimicking the actual exam’s time limits to build familiarity with the test’s duration.
- Learn common topics: Review commonly used topics especially from previous exams, some are retrievable online.
- Develop routines: Create a routine you will follow the rest of your preparation and in the actual examination date.
To create genuine and natural responses, use the following practical techniques.
- Draw from personal experiences: Use experiences that you have encountered before to make your answer genuine and detailed.
- Prepare frameworks: Prepare response structures that you can use on a wide range of topics and is adaptable to new topics that you may face on the examination.
- Express genuine opinions: Practice sharing your actual take about a certain topic to make your response convincing and you can speak naturally about your arguments.
Where Can You Find the Best IELTS Practice Tests?
Official IELTS test providers which include IDP IELTS, British Council, and IELTS.org offer practice tests retrievable from their websites. IDP IELTS has free practice tests for the Speaking test in their site and application, British Council provides timed practice tests for all test sections, and IELTS.org offers a downloadable file specifically for the speaking test on their website.