IELTS Speaking Test
Complete guide to all 4 parts, marking criteria, question types, and strategies for Band 7+
Test Overview
| Part | Duration | Focus | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 0 | ~1 min | ID Check & Introduction | 4 standard questions |
| Part 1 | 4-5 min | Personal/Familiar Topics | ~12 questions (3 topics) |
| Part 2 | 3-4 min | Long Turn (Monologue) | 1 cue card + follow-up |
| Part 3 | 4-5 min | Abstract Discussion | 4-6 questions |
| Total | 11-14 min | ||
Marking Criteria (4 × 25%)
1. Fluency & Coherence
Natural pace, minimal hesitation, good structure
2. Lexical Resource
Vocabulary range, topic words, paraphrasing
3. Grammatical Range
Variety of structures, appropriate to question
4. Pronunciation
Clarity, word/sentence stress, intonation
Key Principle: Give the examiner what they want. Communication and clarity over complexity.
Introduction & ID Check
~1 minute • NOT scored but sets the tone
Standard Questions & Responses
Question
"What's your full name?"
→ "My name's [full name]."
Question
"What can I call you?"
→ "You can call me [preferred name]."
Question
"Where are you from?"
→ "I'm from [place]." (Don't ask them back)
Question
"Can I see your ID please?"
→ "Sure, here you are." (Don't speak while they check)
Tips: Keep answers short and natural. Use this time to relax and settle in. Treat the examiner like a human being.
Interview
4-5 minutes • 3 topics, 3-4 questions each (~12 total)
Common Topics
Always Asked (one of these):
- • Work/Study
- • Hometown
- • Your home/accommodation
Plus two other topics:
- • Daily routine, Free time
- • Hobbies, Family, Friends
- • Food, Weather, etc.
Answer Length: 2-3 sentences (ideal). 1 word = too short. More than 3 sentences = too long.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Memorised answers | Answer naturally and spontaneously |
| Very short answers | Develop with examples and details |
| Very long answers | Keep to 2-3 sentences |
| Thinking too much | Questions are about YOU - no deep thinking needed |
| Seeming like you don't care | Pretend to be interested, show enthusiasm |
Developing Answers
Technique 1: Add Examples
Question: "Do you read every night?"
✗ "Yes, I do."
✓ "Yes, I do. Like last week I got into a really good book called XYZ and I couldn't wait to get into bed each night and read it."
Technique 2: Use Frequency Words
Words: 'usually', 'never', 'always', 'more often than not'
Idioms: "once in a blue moon", "out like a light"
"Once in a blue moon I'd say because I'm normally so tired by the time my head hits the pillow, I'm out like a light."
Long Turn (Cue Card)
1 minute prep + Up to 2 minutes speaking
Example Cue Card
Describe something you own which is very important to you.
You should say:
- • where you got it from
- • how long you have had it
- • what you use it for
- • and explain why it is important to you
What You Can Include
Introduce
Description
Opinion
Past
Present
Future
Cohesive Devices
Important: Keep talking until the examiner stops you. Use notes as prompts only, not to read from. There are NO common topics - impossible to predict.
Discussion
4-5 minutes • No preparation time • Questions increase in difficulty
Key Difference: Questions are GENERAL, not personal (about ideas, society, trends). This is the MOST IMPORTANT part - don't rush to end!
What "Discussion" actually means:
Despite the name, the examiner won't share opinions or debate with you. You do 95% of the talking. However, they may ask follow-up questions like "Why do you think that?" or "Can you give an example?" to push you to elaborate. Think of it as a guided interview on abstract topics, not a two-way conversation.
7 Question Types & Grammar
1. Opinion Questions
Example: "What do you think about online education?"
2. Evaluation Questions
Example: "Some people think paper books are bad for the environment. Do you agree?"
3. Future Questions
Example: "How do you think education will change in the next 20 years?"
4. Cause & Effect Questions
Example: "What effect does social media have on young people?"
5. Hypothetical Questions
Example: "What would happen if everyone worked from home?"
Use Second Conditional: If + Past Simple... Would + Base Verb
6. Compare & Contrast Questions
Example: "How is education today different from 50 years ago?"
7. Past Questions
Example: "How has the way people purchase books changed?"
Part 3 Strategy (AEEC)
A
Answer directly
E
Explain why
E
Example
C
Concession
You CAN ask: "Can you explain what that word means?" or "Can you repeat the question?"
Band 7 vs Band 8 Distinctions
| Criterion | Band 7 | Band 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Fluency | May hesitate to search for words | Pauses only to think about TOPIC |
| Pronunciation | Can be fully understood | Effortlessly clear, natural rhythm |
| Vocabulary | Majority accurate, few errors OK | Wide range, only 1-2 errors allowed |
| Grammar | Majority error-free, some mistakes OK | Minimal errors, wide range of structures |
Band 7
Shows good control with occasional slips
Band 8+
Shows effortless, natural command
Golden Rules
Clarity over complexity
Being understood matters more than sounding academic
Natural over perfect
Speak like a conversation, not a recitation
The 100% Rule
Only use vocabulary and grammar you fully understand
Enthusiasm matters
Show interest even on boring topics
Develop appropriately
Part 1: 2-3 sentences, Part 2: 2 min, Part 3: well-developed
Finish strong
Part 3 is the MOST IMPORTANT - don't rush to end
Expect the unexpected
No common topics, be ready for anything
Match grammar to question
Especially important in Part 3
Quick Reference Phrases
Expressing Opinions
Strong
"I'm convinced that..."
"I'm certain that..."
Standard
"I believe..."
"In my opinion..."
Weaker
"I suppose that..."
"I'd say that..."
Agreeing & Disagreeing
Agreeing
"Yes, absolutely" • "You have a point there"
Disagreeing
"I'm afraid I disagree" • "I'm not so sure about that"