1. How many parts are there to the IELTS speaking test?

There are 3 parts. There are some basic questions, a presentation, and a conversation with the examiner.

2. How long does the speaking test take?

It takes a total of 11 to 14 minutes. Part 1 is 4-5 mins, part 2 is 3-4 mins, and part 3 is 4-5 mins.

3. Is the speaking test face to face with an examiner or by computer?

IELTS now has both options. Depending on which country you are doing the exam in, you will speak with an examiner face to face or by video call. Contact your examination centre to find out which you are doing.

4. How will the speaking test be marked?

You will be marked on fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Each one accounts for 25% of your marks.

5. When will my speaking test be marked? Does the examiner listen to the recording to decide the marks?

The examiner who conducts the test and asks you the questions will decide your score when you leave the room. The recording is used for the continuous observation of examiners, restandardization, for the training of new examiners, and if you apply for a remark.

6. What kinds of topics will be asked in the speaking test?

There are 20 key topics and 4 skills that will be tested during the exam. There are detailed explanations for each in this document.

7. How many questions will I be asked?

Yes, you will be asked 11 / 12 questions in part 1 (there are the same introductory questions and then two frames of 4 to 5 questions each) in part 2 you are given only one question written down and in part 3, you will be asked 4 or 8 questions.

8. Do I need to speak for 2 minutes in part 2?

Yes, it is important to speak for 2 minutes. Make sure to speak for a minimum of 1 minute and a half, otherwise, you will get a lower score.

9. What happens if I continue speaking for more than 2 minutes in part 2?

You can’t, there are very strict timings for every answer in the exam. The examiner will stop you and continue with the exam.

10. Can I choose my topic to talk about in part 2?

No, the examiner will give you a topic card which contains a list of prompts.

11. Can I ask the examiner to change the topic in part 2, if I can’t talk about it?

No, you can’t change the topic. You must try to talk on the topic you are given.

12. Do I need to follow the prompts on the cue card in speaking part 2?

No, you don’t have to, it’s not compulsory. However, I recommend that you do follow the prompts because they offer a good structure for your talk.

13. Can I look at my notes in Speaking Part 2?

Yes, of course. Your notes are there to help you during your presentation.

14. Can I look at the cue card during my 2 min talk in Speaking Part 2?

Yes, definitely.

15. Will the examiner mark the notes I make for my Part 2 presentation?

No, those notes are for you. The examiner will not look at them.

16. Do I need to take a pencil into the speaking test for part 2?

Yes, we recommend that you bring a pencil and eraser.

17. What’s the difference between part 1 and part 3 in the IELTS speaking test?

Part 1 is some simple short answer questions. The examiner will ask you some things about common topics relating to your life or your country. Just answer them directly. In part 3, it is more similar to a discussion. The examiner will ask you for your opinion about a topic. Just communicate naturally, directly, and try to answer the question as best you can. IELTS is not a knowledge test, it is a communication test, they just want to see how you communicate.

18. Should I give examples in my answers?

Yes, if this is useful to answer the question. Don’t give an example when asked a direct question like ‘do you want tea or coffee?’ Your answers must always be appropriate for the question being asked.

19. What can I do if I don’t understand the question?

A) In speaking part 1, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question but the examiner can’t explain it to you or help you. They must repeat the exact words of the question. In part 2, the examiner cannot say anything about the question. B) In part 3, you can ask the examiner to explain the question, just say ‘I’m sorry could you explain that a bit more, please?’

20. Will I get a lower score if I ask the examiner to repeat the question?

If this happens a few times it has no impact on your score. However, if it happens more than three times it will start to have an impact on your score.

21. What can I do if I don’t have any ideas for the answer in part 3?

It sometimes happens that you are asked a question for which you have no ideas. Here’s a typical example: “Do you think your hometown has good public transport?” You might not have been to your hometown in a long time and the question was asked in the present. You need to answer about now and you might not know. You can say something like “Really I haven’t been to my hometown for many years when I left the public transport was really bad. You had to wait for a long time to catch the bus and I don’t know if they have improved it or not.” This answer is still excellent. You have communicated your feelings clearly and the examiner will move on with a different question. They will try to find something you can speak at length about.

22. Does it matter if I have an accent when I speak?

No, this has no impact on your score. Accent only affects your score if it makes you difficult to understand.

23. Why did the examiner interrupt my answer?

Yes, they will. There are three main reasons why this might happen: There is a time limit and the examiner must move on to the next question. Each candidate must have the same amount of time to answer. The examiner is satisfied with the language in your answer and wants to move quickly to a new question which tests a different language skill. Your answer has gone off topic and the examiner wants to start a new question. So, if the examiner interrupts your answer, don’t worry about it. Just focus on the next question and answer clearly.

24. Can I ask the examiner for his or her opinion?

No, do not ask the examiner any questions.

25. Where can I get a practice speaking test from?

Book a class and we can do a practice speaking exam to help you. I will also give you detailed feedback. Search for Joe IELTS Examiner Italki.

26. Should I correct my mistakes when I’m speaking in the test?

Yes, this is not a problem. Unless it happens many times in the exam.

27. How should I greet the examiner?

You don’t need to do this. Just follow their instructions.

28. What should I wear for my speaking test?

You can wear whatever you want. This is not a formal interview, it is only an informal speaking test. Wear clothes that you are most comfortable in. Also, take an extra layer in case it is cold. You can’t ask the examiner to make things more comfortable once you start the speaking exam.