The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised assessment of English language proficiency, used by millions of people worldwide for study, work, and migration purposes. Among its four modules, the speaking test often evokes the most anxiety among test-takers. However, with the right IELTS 2025 speaking preparation tips and strategies, you can approach the IELTS 2025 speaking exam with confidence and achieve your desired score. In today's article, we will explore various tips and tricks to help you excel in the IELTS 2025 speaking test.
This Story also Contains
IELTS Speaking Format 2025
IELTS 2025 Speaking Test - Band Parameters
IELTS 2025 Speaking Band Score Descriptors
Idioms for IELTS Speaking
IELTS 2025 Speaking Preparation Tips
Top 10 IELTS Speaking Tips and Tricks
IELTS 2025 Exam Preparation Books
Some Other Important Books for IELTS 2025 Preparation
IELTS 2025 Practice Tests
IELTS Speaking Preparation
Whether you do IELTS speaking preparation online or offline, you surely need some IELTS speaking preparation tips and the way you manage IELTS speaking preparation time is going to help you the most in gaining a good band score. For this, you also need to understand the IELTS speaking format and practice the IELTS speaking questions.
IELTS Speaking Format 2025
The IELTS speaking module exam is conducted separately, and the time duration is just about 11-15 minutes. If you register for a computer-based exam, you will have to go through the IELTS 2025 exam in the registered centre via Zoom meeting or any other video call. However, it is now also observed that the same process is observed for students who register for a pen-and-paper exam. In short, you just need to excel in your communication skills and be ready for a generalised conversation with the examiner online or offline. Always remember that in the IELTS speaking exam, the examiner is never going to ask you difficult questions, especially related to any particular academic context or the current affairs going around the world, as this is just a language assessment exam and there is no check on the general knowledge you have of the world. This article can help the candidate to understand in depth the most important IELTS Speaking aspects, such as IELTS speaking preparation time, how to prepare for IELTS 2025 speaking and the IELTS speaking test format.
GMAC GMAT™ Exam
Study in India with GMAT | Apply to 150+ Top Indian B-Schools using GMAT Scores | Multiple Attempts | Scores valid for 5 Years
So, now let us analyse the IELTS Speaking test format:
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes) -
IELTS 2025 Writing Task 1 & 2 - Study Materials
Aspirants who are appearing for IELTS exam can download this eBook which have complete study material for academic writing task 1 (Data Interpretation) and academic writing task 2 (Essays) sections.
The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, your family, your studies, and your interests.
Part 2: Cue-Card Round (3-4 minutes) -
You will be given a topic card with a particular topic to talk about. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak about the topic for up to two minutes.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes) -
You will engage in a more in-depth discussion with the examiner related to the topic from Part 2. This part aims to assess your ability to express and justify opinions, analyse, and speculate.
IELTS 2025 Speaking Test - Band Parameters
It is necessary for IELTS speaking preparation candidates to know the band parameters so that they are able to assess their current level and also know the level of preparation they have to do to excel in the exam. It is really essential that you are aware of the various IELTS speaking criteria. There are four band parameters, and all of them are discussed below:
Fluency and coherence
-This shows the examiner how smoothly you can communicate, produce accurate information for all that is asked, and also add linking words like however, furthermore, also, as a result, so, for example…..
-You should not be taking long pauses or fumbling while speaking.
-You should maintain pace while communicating, which means you should neither be too fast nor too slow.
Lexical Resources
- Lexical resources are the vocabulary words you add while you speak. You should be well-versed in various topics of IELTS speaking so that you can communicate well.
-The addition of linking words like, therefore, nowadays, surprisingly will add value to your speaking.
-Addition of phrasal words such as, look into…. It will also add greater value to your band score.
- You will get more bands if you are accurately able to use synonyms, forexample: instead of the word good, you may use fantastic, awesome, or spectacular.
-You should use idioms or idiomatic expressions naturally, and they should not look like you have crammed them.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
You should have basic clarity of IELTS grammar, and you are expected to speak at the same level. However, you will be able to score high in case you can blend a mix of simple and complex sentences. You should stay focused on using adjectives and adverbs properly and accurately.
Pronunciation
This is one aspect that you should seriously fix, as it may destroy your band score. Words with an “e” sound are the most essential to look at. Practice English every Day. Pronunciation can be improved only with focused practice and consistency.
IELTS 2025 Speaking Band Score Descriptors
The IELTS speaking band score is essential for any candidate. This is an indicator of the candidate's English language abilities.
Band Score
Skill Level
Description
9
Expert
Demonstrates full operational command of the language. Uses English appropriately, accurately, and fluently, with complete understanding.
8
Very good
Displays full operational command with occasional, unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. Handles complex and detailed arguments effectively, though may be misunderstood in unfamiliar situations.
7
Good
Exhibits operational command with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some contexts. Handles complex language and detailed reasoning well.
6
Competent
Shows effective command despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. Can use and understand reasonably complex language, especially in familiar situations.
5
Modest
Demonstrates partial command, coping with overall meaning despite frequent mistakes. Can manage basic communication within their field of expertise.
4
Limited
Exhibits basic competence in familiar situations but often struggles with understanding and expression.
3
Extremely limited
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations, with frequent breakdowns in communication.
2
Intermittent
Faces significant challenges in understanding spoken and written English.
1
Non-user
Has minimal ability to use the language beyond a few isolated words.
While speaking, it is always advisable that you use at least one idiom and phrase. This can immediately catch the attention of the examiner and help you secure a high IELTS scoring band score. Let us discuss 25 idioms and phrases that can enhance your IELTS speaking.
Idiom
Definition
Usage Example
Bite the bullet
To endure a painful or unpleasant situation courageously
She had to bite the bullet and tell her boss the bad news.
Break the ice
To relieve tension or start a conversation in a social situation
He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Cost an arm and a leg
To be very expensive
The new smartphone costs an arm and a leg.
Cutting corners
Doing something poorly to save time or money
They're cutting corners to meet the deadline.
Piece of cake
Something that is very easy to do
The exam was a piece of cake.
Hit the nail on the head
To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem
She hit the nail on the head when she identified the issue.
In hot water
In trouble or difficulty
He found himself in hot water after missing the deadline.
Jump on the bandwagon
To join others in doing something that is popular
Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon of sustainability.
Keep an eye on
To watch or take care of someone or something
Could you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?
Let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret
She accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.
Miss the boat
To miss an opportunity
I missed the boat on investing in that company.
Once in a blue moon
Rarely, very infrequently
They go out for dinner once in a blue moon.
Under the weather
Feeling ill or sick
I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
Rain cats and dogs
To rain very heavily
It's raining cats and dogs outside.
Beat around the bush
Avoiding the main topic or issue
Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you really think.
Take with a grain of salt
To not completely believe something
His story was interesting, but I took it with a grain of salt.
Break a leg
Good luck! (especially before a performance)
Break a leg at your audition tomorrow!
Hit the sack
Go to bed
I'm exhausted; I'm going to hit the sack early tonight.
Cost a fortune
To be very expensive
That designer handbag costs a fortune.
Let sleeping dogs lie
To avoid restarting a conflict or reopening an old wound
I decided to let sleeping dogs lie and not bring up the issue again.
On thin ice
In a risky or precarious situation
He's on thin ice with his boss after missing so many deadlines.
A blessing in disguise
Something good that isn't recognized at first
Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; I found a better one.
Throw in the towel
To give up, admit defeat
After hours of trying to fix it, he finally threw in the towel.
Cost an arm and a leg
To be very expensive
Buying a new car can cost an arm and a leg.
Kick the bucket
To die
My old car finally kicked the bucket last week.
IELTS 2025 Speaking Preparation Tips
How to prepare for IELTS speaking? This is a major question raised by the IELTS Speaking section candidates. Now to tackle this, understanding and practising IELTS Speaking tips is necessary. Perfect your IELTS Skills by discussing a few in detail.
Never answer any question with just a one-word answer; extend your answers with a reason. Whatever your answer should be with a reason, and the answer should strictly be in a sentence.
You need to show the examiner that you are well-versed in English grammar and vocabulary, can organise ideas, and also have good pronunciation.
You must use synonyms and parallel expressions to paraphrase the question asked, for example: if the examiner asks, “What did you like to read as a child?” Then you should answer- As a kid, I loved reading comic books or whatever you liked to read.
Be confident in whatever you are answering, it's okay to create your own imaginative stories and speak out the answer, the examiner is not checking the reality, but is just assessing your spoken skills. Try not to use monotone answers..
Develop the habit of speaking well, just focus and concentrate to practice effectively for 15 minutes daily and develop your vocabulary.
Make a list of some generic topics like education, books, movies, music, family, friends, and practice to speak on the same.
In your cue card round, you should introduce and conclude the topic effectively.
In case you get stuck in between your speaking, take a pause for a second and speak again, avoid fumbling or using fillers like hmm, aaa
The best way to succeed in the cue card round is to be organised.
Learning the art of being hypothetical will help you a lot. At this time, you will be dealing with modal verbs like would/should/could.
Read the basic grammar structures and be sure of their usage.
Top 10 IELTS Speaking Tips and Tricks
The candidates must make sure to practice speaking English with friends, coworkers, and over the phone in the days before the Speaking test. To feel comfortable speaking English on exam day, the candidates should also think about recording themselves. They will have to always remember that they must practice speaking for the IELTS speaking section regularly.
Similar to the writing section, there are no right or wrong answers in the Speaking test. The examiner will assess the candidates on how well they can express their ideas and opinions in good English. This skill can be improved by comprehensive practice of the IELTS speaking test samples.
Consider the examiner to be a friend if the candidate feels too nervous talking to them. This may help to ease the situation a bit.
Try to refrain from using the same words present in the examiner's question. The candidate must try to express themselves clearly to the examiner in their own words. The candidates can refer to IELTS speaking sample questions to understand the possible types of questions that may be asked, and this can help them to be better prepared beforehand.
The candidates should try to talk intelligibly and at a relaxed pace. A lot of IELTS speaking examples practice is essential for developing this skill.
Use the correct verb tense when answering questions in the Speaking test. This is essential because every aspect of grammar usage will also be noted down during the conversation with the examiner. The candidates must spend a good amount of time on IELTS speaking practice tests to improve themselves.
It is better to use simple and commonly used vocabulary than complex vocabulary that a candidate is confused about. This may result in a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. They can also refer to IELTS exam speaking test samples to gain an idea of the language to be used.
The candidate should also use the proper and appropriate tenses while speaking. Shifting between tenses is not encouraged and will affect the flow of information.
The candidates must make an effort to respond completely and provide justification for their responses if needed.
They can attend IELTS speaking practice online assessments to improve their overall IELTS speaking preparation.
IELTS 2025 Exam Preparation Books
The IELTS exam preparation materials designed by Careers360 are designed to meet the needs of different proficiency levels (from beginner to advanced), allowing you to focus on areas where you need improvement.
Ebooks
Download Links
IELTS Reading Practice Books
IELTS Writing Practice Books
IELTS Speaking Practice Books
IELTS Listening Practice Books
IELTS Preparation Tips 2025 Book
IELTS and TOEFL Vocabulary Guide Book
Some Other Important Books for IELTS 2025 Preparation
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio
Official IELTS Practice Materials
IELTS 2025 Practice Tests
Is attempting IELTS practice tests worth it? This is a major question asked by the candidates. The short answer is definitely yes! With practice comes the ability to tackle various challenges. With constant IELTS practice tests comes IELTS success.
IELTS 2025 Speaking Practice Tests
Are you nervous about your IELTS Speaking examination? Are you underconfident about your language skills, which are essential for IELTS speaking success? If yes, we have got you covered. Attempt the various IELTS practice tests and listen to IELTS speaking audios of various IELTS contexts to enhance your preparation and stand out from the crowd.
About the Author: Pooja Aggarwal is an experienced trainer with over 15 years of expertise in helping students achieve their educational goals. With a degree in Education, she focuses on clear, patient, and personalised instruction. Her approach has successfully guided students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for both Academic and General Training modules of various exams in a supportive and engaging environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How to speak fluently in IELTS?
A:
You can easily speak fluent English by finding a classmate or housemate with whom you can practice English in everyday life, use different techniques like the mirror speaking technique, which will build your confidence to speak and analyse your body language.
Q: What kinds of questions can I expect in the introduction and interview part of the speaking section?
A:
In this part, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, your family, your studies, and your interests. It is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English on familiar topics.
Q: How can I improve my fluency in the speaking section of the IELTS exam?
A:
To improve fluency, practice speaking English regularly with friends, family, or language exchange partners. Focus on speaking confidently and naturally without hesitations or Pauses.
Q: What should I do if I don't understand a question during the speaking section?
A:
If you don't understand a question, don't be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat or clarify it. It's essential to ensure that you understand the question fully before responding.
Q: Is there a specific way to structure my responses in the speaking section?
A:
While there is no rigid structure, it's helpful to include an introduction, main points, and a conclusion in your responses. Try to organize your ideas logically and coherently.
Q: How can I prepare for the discussion part of the speaking section?
A:
To prepare for the discussion part, practice expressing and justifying opinions, analyzing, and speculating on various topics. Engage in conversations on a wide range of subjects to build your confidence in discussing different ideas and perspectives.
Q: How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?
A:
Due to exam day nervousness and low language skills, the candidates often find it difficult to converse well in English leading to low speaking band scores. The only effective method to overcome this issue is through constant and dedicated speaking practice. The candidate must speak in English with their friends and family. They should also be resilient and willing to learn from their mistakes instead of feeling discouraged and disheartened. They can also read newspapers, watch documentaries and listen to English podcasts to improve their speaking skills.
Q: What is the best way to prepare for IELTS speaking?
A:
The best ways to prepare for the IELTS speaking test are as follows: 1) Through regular practice and familiarizing yourself with the test format. 2) Engage in conversations in English with friends, tutors and family to build fluency and confidence. 3) Practice answering sample questions aloud, focusing on clear pronunciation, coherence, and fluency can all help the candidates in improving their IELTS speaking skills.
Q: Is IELTS Speaking difficult?
A:
The difficulty of the IELTS Speaking test can vary depending on your level of English proficiency and how comfortable you feel expressing yourself in English. For many, the Speaking test can be challenging because it requires you to speak fluently, coherently, and accurately under timed conditions. However, with effective IELTS speaking practice, this issue can be rectified.
Q: How to get a 9.0 IELTS speaking?
A:
A band score of 9.0 is not easy to achieve, but it’s not impossible for you if you are using the right strategies, you have clarity of the IELTS Test structure, practising the vocabulary in everyday life and maintaining time management.
Yes, admission to a German private university with 52% in bachelors, 6.0 IELTS band, and a 1-year gap is possible, but options are limited.
Private universities in Germany are more flexible than public ones. You can apply for courses in management, business, or IT fields. However, you must justify the gap year and ensure a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP).
It’s better to contact universities directly, as some may ask for additional documents or foundation courses before admission.
You are running short of time usually the ideal time would be 2–3 months prior,i advice that you start with your applications that you can quicky begin with your study abroad procedure.
It depends on the university you are applying to.
Most German universities do not require
GATE
for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the
GRE
, especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having
IELTS (or TOEFL)
and a
German language proficiency certificate
(if the course is in German) is enough.
