The IELTS speaking module has three different sections, each with a specific duration, however, the evaluation parameters remain the same. In this article on IELTS Speaking section practice, we will showcase the difference between a student who is not prepared and attempts the exam versus a well-prepared student, also highlighting their approximate band levels.
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Starting from the IELTS speaking part 1 of the IELTS speaking test wherein the students are asked general questions related to common IELTS speaking topics such as daily routines, likes and dislikes and so on followed by the IELTS speaking Part 2, that is the cue card round, wherein the student is expected to speak in length on a given IELTS speaking topic to the main discussion round of IELTS speaking part 3. We recommend all aspiring students to refer IELTS IELTS speaking questions and attempt IELTS Speaking practice tests available online to score a high IELTS speaking band score and feel confident on the main exam day.
Let us now dive in and discuss in detail the various parts of the IELTS speaking test.
| Part 1 – Introduction and Interview | |
Overview | In this section of the IELTS speaking module, the examiner introduces him/herself to the student and engages the student in basic conversation. The examiner may ask simple questions on very common topics like hobbies, interests, and studies. |
What skills are involved? | The candidate in this part of the IELTS Speaking section is expected to answer the questions asked by the examiner with full confidence. Students should not give a word answer; instead should give a proper one-line reason for whatever they are expressing. |
| Part 2 – Cue Card round | |
Overview | Part 2 of the IELTS speaking module is the trickiest one; however, if handled strategically, scoring high bands is like an assurance. In this section, the candidate is given a question card that has the topic the student is expected to speak about in length. The topic in the question card also has some bullet points kind of questions that are required to be considered while planning the topic to be spoken. The candidate is expected to speak on the topic, considering the sequence of the sub-point questions that are asked. The best part is that the candidates are given one minute to prepare, and in this one minute, paper and pencil are also given to the candidate so that they can write down the key words that they plan to answer. The same plan can be used at the time of speaking the cue card. Post the completion of one minute, the examiner signals the student to start speaking and stops the student after 90 seconds or completes 2 minutes. |
What skills are required? | The candidate is judged on the way he/ she elaborate the topic with natural fluency, usage of lexical resources, correct pronunciation and grammar range. |
| Part 3 – Discussion | |
Overview | In Part 3, the candidate is engaged in a discussion with questions from the cue card topic, There will be around 4-5 questions asked in this part of the IELTS Speaking section. Part 3 lasts 4–5 minutes. |
What skills are required? | The candidate should give reasoned answers, must have a positive approach, even if the answer is a little argumentative in nature. |
Examiners with certification in IELTS evaluate the performance of the candidates on every IELTS speaking task. Because the IELTS speaking section follows a specific format, attempting lots of IELTS speaking practice questions can help candidates prepare better for the expected IELTS speaking questions on the exam day. They can also refer to IELTS sample speaking topics to shortlist the questions if required. The examiner considers the following four assessment criteria when determining the appropriate IELTS score for the candidate:
Fluency and coherence
Lexical resource
Grammatical range and accuracy
Pronunciation.
Evaluating the fluency and coherence of the candidate is done based on the natural ability of the student to speak in length without using fillers, structured in the right sequence and with confidence.
The lexical resource evaluation analyses the candidate's vocabulary range and their proficiency in using it accurately and effectively. Candidates can improve this skill by incorporating IELTS speaking practice into their routine.
Grammatical range and accuracy assessment evaluate the diversity of grammar used by candidates and their proficiency in doing so with precision and effectiveness. Candidates can improve in this skill by studying past years' IELTS speaking test questions to better prepare for grammatical challenges.
Pronunciation evaluation examines the candidate's ability to communicate clearly and comprehensively. Reviewing sample questions from the IELTS speaking test can assist candidates in polishing their pronunciation skills.
IELTS speaking questions can be asked about a variety of topics. It is suggested that the candidates are well-versed with the common IELTS speaking topics. This can help them to gain an understanding of the important IELTS speaking questions to target and secure a high IELTS speaking band score. Let us discuss the various parts of the IELTS speaking test in detail.
As mentioned above, the IELTS speaking section part 1 has common IELTS speaking questions to be answered. Now, we shall showcase the difference between an IELTS speaking low band score versus a high band score. Given below are two audios of the IELTS speaking part 1.
In IELTS speaking sample audio 1, you will be able to observe that the student scoring low bands as he has used a lot of fillers and does not give complete answers, although he has good pronunciation.
In IELTS speaking sample audio 2, you will see a change in answers that the student's answers. Here, the answers are complete in length and all the answers are with reasons, clear flow of language with the correct pronunciation, and hence the student is bound to score a high IELTS speaking band score.
Candidates can listen to the speaking sample above designed by Careers360 to have an idea about the common IELTS speaking questions which has a high probability of being asked in the IELTS speaking section. These samples are designed after careful analysis of the previous IELTS speaking samples and are aimed at helping the candidates in their IELTS speaking preparation journey.
As mentioned above, in this part, the student is expected to speak at length, elaborate well, maintain pace and flow of language accuracy, and use lexical resources naturally. We will show you the difference between low and high band score students.
In the IELTS speaking sample audio 1, you will observe that the student is able to elaborate on the topic but has less vocabulary and has done it in a simple manner, Also, there are certain grammar accuracy errors and a lot of fillers and pauses.
In the IELTS speaking sample audio 2, the student is well prepared and speaks in a structured manner (showing coherence) with a natural flow of lexical resources.
The above is a sample of IELTS speaking part 2 of the IELTS speaking test. The candidate can refer to the IELTS speaking sample and gain an idea on how to structure their speech, what to include and what not to, how to use effective vocabulary and give an apt conclusion.
As we have discussed above, the format and expectations from the student in part 3 of IELTS speaking, we recommend you listen to the audios given below to understand the difference between a low band scoring student versus a high band scoring student.
In the IELTS speaking sample audio 1, you will observe that the candidate has limited content to speak and is struggling to give the answer with a reason, along with general grammar errors.
In the IELTS speaking sample audio 2, there is a well-prepared student who knows how to logically present and discuss his point of view and share his opinion in a structured manner.
The candidates can listen to this sample conversation of part 3 of the IELTS speaking section. This can give them a clear picture of what to expect in the section. The reasoning abilities of the speaker are expressed in the audio, and this shows how the candidate must answer the questions.
Follow these tips to achieve a good score in the speaking section, try to follow these in the practice test:
Be sure to know the three sections of the test: Introduction, Cue Card and Discussion. It helps to know what the questions will look like and when you will be required to answer them, because this lowers your worry and prepares you to respond specifically.
You have to respond to a topic set by the examiner for 1–2 minutes during Part 2. Carry practice cue cards with you, write your answers after a short time and review your responses. Organise what you want to write into an introduction, body and conclusion to make your answer organised.
Going over your recordings allows you to notice any problems with how easily you speak, sounds you have trouble making and your sentence structure. Watch your recordings closely to identify words you say that aren’t necessary, places where your speech hesitates and repetitions in your speech and try to improve them with practice.
A good vocabulary benefits your speaking score, especially within the lexical resource area. Copy the exact way language experts use synonyms, idioms and specific words in DEFSEC discussions, not just by listing them.
You don’t have to use perfect pronunciation, but people need to be able to understand you. Work on your stress patterns, how you change your pitch and how you control your speed. Try to work on a steady pace so your speech isn’t too fast or too slow, which can make it confusing.
Have a friend, teacher or language partner help by taking turns creating test questions. Ask your tutor to comment on your grammar, your way of speaking and overall connection after the mock test. Practising your speaking and getting helpful feedback often helps increase your confidence and reach a high band score.
The IELTS practice books offer a wealth of practice tests. These eBooks contain a wide range of practice exercises and sample questions, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with the format and types of questions they will encounter in the actual exam.
In the realm of IELTS, securing success is difficult but not impossible. One must have sufficient IELTS preparation to succeed in the IELTS examination. As far as the preparation level is considered, the candidate is required to devote adequate time to each section and strategise their preparation accordingly. The candidates must follow IELTS preparation tips to score high in the exam. To help them in this, the following IELTS practice sets can be used.
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)
In part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, the candidate is asked to speak on a topic given to them for 2 minutes. This section can be challenging for the candidates with low language skills. To efficiently tackle the challenges set by this section, the candidates must build self confidence to answer the questions asked by the examiner. They should also improve their grammar and vocabulary skills and ensure that they are able to speak for the given time without too many stutters or pauses.
In part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, the candidate is asked to speak on a topic given by the examiner for 2 minutes. The examiner can stop the candidate at any point if they feel so. Generally speaking on the topic for at least a minute and half is ideal for the candidate. As soon as the candidate completes their speaking, the examiner may or may not ask them one or two questions based on what they spoke.
No. The candidate will not be allowed to speak on a different topic. They should try to speak on the topic given to them to the best of their ability. As the topics are common, practicing a lot of speaking on common topics can be very beneficial in such situations.
Yes. Giving data and research to support the viewpoints of candidates is helpful. It can strengthen the viewpoints given by the candidates. Also, providing data means that the candidate is well prepared for the topic and it can leave a positive impression on the examiner.
The IELTS Speaking test is generally 11 - 15 minutes long. It is divided into three sections. With each section lasting approximately 3 - 5 minutes.
The examiner marks the student on their fluency, ability to articulate thoughts, vocabulary used, grammar accuracy and pronunciation skills. Hence, the candidates are required to go through extensive speaking preparation before the actual test.
The candidate should speak for at least 1 minute 30 seconds for the assessment. They have a maximum time limit of 2 minutes. The examiner would interrupt and ask the candidate to stop if they exceeded the time limit.
On Question asked by student community
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