The IELTS speaking test has 3 parts.
1. Part 1: This is a simple interview-style that lasts for about 5 minutes. There are around 12 questions on 3 different topics and it’s all about you, for example, your job /studies / daily routine an so on.
2. Part 2: Here you need to give a short talk based on topics on a card, it lasts about 3 minutes. (1-minute preparation and 2 minutes of speaking) The card will ask you to describe something. This is a topic-based task, the examiner may ask a follow-up question at the end of the 2 minutes.
3. Part 3: This a where you have to speak in more detail. You may have to give an opinion and give reasons and examples with more depth to your answers. The questions are connected to the topic in Part 2. This part of the test takes about 5 minutes.
Click here for example interviews and see how the IELTS Speaking test is graded from Band 3 to 9.
Recent Lessons
BBC Pronunciation video series: Learning the sounds of English.
How long should your answers be in the speaking test?
Unusual or strange topics in IELTS speaking part 1
Paraphrasing tips in IELTS speaking
Difficult IELTS speaking part 2 questions with tips and ideas.
A useful structure for IELTS Speaking part 2
Why can’t I get Band 7 in the speaking test?
17 commonly asked questions about the IELTS speaking section.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Topics and model answer
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Useful technique for difficult topics
IELTS Speaking part 3: – 6 Common question types
IELTS Speaking part 3: structure and model response
Video lessons: