IELTS speaking test Archives - Preparation for the IELTS Exam

Why am I stuck at Band 6 in Speaking?

July 30, 2019October 9, 2018 by Ray IELTS Focus

This is one of the most common questions I get asked about in IELTS.

‘Why can’t I get Band 7 in speaking?’

There are a lot of IELTS students out there stuck on a Band 5 or Band 6 in the speaking section and are frustrated. Many of you are near to giving up on hitting a Band 7. Some people get the wrong advice, poor feedback or are promised a high score by their teacher just to keep them happy. It is important to be realistic about this.

Common questions about IELTS speaking

January 31, 2023September 5, 2018 by Ray IELTS Focus

18 commonly asked questions about the IELTS speaking test.

Updated: Feb 1st 2023.

There is a lot of misinformation, wrong advice and myths out there surrounding IELTS writing and speaking, so hopefully this blog post should help clear up any confusion before you go into the IELTS exam. This post goes over common misconceptions and common questions about the speaking part of IELTS. Click on the blue buttons to see the answers to the questions.

If there are any questions not listed or if you have any suggestions, leave a comment in the comments section at the bottom of this post. I will try to answer them for you.

IELTS Speaking part 1 topics and example responses.

March 2, 2020July 21, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

Common topics and model responses for IELTS speaking part 1.

In part one of the speaking test, you will be asked questions on 3 different topics. There could be up to 12 questions. It lasts about 4 to 5 minutes.

The topics are pretty general and are mainly about you. The aim of this part of the test is to get you to speak in a natural way without hesitation. If you are memorising answers or scripts, the examiner will notice that and you could lose points. Make sure you speak naturally.

Structure and tips for IELTS speaking part 3

April 16, 2020January 30, 2017 by Ray IELTS Focus

IELTS speaking

In IELTS Speaking part 3 you need to give longer answers.

The main focus of this part of the test is to talk at length and give examples. The questions are much broader than in part 1 of the speaking test. You are marked on grammar, vocabulary, fluency and pronunciation.

You will not be marked on your ideas. There are about 6 or 7 question types that could come up. They might be about giving an opinion, comparing, predicting something in the future, talking about people, contrasting and so on. Click here for a lesson on the types of questions in speaking part 3.