How can you use IELTS Speaking Test practice questions and sample answers to improve your speaking skills? Let's find out!
IELTS Speaking Test Practice Questions and Answers
- In the IELTS speaking test, you have a discussion with a certified IELTS Examiner.
- It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.
- The IELTS Speaking section is 11 to 14 minutes long with three parts.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: (4-5 minutes) Introduction and Interview
Key Points:
- The examiner introduces themselves and asks the candidate to introduce themself.
- Examiner asks the candidate questions about everyday topics: their home, work, studies, and interests.
- Simple and familiar topics to ease the candidate into the conversation.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: (3-4 minutes) Long Turn
Key Points:
- Candidate receives a task card with a topic and has 1 minute to prepare.
- Candidate then speaks for 1-2 minutes about the topic.
- The examiner may ask one or two questions at the end.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: (4-5 minutes) Discussion
Key Points:
- The examiner asks further questions connected to the same topic in Part 2.
- These questions are usually more complex and abstract.
- It's an opportunity for candidates to show ability to discuss ideas and issues.
See and hear IELTS speaking samples, questions, answers and examiner script (instructions) PDF here.
IELTS Speaking Tips
There are three parts to the test. Each part fulfills a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and candidate output.
You should aim to practice and develop the speaking skills relevant to each section - ready for your test day. The IELTS Speaking section is the same for both Academic and General Training tests.
To prepare for the IELTS Speaking exam, spend as much time as you can to practice speaking English. Speak with friends, work colleagues, other IELTS students, or online with chat. Record yourself speaking sample answers for IELTS speaking topics so you feel confident about answering them.
The IELTS examiner evaluates your ability to express your ideas and opinions in English. There is no right answer or wrong answer, just concentrate on expressing yourself well in English.
Think of the IELTS speaking interview as a conversation. Relax, give your opinions and views as if you were talking with a friend and try to speak naturally.
Try and avoid using the same words the examiner used in the question: it’s not natural repeating them, so don’t do it. The examiner is interested in your ability to express yourself in English NOT how well you can listen and repeat.
Don’t get nervous. Avoid trying to speak quickly, just relax, breathe naturally, and try to speak at a normal speed – it will give you more time to think about what you want to say.
Try to answer IELTS speaking questions naturally. When it’s appropriate, give as much detail as possible using your own experience and some examples. Try to develop your answer fully to cover all the points mentioned.
Listen to the questions carefully and try to respond using the same verb tense and appropriate language.
For example: What kind of movies do you like? (Present Tense). You should answer using the present tense first, for example, I like action movies best..., and then use appropriate tenses as you develop your response, for example, I used to like comedies a lot … (Past Tense)
Pronunciation is important! If you have problems with certain words or numbers, practice pronouncing them until you can say them correctly. Or learn alternatives (synonyms) and avoid words you have problems pronouncing!
Be careful with advanced or specialized vocabulary. Advanced vocabulary is important for a high IELTS Speaking score, but make sure you can use it correctly.
If you are not sure, use more common vocabulary instead. The IELTS Speaking Test is NOT the place to experiment with vocabulary you’ve just learned.
In the second part of the IELTS Speaking exam, the examiner gives you a cue card with the task and a piece of paper to make notes.
There is one minute preparation time before you have to answer. Think about points you want to include in your answer and make notes. Note the tense used in the question and respond appropriately.
Answer each question completely, and if appropriate, give examples and reasons for your answer in as much detail as possible so that the examiner can fully understand what you want to say.
IELTS Speaking Test Videos
Below you will find examples of IELTS candidates who score Band 9, Band 8, Band 7, Band 6 and Band 5 in their speaking tests.
These OFFICIAL IELTS speaking videos are produced by the IELTS test administrators - so watch these IELTS speaking sample questions and model answers and learn! Get a feel for how the whole test looks and feels.
Use them as part of your IELTS speaking practice sessions.
Note the format of each section of the speaking test:
- the time allowed
- the instructions provided by the examiner
- this format is fixed
- it does not change
- it is the same in every test
- in every country
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the marking criteria for the speaking section?
Fluency and Coherence (25%):
- Speak naturally without too many pauses or hesitations
- Connect your ideas logically
Lexical Resource (25%):
- Range and accuracy of words used
- Word choice is correct
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%):
- Variety of grammar used
- Grammar is correct
Pronunciation (25%):
- Clear articulation of individual sounds
- Stress, rhythm and intonation are natural
In short, to score well in IELTS speaking, English learners should focus on fluency, using varied vocabulary, good grammar and clear pronunciation. Practice speaking on different topics and get feedback to improve these skills.
What are some typical IELTS speaking test Part 2 topics?
In this part of the test, you talk about a topic in more depth (for 1-2 minutes). You do NOT need any specialist knowledge, as topics deal with personal experiences or general knowledge type questions. Some examples include:
- Talk about some popular national celebrations in your home country
- Describe an old friend you lost touch with and got in contact with again
- Describe how you would learn about cultures in other countries
Good luck with your IELTS exam!
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