Do you need to prepare for your IELTS Speaking test in the near future?
Whether you want to study, work or migrate, IELTS speaking practice will boost your confidence and score on test day.
On this page you will find practical tips, IELTS speaking test samples and a breakdown of what to expect in each part of the test.
Let’s get started and improve your IELTS speaking practice!
IELTS Speaking Overview
The IELTS Speaking Test is divided into three parts, each assessing different aspects of your speaking ability.
Here’s a quick summary:
IELTS Speaking Part 1
In Part 1 you’ll have a brief interview with the IELTS examiner.
You’ll answer IELTS speaking questions about familiar topics such as your hobbies, work or studies.
This part is to make you feel comfortable and to assess your ability to talk about everyday topics.
IELTS Speaking Part 2
In Part 2 you’ll speak on a given topic for 1-2 minutes.
You’ll have one minute to prepare before you start speaking.
The topic could be describing a person, place or event or explaining your opinion on a subject.
Effective IELTS preparation involves practicing with IELTS speaking topics and sample answers to get comfortable with the format.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
In Part 3 you’ll have a discussion with the IELTS examiner on the topic you spoke about in Part 2.
This part is more analytical and requires you to express and justify your opinions.
Practicing with IELTS speaking test samples will help you prepare for the in-depth discussions in this part.
Now you know the structure of the IELTS Speaking Test and IELTS speaking sample questions, you’re ready to go!
IELTS Speaking Practice Tips
Practice Daily
Consistency is the key to IELTS Speaking Test preparation.
Set aside time each day to practice your IELTS speaking.
Have conversations on different IELTS speaking topics to build your confidence and fluency.
The more you practice the more natural and comfortable you’ll feel on test day.
Use IELTS Speaking Test Samples
One of the best ways to prepare is by using IELTS speaking test samples.
These samples give you a real feel of the type of questions you’ll get.
By practicing with these you can simulate the test environment and improve your ability to respond quickly and accurately.
Our blog has IELTS speaking samples that can help you structure your answers.
Speaking Skills
To do well in the IELTS Speaking Test focus on your speaking skills.
Work on your pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary.
Also practice coherence—make sure your answers are clear and logically structured.
Use our sample answers and model answers as a benchmark to see how you can improve your answers.
Marking Criteria
Knowing what the IELTS examiner is looking for can make a big difference in your preparation.
The marking criteria include fluency, coherence, pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar.
By knowing these criteria you can focus your practice sessions on the areas that matter most.
Check our blog for more details and tips on how to meet these criteria.
FAQs
Why is an authentic IELTS speaking practice test important?
Taking a real IELTS speaking practice test is important. If your IELTS speaking test is near, practicing with these sample tests will help you a lot on test day.
How do I prepare for my IELTS speaking test?
Review IELTS speaking test samples is the best way to improve your spoken English quickly. Practicing regularly not only improves your skills but also boosts your confidence and increases your chances of getting a higher score. Practice speaking in English as much as you can to get used to the test format.
Also, try answering different IELTS speaking topics and study model answers to get an idea of the type of questions you’ll get in the test.
How is the IELTS speaking test scored and where can I get official materials?
During the test, the IELTS examiner will score you on four criteria:
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
- Lexical Resource
- Fluency & Coherence
- Pronunciation
For official IELTS preparation materials visit your local IELTS test centre, usually run by the British Council or IDP Education Australia.