IELTS Speaking Test

Speaking Test Part 1

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test is an informal discussion with the examiner. The examiner will ask you questions about your work, studies, hobbies, interests and other such questions. 

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Common Part 1 question topics include:​

1. Work or Studies

What do you do? (Are you a student or do you work?)

Why did you choose that job/field of study?

Do you enjoy your work/studies?

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2. Home and Accommodation

Describe the place where you live.

What do you like about your home?

Is there anything you would like to change about your home?

 

3. Hobbies and Interests

What do you like to do in your free time?

How did you become interested in your hobby?

How often do you engage in your hobbies?

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4. Daily Routine

What is your typical day like?

How do you manage your time?

Do you prefer a routine or do you like to change your daily activities?

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5. Friends and Family

Can you tell me about your family?

How often do you see your family?

Do you prefer spending time with friends or family?

6. Food and Cooking

What kind of food do you like?

Can you cook?

What is your favorite dish to cook or eat?

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7. Travel and Holidays

Do you like traveling?

Where was the last place you visited?

What is your favorite holiday destination?

 

8. Reading and Movies

Do you like reading books?

What kind of books do you prefer?

Do you like watching movies?

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9. Technology

Are you good with technology?

How often do you use the internet?

What is your favorite gadget?

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10. Shopping

Do you enjoy shopping?

What kind of things do you like to buy?

Do you prefer shopping online or in stores?
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For more practice IELTS Speaking Test Part 1 questions, go here​

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Important information about Part 1:​

• Time: Part 1 of the speaking test lasts around 4 to 5 minutes.

• Format: The Speaking Test is a face-to-face conversation with an examiner. The examiner will ask you a series of questions that are designed to test your ability to speak in English.

• Questions: Part 1 of the test includes about 12 questions that are usually focused on 3 topics. The questions are generally related to your personal life, family, hobbies, work or studies, likes and dislikes, and general interests.

• Response Time: You are expected to give short and clear answers to each question in Part 1, each lasting around 5 to 15 seconds (1 to 3 sentences).

• Content: You should try to be natural, speak clearly, and use appropriate grammar and vocabulary. It is important to speak in complete sentences, do not give one-word answers and answer the question directly.

• Tips: To prepare for Part 1 of the Speaking Test, practise answering questions about yourself, your interests, and your opinions. You can also record yourself practising and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, try to relax and speak naturally during the test. Fluency is important in speaking so don't focus on perfect grammar - speaking quickly is also necessary. Look for a balance between speaking quickly and avoiding mistakes.

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Speaking Test Part 2

In Part 2 of the speaking test, you will be given a cue card with a topic to speak about and bullet points which provide points to include in your answer.

 

Common Part 2 question topics include:

1. Personal Experience

Describe a memorable trip you took.

Talk about a time when you helped someone.

Describe a difficult decision you made.

 

2. Places

Describe your favorite place to visit.

Talk about a place you would like to visit in the future.

Describe a place you have lived in.

 

3. People

Describe a person you admire.
Talk about a friend you had when you were a child.
Describe someone who has influenced you.

 

4.Objects

Describe a gift you received.
Talk about an item that is important to you.
Describe something you own which is very useful.

 

5. Events

Describe a celebration or event you attended.
Talk about a festival in your country.
Describe a time when you learned something new.

 

6. Activities

Describe a hobby you enjoy.
Talk about a sport you like to play.
Describe a leisure activity you would like to try.

 

7. Books and Films

Describe a book you recently read.
Talk about a movie you enjoyed.
Describe a TV show you watch regularly.

 

8. Future Plans

Talk about your plans for the next vacation.
Describe a goal you want to achieve.
Talk about where you see yourself in five years.

 

9. Culture and Traditions

Describe a tradition in your country.
Talk about a cultural event you have experienced.
Describe a custom that is unique to your culture.

 

10. Education

Describe a memorable teacher.
Talk about a course you enjoyed.
Describe an educational achievement you are proud of.

 

11. Technology

Describe a piece of technology you find useful.
Talk about a new technological development.
Describe how technology has changed the way you live.

 

12. Nature and Environment

Describe a natural place you have visited.
Talk about an environmental problem in your area.
Describe a time you spent in nature.

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For full practice IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue cards, go here

 

Important information about Part 2:

• Time: Part 2 of the Speaking Test lasts for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

• Format: In Part 2, the you are given a cue card with a topic to speak about. You are then given 1 minute to prepare your answer. During this time you can make notes on a piece of paper. After one minute you are given 2 minutes to speak about the topic. The examiner will time you.

• Topic: The topic on the cue card is usually related to your personal experiences, opinions, or knowledge. The topics can be related to a wide range of areas such as events, people, places, objects, and experiences.

• Response Time: You are given 2 minutes to speak about the topic on the cue card. You should aim to speak for1:45 - 2:00 minutes. After 2 minutes the examiner will ask you to stop speaking. Do not worry if this happens, but try not to finish too early. Practice speaking for 2 minutes regularly so that you know how it feels.

• Content: You should try to talk about all the points mentioned on the cue card and provide relevant details to support your answer. However, you don't need to spend the same amount of time on each point. Try to use linking words and phrases to structure your answer.

• Tips: To prepare for Part 2, practise speaking on a wide range of topics, using the appropriate grammar and vocabulary, and structuring your answer effectively. You can record yourself, listen to your recording, and try to improve your answer with more varied vocabulary, fewer grammatical mistakes, and less hesitation. During the test, take the 1 minute preparation time to organise your thoughts and structure your response. Make notes with key ideas and key vocabulary or phrases. 1 minutes is not long, so don't try to write too much. Try to speak naturally and confidently, and use examples and personal experiences to support your answer.

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Speaking Test Part 3

In the IELTS Speaking Test, Part 3 involves a two-way discussion with the examiner. This part lasts about 4-5 minutes and goes deeper into the topic introduced in Part 2. The questions are more abstract and require you to express opinions, analyze, and speculate. Your answers should be longer than in Part 1, and use a more structured and academic style. 

 

Common Part 3 question topics include:

1. Technology

How has technology changed the way we communicate?
Do you think people rely too much on technology nowadays?
What are the potential future developments in technology?
 

2. Education

What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad?
How can education systems be improved?
What role does technology play in education?
 

3. Environment

What are the biggest environmental problems facing the world today?
How can individuals contribute to environmental conservation?
What are the impacts of climate change on different regions?

4. Culture

How important is it to preserve cultural heritage?
How has globalization affected local cultures?
What can be done to promote cultural understanding between different countries?
 

5.Work and Career

How has the nature of work changed in recent years?
What skills are important for success in the workplace?
How do job satisfaction and job security influence people's career choices?
 

6. Society

What are the biggest social issues in your country?
How can social inequality be addressed?
What are the effects of urbanization on society?
 

7. Health

What are the main factors contributing to a healthy lifestyle?
How can public health be improved in communities?
What are the challenges of providing healthcare to everyone?
 

8. Family

How has the role of the family changed over time?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of living in an extended family?
How important is family support in modern society?
 

9. Media and Communication

What is the impact of social media on society?
How has the way we consume news changed?
What are the responsibilities of journalists?
 

10. Travel and Tourism

What are the benefits of international travel?
How does tourism impact local communities?
What can be done to promote sustainable tourism?
 

11. Globalization

How has globalization affected the economy of your country?
What are the positive and negative effects of globalization?
How can countries preserve their cultural identity in a globalized world?
 

12. Art and Music

What is the importance of art in society?
How can schools encourage students to engage with the arts?
What is the role of music in different cultures?

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For practice IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions, go here

 

Important information about Part 3:

Time: Part 3 of the Speaking Test lasts for approximately 4 to 5 minutes.

Format: In Part 3, the examiner will ask you further questions related to the topic you spoke about in Part 2. The questions are designed to be more abstract and complex, and to test your ability to express opinions and ideas on a more sophisticated level.

Topic: The topic in Part 3 is usually related to the broader social or cultural issues, academic, or work-related topics that are related to the subject given in Part 2.

Response Time: You should try to give more detailed answers to the questions asked by the examiner in Part 3, lasting around 30 seconds to 1 minute for each answer. 

Content: In Part 3, you should give a clear answer to the questions asked by the examiner, and provide relevant examples, explanations, and details to support your answer. You should express opinions and ideas on the topic given and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

Tips: To prepare for Part 3, it is important to practise speaking about a wide range of topics, including academic and work-related subjects, and to be able to express opinions and ideas on more abstract and complex topics. During the test, listen carefully to the questions asked by the examiner, take time to organise your thoughts before responding, and provide well-developed, detailed responses to the questions.

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If you would like to see how IELTS examiners assess your speaking test you can read the official  IELTS speaking test band descriptors here.