Unlike tests like TOEFL where you speak into a computer, the IELTS Speaking test is conducted as a one-on-one, face-to-face interview with an examiner.
It's natural for beginners to feel nervous, thinking, "I'll be so anxious talking to a native examiner for over 10 minutes," or "I'm scared because I don't know what I'll be asked."
However, the IELTS Speaking test isn't about natural conversational flair; it's a test with a set format and specific scoring criteria. Simply understanding these can significantly improve your score.
In this article, based on the expertise of ELT, which includes former IELTS examiners on its staff, we will explain the test flow, provide actual question examples, and outline a study method for beginners aiming for a Band 6.0.
What You'll Learn in This Article
- Test Overview: The overall flow and duration (Parts 1-3)
- Sample Questions: What kind of questions are actually asked (from self-introduction to discussion)
- Scoring Criteria: Debunking the myth that "good pronunciation means a high score" and understanding the real evaluation points
- Study Methods: What you can and cannot do through self-study
1. The Basics of the IELTS Speaking Test
First, let's get an overview. The test is divided into three parts and lasts for a total of 11-14 minutes.
Table 1: IELTS Speaking Test Overview
Part | Format | Time | Content |
Part 1 | Interview | 4-5 mins | Short answers on familiar topics like your introduction, family, work, and hobbies. |
Part 2 | Speech | 3-4 mins | You will be given a topic card, have one minute to prepare, and then speak alone for up to 2 minutes. |
Part 3 | Discussion | 4-5 mins | Discuss more abstract and societal themes related to the topic in Part 2 with the examiner. |
Tip from a Former Examiner:
The entire test is recorded, but this is to double-check the examiner's scoring later. The examiner in front of you determines your score on the spot, so your attitude towards communicating with them (e.g., making eye contact, smiling) is also important.
2. What Kind of Questions Are Asked? (Examples by Part)
The "depth" of the questions varies from part to part.
Part 1: About You (Introduction & Interview)
These are personal questions about you (the test-taker). There are no right or wrong answers, and this part also serves as a warm-up to help you relax.
Common Topics:
- Work or Study
- Hometown
- Home / Accommodation
- Hobbies
Sample Questions:
Do you work or are you a student?
Do you like your job? Why?
What do you usually do on weekends?
Part 2: The 2-Minute Speech (The Long Turn)
You will be given a topic card called a "Cue Card," along with a piece of paper and a pencil for notes. After one minute of preparation time, you will speak on that topic.
Common Topics:
- People (a person you admire, a best friend, etc.)
- Places (a travel destination, a café, a historic building)
- Objects (something you bought, a gift, a book)
- Experiences (a success, a time you were late)
Sample Questions (Cue Card):
Describe a book you read recently.
You should say:
- what it was
- when you read it
- what it was about
- and explain why you liked or disliked it.
Part 3: Societal Discussion
You will be asked more abstract questions that expand on the theme from Part 2. Here, you are expected to answer in general terms (about society, people, the government, etc.) rather than talking about yourself.
Sample Questions (if the Part 2 topic was "books"):
Do people in your country read more nowadays compared to the past?
Do you think electronic books will replace paper books in the future?
3. How Is It Scored? The Four Criteria
You don't need to worry, "Does my pronunciation have to be native-like?" The IELTS is scored based on the following four criteria.
- Fluency & Coherence
Key Point: Can you keep speaking without long pauses ('silence')? Is your speech logical and easy to follow?
Strategy: Practicing using fillers like "Well..." or "Let me see..." to buy time is effective.
- Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
Key Point: Can you avoid repeating the same words (good, bad, happy) and use appropriate paraphrasing?
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Key Point: Even with some mistakes, if you can be understood, that's acceptable (for a Band 6.0 level). However, examiners look for attempts to use complex sentences, such as those with relative clauses, not just basic English.
- Pronunciation
Key Point: You don't need a native-like accent. The key is 'intelligibility'—whether you are easy for the listener to understand.
4. A 3-Step Study Plan for Beginners
This is a guide for those who are not confident in their English speaking skills and are aiming for a Band 6.0 (a common minimum requirement for studying abroad).
Step 1: Prepare Ideas for Common Topics
The topics in IELTS are somewhat predictable. Prepare and practice scripts for topics like 'work,' 'hobbies,' and 'hometown' so you can answer them anytime.
For Part 2 especially, it's difficult to structure a talk in just one minute, so a standard strategy is to prepare solid ideas for go-to topics like 'a favorite book' or 'a memorable place.'
Step 2: Record Your Own Voice
This is often the most disliked, yet most effective, practice method.
Record yourself answering a question on your phone and listen back. Realizing you use too many 'ums' and 'ahs,' speak too quietly, or make grammatical errors is the first step toward improvement.
Step 3: Get Feedback from a Native Speaker
Speaking is the most difficult skill to improve through self-study.
- "Your grammar is correct, but the expression sounds unnatural."
- "Your answer doesn't quite match the question's intent."
These issues are hard to notice on your own. To aim for Band 6.0 or higher, you need feedback from an instructor who understands the IELTS scoring criteria.
Why Not Practice with a Former Examiner Who Understands Common Challenges for Test-Takers?
The most crucial part of speaking preparation is practicing in the same format as the actual test and getting evaluated by a professional.
While there are many online English conversation services, your score won't improve with just 'casual chatting' when it comes to IELTS preparation. You need to practice with an instructor who knows where examiners deduct and award points.
The ELT Advantage
At ELT, 100% of our instructors are native speakers, and many are former IELTS examiners or have experience teaching at universities.
- Realistic Mock Tests: We accurately assess your current score from an examiner's perspective.
- Targeted Feedback on Common Pitfalls: We help you correct common habits like long pauses or giving answers that are too short, and we teach you how to speak in a way that earns points.
"I want to know how well my English holds up." "I just want to experience the IELTS atmosphere first."
If this sounds like you, please try our free trial lesson.
