IELTS Speaking Test Format
IELTS Speaking Test Format
The speaking test lasts about 11 - 15 minutes, consisting of 3 parts. Please note
the speaking topics for Greeting and Part 1 are the same, so they are
considered only 1 part, but we have separated them for your convenience.
The Greeting
When you take the IELTS speaking test and walk into the examination room,
the examiner does not start off with tough IELTS speaking questions, instead,
they start slow with greetings. Please note, you WILL BE graded on your ability
to greet, so it's important you're prepared for it. Having said that, let's take a
quick look at a simple greeting and answer.
1. The examiner will introduce themselves and ask what your name is.
You'll reply "My name's _______".
2. Next, you'll be asked "What can I call you?", in which you can reply
"You can call me_______". You may use your English name here, if
you have one. This may sound odd, but some people cannot
pronounce their own English name. This is NOT ACCEPTABLE. If you
cannot pronounce it, you're better off not using it.
3. Following your name, they'll ask where you're from. Just say "I'm
from_____". That's enough. You don't need to give any extra
information about your answers at this stage.
4. Finally, you'll be asked for identification. After showing it, you'll
begin the test.
ELTS Speaking part 1 lasts between 4-5 minutes, includes around 8-10 IELTS
speaking questions, and about 2-3 familiar IELTS speaking topics such as your
job, your studies, your family, your hometown, your accommodation, etc.
These topics are easier than the topics from IELTS speaking part 2
Part 2
In part 2, you'll talk about a particular IELTS speaking topic. The topic is
selected for you and will be given to you on a card (Candidate Task Card). You
will then have 1 minute to prepare your answer and then a maximum of 2
minutes to speak. A pencil and paper will be provided for you to make notes.
Below is an example IELTS speaking part 2 question:
Once your two minutes of speaking time is finished, it's possible the test
examiner will conclude this part of the test by asking you a couple of simple
questions related to your part 2 answer. These are sometimes known
as rounding off questions, since they help "round off," or complete your
conversation. Let's look at some IELTS speaking questions that could be asked.
For instance, perhaps the IELTS speaking topic you discussed in part 2 was
"Describe your favorite form of public transport". The examiner might round
off your conversation by asking:
Typically, these rounding off questions are simple, so it will only be necessary
for you to respond with simple answers. Long, complex answers are not
required here, as the examiner will likely be ready to transition into part 3. For
example, you can answer a rounding off question with a short response like
this:
In part 3, you'll be asked about 4-8 more IELTS speaking questions which are
connected to the IELTS speaking topics discussed in part 2. The examiner will
also ask you a few questions based on your answers, so the entire part 3 is a
two-way discussion with the examiner and will last 4 - 5 minutes. Here are
some general speaking questions the examiner could ask you based on the
above IELTS speaking part 2 topics:
We've been talking about electronic devices. I'd like to discuss with you a few
more general questions relating to this topic. First, let's consider what are the
most popular electronic devices in your country at the moment?
Now that you've been introduced to how the IELTS speaking test works, you
can see there could be any number of topics asked. It's important you
familiarize yourself with some of the more frequently used IELTS speaking
topics. Not only have we created a comprehensive list, but each one also
includes an IELTS speaking sample answer.
50 Recent IELTS Speaking Topics 2021
For Band 9 Sample Answers for all Part 1,2,3 topics in 2021, you can take a
look at IELTS Speaking Actual Tests 2021 & Suggested Answers (Ebook)
The examiner will give you a cue card along with a paper and pencil, and as
soon as you get the cue card, you have to start preparing for the topic. You will
get 1 minute to prepare on the topic given. You’ll then have to speak for about
1-2 minutes. The examiner will let you know when to start speaking. Speak
continuously until the examiner asks you to stop.
what business/company it is
what this business does
how you know about this business
What qualities are required to become a company leader (or, CEO or,
manager)?
In general, what factors do you think to determine whether a small
company will become successful or not?
Do you think the latest technology plays an important role in a
company’s development?
What do you think of charitable organizations?
Which do you think is better, to start your own business or to work for
someone else?