Hi, I’m Daniel Hughes, and I’ve been preparing students for the IELTS Speaking test for over 20 years.
Many candidates feel nervous before the interview simply because they don’t fully understand how it works. Once you know the IELTS Speaking Test Format, the mystery disappears and so does much of the anxiety.
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what happens in each part of the speaking test, how examiners assess your performance, and what you can do to sound confident and natural. If you want to confirm any official details, you can always check the IELTS Speaking test format
The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face conversation with a trained examiner and lasts about 11–14 minutes. It’s divided into three parts, each focusing on different communication skills:
Part | Timing | Focus | Skills Tested |
Part 1: Introduction & Interview | 4–5 minutes | Everyday topics (home, work, hobbies) | Fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary |
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card) | 3–4 minutes | Extended talk on one topic | Coherence, organisation, vocabulary range |
Part 3: Discussion | 4–5 minutes | Abstract questions linked to Part 2 | Grammar range, opinion development, reasoning |
Each section is scored using the official IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors — you can view them on the British Council’s IELTS Speaking page.
These descriptors measure your Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
Part 1 – Introduction & Interview
In Part 1, the examiner begins with a short introduction and a few simple questions about familiar topics like your hometown, studies, job, or free-time activities. This section is designed to help you relax and start speaking naturally.
Avoid giving very short replies such as:
Examiner: Do you work or study?
Candidate: Study.
Instead, extend your answers a little:
Candidate: I’m studying economics at university. I chose it because I’ve always been curious about how money and markets influence people’s lives.
You can find more examples of common Part 1 questions on the IDP IELTS website, which gives useful insights into what examiners typically ask around the world.
Part 2 – The Long Turn (Cue Card)
Part 2 is your chance to speak at length. You’ll receive a cue card with a topic and four bullet points. You have one minute to prepare your notes, then two minutes to speak continuously.
Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a place you like to visit in your free time.
You should say:
– Where it is
– What you do there
– How often you go there
– And explain why you enjoy it
Use your preparation minute to jot down keywords rather than full sentences. Organise your talk like this:
Stage | What to Include |
Beginning | Briefly introduce your topic |
Middle | Add details, experiences, and examples |
End | Reflect on why the topic matters to you |
If you’d like to hear authentic examiner examples, the official IELTS sample recordings on IELTS.org demonstrate what high-band performance sounds like in real test conditions.
Part 3 – Discussion
Part 3 moves into more complex territory. The examiner will ask you analytical and opinion-based questions related to your cue card.
For example:
Examiner: Why do people enjoy travelling to new places?
Candidate: I believe travelling opens your mind. When you experience new cultures, you learn tolerance and curiosity, which makes you see life differently.
Here, you’re showing reasoning and connecting ideas clearly — something essential for Band 7 and above. Using expressions like “I believe,” “one reason is,” or “for instance” helps you structure your thoughts naturally.
Stay Aware of Timing
You don’t need to watch the clock — the examiner will guide you. Focus on giving full but relevant answers.
Combine Fluency and Accuracy
Speak naturally. A few grammar slips are fine if your ideas flow smoothly.
Use Connectors to Link Ideas
Purpose | Useful Phrases |
Adding ideas | moreover, in addition, besides |
Contrasting | however, on the other hand |
Giving examples | for example, such as |
Concluding | overall, to sum up |
Ask for Clarification
If you didn’t hear a question clearly, you can politely ask, “Could you repeat that, please?” — this is absolutely fine according to the British Council IELTS guidelines.
Practise Under Exam Conditions
Record yourself, listen back, and compare your responses with the model answers provided by IDP IELTS. You’ll quickly notice where you hesitate or repeat words.
Examiner: What do you usually do in your free time?
Candidate: I love playing the guitar because it helps me relax and express creativity. I often play with friends, which makes it even more enjoyable.
Examiner: Do you prefer spending time alone or with others?
Candidate: It depends on my mood. Sometimes I like quiet moments to recharge, but usually, I prefer being with others since I’m quite outgoing.
This kind of balanced, natural answer demonstrates the fluency and pronunciation that examiners value most.
Before your next mock test, ask yourself:
How long is the IELTS Speaking test?
It takes 11–14 minutes, divided into three parts.
Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question?
Yes, that’s completely fine — just say, “Could you repeat that, please?”
Does my accent affect my score?
No. Examiners from IELTS partners assess clarity, not accent.
Can I take notes in every part?
No, you may take notes only during Part 2.
Who conducts the test?
Certified examiners trained by British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge Assessment English run every IELTS Speaking session worldwide.
Now that you understand the IELTS Speaking Test Format, you can enter the exam room with confidence, knowing exactly how each stage works and what the examiner expects.
Next, move on to Fluency & Coherence to learn how to connect ideas smoothly and sound more natural in your answers.
If you’re just starting, revisit the IELTS Speaking Overview for a complete picture of the test.
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