How long is the IELTS Speaking test?

The IELTS Speaking test lasts between 11 and 15 minutes.

What are the three parts of the IELTS Speaking test?

Part 1 involves answering general questions about familiar topics. Part 2 requires you to speak on a given topic after one minute of preparation. Part 3 includes a discussion with the examiner on more abstract questions related to the topic.

Is the IELTS Speaking test the same for Academic and General Training?

Yes, the IELTS Speaking test format is the same for both Academic and General Training versions.

How is the IELTS Speaking test assessed?

The test is assessed based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

What happens in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test?

In Part 1, the examiner asks you to introduce yourself and answer questions about familiar topics such as home, family, work, or studies. The questions are conversational and require brief but complete answers.

What happens in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test?

In Part 2, you receive a topic card and have one minute to prepare. You then speak for 1 to 2 minutes on the topic, covering key points provided.

What happens in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test?

In Part 3, the examiner asks more complex and abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic, allowing you to express opinions and discuss ideas in depth.

What skills are required for the IELTS Speaking test?

You need to speak fluently, use a wide range of vocabulary, demonstrate accurate grammar, pronounce words clearly, and organise your ideas effectively.

How can I improve my IELTS Speaking score?

You can improve by practising speaking regularly, building vocabulary on common topics, speaking clearly and naturally, and avoiding memorised responses.

Your guide to the IELTS Speaking test

Q: What is the IELTS Speaking test?

The IELTS Speaking test assesses how well you can communicate in spoken English. It includes three parts where you answer questions, speak on a topic, and engage in a discussion with an examiner.

The IELTS Speaking test assesses how well you use spoken English in different situations. To get a good score, you’ll need to communicate clearly and use the right language when speaking English.

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What is the IELTS Speaking test?

The IELTS Speaking section tests how well you can communicate in spoken English. Across three parts, you will respond to questions, speak on a general topic, and engage in a discussion with an examiner.

The IELTS Speaking test takes place in a separate room with just you and the examiner present. This section of the test is about 11-15 minutes in duration:

Part 1: 4-5 minutes
Part 2: 3-4 minutes
Part 3: 4-5 minutes

IELTS Speaking is assessed using four criteria:

Fluency and coherence
Lexical resource
Grammatical range and accuracy
Pronunciation

Find more information on how the IELTS Speaking section is scored

IELTS Speaking test video tutorial

In this video, our expert IELTS Teacher, Emma, will take you through everything you need to know about the IELTS Speaking test.

How do the Academic and General Training Speaking sections compare?

The Speaking section is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

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IELTS Speaking introduction

In Part 1, the examiner will ask you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. They will then ask you general questions on familiar topics like home, family, work, studies or interests. This section should help you relax and talk naturally.

Questions are straightforward and conversational. You should give brief but complete answers, typically 2-3 sentences per question.

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Parts 2-3: Topic-based tasks

In Part 2, the examiner will give you a topic card with a question and a list of points to cover. You’ll have one minute to prepare and make notes, and then you will need to talk for 1-2 minutes on the topic.

For Part 3, the examiner will ask you more abstract and analytical questions on the same topic. These questions are designed to allow you to expand your ideas and test your ability to explain your opinions and discuss various topics.

Tips from our IELTS Speaking test experts

Here are our top tips to help you get the score you need in the IELTS Speaking test:

Prepare for speaking test with IELTS Ready

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Practise, practise, practise

Take every opportunity you can to practise speaking English with a partner
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Get familiar with common topics

Build vocabulary around topics such as education, tech, health and culture
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Speak naturally and clearly

Maintain a steady pace and avoid pre-prepared phrases to improve fluency

What skills do I need for the IELTS Speaking test?

You’ll need to be able to speak naturally without excessive hesitation or long pauses. You also need to give complete answers rather than brief responses. In Part 3, this will involve developing ideas and justifying opinions or beliefs.

You’ll need to be able to use a wide range of words for different contexts, use collocations correctly and adapt your vocabulary to formal and informal situations. Using less common vocabulary and idiomatic expressions appropriately will help you get a good score.

You'll need to show that you can use a variety of sentence structures (simple, compound, and complex), use different tenses accurately, and use conditionals, passive voice, and relative clauses when appropriate.

You need to speak clearly and pronounce individual sounds accurately. You’ll also need to be able to use the correct word and sentence stress and employ natural intonation patterns to convey meaning. Our examiners are trained to understand a diverse range of accents.

You'll need to show that you can respond appropriately to the examiner's questions and organise your ideas logically. Use linking words and phrases to connect thoughts, and signposting words, e.g. 'Firstly', 'then', and 'finally', to help the examiner follow your response.

You’ll need to analyse questions and provide thoughtful responses that are supported with reasons and examples. Part 3 may require you to compare and contrast different viewpoints, or discuss causes, effects, advantages, and disadvantages.

IELTS Academic speaking practice