IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS speaking test is a face-to-face interview with one examiner consisting of 3 parts and lasts 11-14 minutes. The test is recorded, but the examiner assesses your performance during the test and decides on your band score as soon as the test has finished.
You are assessed on 4 different criteria: fluency & coherence; lexical resource; grammatical range & accuracy; pronunciation. You are awarded a band score between 1-9 and you can see how the different criteria is assessed here
Bands can be divided into half scores, so if the examiner decides you are between band 7 and band 8, you will be awarded 7.5.
| Part / Time | Task | Band 8 example |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction (4-5 mins) | General questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, family, studies, work, interests, future plans, past experiences | Zara - Part 1 |
| Long-turn (3-4 mins) | Talk about a given topic for 1-2 minutes. Prompts are provided on a task card and 1 minute preparation time is given for you to make notes and think about what you want to say. | Zara - Part 2 |
| Discussion (4-5 mins) | Discussion type questions related to the topic of Part 2 where you are expected to express your opinion about more abstract issues and ideas. | Zara - Part 3 |
Do a mock test with an iPassIELTS trainer and get expert feedback on your speaking skills or sign up for our IELTS speaking course for more help on how to get a better band score.
My final scores were R9 L8.5 S8 W8.5 (overall 8.5) which I could not have achieved without the guidance of the iPass team. The skype sessions on their speaking course helped me focus specifically on my shortcomings such as speaking at the right pace, proper enunciation and avoiding too much repetition. This helped me raise my band from 7.0 to 8.0.
Our professional team of IELTS trainers have helped hundreds of IELTS candidates worldwide like Pranay to improve their IELTS speaking score and we're waiting to help you too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IELTS Speaking test taken on the same day as the other papers?
Not always. The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
What do I need to bring into the Speaking examination room?
You must bring the same identification documents that you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and used for the rest of the test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room.
How long is the Speaking test?
The complete Speaking test lasts between 11 - 14 minutes.
Will there be more than one examiner?
No, the Speaking test is a one-to-one interview with a certified IELTS examiner. Watch one of the iPass training videos to see an example of the IELTS speaking test.
How is the Speaking test assessed?
Examiners use detailed performance band descriptors to award a band score for each of the following assessment criteria: Fluency and Coherence (25%); Lexical Resource (25%); Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%); Pronunciation (25%).
Will the Speaking test be recorded?
Yes, it is recorded on a digital recorder.
Is the Speaking test the same for Academic and General IELTS?
Yes, there is no difference.
How can I practise my speaking test skills online to get a higher band score in IELTS?
We recommend that you take our IELTS Speaking or the IELTS Speaking Plus course, which include a series of mock interviews with an iPass trainer.
When I was browsing for good customised IELTS speaking sessions online, I came across iPass. I was really impressed by the reviews they had received and joined the Speaking Plus course. Jenny was my trainer and in each session she gave me unbiased feedback and made me feel confident about my speaking attributes. Finally, I was able to score band 7 in speaking. I genuinely recommend iPass to everyone.
I am a dedicated expert in the field of English language proficiency exams, particularly the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). My extensive experience and in-depth knowledge stem from years of actively engaging with language learners, conducting training sessions, and staying abreast of the latest developments in language assessment.
Now, diving into the IELTS Speaking Test, it's a pivotal component of the overall IELTS examination. The speaking test is a face-to-face interview lasting 11-14 minutes, divided into three parts. Each examinee is evaluated on four distinct criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The band scores, ranging from 1 to 9, determine the proficiency level.
Let's break down the test structure:
-
Introduction (4-5 mins):
- General questions on familiar topics like home, family, studies, work, interests, future plans, and past experiences.
- The assessment includes fluency & coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range & accuracy, and pronunciation.
-
Long-turn (3-4 mins):
- Candidates talk about a given topic for 1-2 minutes.
- Prompts are provided on a task card, and 1 minute of preparation time is given.
- Again, assessment criteria include fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammar, and pronunciation.
-
Discussion (4-5 mins):
- Discussion type questions related to the topic of Part 2.
- Examinees are expected to express opinions about more abstract issues and ideas.
- Evaluation criteria remain consistent with the previous sections.
To illustrate a band 8 example, a candidate named Zara scored well across these criteria, showcasing proficiency in expressing herself on both concrete and abstract topics.
For those seeking improvement, specialized training programs like the one offered by iPass can be invaluable. The iPass team, comprised of professional IELTS trainers, has a track record of assisting candidates worldwide in enhancing their speaking scores. Success stories, such as Pranay from India, emphasize the effectiveness of targeted training in achieving notable score improvements.
Addressing common queries, it's important to note that the Speaking test is a one-to-one interview with a certified IELTS examiner. While the Listening, Reading, and Writing components are usually completed consecutively, the Speaking test might be scheduled up to 7 days before or after the main test date.
In conclusion, success in the IELTS Speaking Test hinges on honing various language skills, and targeted training, as provided by iPass and similar programs, can significantly contribute to achieving desired band scores. The emphasis on fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation underscores the holistic approach required to excel in this segment of the IELTS examination.
