The IELTS speaking test lasts between 11-14 minutes and consists of 3 sections. In Section 1, the examiner asks questions about general topics to get to know the candidate. Section 2 involves a 1 minute preparation followed by a 2 minute response to a topic card, with additional questions. Section 3 is a 4-5 minute two-way discussion on the topic from Section 2. The test checks for fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and comprehension.

1. IELTS SPEAKING TEST

2. DURATION
11-14 Minutes
It is the same interview for both, General
Training and Academic.

3. CHECKING:
Fluency and coherence
-Speaks fluently with only rare repetition or
self-correction; any hesitation is content
related rather than to find words or
grammar.
-Speaks coherently with fully appropriate
consistent features.
-Develops topics fully and appropriately.

4. CHECKING:
Lexical resource
-Uses vocabulary with full flexibility and precision in
all topics.
-Uses idiomatic language naturally and accurately.
Grammatical range and accuracy
-Uses a full range of structures naturally and
appropriately.
-Produces consistently accurate structures apart
from ‘slips’ characteristic of native speaker speech.

5. CHECKING:
Pronunciation
-Uses a full range of pronunciation features
with precision and subtlety.
-Is effortless to understand.

6. SECTION 1
4-5 Minutes
Short introduction between the examiner
and the candidate.
Questions about:
-Friends -Sports
-Hobbies -Food
-Family -School

7. SECTION 2
3-4 Minutes
-The candidate receives a task card on a
particular topic with key points to talk about.
-Paper and pencil will be provided to make
notes.
-1 Minute to prepare
-2 Minutes to talk
-One or two more questions about the topic.

9. SECTION 3
4-5 Minutes
Two-way discussion
Further questions connected to the topics
on Section 2.