IELTS Speaking Test

1. Written by Amardeep Kumar, a certified and trained faculty by British Council, for ieltsdelhi.com © 2011
| This material may be photocopied (without alteration) and distributed for classroom use provided no change is made.
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The speaking Test
The speaking test is taken on one-to-one interview of 11 to 14 minutes. It may be
conducted on the very same day of the examination, or prior one day or after a few
later. It solely depends on the discretion of the examination center.
The interview is taken into three parts. The interviewer guides candidates through the
interview process, and help the candidate to feel comfortable. The interview is
recorded.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview ( duration 4 to 5 minutes)
In part 1 the questions are very general and are of familiar topics like about the
candidate, about the candidate’s home , family, job, studies the candidate is
undertaking, candidate’s interest and so on.
The examiner introduces him or hers and asks for the candidate’s name and some form
of identification, usually a passport.
How to approach?
• The examiner knows how you feel because examiners are usually teachers.
• The examiner has a set of questions and he asks questions from them. Do not
repeat the question while answering:
o For example: Which is your favourite colour?
Ans: My favourite colour is……..(Incorrect format)
Ans: It’s…………….. (Correct)
• Try to use synonyms of the words used by the Examiner if at all it is required or else
go ahead with what you want to say.
Part 2: Topics (3-4 minutes)
In part 2 the candidate is given a cue card on which a topic is printed. The examiner
asks the candidate to talk about the topic on the card. The candidate has one minute
of time to prepare a talk of between 1 to 2 minutes’ duration. The candidate has one
minute to make notes which will guide him or her to talk about the topic.

2. Written by Amardeep Kumar, a certified and trained faculty by British Council, for ieltsdelhi.com © 2011
| This material may be photocopied (without alteration) and distributed for classroom use provided no change is made.
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Topic on the card is usually related to a piece of music, clothes, a book, a film, special
day, favourite place, favourite shop, etc.
How to approach?
• Use one minute to plan. Do not start immediately without planning.
• Write the points not sentences. Write the points in vertical list and in order so that
it will be easier for you to see them during your talk.
• The mark is given when your talk is organized.
• The interview checks you on fluency and coherence. So be relevant and fluent
and present a logic and clear argument. Give relevant examples and share your
experience (if required).
• Use synonyms and phrases. Do not repeat words.
• Use different grammatical structures to show the interview that you have good
command over English language.
• Be aware of the time limit, you only have 1-2 minutes. Record your talk before
the exam and see how many words you speak in 2 minutes.
• As you speak, refer to the list to organize your answer and maintain proper eye
contact with the interviewer.
• Sound natural and be yourself.
Part 3: Discussion (4 to 5 minutes)
In part 3 the examiner and candidate talk about things which are related to Part 2. In
this the examiner expects the candidate to elaborate.
How to approach?
• Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions.
• Ask the examiner to repeat the question if you do not understand it.
• Sound natural however you can make a story to unless you do not sound as if it
was learnt by heart. Remember that the examiners are not checking whether
you are telling the truth, but your ability to speak English.
• Make sure your answer is relevant.
How to develop speaking ability?
• Speak about anything that you see or experience. Speak as much English as you
can.

3. Written by Amardeep Kumar, a certified and trained faculty by British Council, for ieltsdelhi.com © 2011
| This material may be photocopied (without alteration) and distributed for classroom use provided no change is made.
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• Start reading ALOUD. It will helps you gain confidence and fluency.
• Know the format of the examination beforehand and prepare according to
that.
• Record your talk and make a habit of self correction and get yourself corrected
from the experts, may be your teacher or mentor.
Dos and Don’ts
Do’s
• Be positive and smile.
• Maintain Eye contact with the interviewer.
• Use a wide range of vocabulary. Practice to use them before the exam.
Don’ts
• Do not sound as if you have learnt the answer.
• Do not start your talk promptly in part 2. Use 1 minute to make notes.
• Do not be put off by the tape recorder in the room.
• Do not repeat the words and sentences used by the examiner.