The IELTS speaking exam is unique because it is conducted in-person with a live examiner. It consists of three parts: an introductory interview, describing a picture or topic, and a discussion on that topic. Many find the speaking exam the most difficult because it requires conversing spontaneously in English for 10-15 minutes. Taking a practice course is effective for building confidence, as mentors provide feedback and use real exam questions. Prior students of review centers report satisfaction from improving their speaking skills for the IELTS.

1. A Quick Overview of the IELTS Speaking Exam
What makes the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) different from any other English
competency examination? Indeed, the IELTS test is really different from other examinations. First of all,
the IELTS examination is a paper-based test. It means that the candidates for the IELTS need a pen and
paper in answering the examination. There is no need for a computer to use and Internet connection in
completing the whole test. Some find this paper-based test very convenient but others do not so they
undergo practices in IELTS review centers to be more familiar with this type of examination.
According to a survey conducted to people who have taken the IELTS test, the speaking test is what they
consider the most difficult. Compared to other tests, the speaking test in the IELTS examination is done
with a native English speaker. It is a form of an interview assessing how a candidate can handle an
English conversation from a series of questions asked. It just runs for ten to fifteen minutes but
candidates feel that the interview lasts for an hour.
IELTS Speaking Tasks
There are three tasks in the speaking test. First and foremost, the interviewer will ask questions about
the background of the candidate. Most of the time, these are questions about the candidate’s name,
address, and family background. Also, the candidates will be asked about topics like hobbies, work or
education.
The second task is a question on a cue card which asks the candidate to describe a certain person,
thing, or event. Guide questions are also in the card that will help the candidate organize his or her own
ideas for his response.
Finally, a more in depth discussion related to the second task is done in the third task. This is an open
discussion wherein the candidate and the interviewer will have about a five-minute discourse.
The most effective way to learn how to be confident in the speaking test is to join an IELTS speaking test
course program. Mentors will serve as the native speaker and will provide comments and suggestions on
how to improve one’s answer. Moreover, the IELTS review centers have designed speaking modules that
actually use questions that have been used in the past IELTS speaking examination. There have been
numerous numbers of people that have been clearly satisfied with the services offered in IELTS review
centers. They are living proofs that IELTS speaking training in review centers work and give results that
satisfy the needs of their clients.
You may find these resources useful to further hone your IELTS speaking skills:
 Most Popular Topics for IELTS Speaking
 More IELTS Speaking Topics
 IELTS Speaking Mock Test
 Frequently asked questions about the IELTS exam