IELTS · Guide 8 · 4 min read
IELTS Speaking: the three parts, timings and how the examiner works
The IELTS Speaking test explained: an 11 to 14 minute interview in three parts, the long turn with one minute to prepare, and what the examiner does.
What the Speaking test is
The Speaking test is a face-to-face conversation with a certified examiner. It is the same for IELTS Academic and General Training, and it is the same whether you take the rest of the test on paper or on computer. It lasts 11 to 14 minutes and is recorded.
At some centres the examiner may join by video call instead of being in the room. The format and marking are the same either way.
The test has three parts, each with a different purpose.
| Part | Length | Format | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 4 to 5 minutes | Introduction and questions on familiar topics | Talking naturally about everyday subjects |
| Part 2 | 3 to 4 minutes | Individual long turn from a task card | Speaking at length on one topic without help |
| Part 3 | 4 to 5 minutes | Two-way discussion | Exploring ideas and opinions in more depth |
Before you start
The examiner introduces themselves, asks your name and checks your identification. The recording starts at this point. These opening moments are not scored in themselves, but it is a good time to settle into speaking clearly.
Part 1: introduction and interview
The examiner asks general questions about familiar topics. These often start with where you live, your work or studies, and then move to two or three other everyday subjects, such as food, weather, transport or hobbies.
Invented examples of the kind of question you might hear:
- Do you prefer to spend your free time indoors or outdoors?
- How often do you use public transport?
- What kind of music did you listen to as a child?
Answer in two to four sentences. A one-word reply gives the examiner little to assess; a two-minute speech is not what this part needs.
Exam tip: the examiner reads questions from a set script and cannot rephrase them freely. If you do not understand a word, ask them to repeat the question. That is allowed and does not lose marks.
Part 2: the long turn
The examiner gives you a task card with a topic and a few prompts, plus paper and a pencil for notes. You have one minute to prepare, then you speak for one to two minutes. The examiner will stop you when the time is up.
An invented task card might read:
Describe a skill you learned outside school. You should say: what the skill is; who taught you or how you learned it; how long it took to learn; and explain why this skill is useful to you.
Use the prompts as a guide to keep talking, but you do not have to follow them in order. The final prompt, usually beginning "explain", is the one that lets you show more complex language, so leave time for it.
After you finish, the examiner may ask one or two short follow-up questions on the same topic.
Exam tip: use your minute to write key words, not sentences. Four or five words, one for each prompt plus an example, is enough to keep you going for two minutes.
Part 3: discussion
Part 3 links to the Part 2 topic but moves to wider, more abstract questions. If Part 2 was about a skill you learned, Part 3 might discuss how schools prepare young people for work, or whether practical skills are valued enough in society.
The examiner has more freedom here to follow up on what you say, ask you to explain further, or challenge a point. This part gives you the best chance to show you can:
- give and justify opinions;
- compare and contrast;
- speculate about the future;
- consider other points of view.
Longer answers are expected than in Part 1. Aim to give a view, explain it and support it with an example.
What the examiner is listening for
You are assessed on four equal criteria across the whole test: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Your accent itself is not marked down; what matters is whether you are easy to understand. Our guide to the Speaking band descriptors explains each one in plain words.
Common mistakes
- Reciting memorised answers. Examiners are trained to recognise them, and they do not show natural speaking.
- Very short answers in Part 1 and Part 3. Extend with a reason or example.
- Stopping early in Part 2. Keep going until the examiner stops you.
- Worrying about every error. Small slips are normal; correcting yourself briefly and moving on is fine.
For the current rules, check ielts.org.
Check yourself
- How long does the Speaking test last, and how many parts does it have?
- How long do you get to prepare in Part 2, and how long should you speak?
- Can you ask the examiner to repeat a question?
- How does Part 3 relate to Part 2?
- Is your accent marked down in itself?
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