IELTS Speaking
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“ Prepare for the IELTS Speaking test with this comprehensive guide to Parts 1, 2, and 3. Get expert tips as well as IELTS Speaking practice questions here. “
The IELTS Speaking module is a one-on-one interview between the test taker and a certified examiner. This section is designed to evaluate the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in English through a series of structured questions and tasks.
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, your family, your work or studies, and your interests.
- Part 2: You will be given a cue card with a topic on it. You will have one minute to prepare a two-minute talk on the topic. The examiner will then ask you one or two questions about your talk.
- Part 3: The examiner will ask you more in-depth questions about the topic you discussed in Part 2.
Not sure how the IELTS Speaking test is conducted? See the infographic for more information.
Let's take a closer look at what happens in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
You will be required to answer questions related to you like - home, family, friends, and your interests. (4-5 minutes) The IELTS Speaking Part 1 is a conversation that will be based on a general theme, like your childhood, school, family, friends, and so on.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics
Here is a list of the most common IELTS speaking topics with answers that frequently appear in the IELTS Speaking test.
- IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic 1: Advertisements
- IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic 2: Art
- IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic 3: Bags
- IELTS Speaking Part 1: Topic 4: Celebrities
- IELTS Speaking Part 1: Topic 5: Chocolate
Check More: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Tips
- Practice speaking English regularly to enhance fluency and confidence.
- Familiarize yourself with common IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics and questions to prepare effectively.
- Maintain a friendly and engaging demeanor with the examiner to create a comfortable atmosphere.
- Provide extended answers rather than simple 'yes' or 'no' responses to showcase language skills.
- Use a diverse range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to exhibit language competence.
- Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation, ensuring clear and understandable speech.
- Maintain a natural pace of speech, avoiding rushed or overly slow delivery.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Tips
- Understand the topic and task clearly.
- Organize your thoughts during the one-minute preparation.
- Speak for the full 2 minutes to showcase your language skills.
- Use diverse vocabulary, grammar, and clear pronunciation.
- Provide specific examples or personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Speak naturally, confidently, and maintain eye contact.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion
The IELTS Speaking Part 3 involves a 4-5 minute discussion with the examiner. It focuses on abstract topics related to the Part 2 theme. The examiner asks deeper questions to assess your ability to express opinions, analyze, and speculate.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics
Here is a list of the most common IELTS speaking topics with answers for Part 3 that frequently appear in the IELTS Speaking test.
- Public Speaking: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample Answer
- Leadership: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample Answer
- Travel and Holidays: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Model Answer
- Beauty: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample Answer
- TV Program & Movies: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Sample Answer
Check More IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Tips
Here are some tips to effectively tackle the IELTS Speaking part 3 questions:
- Pay attention to the questions and understand what you are being asked.
- Use specific examples and evidence to support your answers.
- Explain your thoughts and ideas clearly and logically.
- Use a variety of words and sentence structures in your speech.
- Listen carefully to the examiner's questions and respond directly to them.
- Organize your thoughts and use linking words to make your speech coherent.
- Speak confidently and with a positive attitude.
- Avoid giving vague answers and aim to provide detailed and insightful responses.
IELTS Speaking Scoring Criteria
The IELTS speaking band score ranges from a scale of zero to nine. Scoring a band 8 means that a candidate has an excellent command of English. The performance in the speaking section is awarded a score based on four criteria weighted equally. The four criteria include:
- Fluency and Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Pronunciation
Experienced and qualified examiners assess candidates in the IELTS Speaking section. The band score ranges from 0 to 9, in half and whole bands, with no negative marking. Decimal scores are rounded up to the nearest half or whole band. The following are the IELTS speaking scoring criteria:
IELTS Speaking Scoring Criteria: Fluency and Coherence
This refers to the ability to talk with a level of continuity and fluency in the English language. This criterion is assessed based on the way connectors, pronunciation, and the conjunction are used in sentences.
Further, it refers to the clarity and organization of your speech. To improve your FC score, you can:
- Link your sentences using appropriate words and phrases.
- Elaborate on your answers by including all relevant details.
- Speak in a smooth and uninterrupted manner.
- Use pauses effectively and appropriately.
IELTS Speaking Scoring Criteria: Lexical Resources
Lexical Resource (LR) evaluates the quality of your vocabulary. To enhance your LR score, consider the following:
- Employ a diverse range of vocabulary.
- Discuss various topics freely, utilizing fitting terminology.
- Employ a formal or semi-formal speaking style.
- Choose words precisely and accurately.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions where appropriate.
IELTS Speaking Scoring Criteria: Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) assesses your grammar proficiency. To boost your GRA score, follow these steps:
- Minimize grammatical errors.
- Endeavor to incorporate more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice, direct speech, various tenses, and conditional sentences, among others.
IELTS Speaking Scoring Criteria: Pronunciation
Pronunciation (P) evaluates how natural you sound. To enhance your P score, you can:
- Aim for clear pronunciation of words.
- Record your speech and focus on correcting any misspoken words.
- Stress words and sentences accurately.
- Use appropriate intonation patterns.
- Ensure your speech is easily understood by the examiner.
Looking for a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the IELTS Speaking Test? Look no further!
IELTS Speaking: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to be avoided during the IELTS Speaking test:
- Not understanding the question. Take your time to listen to and understand the question before answering. If you don't understand, ask the examiner to rephrase it.
- Giving short or one-word answers. The examiner wants to see that you can speak about a topic in detail. Expand on your answers and provide examples and evidence to support your points.
- Memorizing answers. Don't try to memorize answers for the IELTS Speaking test. The examiner will be able to tell if you are not speaking from the heart. Instead, practice speaking about a variety of topics so you can feel confident talking about anything that is asked of you.
- Going off-topic. It is important to stay on topic when answering the examiner's questions. If you find yourself going off-topic, try to gently steer the conversation back to the original topic.
- Speaking too quickly or too slowly. Speak at a clear and natural pace. If you speak too quickly, the examiner may not be able to understand you. If you speak too slowly, the examiner may become bored.
- Not using a variety of vocabulary and grammar structures. The examiner wants to see that you have a good range of vocabulary and grammar structures. Avoid using the same words and phrases over and over again. Try to use a variety of different words and sentence structures in your speech.
- Making grammatical errors. Try to avoid making grammatical errors in your speech, but don't worry too much if you make minor mistakes. The examiner will not penalize you too harshly for grammar errors as long as you can communicate your ideas effectively.
IELTS Speaking Tips & Tricks
To familiarize yourself with the speaking section, it's advised that test takers practice using free online IELTS speaking practice tests available on the internet. Listed below are some IELTS speaking tips that can assist candidates in excelling in the exam:
- Avoid memorizing your IELTS speaking responses.
- Refrain from using complex vocabulary during the IELTS speaking test.
- Speak naturally and without hesitation during the IELTS speaking test.
- Take brief pauses to consider your IELTS speaking answers.
- Regularly practice fundamental IELTS topics.
- Pay no mind to your accent.
- Pause to contemplate and incorporate persuasive points into your response.
- Remember to smile while enunciating each word as it aids effective pronunciation.
IELTS Speaking Practice Test Sample
Here's an IELTS Speaking practice test with example answers for your guidance. Review them carefully to enhance your IELTS speaking score.
Speaking Part 1
1. What is your full name?
My name is Ridhima Saxena 2. Can I see your ID? Yes , Here is my id 3. Where are you from? I’m from the fourth biggest city in India which is Delhi.This city is also known as the city of kings because of its beautiful history . Delhi is also the Capital of India. It is popular for its delicious food and historical monuments. 4. Do you work or study? Currently, I study in one of the top most universities in India which has a friendly and helpful faculty. They not only teach subjects but also gives us a lot of extra knowledge. |
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Describe your favorite song.
You should say :
Sample Answer My favorite song is “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. This song is about the “American Dream” that is sought after by many people. The singer recounts her childhood struggles, such as her father’s drinking and working day in and day out at a convenience store for little money. At the end of the song, she escapes her family problems and she and her boyfriend go into the city to seek a better life, and perhaps achieve the American Dream they've been hoping for. I listened to this song for the first time in the 90’s when I was a child; it takes me on a ride back to the good old days. The funny thing is that the first time I heard it, I thought it was a man singing because the woman has a very deep voice! However, I think the depth of her voice adds to this catchy song. Nowadays, I listen to this song about once a week. I think this song is my favorite because of the singer’s voice, and the story is just so captivating. When I listen to this song, I can put myself in her shoes and imagine the hardships she has been through. At the end of the song, I feel hopeful that they will find the better life that they are seeking. This song is timeless! |
IELTS Speaking Part 3
1. Why do you think that some local singers or musicians aren’t as successful as some from other countries?
I think that fame is sometimes simply the luck of the draw. I think those born in the United States or other developed countries who play a large role in pop culture are the ones who find success more easily. I think it’s unfair that some are born with privileges that will eventually lead them to fame and wealth. For example, as you see, many famous singers are those who were already born rich or with famous parents. Sadly, it’s all about who you know! 2. Do you think the Internet has affected the music industry? In what ways? I definitely agree that the internet has greatly affected the music industry. For one, I’m sure that some artists have lost money due to illegal internet downloads. Secondly, now artists are exposed to the world much more easily. In this cyber era, we have so much information at the click of a mouse. I’m sure that it is much easier to get your name out there nowadays. I wonder if the famous will become even more famous! 3. Do you think there will be further changes in the music industry in the future? As with all things, I believe that the music industry will definitely continue to change. I see that nowadays music is relying more on electronic devices rather than human hands, like in the olden days. I think that nowadays someone doesn’t even need to pick up an instrument to be a musician. I firmly believe that the music industry will become more reliant on technology. 4. Do you think the music young people listen to in your country is becoming more globalized? Why/Why not? My answer is a definite yes. Nowadays, young people are jamming out to American hits as well as K-pop. American hits have always been globalizing, and continue to globalize at an incredible rate. I think that almost every person can sing along to many American hits! Furthermore, K-pop is becoming a phenomenon for teens around Asia, and perhaps will continue to reach hearts around the globe. |
Need more IELTS speaking practice tests? Check out the IELTS Speaking topics 2023 and practice diligently for your IELTS speaking test.
List of Common IELTS Speaking Topics with Sample Answers
Below are some additional speaking practice tests to help you kick-start your IELTS Speaking preparation:
- IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Samples
- 50 Recent IELTS Speaking Topics 2023 Part 2 and 3 with Model Answers
- 150 IELTS Speaking Topics Part 2 & 3 with Model Answers
- Linking words for IELTS Speaking
- IELTS Speaking recent actual test
- How to Talk About an Unfamiliar Topic in IELTS Speaking
- Common English words in IELTS Speaking
- IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics & Sample Answers
- 40 IELTS Speaking Part 2 Tips, Questions and Band 9 Sample Answers PDF Download
- 50 IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics 2023 with Answers
- IELTS Speaking Test with Model Answers and Audio
- IELTS Podcast 1: Recent IELTS Speaking Test in Canada & Band 9 Sample Answers + Audio
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How many parts will be there in the IELTS Speaking module?
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Kasturika Samanta
Kasturika Samanta