The Speaking test is an 11–14 minute conversation with an examiner in three parts: questions about familiar topics, a one-to-two-minute talk on a cue card after one minute to prepare, and a discussion of more abstract ideas linked to the cue card topic. It is marked on fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
At a glance
- Length
- 11–14 minutes
- Part 1
- 4–5 minutes of questions about you and familiar topics
- Part 2
- 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes
- Part 3
- 4–5 minutes discussing wider issues
How to do it
- Part 1: answer each question directly, then add a reason or an example. Two to three sentences is about right.
- Part 2: use the minute to note a few words for each point on the card, then keep talking until the examiner stops you.
- Part 3: give your opinion, explain it, and consider another side. The examiner wants to hear you develop ideas.
- If you do not understand a question, ask the examiner to repeat or explain it; that is allowed.
Common mistakes
- One-word or one-sentence answers, which give the examiner nothing to mark.
- Memorised answers. Examiners notice, and they do not fit the exact question.
- Stopping early in Part 2. Aim to fill the full two minutes.
A real practice task
From Skillora IELTS Academic Mock Test 1 · Speaking Part 2 cue card
Describe a public place in your town or city that you enjoy visiting.
You should say:
- where it is
- what it looks like
- what people do there
and explain why you enjoy visiting it.
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