IELTS Speaking is the section most students fear because it is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. Once you understand the format and how it is marked, the fear turns into a clear plan. Here are the parts of the test, the marking criteria and 10 practical tips.
Speaking test format
The test lasts 11–14 minutes, is the same for Academic and General Training, and has three parts:
- Part 1 (4–5 minutes): general questions about you – work or study, your city, hobbies.
- Part 2 (3–4 minutes): a task card; you get one minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
- Part 3 (4–5 minutes): a deeper discussion linked to the Part 2 topic with questions that need opinions and analysis.
Not sure which version you need? Read IELTS Academic vs General Training.
How Speaking is marked
- Fluency and coherence
- Lexical resource (vocabulary)
- Grammatical range and accuracy
- Pronunciation
All four criteria carry equal weight.
10 tips to raise your band
- Extend your answers with a reason and an example.
- Don’t memorise answers – examiners notice rehearsed speech.
- Use your one-minute preparation to note key words, not full sentences.
- Use linking words naturally, such as however, on the other hand and for example.
- Vary your tenses to match the question.
- Ask for repetition if you didn’t understand – it doesn’t lower your score.
- Buy time smartly with phrases like “That’s an interesting question…”.
- Focus on clarity, not accent.
- Record yourself to spot repetition and long pauses.
- Practise with someone who corrects you – feedback is what moves your band.
Sample Part 1 answer
Do you enjoy living in Abu Dhabi?
Weak: “Yes, I like it.”
Better: “Yes, I really do. It’s a calm city with a lot of green areas, and I love walking along the Corniche in the evenings. The only thing I find difficult is the heat in summer.”
Practise speaking with Pro English
Our IELTS course includes mock interviews marked against the four criteria, and you can build fluency in our spoken English classes. Book a free consultation.
