IELTS Speaking – Overview

Part 1

In this part, the examiner introduces him/herself and checks the candidate’s identity. Then the examiner asks the candidate general questions on (1) ______. To ensure consistency, questions are taken from a scripted examiner frame.

Part 1 lasts for (2) ______minute(s).

Task Focus This part of the test focuses on the candidate’s ability to (3) ______and common experiences or situations by answering a range of questions.

Part 2

Part 2 is the individual long turn. The examiner gives the candidate a task card which asks the candidate to talk about (4) ______, includes points to cover in their talk and instructs the candidate to explain one aspect of the topic. Candidates are given (5) ______minute(s) to prepare their talk, and are given a pencil and paper to make notes.

Using the points on the task card effectively, and making notes during the preparation time, will help the candidate think of appropriate things to say, structure their talk, and keep talking for 2 minutes.

The examiner asks the candidate to talk for (6) ______minute(s), stops the candidate after 2 minutes, and asks one or two questions on (7) ______.

Part 2 lasts (8) ______minute(s), including the preparation time.

Task Focus This part of the test focuses on the candidate’s ability to (9) ______(without further prompts from the examiner), using appropriate language and organising their ideas coherently. It is likely that the candidate will need to draw on their own experience to complete the long turn.

Part 3

In Part 3, the examiner and the candidate discuss issues related to the topic in Part 2 in a more general and abstract way and – where appropriate – in greater depth.

Part 3 lasts (10) ______minute(s).

Task Focus This part of the test focuses on the candidate’s ability to (11) ______.

1

1 to 2

3-4

4-5 (x2)

a particular topic

communicate opinions and information on everyday topics

express and justify opinions and to analyse, discuss and speculate about issues

some familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies, interests

speak at length on a given topic

the same topic