The IELTS Speaking is the same for both General Training and Academic and assesses your use of spoken English. All speaking tests are conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner and are recorded in case they need to be reviewed.
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts. Part 1 is the first part of the test where the examiner will ask you some general questions about familiar topics like work, family, studies and hobbies.
In Part 2 you will be given a card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response. You will then speak on the topic for two minutes. In Part 3 of the interview, you will have a two-way discussion with the examiner where they will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
The Speaking test may be conducted on the same day as the other tests or a week before or after the other test parts.
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If you plan to study in higher education or seek professional registration in an English-speaking country, you might need to take an IELTS Academic.
The General Training test looks at your English-language capabilities in a work or social environment. If you plan to study in secondary education, enroll in vocational training, move abroad for work or migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, you might need to take an IELTS General Training.
If you take a computer-delivered IELTS test, the Reading, Writing and Listening parts of the IELTS test are completed on a computer, but the Speaking test is completed face-to-face with an IELTS examiner.
Smiling can help you feel relaxed which in turn might help you perform better. However, if you smile or laugh too much, it might not be appropriate for the topic you are discussing. Every examiner is trained and monitored closely to be fair to every candidate and to assess your level of English. The examiners will not give you more or fewer marks if you are smiling and laughing. It is best to try and relax as much as you can and communicate in a natural way.
Comparing speaking performances across bands 5 to 8
Find out how speaking performances vary across bands 5 to 8 in the IELTS Speaking test. This video focuses on fluency and coherence and how this can impact your Speaking band score.
Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question if I don't understand it the first time?
If you missed something the examiner said in your IELTS Speaking test, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question. Our IELTS Expert Don, gives us some tips on how.
Watch a band 9 performance in IELTS Speaking, Part 3
Find out what English-language skills you need to get a band 9 in IELTS Speaking, Part 3.
Am I allowed to ask my Speaking examiner for an alternative topic?
If you are uncertain about the topic you are given in your IELTS Speaking test, find out from our IELTS Expert whether you can ask for a different topic.
IELTS Speaking test, a closer look at a band 7 in Part 3
Watch this Part 3 IELTS Speaking test sample and discover why Mauricio’s performance was given a band 7.
What should I do if I don't have a story to answer a Speaking test question?
If you are scared of getting stuck in your IELTS Speaking test and not being able to answer the question, watch this short video with tips to help you.
If I use more idioms in my Speaking test, will it increase my Speaking score?
Watch this short video to find out whether using more idioms in your Speaking test responses has any affect on your final score.
How do I improve my fluency? Should I ever try to use a different accent to my own?
Our IELTS Expert, Don gives up some quick tips to improve your fluency in IELTS Speaking and the best accept to use.
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