• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

NativeSpeakerOnline

Learn natural English online

  • LEARNING ENGLISH
    • Confusing words in English
    • English grammar
    • Typical mistakes in English
  • IELTS SPEAKING TIPS
  • CONTACT
What is the IELTS Speaking test?

What is the IELTS Speaking test?

August 16, 2013 By Nestor Leave a Comment

The IELTS speaking test is the final part of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test, a popular exam for people who want to study or work where English is the main language of communication.

According to the official IELTS website, IELTS is now accepted by more than 8,000 institutions and governments in 135 countries.

The speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified IELTS examiner. It is designed to test your communication skills. The test lasts about 11-14 minutes and it is recorded.

There are three parts to the speaking test.

Part 1

The examiner will ask you some general questions about yourself and a variety of everyday topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.

Speaking Sample Task Part 1 – Prompt (PDF, 21KB)
Speaking Sample Task Part 1 – Recording (MP3, 631KB)
Speaking Sample Task Part 1 – Transcript (PDF, 12KB)

Part 2

The examiner will give you a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare and then 1-2 minutes to speak. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic to finish this part of the test.

Speaking Sample Task Part 2 – Prompt (PDF, 20KB)
Speaking Sample Task Part 2 – Recording (MP3, 762KB)
Speaking Sample Task Part 2 – Transcript (PDF,11KB)

Part 3

The examiner will ask some questions connected to the topic in Part 2. These questions are designed to encourage a deeper discussion. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.

Speaking Sample Task Part 3- Prompt (PDF, 18KB)
Speaking Sample Task Part 3 – Recording (MP3, 1.2MB)
Speaking Sample Task Part 3 – Transcript (PDF, 13KB)

IELTS Speaking test scoring criteria

Each candidate’s performance is evaluated on a scale of 0-9. You can score whole (e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 5.5., 6.5, 7.5) bands. Here is an example of a possible Band 5-5.5 candidate:

Sample IELTS Speaking test video

Filed Under: General tips, IELTS Speaking Tips Tagged With: Test rules and procedure

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • IELTS Speaking Tips
    • General tips
    • Other stuff
    • Tips for Band 6.5
    • Tips for Band 7-9

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Check your inbox now to confirm your subscription. If you don't receive my email, check your spam folder.

IELTS Tag cloud

  • Grammar tips
  • IELTS preparation advice
  • IELTS scoring criteria
  • IELTS Speaking test
  • IELTS speaking test strategies
  • IELTS Speaking tip cards
  • Pronunciation
  • Questions from candidates
  • Sample answers
  • Scary situations
  • Speaking test Part 1
  • Speaking test Part 2
  • Speaking test Part 3
  • Test rules and procedure
  • Topical videos
  • Vocabulary tips

Youtube videos

  • Contact
  • Terms of use and privacy policy

Footer

IELTS Speaking Tips on Facebook

Facebook

Copyright © 2021 ยท NativeSpeakerOnline