IELTS Speaking Test Format: Tips For Speaking Test

The IELTS speaking test format comprises three parts, and each requires a different strategy. Part 1 is the warm-up section with some introductory questions, an ID check, and questions on two topics. These are usually on the life and journey of the candidate. Part 2 is where the candidates will have one-two minutes for speaking about a given topic. They will also get a minute to prepare for this part. Part 3 is a more in-depth conversation based on the topic given in Part 2. The entire test takes 11-14 minutes on average. 

Recommended Read: IELTS Common Speaking Topics With Questions And Answers

Explaining Each Part of the IELTS Speaking Test Format

The test takers have to give the same IELTS speaking test. This implies that the IELTS general speaking and academic speaking formats remain the same. The IELTS speaking test structure is relatively easy to understand and will assess you based on these parameters: 

• Your fluency in English and the ability to talk without hesitating or pausing during the conversation.
• It will analyze how you use connectors, pronouns, and conjunctions, among other devices.
• The language and accent should be understandable to the examiner.
• The examiner will assess your vocabulary along with grammatical correctness and sentence formation.
• The examiner will also evaluate pronunciation and intonation.

The IELTS speaking test pattern comprises three different parts. Let us understand each of the parts in detail: 

Part 1

Format:

• The examiner and candidate will introduce themselves.
• The examiner will ask the candidates general questions about their city/town, profession, personal areas of interest, family, and education.
• In the beginning, candidates will have to state their name, present passport/ID, and share the name by which they want to be addressed by the examiner.
• This part examines the candidate’s ability to share their views and ideas about daily aspects and shared experiences.

Duration: Part 1 of the test will take around four-five minutes. 

Tips for Part 1 Speaking Test:

• Arrive before the scheduled time
• Smile and relax as you enter the room
• Keep your ID handy and avoid being over-formal
• You will then be asked two-three questions on topics like your hometown, home, studies, or work. Always use simple language and make a good impression
• You will then be asked three-four questions on one topic and three-four further questions on another topic. For these questions, give comparatively shorter answers
• Spend roughly 10-20 seconds for every answer, and do not worry if you are interrupted
• Most questions will be about your life and experiences. Some questions may require a yes or no. However, expand the answer that you give
• Adding detail or two may be a good strategy

Important Resources to Read About IELTS:

Part 2 

Format:

• You will get a Cue Card. It is also known as the Task Card
• You will get one minute to prepare your answer on the given topic
• You will have to speak on this topic for one-two minute
• This part will analyze your ability to speak confidently on any topic
• You may get a final question if you have not covered two minutes entirely

Duration: The entire portion covers three-four minutes on average.

Tips for Part 2 Speaking Test:

• Gather your thoughts and prepare well in the minute given to you
• Speak in a relaxed manner without speeding up unnecessarily
• Speak for one and a half minutes at least
• Practice speaking for two minutes before the test

Part 3

Format:

• The examiner will ask you questions on the topic given earlier
• You will have to express your opinions more deeply and subjectively
• This section evaluates your ability to assess a topic, share and justify your views and organize your ideas
• You will have to provide longer answers to four-five questions
• The examiner may interrupt you sometimes; do not get hassled if this happens
• Questions usually cover aspects of your life. However, they may cover broader ideas and themes

Duration: Part 3 will cover four-five minutes on average.

Tips for Part 3 Speaking Test:

• You will have to provide in-depth answers in this section
• Expand on your opinion. Explain and justify your stand on something and ultimately evaluate the same
• When you are interrupted by the examiner, pause and relax. It will not impact your total score

More Resources to Read About IELTS:

General Tips on How to Score Well in IELTS Speaking Test

Now that you know about the IELTS speaking test format and are confused about the tips for IELTS speaking test, here are some general tips for a good score. 

• Arrive at least 30-40 minutes before your scheduled appointment. You will get sufficient time to relax before the examination
• Always maintain eye contact with your examiner after entering the testing room
• Speak clearly and politely without hurrying
• Avoid showing any signs of anger or frowning
• Talk to your examiner formally and the way you talk to other people. The answers should be conversational
• Listen to the questions carefully and ensure that you suitably answer each one of them
• You may not always agree with the examiner's opinion on a topic. You may disagree with them. However, make sure that you express the reasons politely
• Try to expand your answers whenever you give an opinion. Give relevant answers to every question

These tips will surely help you achieve a good IELTS Speaking test score. Be yourself, converse normally and relax. Here’s to a fulfilling journey ahead! 

Prepare for IELTS With upGrad Abroad 

Suppose you have been facing problems preparing for IELTS at home. In that case, you can enroll in upGrad Abroad's booster program that helps in preparation for IELTS, academic writing, profile building, university application, education loan, and visa support. 

The program costs INR 15,000 and is 100% refundable if a student starts their study abroad journey with us.

• It is a six-week-long course and offers the following for IELTS preparation: 
• 25 hours of live online classes
• Four one-to-one doubt clearing sessions (30 mins each)
• Four one-to-one speaking practice sessions (30 mins each)
• 15 writing assignments with correction and feedback 
• Two full-length mock tests
• One-to-one analysis of two full-length mock tests

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