When you are taking the IELTS test, you may come around the IELTS Speaking test. This test will challenge your ability to speak in fluent English, from speaking casually into more academically or formally. Want to know more about this test before you take it? Let’s take a look!

IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test is a test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It measures your ability to communicate effectively in English, both in terms of spoken grammar and vocabulary, and in terms of their ability to engage in conversations and discussions.

The IELTS Speaking test is one of the four components of the test along with Reading, Writing, and Listening. The Speaking test lasts for approximately 11-14 minutes and is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. The test consists of three parts, which assess different aspects of the candidate's speaking abilities, such as their ability to participate in conversations, give opinions, and discuss specific topics.

There are 3 parts of this test:

1. Interview and Introduction

In this part of the test, you are asked a series of questions by the examiner, typically about your background, work or study, hobbies, and other general topics.

The main purpose of Part 1 is to provide the examiner with an opportunity to get to know you and to assess your basic speaking skills, such as fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary. The questions in Part 1 are relatively simple and straightforward, and are designed to help you feel comfortable and relaxed.

During Part 1, you are expected to respond to the examiner's questions in a natural and conversational manner, using appropriate English grammar and vocabulary. The examiner will also assess your pronunciation and ability to use English effectively, and will make notes on your performance during this section of the test.

2. Individual Long Term

In the next part of the test, you are given a task card that contains a topic or a situation, and are asked to speak about it for 1-2 minutes.

The main purpose of Part 2 is to assess your ability to speak about a specific topic in a coherent and organized manner. The topic or situation presented in the task card is usually related to a general area of interest, such as personal experiences, opinions, or current events.

During Part 2, you are expected to speak about the topic in a clear and detailed manner, using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. You are also expected to demonstrate the ability to use English in a variety of ways, such as giving examples, making comparisons, and expressing opinions.

3. Two-Way Discussion

In the last part of the test, the examiner engages you in a more in-depth and sustained discussion on a topic related to the one introduced in Part 2.

The main purpose of Part 3 is to assess your ability to engage in a discussion, to express and support your opinions, to handle more complex language, and to show your ability to respond to questions and to interact with the examiner.

During Part 3, the examiner will ask you a series of questions, usually more complex and abstract than those in Part 1 and Part 2, on a range of topics related to your background, interests, and experiences. You are expected to respond to these questions in a clear and confident manner, demonstrating the ability to use English in a more advanced and sophisticated way.

The speaking test is one of the hardest tests in IELTS. This is because you need to actively speak using English in a variety of ways. As we may know, when we are discussing language, it is harder to speak it rather than write it. If you want to ace your IELTS speaking test, our mentors are ready to help you.