How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking Test

Why is there a Speaking test in IELTS?

When you go to an English-speaking country either for higher studies or for work, you will have to express yourself only in English. So, you should be able to communicate effectively: understand what the other person wishes to know and provide the requisite information. The General IELTS Speaking test is same as its Academic version. You face the examiner for this test and have a conversation with the examiner. The IELTS Speaking test lasts for 11 to 14 minutes. The examiner decides the result at the end of the test. The test is recorded in case a reference is needed later. You will be taken from one situation to another. The examiner will control the time and length of your answers.

IELTS Speaking Test Structure

The IELTS Speaking test has three Parts, but before the examiner starts with part 1, there are going to be three mandatory questions, which are: 

• May I know your full name? 

Tell your complete name as per your passport ID, and do not give any nickname or any other name by which people refer you.

• How can I address you? 

Mention your first name as per your passport ID. 

• Can I have a look at your ID? 

Here, you can say, ‘Sure, Here it is.’ The examiner will check your ID and return the passport to you.

After these mandatory questions, the examiner will begin in the following manner: 

Part 1: Introductory + Familiar topics 

This part of the test lasts for 4-5 minutes and consists of several IELTS speaking questions. In part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Module , the examiner will ask you questions about you, your study or work, and your city or country. This part further includes questions on familiar topics, which can revolve around day-to-day topics. For instance, there can be questions about your hobbies, shopping, house & locality, food, travel and other day-to-day topics. It’s important that your answers are no longer than 2-3 sentences in part 1. In addition, make sure that you always add a reason with your answer so it’s not too short at the same time. 

Let’s look at a sample question of Part 1: 

Question: What was your favourite subject when you were a child?

Answer: One of my favourite subjects while growing up was mathematics, as I liked to solve problem statements and check whether I got them right or not. I think I was naturally good at it, which made it even more exciting for me. 

Part 2: Cue Card

This part of the test lasts for 3-4 minutes. In this part, you will get a booklet with some cues on a topic. The structure contains a specific topic at the top and is followed by 3-4 pointers, which you must include in your answer. If you deviate from the question and do not include the given pointers, then it can lead to a deduction. Part 2’s topics revolve around day-to-day life and the experiences of an individual. Herein, you get one minute to write some notes and prepare for the topic, and Then you will have to talk about the topic for 2 minutes. Here is a sample part 2 question, which will allow you to understand the structure and requirements of this task: 

Cue Card: 

1. Describe a performance you enjoyed watching.

You should say:

• What the performance was
• When and where you watched the performance
• Who was performing (or, who performed)
• And explain why you enjoyed the performance.

Part 3: Follow – Up Questions 

This is the final part of the IELTS test that lasts for 4-5 minutes. In this part, the examiner will ask you questions related to your topic in Part 2. In this part, the examiner can ask you 3-5 questions, and you have to make sure that you answer them in a detailed manner since these are discussion questions. Your answers in part 3 should revolve around 5-6 sentences. A strategy to follow in part 3 is to paraphrase the question, add your details or reasons and then support your narrative with an example. Adding examples not only allows you to increase the length of your answer but also allows you to build a better connection in your answer as you support the reasons that you mentioned. 

Here are some sample Part 3 questions related to the Part 2 cue card that we read earlier: 

1.  What is the difference between watching a performance live and watching it on television?
2.  Is learning music or dancing helpful for kids?
3.  Should the government provide financial support to traditional performances?
4.  Do you think traditional performances are important?
5.  Do you think the theatre should be run as a business or as a public service?
6.  How do you think watching a dance performance or a stage play influences children?

What will be the criteria for the assessment of the IELTS Speaking test?

In the IELTS speaking module, your band score depends on how well you understand the assessment criteria because if you do not know the factors on which the examiner is judging you, you are bound to miss the bus. Moreover, a lot of students practise daily, but they are stuck on a particular score, which has the same reason behind it. Practising without addressing your assessment criteria is like shooting in the dark. 

Let’s understand the four pillars of marking criteria for the IELTS Speaking module and understand how you can target them in your daily practice to achieve your desired band score. 

Coherence and fluency in your speech 

Your level of being able to express your thoughts will be judged. You should have meaningful speech and your speech should be fluent without unnecessary pauses and sound fillers. At the end of the day Fluency in IELTS speaking test is a core factor of your Band Score 

Vocabulary and Idioms for IELTS Speaking 

Your ability to use the words correctly and to use low-frequency words will attract more points. Furthermore, you should always try to replace some of the common words present in your speech with vocabulary words. For instance, instead of using the word ‘very’, try to use adverbs such as extremely, utterly, highly, deeply, bitterly, ridiculously, etc. 

Accuracy and range of your grammar 

You should be able to produce error-free sentences with a range of structures in your speech. Remember, grammar is the backbone of the English language that facilitates both communication and comprehension. Without the correct grammar, explaining your viewpoint to the examiner can be extremely difficult. There can be certain challenges in the speaking module, but with the correct guidance, you can navigate through them.  

Your ability to pronounce the words 

You can have any accent but you must pronounce the words correctly. Example – ‘bet’ should not become ‘bat’ or ‘vet’. In addition to this, you should make sure that you add some depth to your speech by modulating your voice. You can practise doing it by stressing on the important keywords in your speech and producing more force of breath while pronouncing those keywords. 

Your band in full IELTS Speaking test will range between 2 and 9 depending upon your ability in the above-mentioned points. 0 (Zero) Band is given when the test is not attended and 1 Band is given when no communication is possible. You get a higher Band according to your proficiency in speaking.

Here are some key focus areas which you can tap on to make sure that your answers are aligned with the assessment criteria: 

IELTS Speaking Tips to Score Band 7 and more

When it comes to IELTS speaking success, practice is the key, but there are some pointers which will help you to ace the exam in no time. Let’s look at some of the tips and tricks which will help you to achieve your desired band score: 

Exhibit Vocabulary by using Idioms:

Sometimes, it can become a tedious process to learn new words and use them in your speech at the right time. Fortunately, there is an alternate way out through which you can enhance your lexical resource in the most natural way, which is by using idioms. There is a wide usage of Idioms in the English language and it is used by people on a daily basis in their speech. So, when you use idioms in your IELTS speaking answers, it elevates your vocabulary. So, always look out for common idioms that can be used in the IELTS speaking module.

Modulate your Speech 

• Become familiar with English sounds and give stress on the important keywords. English is not a phonemic language, that is, the words are not always spoken the way they are written. 
• There are 26 letters in the English alphabet, but 44 sounds and phonetic symbols are used to represent the sounds in the dictionaries. 
• Moreover, not only the sound but also the stress within the words and in a sentence plays an important role. One part of a bi-syllable and a multi-syllable word is always stressed more than the other parts.
•  When you practise and enhance your voice modulation skills, it boosts your overall presentation and benefits the assessment criteria of pronunciation.  

Practise the Correct Pronunciation 

• Take help of online dictionaries to practise the pronunciation of words. Practise pronunciation of words daily. 
• Work on tone units –  A tone unit comprises the words that we say together for meaning clarity in our speech. For instance, if we have to give our contact number to somebody, we divide the numbers in two or three groups. 
• Example – In case your contact number is 9098761368, you put the numbers in different units  – 9098  761 368 – called tone units and the voice rises or falls at the end of the tone unit.
• Therefore, to have “pauses” at the correct place in your speech, you must learn to put the words of your speech in correct tone units. Otherwise, the pauses will be at the wrong places and that will make your speech incoherent.
• Intonation, the rise and fall of tone in a tone unit, and the tone unit play an important role in English speech. While speaking, put the words of a tone unit together. Speak out the words of one tone unit like one word. You should not split phrases into different tone units. 

Example:

• London is a/ beautiful city in/ Europe. (wrong)
• London/ is a beautiful city/ in Europe. (correct)

Build Coherence using Signpost language 

In the IELTS Speaking Module, one has to present their views at each stage, no matter which part. From an overall perspective, it’s important that your answers are well-linked together. In order to do this, practice using signpost language – wherein you use certain connectors to join your statements. For instance, when you have a lot of points for a particular question, arrange them by using firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc. This will not only give a good structure in your IELTS Speaking test but also add to the overall coherence of your speech. 

Invest on Grammar 

Too many grammatical errors will affect your speech and your Band in IELTS. Understand, subject + verb agreement and tenses well. Understand the basic rules of grammar. Go through the notes on grammar rules and practise in simulated situations. Attempt quizzes and practice exercises on Grammar. With the help of countless online resources, you can invest your time to build your grammatical skills so that you do not make grammar errors in your IELTS Speaking module. Furthermore, enhancing your grammar will help you in other modules of the IELTS exam as well. 

Overcome Fillers in your speech 

Overcome the habit of using sounds/cliches such as uuuu…, I mean, you know etc. These are generally regarded as fillers because we use them in between our sentences whenever we feel stuck, or we do not know what to add next. In such cases, try to use a connector, which will give you some time to reframe your sentence. By practising this daily, your frequency of fillers will decrease in your speech. Also, try to record your answers and hear them again to identify potential mistakes and fillers. 

Practise Active Listening 

Listen attentively to others when in a conversation with them so that you respond correctly. You should be able to understand clearly when the examiner asks you to speak about an event or a situation. If you fail to understand any question, you can politely ask the examiner to repeat it. Another benefit of listening to different speakers is that it gives you a strong grasp of different accents, and it always increases your level of comprehension when facing different speakers.

Build Consistency

The power of showing up every day cannot be overstated; when you practise daily, no matter how long it takes, it builds a habit. The more you practise, the better you will get at answering questions on the spot because your content generation becomes faster with regular practice. Make sure that you practise with another speaker or take an Online IELTS Speaking mock test to analyse your performance, weaknesses, and improvement.  

IELTS Speaking Topics

The IELTS Speaking test covers a wide range of topics that can appear in all three parts of the test. These topics, often referred to as IELTS Speaking Cue Cards or Cue Card Topics, help test your proficiency and conversational skills when it comes to the English Language. To help you prepare, let’s look at some common topics that frequently appear in the test:

Food: 

This topic may include questions about your eating habits, favourite food items, or traditional dishes from your culture. Sample questions could be:

1. What is your favourite type of cuisine, and why?
2. How has your diet changed over the years?
3. Do you think it’s important to try different types of food?

Explore more IELTS Speaking Part 1 Food Questions and Answers.

Home: 

Be prepared to discuss your living situation, describe your home, or talk about your neighbourhood. Sample questions might include:

1. Can you describe your home and the area where you live?
2. What do you like the most about your home?
3. How important is it to live in a comfortable home?

Discover IELTS Speaking Part 1 Home Questions and Answers.

Musical Instruments: 

This topic could explore your experience with music or your opinions on learning instruments. Here are some Potential questions:

1. Do you play any musical instruments?
2. At what age should children start learning a musical instrument?
3. How important is music in your life?

Find IELTS Speaking Part 1 Musical Instruments Questions and Answers.

Neighbours: 

This area might involve discussing your relationship with neighbours or the importance of community. Example questions could be:

1. How well do you know your neighbours?
2. What makes a good neighbour, in your opinion?
3. Do you think neighbours should socialise with each other?

Check out IELTS Speaking Part 1 Neighbours Questions and Answers

Sports: 

You might be asked about your participation in sports, the benefits of physical activity, or popular sports in your country. Sample questions include:

1. What sports are popular in your country?
2. Do you think everyone should practise a sport?
3. How often do you engage in physical exercise?

Read more IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sports Questions and Answers.

Flowers: 

This topic might require you to talk about your favourite flowers, their significance, or how they are used in your culture. Possible questions are:

1. Do you like flowers? Why or why not?
2. When was the last time you gave someone flowers?
3. Are flowers important in your country’s culture?

Learn about IELTS Speaking Part 1 Flowers Questions and Answers.

Newspapers and Magazines: 

Discuss your reading habits, favourite publications, or the relevance of print media today. Example questions could be:

1. What types of newspapers and magazines do you read?
2. How important is it for people to stay informed through newspapers?
3. Do you think newspapers and magazines will become obsolete?

Explore IELTS Speaking Part 1 Newspapers and Magazines Questions and Answers.

IELTS Speaking Test FAQs:

What is the duration of the speaking test?

The IELTS speaking test lasts for 11-14 minutes. Part 1 is for 4-5 minutes, Part 2 is for 3-4 minutes, and Part 3 is for 4-5 minutes.

Is the speaking test on skype or is it face-to-face with the examiner?

You have the speaking test face-to-face with the examiner.

Should I wear a formal dress for my speaking test?

You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in as this is not a formal interview.

How does the speaking test start?

You go through the process of ID Checking before the test starts. The examiner asks you a few questions such as your name, the place you come from, etc.

What are the different parts of the speaking test?

Both the Academic and General IELTS Speaking test have 3 parts. 

1. Part 1 lasts for 4-5 minutes and consists of several IELTS speaking questions. In this part, the examiner will ask you questions on familiar topics such as hobbies, friends, schooling, likes, dislikes, etc.
2. Part 2 lasts for 3-4 minutes. In this part, you will get some cues on a topic such as, “Your best holiday” etc. You will get one minute to write some notes and prepare for the topic. Then you will have to talk about the topic for 1-2 minutes. Part 3 lasts for 4-5 minutes. In this part, the examiner will ask you questions related to your topic in Part 2, for example, “Should people go out on holiday?”.

Will I have to talk for two minutes in part 2?

If you speak for 1.5 to 2 minutes, it will show your ability to speak at length. However, if you are not a confident speaker, speak for slightly over 1 minute.

How can I expand my answers in the speaking test?

You can expand your answer by supporting your points with examples or by giving details.

Should I work on my body language also?

Just be natural. The examiner is interested in hearing your English Language. If you want to use some gestures, it’s your choice. Feel comfortable sounding natural.

Will I get a choice on the topic in Part 2?

No, you will not get a choice in the topic in Part 2.

Does grammar matter in the speaking test?

Yes, to get a higher band, you should speak grammatically correct English. Too many grammatical errors will affect your speech and your Band in IELTS.

Am I supposed to have a good vocabulary for the speaking test?

You should use some low-frequency words in between to show your lexical ability. A good knowledge of synonyms can help you to avoid the repetition of words. 

My speech is not fluent. Does fluency matter in the test?

Yes, fluency matters in the speaking test. You must practice in the IELTS classes.

How is Part 3 different from Part 1 in the IELTS Speaking test?

In part 3 of the British Council IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions related to your topic in Part 2

What should I do if I don’t understand the question?

You can ask the examiner to repeat it. Just say, “ Could you please explain the question to me?”

Should I say ‘sorry’ and correct my mistakes in the speaking test?

You can do it once or twice, but don’t do it more than that as it will affect your fluency.

Where can I get practice for the IELTS Speaking test?

You can get practice for the IELTS Speaking test in our IELTS classes. 

Will I get a low score if my pronunciation is not correct?

Your pronunciation will affect your band if the word is not understood by the examiner or if it is mistaken for some other word.

Should I try to acquire a British or an American accent?

No, there is no need for it. Instead, you should focus on clarity in your speech.

Can I ask the examiner to repeat the question if I don’t understand it?

Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question if you don’t understand it.

Should I include examples in my answers?

Yes, you should include examples in your answers, especially in Part 3.

FAQs regarding the IELTS Comprehensive course:

Are all these group classes or will I get 1-to-1 instruction too?

Our instruction is divided between group classes and one-to-one. For conceptual topics, we generally deliver group classes but we use one-to-one sessions for writing feedback, speaking practice, and mock test feedback analysis. To compare exactly how many group and one-to-one sessions are there in each of our courses, refer to the course comparison page

Are these courses specific to IELTS Academic or General?

Both types of test takers can enroll in any of the above courses. Since most of the content is similar to IELTS Academic and IELTS General exams, there will be common group classes. At the same time, trainers will ensure that there are separate classes whenever required. So you can enroll for any of these courses without worry whether you are preparing for the Academic or the General IELTS Speaking test.

Can I attend classes from my phone?

Yes, you can. Zoom works on all sorts of devices but we highly recommend that you attend classes from your PC (desktop or laptop) because the instructor would show you different things during the class and the mobile screen is too small to study well. However, we have several students who attend the classes on their mobile phones and are happy about it.

Can I get a discount?

We offer our courses at very low prices compared to the rest of the industry. So we don’t usually offer discounts. If you are someone who cannot afford to pay the full amount because you truly have financial constraints, please contact us at [email protected] 

Do I get a free demo of the live class?

Yes, you will be able to attend up to two demo classes, for free and then decide if you would like to enroll in the course.

Do I have to buy any books or course materials?

No, all course material will be provided to you by us. We will be sending you the book called, “The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS Student’s Book With Answers With DVD ROM” to practice full-length mock tests. This book is part of the course fee. We will deliver the book to your doorstep during the second week of the course.

Do I have to use some special software?

We use Zoom software for our live classes. It’s free to use and works just like Skype. It works both on a PC as well as on mobile phones. If you haven’t installed it already, please install it from this link: https://zoom.us/support/download

Do you guarantee a particular band score?

Getting your target band score depends on your current level of English and the target you have in mind. We are the experts in IELTS training and what we guarantee is that you will not find a better quality, more rigorous course with best tips for IELTS Speaking test anywhere else. We cannot guarantee you any specific score but you will make a significant improvement.

How can I pay?

A payment link will be shared with you. You can pay online and securely by clicking on the payment link and using various modes of payment like credit cards, debit cards, Net Banking, UPI, and various wallets.

How do online classes work?

Today’s live video technology allows us to bring the best instructor right to your computer. Live online classes happen virtually, over the internet, with real instructors where you and the instructor are connected via live video. It’s like a video call but with more features required for a great learning experience. You can attend classes for free during the trial period to experience if they will work for you.

How many hours of self-study do I need to plan?

You should be able to spend about 1 hour to 90 minutes each day on self-study. All the self-study material will be provided to you by your trainer.

How will listening practice happen?

While our trainers will deliver group classes to explain what concepts are important to improve your listening skills, each learner will practice from tens of available listening practice tests. The tests are online and can be accessed at…. You will be asked to attempt several of these tests on a weekly basis.

How will you help with the Speaking module?

There will be sub-groups formed, of 3-4 learners each, to practice the speaking skill. There will be weekly speaking practice classes where each learner will be asked to speak on a specific topic and the trainer will give him/her feedback on how he/she can improve.

How will you help with the Writing module?

You will get writing assignments from the trainer that you will write in Google docs (Google docs are free to use. All you need is a free Gmail account). Once you write your assignment, the trainer will check your assignment and mark up improvements. The trainer will then schedule a 1-to-1 live class with you to discuss it further with tips and suggestions on how you can improve.

I don’t have a broadband connection at home. Will my mobile internet work?

Yes, these days mobile connections are great too, especially if you have a 4G (or an LTE) connection. You can also ‘tether’ (also called hotspot) your phone connection with your PC and attend classes on your PC. 

What are the advantages of live online classes over in-person classes?

1. You study from the comfort of your home
2. You study from the best instructor
3. There’s more interaction in classes
4. You save time by not having to travel
5. You meet other students who are from different parts of the world

What if I miss a class?

Well, studying from a real instructor means that you should attend all the classes so you don’t miss any concepts. However, if you still miss a class or two because of an unavoidable reason, you can watch the recordings, or request your instructor to re-do the class for you. We are happy to help whenever you need it.

What will the homework assignments be like?

There will be different homework assignments for each of the skills required. Example homework assignments will be like taking practice tests, watching videos, reading articles, and writing assignments based on topics given to you by the trainer.

Who do I get in touch with if I want to learn more about your courses?

Feel free to write to us at [email protected] or call us at +91-7827181269. Check out our IELTS Courses today!

Will there be one-to-one help available?

Yes, while there will be daily group classes, there will be 1-to-1 classes available depending on your weak areas. For example, feedback about your writing assignments and speaking practice will often be in 1-to-1 classes.

How Is the IELTS Online Speaking Test different?

The IELTS online speaking test has the same test format and duration as a face-to-face IELTS speaking test taken via an examiner, but the IELTS Online Speaking test is conducted via video call with an IELTS Examiner.

What are Cue Cards?

Cue cards refer to the specific topic that you get in part 2 of your IELTS Speaking Test. It contains 3-4 pointers, which you must include in your answer. You are given one minute to prepare for the given topic on the cue card, and then you have to speak for 2 minutes. 

What are some examples of Cue cards?

Here are some sample Cue Cards: 

1.Describe a change that could improve your local area.

You should say:

1. What the change would be
2. How this change could be made
3. What problems are causing the need for this change
4. And explain how this change would improve your local area.

2.Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with

You should say:

1. Who this person is
2. What you usually do together
3. What kind of person he/she is
4. And explain why you spend the most time with him/her.

3.Describe a crowded place you’ve been to

You should say:

1. When you went there
2. Where the place is (or, was)
3. Who you went therewith
4. And explain how you felt about the place.

4.Describe an interesting animal you have seen

You should say:

1. What animal it was
2. When and where you saw it
3. And explain how you feel about this animal

5.Describe the dress you wore on a special occasion.

You should say:

1. When and where did you find it?
2. What did you wear?
3. How did people react?
4. And why is it a special dress for you.