The Speaking Test takes between 11 to 15 minutes and consists of an oral interview between the candidate and the examiner. It is divided into three parts.

In Part 1, candidates answer general questions about themselves, their homes/families, their jobs/studies/interests, and a range of familiar topic areas. This part lasts between 4 to 5 minutes.

In Part 2, the candidate is given a written prompt on a card and is asked to speak on a particular topic, and the candidate has one minute to prepare before speaking at length for up to two minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions. This part’s duration is 3-4 minutes.

In Part 3, the examiner and the candidate engage in a two-way discussion of more abstract issues and concepts that are linked to the topic prompt in Part 2. The follow-up discussion lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. The whole speaking test is recorded. You are evaluated based on the following points:

1. Fluency and Coherence- Your speaking performance depends on how fluently you speak and how well you connect your ideas.

2. Lexical Resource-This refers to the vocabulary you use during your speaking test.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy refers to the range of Grammar Structures you use.

4. Pronunciation refers to the way you pronounce words and the rhythm and intonation of your speech.

THE EXAMINER’S ROLE

The examiners are teachers who have been specially trained to evaluate spoken English on the IELTS scale. They are quite helpful and encouraging so that you can do your best on the day of the test.

In brief, they want to find out if you can:

1. Speak fluently and link ideas coherently.
2. Use a wide range of appropriate vocabulary.
3. Use accurate Grammar.
4. Speak clearly so that you can be understood.

THE CANDIDATE’S ROLE

PART 1

1. Give an appropriate and complete reply, taking the initiative as far as possible.
2. Don’t give just Yes or No answer, but be comfortable and keep on speaking with a smile and try to be informal.
3. Overcome your nervousness and be fluent.
4. Respond briefly to the introductory questions.
5. Make sure you can talk about your home town, your studies or work.
6. Build some lists of phrases and topic banks.
7. Listen to the question forms and the words that the examiner uses. These will help you with your answers.
8. Keep a smiling face and make eye contact with the examiner, stay calm and confident, and try not to be nervous.
9. If you don’t understand a question, you can politely ask the examiner to repeat it.
10. When practicing mock tests, don’t memorize answers. Speak enthusiastically and try to make your speaking interesting.

PART 2

The examiner will give you a topic that is printed on a card and will hand you some paper and a pencil to make notes. You have a minute to think about what you are going to say, you should:

1. Think about the topic for a moment and decide how you are going to tackle it.
2. Use the preparation time wisely by writing down some key ideas.
3. Make the talk interesting and lively.
4. Practice this test at home with a clock in front of you as you should keep on speaking for two minutes.
5. Don’t speak in a monotone and use proper intonation.

PART 3

The examiner will invite you to discuss several issues, broadly related to the Part 2 topic. You should:

1. Try to give appropriate and interesting responses.
2. Use this part of the test to demonstrate your control of language, your ability to express abstract ideas, and to support your opinions properly.
3. Show willingness to provide extended replies.

GENERAL SPEAKING ADVICE

Do's

1. Say Good morning/Good afternoon to the examiner.

2 . Be polite and enthusiastic throughout the test.

3. Try to use suitable idioms and phrases.

4. Try to connect your ideas logically by using linking words and conjunctions.

5. When you have to express your views, you must explain the reasons, why you hold that view.

6. Emphasize keywords and modulate your voice. You tend to make mistakes if you speak too quickly

7. Speak clearly and answer in full sentences.

8. Look at the examiner and maintain eye contact when possible.

9. Avoid using fillers such as:

You know…..like……umm

11. Use a variety of sentence structures, making use of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
12. Even simple ideas can get you a good score if explained using perfect English.

WHILE GIVING THE SPEAKING TEST

1. Ask for something to be repeated if you don’t understand what you are expected to do.
2. Use a variety of vocabulary.
3. Be well-mannered and respectful throughout the interview.

Don’ts

1. Don’t speak too softly or too loudly. Don’t take long pauses or you will lose marks.
2. Don’t give Yes or No answers as you need to show your speaking skills.
3. Don’t try to be somebody else- just relax and answer questions as well as you can.
4. Don’t try to have social conversation with the examiner.
5. Don’t fidget and don’t panic.
6. Don’t repeat the same vocabulary and expressions and try to use high-level vocabulary.
7. Don’t use complex and unfamiliar vocabulary as you can make mistakes by pronouncing the word incorrectly or using it in the wrong context.

SOME MORE POINTS

1. Communicate effectively in English with people. (friends, colleagues, relatives)
2. Record yourself taking the practice test interviews critically listen to yourself and spot your errors.
3. If you cannot think of a real situation to talk about, imagine one, the examiner does not care or know if you are telling the truth.
4. Do practice speaking about different topics using past, present, and future tenses.
5. Understand a variety of English accents, e.g. British, American, and Australian.
6. Speak in English with your friends and family daily. It will help you to be more fluent and confident.