Speaking Format
Test format – Speaking
11–14 minutes
The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.
- Part 1 – the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
- Part 2 – you will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
- Part 3 – you will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.
IELTS Speaking description
| Paper format | The Speaking test consists of an oral interview between the test takers’ and an examiner. All Speaking tests are recorded. |
| Timing | 11–14 minutes |
| Task types | There are three parts to the test and each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and test takers output. |