What is IELTS speaking section about?`

The test is broken into 3 parts:

• Part 1 is about YOU. They will ask you familiar, everyday questions about your life. This will last around 4-5 minutes.
• Part 2 is sometimes called the ‘long turn’. You will be given a cue card and you will have 1 minute to prepare your answer. You will then be asked to speak for up to 2 minutes.
• Part 3 is more abstract. This is your opportunity to really develop your answers and discuss the issues brought up by the examiner. This will last 4-5 minutes

IELTS speaking test information

Mentioned below are important information about the test:

• The speaking test is face to face with examiner in the room
• There is only one speaking test for all the candidates. Academic and GT candidates take the same speaking test
• If you are doing computer delivered IELTS, you will still have a face to face interview with the examiner. The speaking test remains the same for everyone
• It is recorded so that you can ask for a remark if you wish later
• This is an informal speaking test
• The examiner who asks the question will decide your results at the end of the test
• The test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes (not more not less)
• The examiner controls the time and length of your answers
• The test comprises of:
  • ID check and greetings
  • Part 1: Questions and answers 4 to 5 mins
  • Part 2: A talk for 1-2 mins with rounding off questions for 1 min
  • Part 3: Discussions 4 to 5 mins
• There are four marking criteria
  • Fluency and Cohesion (25%)
  • Vocabulary (25%)
  • Grammar (25%)
  • Pronunciation (25%)

What is the examiner looking for?

It is extremely important that you understand what the IELTS examiner is looking for in the speaking test. However, it is equally as important to know what the examiner does NOT want you to do.

This video should give you a strong idea of what the examiner needs to see to award you a Band 7 or above in the speaking test:

The examiner does NOT want to see:

• How many answers you have memorised
• How many ‘big’/’fancy’/’high-level’ words you know
• How many different grammar structures and tenses you know
• How ‘British’ or ‘American’ your accent is

The examiner DOES want to see:

• How well you can communicate through spoken English

Band computation

To read about IELTS reading section details click here: https://careercarta.com/ielts-reading/

To read about the difference between academic and general IELTS click here: https://careercarta.com/difference-between-academic-and-general-ielts/

To read about the strategy and resources for the IELTS click https://careercarta.com/ielts-exam-overview-strategy-format-resources/

We are a platform that connects aspiring candidates with experts who have aced the IELTS exam. We offer highly personalized courses at the most affordable market beating prices.  If you want to join our online/offline course write to us at connect@careercarta.com. Alternatively you can fill the form below.