The IELTS Speaking Test is one of the four sectional tests and quite a crucial component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, which assesses a candidate’s proficiency in the English language.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at the format and scoring details of the IELTS Speaking Test, along with tips and resources to help you excel in this important examination.
Remember to always check the details from IDP‘s official website, or the IELTS portal to stay up to date with the latest format and information about the test.
I. Understanding the Test Format
The IELTS Speaking Test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, typically lasting between 11 and 14 minutes. It is divided into three distinct parts, each focusing on different aspects of speaking skills.
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
The first part of the test lasts approximately 4-5 minutes and serves as an icebreaker. The examiner will introduce themselves and ask you to confirm your identity. After this, you will be put in front of a series of generalized questions – mostly on yourself, your background, and your interests.
This part of the test aims to assess your ability to communicate basic personal information and engage in casual conversation.
For tips on how to improve your fluency in English and perform well in this section, check out our article on tips for improving your fluency in English for the Test.
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a topic card with a specific subject and prompts to help guide your response. You will have one minute to prepare your answer, after which you must speak for 1-2 minutes without interruption.
This section of the test assesses your ability to speak at length on a given topic, organise your thoughts coherently, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
To effectively tackle this part of the test, read our article on understanding and using the right vocabulary in the Test.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
The final part of the test is a two-way discussion between you and the examiner, lasting approximately 4-5 minutes. The questions in this section will be related to the topic presented in Part 2, but they will be more abstract and require you to discuss broader issues and ideas.
This section assesses your ability to engage in a more in-depth conversation, express and justify opinions, and analyze complex topics.
To develop strategies for answering difficult questions in this section, read our article on strategies for answering difficult questions in the Test.
II. IELTS Speaking Test Scoring Criteria
The IELTS Speaking Test is assessed based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Each criterion is scored on a scale of 0-9, with the final score being an average of the four individual scores.
1. Fluency and Coherence
Fluency refers to your ability to speak smoothly and at an appropriate pace, while coherence measures how well your ideas are connected and logically organized. To improve your fluency and coherence, practice speaking on various topics and work on using linking words and phrases effectively.
Our article on how to use linking words and phrases effectively in the IELTS Speaking Test provides useful tips and examples to help you achieve this.
2. Lexical Resource
Lexical Resource assesses your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. This includes using less common words, idiomatic expressions, and paraphrasing when necessary. To expand your vocabulary and enhance your lexical resource, engage in regular reading and listening activities, take note of new words and phrases, and practice using them in context.
For guidance on using idiomatic expressions effectively, read our article on how to use idiomatic expressions in the IELTS Speaking Test.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This criterion evaluates your ability to use a variety of grammatical structures accurately and flexibly. To improve your grammatical range and accuracy, review key grammar rules, practice using different sentence structures, and pay attention to common errors.
Our article on tips for improving your grammar for the IELTS Speaking Test offers valuable insights and exercises to help you enhance your grammar skills.
4. Pronunciation
Pronunciation is a measure of how clear and easily understandable your speech is. This includes aspects such as individual sounds, word stress, sentence stress, rhythm, and intonation. To improve your pronunciation, listen to native speakers, practice mimicking their pronunciation, and focus on specific areas where you may struggle.
Our article on how to improve your pronunciation for the IELTS Speaking Test provides practical tips and techniques to help you refine your pronunciation skills.
III. Tips for Success in the IELTS Speaking Test
Now that you understand the format and scoring criteria of the IELTS Speaking Test, it’s essential to develop a preparation strategy that focuses on improving your skills in each area. Here are some tips to help you succeed in the test:
- Practice speaking regularly: Engage in daily speaking practice, either with a language partner, tutor, or by recording yourself. The more the amount of quality practice you put in, the more comfortable and confident you will become in your speaking abilities.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Identify the areas where you struggle the most, and dedicate time to improving those specific skills. This may involve working on your grammar, pronunciation, or expanding your vocabulary.
- Prepare for each part of the test: Familiarizing yourself with the exact format of each section, and putting in the practice of answering questions akin to those you may encounter in the test, will help you feel more prepared and confident on test day.
- Use online resources: There are numerous online resources available to help you prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test. Our article on how to make the most of online resources for IELTS Speaking Test practice offers a comprehensive list of websites, apps, and tools to support your preparation.
- Take mock tests: Participating in mock IELTS Speaking Tests can help you become more familiar with the test format, assess your progress, and identify areas for improvement. Read our blog post on the benefits of taking mock IELTS Speaking Tests to learn more about the advantages of mock tests and how to incorporate them into your preparation.
By following these tips and utilizing the resources provided throughout this article, you will be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking Test and achieve your desired score.
Remember, consistent practice and targeted preparation are key to success in this important examination.
