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The IELTS Speaking test is the shortest part of the IELTS exam, lasting only 11-15 minutes. However, for many test-takers, this brief experience can seem to last an eternity! Speaking is a quick but intense in-person interview. It requires focus, creativity, and strong English skills to think of responses to the interviewer\u2019s questions quickly.<\/p>\n
This Guide to IELTS Speaking covers what you need to know about this short, but challenging part of the IELTS exam. We\u2019ll start with basic (but important!) information to introduce you to IELTS Speaking and how it\u2019s scored. The second half of the post focuses on each of the three main parts of the test, with tips and strategies to help you develop your approach. Read on to learn how to prepare for IELTS Speaking!<\/p>\n
<\/a> <\/a> IELTS uses either a test-booklet or computer format<\/a> for its Reading, Writing, and Listening tests, all of which are completed together in one sitting. Speaking takes place separately. In most cases, Speaking interviews are scheduled on the same day as the booklet or computer test. However, sometimes the interview can be scheduled up to one week before or after you take the rest of the exam by booklet or computer. You will receive instructions about this when you register for the IELTS at your local test center.<\/p>\n When you take the Speaking test, you will enter a room where your examiner will be waiting to greet you. He or she will ask you to identify yourself, and your Speaking test will begin immediately after that. To get an idea of what the test is like, check out this short IELTS Speaking sample video.<\/a> The student is answering IELTS Speaking questions in Part 1 of the exam.<\/p>\n The Speaking Test has three parts. We will look at each part in depth later in this post. For now, let\u2019s just get familiar with each one.<\/p>\n IELTS Speaking Part 1<\/strong> is like a personal interview. Speaking Part 1<\/a> lasts about 4-5 minutes. You will in introduce yourself and talk about IELTS Speaking topics<\/a> related to your life and your experiences in response to the examiner\u2019s questions. Think of this interaction as \u201csmall talk.\u201d These are the kinds of questions you might exchange with someone you just met.<\/p>\n IELTS Speaking Part 2<\/strong> is called the \u201clong turn.\u201d In Speaking Part 2<\/a>, you are given a question on a topic and some sub-points you must cover in your speech. You will have a minute to prepare a response, and your goal is to speak for about 2 minutes. The examiner may ask you some follow-up questions when you finish your short speech.<\/p>\n Finally, you\u2019ll have a conversation on the same (or similar) issue you spoke about in Part 2 in IELTS Speaking Part 3<\/strong>. Speaking Part 3<\/a> will be a discussion, much like the first section of the exam (Part 1). However, the questions are more complicated because they require you to offer an opinion or some analysis. To illustrate, imagine your Part 2 topic is to describe a happy memory from your childhood. In Part 3, the examiner could ask you: \u201cWhat are some important things a person should do in order to live a happy life?\u201d Here, the theme of \u201chappiness\u201d connects both sections.<\/p>\n IELTS uses four scoring categories to assess your speaking skills. Make sure to look over these official “Speaking Band descriptors (PDF)”<\/a>, which IELTS uses to assign Speaking Band scores. These band descriptors go from 0-9, with 9 being the highest. Here are some key takeaways:<\/p>\n For a detailed overview, check out our guide to Speaking band descriptors with score improvement tips<\/a>! Now, to help you understand the grading schema better, let\u2019s take a look at each category.<\/p>\n Fluency and Coherence are measurements of a speaker\u2019s ability to communicate logically, clearly, and without difficulty in English. In other words, this aspect of the official Speaking band descriptors measures your overall skill and confidence, relative to that of a native English speaker. While this can sound a little intimidating, Magoosh has you covered. We offer a guide to mastering Fluency and Coherence<\/a> for Speaking. <\/p>\n On the Speaking rubric, Lexical Resource measures your ability to use words effectively–your command of spoken English vocabulary<\/a>, in other words. To get a top score, use words in the correct context, with the correct meaning. And your word use is not just tested at the individual word level, but at the level of idioms and phrases. Want to know more? Again, we’ve got you covered! Our guide to Lexical Resource for Speaking<\/a> will tell you everything you need to know.<\/p>\n To score well on grammatical range, you should not only have accurate<\/em> grammar, but also grammar that is varied<\/em>, yet natural. For more information on how to cultivate and use top-scoring grammar in Speaking, see our guide to Grammatical Range<\/a> for the Speaking section of IELTS.<\/p>\n Speaking also measures your pronunciation. Keep in mind that pronunciation involves more than just articulating or enunciating<\/a> individual words correctly. Many students have even larger pronunciation<\/a> problems at the sentence level. These problems occur when a student doesn\u2019t have a feel for native-like rhythm<\/a> or intonation patterns<\/a>. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for most pronunciation issues. Generally, the best way to improve is to use your English in daily life.<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t use English on a regular basis, then it can be helpful to listen to recordings of English speakers. Pause the recordings occasionally and attempt to pronounce entire sentences exactly the same way as the speaker<\/strong>. Try to copy the speaker\u2019s tone (the rise or fall of the voice). Also try to copy how the speaker speeds up, slows down, and pauses throughout the sentence. Even try to mimic the speaker\u2019s emotion! You may feel a little silly doing this exercise, but that is actually a sign you\u2019re doing it correctly! Over time, you will develop your ear to hear the sounds of English and reproduce them more accurately.<\/p>\n For more information on how to truly excel in English pronunciation on the exam, see our guide to Pronunciation on IELTS Speaking<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Download](\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/ielts\/files\/2017\/08\/IELTS_Speaking-Topic-PDF-CTA.png\")
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\n <\/p>\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nIELTS Speaking: The Basics<\/h2>\n
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\n <\/p>\nIELTS Speaking Format: Parts 1, 2, and 3<\/h2>\n
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\n <\/p>\nScoring and Rules for IELTS Speaking Test<\/h2>\n
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Fluency & Coherence<\/h3>\n
Lexical Resource<\/h3>\n
Grammatical Range<\/h3>\n
Pronunciation<\/h3>\n