Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will be able to explain the structure and timing of the IELTS Speaking test, describe the roles of each part (1, 2, and 3), and identify the assessment criteria used by examiners. You will understand what to expect in each part, strategies for responding, and the timing rules, ensuring you are prepared for the full range of speaking questions and assessment principles.
IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus
For IELTS, you must know the Speaking test format, the structure and timing of all three parts, and the criteria used by examiners to assess performance. For revision, focus on these syllabus points:
- Describe the organisation and length of the IELTS Speaking test, including each part’s purpose and function.
- Outline the typical content, question types, and response expectations for Parts 1, 2, and 3.
- Recognise the official examiner assessment criteria and how these are applied in marking.
- Explain the timing regulations and how the examiner manages the interview.
- Demonstrate awareness of the interaction between examiner and candidate in each section.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What is the purpose of Part 2 in the IELTS Speaking test, and how long does it last?
- How are candidates' speaking skills assessed by IELTS examiners?
- Can the examiner repeat every question in Part 1 if you do not hear it? Why or why not?
- Which part of the Speaking test includes more abstract or opinion-based questions?
Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test is a structured, face-to-face interview between you and a trained examiner. Timing, topic focus, and question types in each part are fixed. Understanding this structure—and how your answers are marked by examiners—is necessary for performing confidently and achieving the best possible band score.
Key Term: Speaking Test Structure
The standardised division of the IELTS Speaking interview into three consecutive sections: Part 1 (introduction and familiar topics), Part 2 (individual long turn), and Part 3 (discussion), each with a specific purpose and time allocation.
Format and Timing of IELTS Speaking Parts
Overview
The entire IELTS Speaking test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes and is held with one examiner only. There are three parts, each targeting different abilities.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Purpose: Warm-up and familiar topics
- Timing: 4–5 minutes
- Content: The examiner asks questions about yourself, your home, family, studies, work, or hobbies.
This section builds confidence and checks your fluency with everyday topics. You will answer factual and descriptive questions.
Part 2: Long Turn (Individual Speech)
- Purpose: Extended speaking on a single topic
- Timing: 3–4 minutes (1 minute preparation, 1–2 minutes speaking)
- Content: You receive a task card with a topic and prompts. After one minute’s preparation, you speak for up to two minutes. The examiner may follow up with one or two short questions.
This part measures your ability to organise ideas and speak at length.
Part 3: Discussion
- Purpose: Abstract reasoning and two-way discussion
- Timing: 4–5 minutes
- Content: The examiner asks questions linked to Part 2’s topic but requiring you to discuss ideas, give opinions, and consider issues in depth.
This part checks how well you discuss, reason, and explore ideas in conversation with the examiner.
Key Term: Examiner Assessment Criteria
The four official areas IELTS examiners use to mark speaking: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
Examiner Assessment Process
Examiners use strict criteria to award a band score for your performance:
- Fluency and Coherence: How easily and logically you can speak.
- Lexical Resource: The range and accuracy of your vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complexity and correctness of your grammar.
- Pronunciation: Clarity and naturalness of your spoken English.
Each area is graded independently. Examiners do not mark you for content or factual accuracy—only for language skills.
Key Term: Band Descriptors
Table describing performance standards and skills required at each IELTS Speaking band score.
How Each Part Is Conducted and Managed
Part 1: Questioning Method
The examiner will follow a prepared script, usually asking 2–3 sets of questions, each set focused on a familiar topic. You answer in short, direct sentences.
- The examiner cannot deviate from the script or help you answer.
- You are expected to respond clearly, but answers should not be too long or off-topic.
- Examiner may repeat or rephrase a question only once if necessary.
Part 2: Individual Speaking Task
A task card is given with a main topic and specific bullet points. You are handed paper and pencil to make notes.
- You have one minute to prepare. Use this time to plan.
- You must speak for between 1 and 2 minutes. The examiner will time this strictly.
- Talking for less than one minute or more than two minutes is penalised.
- Examiner remains silent but may signal you to finish.
Part 3: Discussion/Analytical Questions
This section links to Part 2’s topic but covers broader, more abstract themes.
- The examiner is allowed to paraphrase or clarify questions if you do not understand.
- Tasks may involve comparing, expressing opinions, evaluating, and speculating.
- The examiner may challenge your answers, ask for examples, or probe for deeper explanation.
Key Term: Abstract Question
A prompt requiring you to discuss ideas, opinions, or hypothetical scenarios (not purely factual information).
Timing Rules
Each part is timed by the examiner, who will keep the interview moving.
- Under or over time in any section reduces the accuracy of the test and can affect your score.
- Managing your speaking time is your responsibility.
- The full test (including introduction and conclusion) should not exceed 14 minutes.
Worked Example 1.1
Below is a sample Part 2 task card and response scenario.
Task Card:
Describe a person who has influenced you.
You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you met
- What qualities you admire
- And explain why this person is important to you.
Preparation:
The candidate spends one minute making notes.
Response:
"I am going to talk about my high school English teacher, Mr Adams. I first met him when I was 15 ..."
- The candidate continues speaking for 1 minute and 40 seconds until prompted to stop.
Examiner’s follow-up question:
"Has your teacher influenced your career plans in any way?"
Answer:
The candidate replies with a short, focused answer summarising the long-turn content.
Worked Example 1.2
Below is a Part 3 sample exchange illustrating examiner questioning.
Examiner: "Do you think it’s better for people to work alone, or in groups?"
Candidate: "I believe working in groups can be more effective, as people can share ideas and solve problems together. However, for some tasks, such as writing or drawing, working alone is sometimes faster and clearer."
Examiner: "What about in your country—are group projects common at work?"
Answer:
This back-and-forth continues for 4 minutes, covering multiple viewpoints and requiring the candidate to discuss and justify ideas.
Exam Warning
A frequent mistake is not answering the specific type of question asked in each part—for example, giving short, factual answers in Part 3, or running out of ideas before the end of Part 2. Learn the kinds of questions and answer lengths required for each section.
Revision Tip
Practise timing your responses for each part—aim for 10–20 seconds per answer in Part 1, 1–2 minutes continuous speech in Part 2, and extended discussion in Part 3.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Define the structure and timing of the IELTS Speaking test.
- Identify how each part (Parts 1, 2, and 3) is managed and what type of responses are expected.
- Explain and recognise the examiner assessment criteria and the role of band descriptors.
- Distinguish between question types in each section, especially abstract vs factual.
- Demonstrate the examiner’s approach to timing, support, and question delivery.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Speaking Test Structure
- Examiner Assessment Criteria
- Band Descriptors
- Abstract Question