IELTS speaking

The IELTS speaking test is completed in an interview format, face to face with an examiner. The interview is recorded for re-marking if needed. The IELTS speaking section is identical on both versions of the IELTS. It may be taken on the same day as the other sections of the IELTS, or up to a week before or after the rest of the test, depending on the test center. The IELTS speaking test lasts about 15 minutes.

Test structure

The IELTS speaking section is made up of three parts:

Part 1 (maximum 5 minutes): The interviewer asks the student to introduce himself. He may ask questions about familiar topics such as home life, family, education, plans, hobbies, etc.

Part 2 (maximum 4 minutes): The student receives a task printed on paper. He has 1 minute to read the task and prepare, then two minutes to speak. The interviewer may then ask questions.

Part 3 (maximum 5 minutes): The interviewer and the student have a discussion about a subject, usually the same subject as in part 2.

Scoring

The IELTS speaking section, as with the rest of the IELTS, is scored between 0 and 9. The speaking section receives equal weight to the other sections of the IELTS in calculating your overall IELTS result.