IELTS Speaking
IELTS Speaking practice: Parts 1, 2 and 3
Test day at a glance
- Time
- 11–14 min
- Parts
- 3
- Part 2 prep
- 1 min
- Long turn
- 1–2 min
The IELTS Speaking test format
Part 1 – Introduction and interview (4–5 min)
Questions about familiar topics: your home, work or studies, hobbies, food, technology, the weather.
Part 2 – Long turn (3–4 min)
You get a cue card with a topic and points to cover, one minute to prepare notes, then speak for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions.
Part 3 – Discussion (4–5 min)
Abstract questions linked to the Part 2 topic. You’re expected to give opinions, compare, speculate and justify your ideas.
IELTS Speaking question types
- Part 1 personal questions
- Part 2 cue cards (people, places, objects, events, experiences)
- Part 3 discussion questions
How IELTS Speaking is scored
- Fluency and Coherence – speaking at length without long pauses, with ideas that connect
- Lexical Resource – vocabulary range, including less common words and idioms used naturally
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy – complex structures and few errors
- Pronunciation – clear individual sounds, word stress, intonation and rhythm
Want to work out a band from your own score? Use the IELTS band score calculator.
All IELTS Speaking practice tests
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IELTS Speaking tips
Extend every answer
In Part 1, give a direct answer plus a reason or example. Two or three sentences is ideal.
Use your minute in Part 2
Write key words, not sentences, for each bullet point, and add a short story or example to fill two minutes.
Think aloud in Part 3
It’s fine to say “That’s an interesting question – I suppose…”. Give a view, explain why, and compare.
Don’t memorise answers
Examiners are trained to spot rehearsed speeches, and it lowers your score. Practise ideas, not scripts.
Speak at a natural pace
Speaking fast doesn’t mean fluent. Clear, steady speech with natural pauses is easier to understand.
Record yourself
Listening back is the quickest way to notice repeated words, long pauses and pronunciation problems.
IELTS Speaking FAQ
Does my Pakistani accent affect my IELTS Speaking score?
No. Accent is not assessed. What matters is pronunciation that is clear and easy to understand – word stress, intonation and individual sounds.
How long should I speak in Part 2?
Keep talking until the examiner stops you – up to two minutes. Aim to cover every point on the cue card.
Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question?
Yes. In Part 1 the examiner can repeat the question; in Part 3 they can also rephrase it.
Is the Speaking test on computer?
No – even in computer-delivered IELTS, Speaking is a live conversation with an examiner.
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