An Overview of IELTS Speaking

Module format

IELTS Speaking is a one-to-one interaction between the candidate and an examiner.

The three parts give the candidate the opportunity to use a range of different speaking skills.

IELTS Speaking is recorded.

Timing

11 – 14 minutes

In Part 1, the examiner introduces him/herself and checks the candidate’s identity.

Then s/he asks the candidate about familiar topics such as friends, hobbies or food.

How long does Part 1 last?

4 – 5 minutes

What skill is being assessed?

The candidate’s ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences or situations by answering a range of questions.

Part 2 is the long turn section.

The examiner gives the candidate a task card, and a pencil and some paper to make notes.

How long does Part 2 last?

3 – 4 minutes, including the preparation time.

What skill is being assessed?

The candidate’s ability to speak at length on a given topic, using appropriate language and organising his/her ideas coherently.

In Part 3, the examiner and the candidate discuss issues related to the topic in Part 2 in a more general and abstract way, and where appropriate, in greater depth.

How long does Part 3 last?

4 – 5 minutes.

What skill is being assessed?

The candidate’s ability to express and justify opinions, analyse, discuss and speculate about issues.

Assessment Criteria

Fluency and Coherence

Lexical Resource

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Pronunciation

Mock interviewPart 1 (4-5minutes) What’s your full name please? May I have your ID card, please? Now, in the first part, I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself.Let’s first talk about your hometown. What kind of city is your hometown? What’s it famous for?What do you like about the city?What do you dislike about it? Ok. Let’s move on to the topic of driving. Do/Can you drive? What age do you think is the best for getting a driving license? Do you think school should provide driving lessons for students? Now, let’s talk about something else. Do you prefer writing by hand or writing using the computer?Do you think handwriting is still important today?How can children today improve their handwriting?

Part 2 (3-4 minutes)

Describe someone you know who is good at cooking

You should say:

who this person is

how you know him or her

what kinds of food s/he cooks

and explain how (you think) this person became so good at

cooking.

Part 3 (4-5 minutes)

Subtopic 1: Chinese food and western food

How does western food like KFC impact (on) traditional Chinese food?

Do you think traditional Chinese food will be more popular in the future?

In your view, how is western food different from Chinese food?

Subtopic2: eating at home

In your country, do family members often eat at home together?

Do you think it important for people to eat at home?

Subtopic3: food safety

Is food safety a serious problem in your country?

Do schools and universities provide healthy food for students in your country?