Speaking test format

Overall

The IELTS Speaking test lasts 11–14 minutes in total and consists of 3 parts. Unlike the other skills, the Speaking test is conducted as a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner — not in a group setting.

What does Part One look like?

Part 1 takes around 4–5 minutes. The examiner will ask you a series of familiar, everyday questions about yourself — topics like your work, studies, hometown, hobbies, or daily habits.

This part is designed to help you relax and settle into the conversation. Think of it as a warm-up — the questions are personal and predictable, so no deep thinking is required. Just speak naturally and answer directly.

What happens in Part Two?

Part 2 takes around 3–4 minutes and is your individual speaking turn. You will receive a task card describing a topic to speak about, along with a few guiding points. You have 1 minute to prepare, then must speak for 1–2 minutes without interruption.

Common topics include describing a person, a place, an event, or an experience from your own life. The examiner will not speak during this time — this part is entirely yours.

What does Part Three look like?

Part 3 takes around 4–5 minutes and moves beyond personal experience. The examiner will ask you to discuss broader, more abstract topics related to the theme of Part 2.

Here, you are expected to think as a citizen — sharing opinions on society-level issues such as the environment, crime, education, or technology. Answers should show your ability to reason, compare, and defend a point of view.

How to build a logical answer

When the examiner asks a question, do not rush. Use this simple flow to structure your answer every time.

Step 1 — Stall · Buy time with a pure delay phrase. No position yet — your brain is still thinking. "Hmm, let me think about that…" / "That's a tricky one…" / "Well…"

Step 2 — Commit · Land your actual stance clearly — yes, no, depends, or your opinion. "From my perspective…" / "I strongly believe that…" / "I would say it depends…"

Step 3 — Expand · Choose one tool based on your question type.

• Why? → Give a reason: "I think this is because…"

• What? → Describe: "To be more specific…"

• When? → Add time context: "Back then… / Nowadays…"

• How? → Add detail or compare: "In terms of… / Compared to…"

Step 4 — Build · Push your point further with more evidence and emphasis. "Furthermore…" / "What really stands out is…" / "For example…"

Step 5 — Contrast (optional) · Show the other side — essential for Part 3, good for Part 1. "However…" / "On the other hand…" / "That said…"

Step 6 — Close · Land your final sentence naturally — do not just stop. "…if that makes sense." / "…to say the least." / "…at least from my perspective."

Each step has its own dedicated lesson with full phrase lists and sample answers — see the Speaking section below.

Example part 1:

Part 3

Each technique above has its own dedicated lesson with full phrase lists and sample answers in the Speaking section.