IELTS Speaking: Test Format, Score, and Sample Topics with Answers
Highlights:
- There are three IELTS speaking topics, and you will be allocated 11–14 minutes to complete.
- Part 1 of IELTS speaking test is an introduction to an interview, and in part 2 a particular topic is given in the cue card.
- IELTS speaking part 3 is a discussion of the part 2 topics in a more general and abstract way.
- You need to achieve a band of 7 or higher in IELTS speaking for admission to the top universities worldwide.
IELTS speaking test is a face-to-face interview between you and the examiner, and your responses will be recorded. The speaking band score ranges on a scale of 0-9, and your answers will be marked based on your fluency and coherence, lexical resource, pronunciation, and grammatical accuracy. Your speaking abilities at a normal speed without hesitation are tested on fluency and coherence. The lexical resource assesses your vocabulary knowledge and how well you can use it. IELTS exam speaking topics consist of a wide range of contents based on a daily life basis. IELTS speaking is the same for both academic and general tests, while the reading and writing tests are different.
IELTS Speaking Format
IELTS speaking test topics for both academic and general are similar. IELTS talking topics consist of a 1-1 interview, cue cards, and a detailed discussion. The cue card and group discussion part of IELTS syllabus is designed to analyze how well you can share your ideas in detail.
| IELTS Speaking Parts | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Speaking Part 1 (4–5 minutes) | The examiner asks general questions on personal details, family, work, studies, and more. |
| Speaking Part 2 (3-4 minutes) | Cue cards are given to students to evaluate their English-speaking abilities on IELTS exam speaking topics, and you need to select one card and speak on the chosen topic. |
| Speaking Part 3 (4–5 minutes) | In this part, questions based on the part 2 topic, and you would get the opportunity to discuss their ideas in detail |
IELTS Speaking Part 1
IELTS speaking part1 requires candidates to introduce themselves to the examiner. You should prepare the topic ideas through IELTS speaking practice papers but don’t memorize the answers. Mentioned below are the points that summarize IELTS Speaking part1:
- You are required to answer general questions like; the city you are from, profession, etc.
- Your conversation starts with your name, and present passport/ID, and you can share the nickname by which you want to be addressed by the examiner
- Designed to assess your ability to present your views, opinions, and ideas.
| IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics | |
|---|---|
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IELTS Speaking Part 2
IELTS speaking part2 test format included cue cards, and you needed to select one card and speak on the chosen topic. This part lasts 3–4 minutes, including time to prepare for IELTS speaking topic.
- You will be provided with a cue card.
- One minute for preparation of the cue card topic is given.
- You need to speak on the topic for two minutes
- The entire speaking part 2 comprises a total of 3–4 minutes
| Art | Exercise (Activity) | Family |
|---|---|---|
Topic - Describe a Painting or Work of Art Cue Card You should say -
| Topic - Exercise You Used To Do But No Longer Do Now Cue Card You should say -
| Topic - Describe Your Family Cue Card You should say -
|
IELTS Speaking Part 3
On IELTS Speaking part3 you need to discuss the provided topics in part 2. Some common IELTS speaking topics for part 3 have been mentioned below:
- An in-depth explanation of the opinions is required in this subsection
- Evaluation is based on the ability to assess a topic, share and justify the statements
- Examiners expect longer answers to the four to five questions asked.
- Questions deal with daily happenings in the lives of the candidates
| Art | Family |
|---|---|
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IELTS Speaking Topics
A wide range of common topics have been part of IELTS speaking test. You can practice some of the latest IELTS Speaking topics and answers with friends, family, and also in front of the mirror to improve your vocabulary with the topic. A few top IELTS speaking topics for Part 2 and Part 3 are given below:
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors
IELTS speaking exam score is marked through the number of correct attempts by students. IELTS band score for speaking ranges from 0-9. You need to achieve a band of 7 or higher for admission to the top universities worldwide.
IELTS Speaking Marking Criteria
Scores of the IELTS exam speaking test are based on four different criteria set by the examiners. You need to practice regularly with speaking topics with answers to get your desired IELTS results. The table below-mentioned IELTS speech topics marking criteria:
| Criteria | Score |
|---|---|
| Fluency and Coherence (25%) | 7 |
| Lexical Resource (25%) | 8 |
| Pronunciation (25%) | 7 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%) | 8 |
| Total IELTS Speaking Score | 7 |
IELTS Speaking Tips
You must understand the basics of the test by going through IELTS speaking topics with answers. IELTS speaking tips and strategies would help you to enhance your practice for the exam effectively. A few tips for IELTS speaking topics are as follows:
- Avoid memorizing the answers.
- Avoid using complex or unfamiliar words.
- Employ a variety of grammatical constructions.
- Don’t be concerned too much about your accent.
- Consider pausing before utilizing fillers.
- Develop your responses.
- Laughing improves pronunciation.
- Don't speak monotonously.
- Practice common IELTS topics regularly.
IELTS Speaking Topics and Answers
IELTS speaking part1 is an interview or introduction. The topic in IELTS speaking part2 is a cue card that also asks for a detailed description in part 3. You can find topics with sample answers from IELTS books, and prep websites as well. Here are some samples of IELTS speaking topics with answers you can start practicing with:
- Describe A Situation When A Child Made You Laugh Cue Card
- Describe something you did that was New or Exciting Cue Card
- Describe a Polite Person You Met Cue Card
- Unforgettable Meal IELTS Cue Card
- Describe Your Favourite Park In Your City Cue Card
- Describe a Multinational Company Cue Card
- Describe a Time When You Were in Trouble or When Faced Difficulty in Using The Computer Cue Card
- Describe A Time When You Were Cheated Cue Card
- Describe a Situation When You Had to be Polite Cue Card
- Describe a Film You Would Like to Share With Your Friends Cue Card
- Describe a Country Where You Would Like To Work For a Short Time Cue Card
- Your favourite song IELTS Cue Card
- Describe a Bicycle Bike Car Tour IELTS Cue Card
- Describe a Resolution you Made in The New Year Cue Card
- A City You Want To Visit IELTS Cue Card
- Describe a Course or Subject you would like to take in the Future Cue Card
- Describe a Place You Visited When You Were A Child Cue Card
- Describe A Birthday Party Or Celebration That You Attended Recently Cue Card
- Describe a Situation When You Were Not Allowed to Use Your Mobile Phone Cue Card
- Describe a Health Problem you Once had Cue Card
- Describe a success in your life Cue Card
- Talk about a situation when you taught something to someone Cue Card
- What Would You Like to Change at The Place Where You Live Cue Card
- Describe a School You Went To In Your Childhood Cue Card
- Describe a Vacation You Would Recommend to Your Friend Cue Card
You will be advised to have complete preparation before the exam date. Start IELTS speaking test practice by talking with family members and friends, start recording your voice, and take regular mock tests.
FAQs
Ques: How can I practice IELTS speaking?
Ans: You can practice IELTS speaking by following - don't memorize answers, don't use big and unfamiliar words, use a range of grammatical structures, don't worry about your accent, pause to think, and avoid using fillers.
Ques: How can I start my IELTS speaking talk?
Ans: Candidates can start their IELTS speaking talk by practicing talking with family members and friends, taking regular mock tests, and reading updated study materials.
Ques: How can I prepare for IELTS at home?
Ans: You can prepare for IELTS at home by taking online coaching classes, following websites and apps for practice tests, and practicing talking with family members and friends.
Ques: How can I pass IELTS in first attempt?
Ans: To pass IELTS on the first attempt you must understand the exam pattern, practice all the parts regularly, and take guidance from expert mentors.
Ques: Is IELTS difficult for Indian students?
Ans: It is difficult to say whether is IELTS difficult for Indian students or not. IELTS preparation includes learning a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical skills and understanding the exam pattern by reading books and taking practice tests.
Ques: How is the IELTS speaking scored?
Ans: IELTS speaking is scored on a scale of 0-9. Candidates need good communication skills in the English language to achieve a higher score in IELTS speaking.
Ques: How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?
Ans: To get 8.5 in IELTS speaking you need to practice the topic ideas but not memorize answers, try to use simple words, and learn a wide range of vocabulary and grammar structure.
Ques: What is 27 out of 40 in IELTS listening?
Ans: A score of 27 out of 40 in IELTS listening is calculated as a 6.5 band. With a score of 27 or 6.5 band in IELTS speaking candidates can get admission in some of the best universities worldwide.
Ques: How to prepare cue card in 1 minute?
Ans: To prepare a cue card in 1 minute, candidates need to have great note-taking skills, understand the topic, and keep all the written keywords in mind.
Ques: How can I improve my speaking?
Ans: Speak regularly with English language, Listen to English podcasts, read English magazines, and newspapers regularly, and practice mock tests of IELTS speaking sections.
Ques: How can I succeed in IELTS speaking?
Ans: To succeed in IELTS speaking, you need to practice talking with family members and friends in the English language, understand the exam pattern and topics, and avoid repetition while giving your answers.
Ques: How can I score 7 in IELTS speaking?
Ans: Understand what the examiner needs, never memorize answers, and do regular English speaking warm-ups to score 7 in IELTS speaking topics.
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