Module Format

IELTS speaking is a one-to-one interaction between the candidate and and examiner. The three part give the candidate the opportunity to use a range of different speaking skills.

IELTS speaking is recorded

Marks

Candidates are assessed on their performance throughout the test

Part 1 Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes)

The examiner asks the candidate questions about familiar topics.

Ask all of the questions below where relevant

Good morning/afternoon. My name is………
Could you tell me your full name please?
Thank you. And what shall I call you?
Can you tell me where you are from?
Can I see your registration please?
Thank you.

Now in this part I’d like to ask some questions about yourself.
Let’s talk about what you do. Do you work or are you a student?

Student
What’s your subject?
Is this subject popular in your school or college?
Do you spend time with other students on your course?
Will you stay friends with them in the future?

Work
What do you do?
How did you get this job?
What do you have to do at work?
Do you plan to keep this job in the future?

Free time
Let’s talk about your free time.
What do you do to relax?
How often do you do this activity?
What do people in your country / culture do to relax?

Countryside
Now let’s talk about the countryside.
How often do you go to the countryside?
What do you like to do there?
What do other people like to do?

Photographs
Let’s move onto the subject of photographs
How often do you take photographs? Why? / Why not?
Why do people take photographs?
Do you prefer photographs or people or places? Why?

Music
Let’s talk about music
How often do you listen to music at home? Why/ Why not?
What kind of music do you listen to? Why?
What kind of musical instrument would you like to play? Why / Why not?

Sports
Let’s talk about sports
What is the most popular sport in your country?
Do you watch this sport? Why/ Why not?
Why is this sport popular? Why/ Why not?

Part 2 Long turn (3-4 minutes)

The candidate receives a task card with a topic. 1 minute to prepare and make notes before speaking about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes.

For Example

Describe a special occasion when you had a really enjoyable meal

You should say:

What the occasion was
Where you at the meal
What you ate
And say why you enjoyed it so much

Part 3 Discussion (4-5 minutes)

The examiner discusses with the candidate the topic in Part 2 in more detail.For example

Attitudes to food
What are the advantages of eating a balanced diet?
What do you think a healthy diet consists of?
Which do people in your country prefer: traditional food or fast food?

Learning about food
Do you think children should be taught about healthy food?
At what age do you think children should be taught to cook?
Do you think children’s eating habits are different now compared to 20 years ago?

Food aid
What can be done to prevent poor people in the world going hungry?
Should rich countries help poor countries with just more than food?