About the IELTS Academic Speaking Format
The IELTS Speaking test is conducted as a face-to-face interview between the examiner and candidate. Its duration is 11-14 minutes. This test is conducted to assess the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. The session is recorded by the examiner to ensure transparency. This part of the test focuses on evaluating your fluency, vocabulary, coherence, pronunciation, and grammar.
The IELTS Speaking test format consists of three different parts, each with its own approach and type of questions. The first part allows candidates to familiarize themselves with sample topics and the ID verification process. When the test progresses towards other parts, candidates should use their skills to speak at length, organize ideas, and engage in complex discussions. You should regularly practice with IELTS Speaking topics and self-recording to enhance your performance and achieve success in the speaking module.
Marking Criteria
Your marking in the IELTS speaking test is evaluated based on your performance. The
designated certificated IELTS examiners evaluate the marking. Here are the factors on
which examiners base their mark of the candidate's performance in speaking tests.
Fluency and Coherence
This criterion evaluates how smoothly and naturally you speak, without excessive pauses or hesitation. It also assesses how well you organize your ideas, structure your sentences logically, and use cohesive devices (such as linking words and pronouns) to make your speech easy to follow.
Lexical Resource
This looks at how wide and exact your vocabulary is, and how effectively you use it to communicate ideas. It also considers your mastery in using different words or terms when you don’t know the exact term.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
This evaluates how well you use a variety of grammatical structures and how perfectly and appropriately you apply them in your speech.
Pronunciation
This measures how absolutely you speak and how smoothly others can understand you without needing extra action.
Tasks in IELTS Academic Speaking
The IELTS academic speaking test consists of three parts. These parts ask different types of questions on different topics from candidates. You should practice regularly to score high on speaking tests. Let us discuss each part in detail.
Part 1 – Introduction and Interview
What's involved?
The IELTS speaking part 1 is an introduction and interview section of the test. In this part, you will be greeted by the examiner, and he will verify your identity by asking for your passport or ID. They also ask you for an introduction and engage in short conversations on familiar topics. The topics covered in Part 1 are
- Personal details: Like name, background, and hometown
- Daily life and routine: Interests, hobbies, and leisure activities.
- Work or education: Your professional studies and career goals.
- General experience: Friends, travel, and favorite things
This part helps you to understand the basic introduction of the test and allows the examiner to evaluate your skills to speak naturally on everyday subjects. Part 1 is 4–5 minutes long.
What skills are tested?
This part of the speaking test analyzes your skills to give information and opinions on everyday topics. It also tests your ability to speak on common experiences or situations stated in questions.
Part 2 – Long Turn
What's involved?
In this part, the examiner gives you a task card that consists of specific topics and a list of points you should cover in your speech. You get 1 minute to prepare the topic and make notes with a pencil and paper. After preparation, you should start speaking on the topic for 1-2 minutes without disruptions. Once you finish speaking, the examiner asks some short follow-up questions to end the section.
The cue card you get from the examiner consists of topics with prompts, like what your favorite book is, why you like it, what you most like about a specific book, who recommended this book, etc.
Part 2 takes about 3 to 4 minutes, including one minute for preparation.
What skills are tested?
Part 2 tests your skills to speak at length on given topics, by using the right language and organising your ideas. It also analyzes your own experience to complete a long turn in this part.
Part 3 – Discussion
What's involved?
This part involves the discussion between the examiner and the test taker. The questions involved in this part are more analytical and abstract, and focus on topics in part 2. The examiner will suggest you express opinions, justify ideas, and explore broader perspectives.
Part 3 takes approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
What skills are tested?
Part 3: Evaluate your skills to explain opinions. It also tests how you analyze topics and discuss issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time of the IELTS academic speaking test?
The duration of the IELTS academic speaking test is 11-14 minutes.
How are your speaking skills evaluated in the IELTS speaking test?
Your speaking skills are tested in three different parts. In the first part, you must have a basic background conversation. In the second and third parts, you should speak and discuss the topics provided by the examiner.
When does the IELTS speaking test take place?
The IELTS speaking module test is conducted seven days before or after the other modules' test.
Is the IELTS academic speaking test the same as the general training IELTS test?
Yes, the speaking modules for both IELTS academic and IELTS general training are the same.
How to practice IELTS Speaking?
You should use a range of grammatical structures, avoid using uncommon and big words, don’t memorize answers, and practice properly for the IELTS speaking test.
