IELTS Speaking Exam: Everything you need to know and 10 tips

The IELTS Speaking Exam is a crucial part of the IELTS test and requires careful preparation. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the structure of the Speaking Exam and how it’s evaluated.

Structure of the IELTS Speaking Exam

The Speaking Exam consists of three parts. These are part 1, part 2 and part 3. Each section has different requirements and different styles to evaluate your English speaking ability. Let’s take a closer look at how are their structures and how we can answer them.

Part 1:

Introductions and Interview Questions

IELTS Speaking Part 1 is a brief, individual interview with an examiner. It lasts for 4-5 minutes and consists of general questions about yourself, your home, your work or studies, and your interests. The purpose of this section is to assess your ability to use basic English and to get to know you as a person. In part 1, be prepared to talk about yourself. To achieve this goal learn basic information about your background, education, work, and family. Also, you should use a variety of vocabulary and expressions to describe yourself and your experiences.

If you want to know about how to make small talk and topics to avoid, you can check this post.

Part 2:

IELTS Speaking Part 2 is a two-minute long, individual task where you are given a topic card and asked to speak about it for one to two minutes without interruption. The purpose of this section is to assess your ability to speak at length about a given topic.

Tips to Achieve a High Score:

1. Read the prompt carefully: Read the prompt carefully and make sure you understand what is being asked.
2. Plan your answer: Take a minute to plan your answer and think about what you want to say.
3. Use appropriate vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary to describe your thoughts and opinions about the topic.
4. Use examples and specific details: Use specific examples and details to support your points and make your answer more interesting.
5. Use a clear structure: Use a clear and organized structure to answer the question, such as introducing the topic, discussing the main points, and summarizing your answer.
6. Speak at a natural pace: Speak at a comfortable and natural pace, avoiding speaking too quickly or too slowly.
7. Maintain eye contact and body language: Maintain eye contact with the examiner and use appropriate body language to show engagement.

Answer Structure:

A good structure for IELTS Speaking Part 2 could be:

1. Introduction: Start by introducing the topic, for example by stating the task you have been given.
2. Main points: Discuss 2-3 main points related to the topic, giving specific examples and details to support your points.
3. Conclusion: Summarize your answer, giving a final opinion or conclusion about the topic.

Part 3:

IELTS Speaking Part 3 is a 4-5 minute long, individual task where the examiner asks you questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2. The purpose of this section is to assess your ability to speak at length about a given topic, as well as your ability to think and speak spontaneously.

Tips to Achieve a High Score:

1. Listen carefully to the questions: Listen carefully to the questions asked and make sure you understand what is being asked.
2. Use a range of vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary and expressions to describe your thoughts and opinions about the topic.
3. Use examples and specific details: Use specific examples and details to support your points and make your answer more interesting.
4. Speak at a natural pace: Speak at a comfortable and natural pace, avoiding speaking too quickly or too slowly.
5. Maintain eye contact and body language: Maintain eye contact with the examiner and use appropriate body language to show engagement.
6. Extend your answers: Try to extend your answers and speak for a longer time, showing your ability to speak at length about a topic.

Answer Structure:

A good structure for IELTS Speaking Part 3 could be:

1. Introduction: Start by introducing the topic, for example by summarizing the points discussed in Part 2.
2. Main points: Discuss 2-3 main points related to the topic, giving specific examples and details to support your points.
3. Extension: Extend your answers by discussing related topics or giving additional opinions and thoughts about the topic.
4. Conclusion: Summarize your answer, giving a final opinion or conclusion about the topic.

Evaluation Criteria for the IELTS Speaking Exam:

The Speaking Exam is evaluated on four key criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

Fluency and Coherence

This criterion evaluates how well you speak, including your pace, rhythm, and intonation. Make sure to speak clearly and with a natural rhythm.

Lexical Resource

This criterion evaluates your use of vocabulary. Make sure to use a range of vocabulary, including both common and less common words, and use them appropriately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

This criterion evaluates your use of grammar. Make sure to use a range of sentence structures, and use grammar correctly and consistently.

Pronunciation

This criterion evaluates how well you pronounce words and sounds. Make sure to speak clearly and with good pronunciation.

10 Tips to Succeed in IELTS Speaking Exam:

Practice speaking English as much as possible:

The more you practice speaking, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Try to find opportunities to practice speaking English with native speakers or other English language learners.

Study vocabulary related to common IELTS topics:

Knowing the vocabulary related to common IELTS topics will help you to express yourself more effectively and answer questions more accurately. Make a list of key vocabulary words and practice using them in context.

Get familiar with the IELTS speaking exam format:

Understanding the structure and format of the IELTS speaking exam will help you to prepare and feel more confident on exam day. Study the types of questions you will be asked and practice answering them.

Develop your fluency by speaking in complete sentences:

Speaking in complete sentences and avoiding filler words such as “um” and “ah” will help you to sound more fluent and confident. Try to speak smoothly and at a steady pace.

Improve your pronunciation and intonation:

Pronunciation and intonation are important aspects of speaking English effectively. Focus on pronouncing words correctly and using appropriate intonation to convey your meaning.

Be confident and speak clearly:

Confidence is key to speaking well. Speak clearly and try to project your voice so that the examiner can hear you clearly. Avoid speaking too quickly or too slowly.

Prepare and practice answering questions ahead of time:

Preparation is key to success on the IELTS speaking exam. Practice answering questions ahead of time, including difficult questions that may be asked.

Be honest and provide complete answers:

Don’t try to bluff your way through the exam. Be honest about what you know and provide complete answers. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s better to admit it than to try to fake it.

Stay calm and relaxed during the exam:

It’s important to stay calm and relaxed during the IELTS speaking exam. Take deep breaths and try to enjoy the conversation with the examiner.

Listen carefully to the examiners and respond directly:

Listen carefully to the questions asked by the examiner and respond directly. Don’t wander off-topic or provide irrelevant information. Stay focused on the task at hand and provide clear concise answers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by understanding the structure of the IELTS Speaking Exam and the evaluation criteria, you’ll be better equipped to prepare and perform well in this important part of the test. In this article, we discussed the structure of the IELTS speaking exam, how you will be evaluated and 10 tips to achieve a high score. Remember to speak clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammar, and have good pronunciation. With the right preparation and practice, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking Exam.