The IELTS Speaking test, part by part, with what examiners listen for
Admin1 November 2026 3 min read
The Speaking test is a face-to-face conversation with an examiner. It lasts 11 to 14 minutes, is audio-recorded and has three parts. The format is the same for Academic and General Training.
The three parts
| Part | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The examiner introduces themselves, checks your ID and asks questions about familiar topics such as home, work, studies and interests | 4 to 5 minutes |
| 2 | You are given a cue card, have one minute to prepare and make notes, then speak for one to two minutes | 3 to 4 minutes in all |
| 3 | A discussion on more abstract ideas linked to the Part 2 topic | 4 to 5 minutes |
Part 1: personal, natural and a little longer than the question
- Answer the question in the first sentence.
- Add a reason or example in the second.
- Stop. Let the examiner ask the next question.
Part 2: use the minute, then use the time
- Write keywords, not sentences.
- Follow the prompts on the card in order. The last one is usually explain why.
- If you stop early, the examiner may prompt you. Keep going and add a feeling, a comparison or a small story.
- The examiner will stop you at two minutes. That is normal.
- After you finish, the examiner usually asks one or two short follow-up questions on the same topic.
Part 3: move from your life to the world
The questions ask for opinions, comparisons, causes and predictions. Use a simple frame:
| Step | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Opinion | I think that... |
| Reason | The main reason is... |
| Example | For instance, in many cities... |
| Other side | On the other hand... |
What the examiner listens for
| Criterion | In practice |
|---|---|
| Fluency and coherence | Speaking at length, with ideas that connect |
| Lexical resource | Precise words and flexible paraphrase |
| Grammatical range and accuracy | A mix of simple and complex sentences, mostly correct |
| Pronunciation | Being easy to follow: stress, rhythm and clear sounds |
Practise it
- Part 1: answer five questions on one topic, each in two to three sentences
- Part 2: record a two-minute answer, then listen back
- Part 3: answer three abstract questions with opinion, reason and example
Checked against the [British Council Part 2 page](https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/free-ielts-practice-tests/speaking/part-2), [IELTS.org on the three parts](https://ielts.org/news-and-insights/three-parts-of-ielts-speaking-and-what-to-look-out-for) and [IELTS.org on preparation time](https://ielts.org/news-and-insights/how-to-use-the-preparation-time-in-ielts-speaking-part-2).
#speaking#format#parts 1 2 3
Try these tips on a real task
Put one habit from this article into your next practice session.