Foundations of the IELTS Speaking Test
Understanding the Format & Marking Criteria
See the Test in Action
A Note on This Video:
This video is provided by the Wahab Rauf YouTube Channel. It is embedded here for educational purposes. We extend our sincere thanks to Wahab Rauf for making such valuable resources publicly available. EFLSITE does not own this content.
Video Summary: Key Takeaways
This video provides a real example of a high-scoring candidate. Notice how the examiner guides the conversation and how the test-taker, Ke, demonstrates her skills across the three parts:
- Part 1: Ke gives answers that are direct but not too short. She adds a little extra detail to show her fluency.
- Part 2: She uses her 1-minute preparation time to structure her talk and speaks clearly for the full 2 minutes, covering all points on the cue card.
- Part 3: Ke successfully discusses more abstract topics related to her Part 2 talk, giving well-reasoned opinions and examples.
Video Comprehension Quiz
Based on the video you just watched, test your listening skills.
How You Are Scored
Fluency & Coherence (25%)
This is about how smoothly and logically you speak. The examiner is listening for your ability to speak at a natural pace without unnatural pauses, and whether your ideas are connected and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource (25%)
This assesses your vocabulary. Examiners want to see if you can use a wide range of words and phrases accurately and appropriately. This includes using less common vocabulary and idiomatic language correctly.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy (25%)
This is about your grammar. You are marked on your ability to use a variety of sentence structures (simple and complex) and how accurately you use them. Minor errors are acceptable, but frequent mistakes will lower your score.
Pronunciation (25%)
This assesses how clear your speech is. It's not about having a native accent. It's about being easy to understand. This includes individual sounds, word stress, sentence stress, and intonation.
The 3 Parts of the Test
What it is: The examiner asks you general questions about yourself and familiar, everyday topics. Think of this as a warm-up. The goal is to get you talking and settled into the test environment.
Common Topics Include:
- Your work or studies
- Your hometown
- Your home (house or apartment)
- Hobbies, interests, and free time
- Family and friends
- Music, films, or food
Key Strategy: Extend Your Answers. Avoid short, one-word answers. A great strategy is to give a direct answer, and then add one or two extra pieces of information (an explanation, reason, or example).
Examiner: "Do you like watching movies?"
Good Answer: "Yes, I do."
Better Answer: "Yes, I'm a big fan of movies. I especially enjoy science fiction because it's so imaginative and visually exciting. I probably go to the cinema once or twice a month."
What it is: You will be given a task card (a "cue card") with a topic and some points you should cover. This part tests your ability to speak continuously and coherently on a single topic.
- 1 Minute Preparation: You have one minute to prepare and make notes. Use this time wisely! Don't write full sentences. Jot down keywords for each bullet point on the card to guide your talk.
- 1-2 Minutes Speaking: You must speak about the topic for one to two minutes. It's important to keep talking until the examiner stops you. This shows you can speak at length.
Key Strategy: Structure Your Talk. Use your notes as a map. Start with a clear introduction to the topic. Address each of the points on the cue card. If you finish early, add more details or a relevant personal story until the examiner asks you to stop.
Example Cue Card Topic: "Describe a memorable trip you have taken."
Your Notes Might Include: - Bali, last summer - with family - saw temples, beaches - amazing food, learned to surf - felt relaxed, unforgettable.
What it is: The examiner will ask you more abstract and complex questions related to the topic in Part 2. This is a two-way discussion that tests your ability to express and justify opinions, analyze, and speculate.
Question Types: These questions are not about you personally, but about the world in general. They might ask you to:
- Compare and contrast (e.g., "How is travel different now than in the past?")
- Give and justify opinions (e.g., "What are the benefits of tourism?")
- Speculate about the future (e.g., "How do you think people will travel in 50 years?")
Key Strategy: Develop Your Answers. Your answers here must be more detailed than in Part 1. A good approach is to state your main point, explain it in more detail, provide a supporting example, and then perhaps conclude with a final thought.
Examiner: "Why do you think people like to travel?"
Simple Answer: "Because they want to see new places."
Developed Answer: "I believe the main reason is a sense of curiosity and adventure. (Point) People get tired of their daily routine and want to experience different cultures and ways of life. (Explanation) For instance, someone from a small town might travel to a megacity like Tokyo to experience its energy and technology. (Example) Ultimately, it broadens their perspective on the world."