How to prepare for IELTS – Speaking
1
Contents
Page
Details of the speaking test
2
Part 1
4
Part 2
6
Part 3
9
General tips for speaking
12
Make sure you have a copy of the How to prepare for IELTS – FAQs booklet in
addition to this booklet.
How to prepare for IELTS – Speaking
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Details of the Speaking Test
Structure of the test
The speaking test is the last test you do on the test day. You will be
given a time slot between about 2pm and 6.30pm.
There are three tasks or parts to the test which takes the form of an
interview lasting between 11 & 14 minutes:
¾ Part 1 Introduction & Interview (4-5 minutes)
¾ Part 2 Individual long turn (3-4 minutes)
¾ Part 3 Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes)
The tasks test your ability to perform the following functions in
English:
• provide personal and non-personal information
• express & justify opinions
• make suggestions
• speculate
• express a preference
• make comparisons & discuss contrasts
• summarise
• relate personal experiences
• analyse
• repair conversation & paraphrase
Procedure of the test
The test is conducted by one examiner. He or she asks all the
questions and assesses you. The test is recorded on audio cassette.
You will be taken to the examiner’s room where you will be asked to sit
either opposite or at right angles to the examiner. The examiner will
then switch on the cassette recorder and start the test.
Marking
Your performance will be assessed on the criteria below:
Fluency & Coherence
Being able to keep going, to talk at a normal rate without unnatural
pauses and hesitations.
Being able to link ideas and language together clearly so the examiner
understands you.
Lexical Resource
How to prepare for IELTS – Speaking
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Having the vocabulary which enables you to express yourself while
talking about both familiar and unfamiliar topics or being able to get
around any vocabulary gaps without hesitation.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Being able to use a variety of grammatical structures appropriately.
Making as few grammatical mistakes as possible.
Being understo