IELTS Speaking: Test Format, Score, and Sample Topics with Answers
IELTS is one of the most popular standardised tests. It is a globally recognised test, accepted by universities abroad for admission to higher education programs. It is even used for the visa application process. IELTS is divided into four sections; Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each section plays a significant role in calculating a candidate’s score on the test. Scores/ bands on IELTS range between 0 to 9. However, each of the IELTS sections has its scoring as well, which is used for the final score calculation. On this page, we will discuss important details about IELTS Speaking which will cover the test format, scoring system, and sample topics. Candidates must go through this entire article to understand what is IELTS Speaking.
Table of Content
- Highlights
- IELTS Speaking
- IELTS Speaking Structure/ Format
- Sample Questions with Answers
- How to Practice for IELTS Speaking?
- Understand the test format
- Enhance Your Speaking Skills
- Practice Techniques
- Resources
Highlights
|
Test Name |
IELTS |
|---|---|
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Full Form |
International English Language Testing System |
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Conducted By |
British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English |
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Sections |
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Test Fee |
INR 17,000 (approx.) |
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IELTS Official Website |
https://ielts.org/ |
IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test is designed to measure your spoken English skills and fluency. IELTS Speaking is a one-on-one or face-to-face interview with an exam official where different sets of questions are asked on a wide range of topics. You need to understand that the examiner is there to test your English speaking skills, so you have to put in a lot of practice to score well in this section. This test lasts for 11 to 14 minutes and is divided into three parts. As an IELTS aspirant, you will have two options for IELTS Speaking; appear for the test on the same day or within 7 days of your test date from other test sections. In this section, we have discussed the IELTS Speaking structure/ format, scoring system, and sample topics with answers.
IELTS Speaking Structure/ Format
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts; Part I include questions about your home, family and city/ hometown; Part II will include questions about your likes and dislikes, what weather or season you like, etc.; and Part III will include knowledge and awareness-based questions.
Part I
This part will last for 4 to 5 minutes where the examiner will first introduce himself/ herself and will then ask you to introduce yourself. You will be asked general questions about yourself, such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part is designed to make you feel comfortable and to get you talking.
Part II
This part will last for 3 to 4 minutes where the examiner gives you a task card with a topic and some points to cover. You have one minute to prepare your response and can make notes if you wish. You then speak on the topic for 1-2 minutes. After your response, the examiner may ask you one or two questions about your talk.
Part III
This is the final part of the IELTS Speaking test and will last for 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner and you engage in a discussion related to the topic from Part 2. This part involves more abstract and complex questions. The examiner may ask you to explain your opinions, compare different ideas, or discuss hypothetical situations.
Sample Questions with Answers
Above we have discussed the entire structure of the IELTS Speaking. In this section, we will discuss some of the most popular sample questions and answers, which will help you enhance your knowledge and confidence for the test.
Part 1 Sample Questions
|
Serial No. |
Questions |
Answers |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Tell me about your hometown. What kind of place you grew up in? |
I’m from New Delhi, it is the capital of India. This city is also one of the Union Territories, directly administered by the President of India. It is one of the most lively and exciting places to live. |
|
2 |
What do you like about your hometown? |
Life in New Delhi is very fast. From early morning to late night, people are busy chasing their goals. This city never sleeps, and there’s a sense of excitement and opportunity that’s palpable. |
|
3 |
Do you work or study? |
I’m currently a student at the University of Delhi, where I’m pursuing a degree in Political Science. I’m in my third year and the journey has been exciting so far. |
|
4 |
Why did you choose this field of study? |
Political Science has always amused me. I used to study this subject in my Class 12 and there were so many interesting things, like the American War of Independence, the Unification of Germany, the Age of Neocolonialism and many others that excited me. |
|
5 |
What do you like to do in your free time? |
In my free time, I enjoy reading newspaper journals and fiction, particularly mystery novels. I also like to stay active by going for runs in the park and practising yoga. Additionally, I love experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. |
Part 2 Sample Questions
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Serial No. |
Questions |
Answers |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Describe a person who influenced you. |
My high school social science teacher, Mrs Anupama Rawat ma’am greatly influenced me during my school days. She was not only a good teacher, but a great mentor to me. Before I met her, my academic performance was below average. It was only after I met her, there was a significant increase in my performance, both academic and extracurricular. She always motivated me and told me to look for answers wherever possible. |
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2 |
Describe an advertisement that persuaded you to buy a product. |
I saw this vacuum cleaner advertisement once. I took to the internet and looked for the features and capabilities of the product. Turns out, it was of great help to me and my mother with cleaning the house. |
|
3 |
Describe a skill you have learned that you think is very useful. |
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to utilise the time, so I made a list of the widely spoken languages in the world and then I started learning Spanish. I downloaded an application called DUOLINGO and started practising Spanish. It took me around a month to understand the basics of the language and within 6 months, I was able to fluently understand and speak Spanish. |
Part III Sample Questions
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Serial No. |
Questions |
Answers |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Describe a book that you enjoyed reading. |
One of the books I enjoyed reading immensely is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. This classic novel is set in the American South during the 1930s. The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl whose father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer defending a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. |
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2 |
What is the most useful technology according to you? |
The most useful technology according to me our smartphones. This small piece is an indispensable part of my life. I primarily use my smartphone to stay connected with friends and family through calls, messages, and social media |
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3 |
Describe a memorable event in your life. |
One of the memorable events of my life was when I graduated high school. I scored 92% in my high school and I was awarded the ‘Outstanding Academic Performer of the Year’ award and the entire school applauded me. |
How to Practice for IELTS Speaking?
IELTS Speaking is the last section of the test, where candidates are assessed based on their English speaking skills and general awareness. Indian candidates are usually at a disadvantage when it comes to speaking English, as their primary language is either Hindi or any regional language. Candidates must practice speaking English regularly to prepare well for the test. Here are some IELTS speaking practice tips which will help you improve your English speaking skills.
Understand the test format
The Speaking test is divided into three parts, where each part contains a different set of questions. Part I is the introduction and the interview. In Part II, you will be given a card with a topic. You will have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for up to 2 minutes. Part III will include a discussion on the topic from Part 2, leading to a two-way discussion.
Enhance Your Speaking Skills
You can improve your pronunciation by watching English movies, and TV shows, or listening to podcasts. try to repeat phrases to mimic pronunciation. Another interesting way is to record your speaking and compare it with native speakers to identify areas for improvement. Use flashcards or vocabulary apps to learn new words daily. Engage in regular conversations in English with friends or language partners.
Practice Techniques
Take full speaking tests under timed conditions to get used to the format and pressure. Prepare answers for common topics like hobbies, travel, technology, education, and environment. Create mind maps for various topics to organize your thoughts and make your responses coherent.
Resources
Use IELTS preparation books like ‘The Cambridge IELTS’ series and apps like “’IELTS Prep App.’ Look for online study material at the IELTS official website.
IELTS Speaking- FAQs
How to prepare for IELTS Speaking?
Understand the test format and structure. Try to watch English movies, TV shows and news and repeat the sentences to improve your pronunciation. Work on your vocabulary by understanding the meaning of new English words and their uses. Use official IELTS sources to pratice exam-like questions.
How can I score 8.5 bands in IELTS Speaking?
To score 8.5 band in IELTS Speaking, you need to prepare well. Your English speaking skills must be fluent and understandable. Practice using new vocabulary in sentences to understand their meanings and usage better. Engage in regular conversations in English with friends or language partners. Watch English movies, TV shows, or listen to podcasts. Repeat phrases to mimic pronunciation. Regularly solve mocks and pratice test papers.
What questions are asked in IELTS Speaking?
IELTS Speaking test includes questions like: Where are you from? Tell me about your hometown. Do you work or study? What do you like to do in your leisure time? Do you like to spend your time alone or with others? Do you like to travel? Describe a skill you have learned that you think is very useful.
This was all about IELTS Speaking. We hope the above-listed details will help candidates prepare for their IELTS and they can score better on the test. For more information on such informative articles, visit w3wiki