IELTS speaking tips, information, advice, model answers and topics to help you prepare successfully for your IELTS speaking test. This page contains everything you need to know and the essential skills for a high score in IELTS speaking.

IELTS Speaking Test Information

Below is essential information about the IELTS speaking test.

1. The speaking test is face to face with an examiner in a room.
2. There is only one speaking test for all candidates. Academic & GT candidates take the same speaking test.
3. If you are doing computer delivered IELTS, you will still have a face to face interview with the examiner. The speaking test remains the same for everyone.
4. It is recorded so that you can ask for a remark if you wish later.
5. This is an informal speaking test.
6. The examiner who asks the questions will decide your results at the end of the test.
7. The test lasts between 11 and 14 mins (not more and not less).
8. The examiner controls the time and length of your answers.
9. The test comprises of:
   • ID check and Greeting
   • Part 1 = questions & answers 4 to 5 mins
   • Part 2 = a talk for 1-2 mins with rounding off questions for 1 min.
   • Part 3 = discussion 4 to 5 mins
10. There are four marking criteria:
    1. Fluency & Cohesion (25%)
    2. Vocabulary (25%)
    3. Grammar (25%)
    4. Pronunciation (25%)

IELTS Speaking Topics and Questions

Below are lists of common speaking topics with questions that frequently appear in the speaking test.

• IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics
• IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topics
• IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topics

Practice IELTS Speaking Tests

Practice speaking exams to develop your skills and get used to the speaking test format. This is essential practice for all IELTS students.

1. Tips: How to get Band Score 9 in IELTS Speaking
2. Linking Words for IELTS Speaking
3. Tips: Which part of the speaking test is most important?
4. Tips: Asking the examiner questions
5. Tips: Be ready for the examiner to interrupt your answer
6. Tips: How long should my answer be?
7. Tips: Should I speak fast or slow?
8. Tips: Umm Ahh and Using Fillers
9. Tips: Can I tell lies?
10. Tips: Should I correct myself or keep talking?
11. Tips for Speaking Part 2 – Will I get a low score for speaking less than 2 mins?
12. Tips for Speaking Part 2: Difficult Topics
13. Tips: Going Off Topic
14. Tips: Misunderstanding the cue card

IELTS Speaking Lessons & Sample Answers

These lessons are in order of date and new lessons will be added over time. All questions are reported exam topics at time of posting. Lessons usually contain questions, model answers, tips or vocabulary. Notice: Do not memorise model answers. Model answers are to show you options, skills and techniques. Your answers in your IELTS test should come from you and show your own English language.

1. Topic with Model Answers and Vocabulary: Concentration
2. Predicted Speaking Part 1 Topics this year
3. Topics related to Mobile Phones 
4. Speaking Part 3 Model Answers: Health & Coronavirus 2020
5. Speaking Part 1: Travel & Transport
6. Part 1 Topic: Dreams
7. Speaking Part 1: Food – Vegetables
8. Speaking Part 1: Snacks
9. Speaking Part 1 Topic: Robots
10. Speaking Part 2: Holidays
11. Speaking Part 2: Good Service Topic
12. Speaking Part 2: A Friend you are Proud of
13. Speaking Part 3: Health
14. Speaking Part 3: Sport
15. Speaking Part 3: Charities
16. Speaking Part 3: Art – Paintings
17. Speaking Part 1 & 3: Musical Instruments
18. Speaking Part 3: Technology
19. Speaking Part 3: Environment