IELTS speaking overview

The speaking test lasts about:

• 4 minutes

• 14 minutes

• 24 minutes

How many parts are there in the speaking test?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

There are 3 parts in the speaking exam, so the correct answer is 3.

In the first part you will be asked questions on:

• everyday topics

• academic subjects

• topics in the news

In the part 2 of the test you will:

• a) choose your own topic to talk about

• b) choose between 2 topics you are given to talk about

• c) be given 1 topic to talk about

In the part 2, you will have:

• a) no time to prepare

• b) 30 seconds to prepare

• c) 60 seconds to prepare

In Part 2, you will then talk for a maximum of:

• a) 1 minute

• b) 2 minutes

• c) 3 minutes

In Part 3, the last part of the test you will:

• a) discuss questions based loosely on the Part 2

• b) discuss your reasons for taking IELTS

• c) discuss your plans and ambitions

The test is recorded

• a) so you can have a copy

• b) because it is always marked twice

What band score do you hope to achieve in the speaking test?

• band 4

• band 5

• band 6

• band 7