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IELTS practice overview

Speaking

Build a natural response across the three-part interview

IELTS Speaking lasts 11–14 minutes and follows three parts. The interview moves from familiar personal topics to an individual long turn and then a broader discussion connected to that topic.

  1. Part 1: introduction and interview

    Short questions cover familiar areas such as home, work, studies, family, and interests. The exchange is conversational rather than a series of long speeches.

  2. Part 2: individual long turn

    A cue card provides the topic and prompts. There is one minute to prepare, followed by a one-to-two-minute response and a brief related follow-up.

  3. Part 3: discussion

    The discussion becomes more general and abstract, asking for explanation, comparison, causes, consequences, evaluation, or informed speculation.

A useful practice approach

Record a continuous response, then review clarity, relevance, development, vocabulary, and grammatical control. Treat timing as a framework for natural speech rather than a reason to rush every answer.

Understand the complete interview

Explore timing, assessment criteria, and a Part 2 preparation method in the Speaking parts guide.

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