Speaking guide
The three IELTS Speaking parts
Speaking is an interactive examiner-led interview lasting about 11 to 14 minutes. The three parts move from familiar personal questions to a prepared long turn and then a more abstract discussion.
Part 1: introduction and familiar topics
Typical time: 4 to 5 minutes.
Answer questions about areas such as home, routines, work, study, or interests. Give a direct answer and a useful extension; a one-word reply gives too little language, while a rehearsed speech may stop sounding responsive.
Part 2: individual long turn
Typical time: 3 to 4 minutes, including 1 minute to prepare and up to 2 minutes to speak.
Use the cue card to organise one connected response. During preparation, write a short route rather than full sentences: opening context, two or three moments or details, and a final reflection. The bullet points help you develop the topic, but your talk still needs links and a clear direction.
Part 3: two-way discussion
Typical time: 4 to 5 minutes.
Discuss broader questions connected with the Part 2 theme. Explain reasons, compare situations, consider consequences, and respond when the examiner narrows or challenges the question.
What examiners listen for
- Fluency and coherence: sustained, connected speech that remains understandable.
- Lexical resource: vocabulary range, precision, and the ability to express an idea another way.
- Grammar: a useful range of structures with enough accuracy for clear meaning.
- Pronunciation: speech that listeners can follow, including rhythm, stress, and sound clarity.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. NorthPrep is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by them.