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IELTS Speaking: Free Lessons & Essential Tips

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.

On this page you will find:

    • IELTS SPEAKING TEST INFORMATION
    • IELTS SPEAKING TOPICS
    • IELTS SPEAKING TIPS & TECHNIQUES
    • IELTS SPEAKING MODEL ANSWERS

IELTS Speaking Test Information

Below is essential information about the IELTS speaking test. There is only one speaking test that all candidates take. This means Academic & GT candidates take the same test with the same marking.

  1. The IELTS speaking test is face to face with an examiner in a room or via video call.
  2. It is recorded so that you can ask for a remark later if you wish later.
  3. This is an informal speaking test, which means informal language is normal to use.
  4. The test lasts between 11 and 14 mins (not more and not less).
  5. The examiner controls the time and will decide when to move on to the next question or next part.
  6. There are three parts to the IELTS speaking test, see below.
  7. The biggest challenges are:
    • preparing enough topics so that you have something to talk about
    • expanding your answers  
    • showcasing language in a natural way
    • expressing your opinions 
    • having the right approach

About IELTS Speaking Part 1

This lasts from 4-5 minutes and is based on questions/answers. The examiner will ask you around 12 questions usually based on 3 topics. The topics will be everyday topics such as your home, hometown, family and hobbies. However, you can also get topics such as happiness and colours. The questions are not challenging and are based on your personal experience and your country. This is the easy part of the test.

About IELTS Speaking Part 2

This lasts from 3-4 mins. You will be asked to give a talk. The examiner will give you a topic card with bullet points on and pen and paper to prepare ideas. You will have 1 min to prepare your talk. Then you will speak for between 1-2 mins. Your aim should be 2 mins to show fluency. After that the examiner will ask 1-2 rounding-off questions. The challenge is to expand your talk for 2 mins. 

About IELTS Speaking Part 3

This lasts 4-5 mins and is based on questions/answers. The examiner will ask around 5-6 questions (the number can vary) based on usually one topic (the same topic as part 2). The questions are more complex than part 1 and are based on world issues. This is your time to give detailed answers. This part is called a discussion because the examiner can challenge your answers and you will discuss deeper issues. 

IELTS Speaking Topics

The IELTS Speaking Test is topic based. You must prepare lots of topics. Topics are frequently recycled. The examiner isn’t interested in your knowledge. Topics are just an opportunity to speak and showcase your natural English. 

IELTS Speaking Marking

The examiner who delivers the test and asks you the questions is the one who decides your score. Your score is decided only after you have finished the test. You are not marked on each part of the test, you are marked on your performance throughout the whole test. The test is recorded so that if you feel you score is not fair, you can ask for a remark which will be done by a senior examiner. There are four marking criteria and each count for 25% of your marks. As you see below, the marking criteria are all language based, this is different to the writing test.

  • Fluency & Coherence
  • Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
  • Grammar 
  • Pronunciation

You can find more information about marking on this page: IELTS BAND SCORES EXPLAINED

IELTS Speaking Tips & Techniques

Below are Useful IELTS Speaking Tips as well as advice to prepare properly and succeeding in your test. The more you know about the speaking test, the more confident you will be and the better you will perform. One of the biggest problems is people taking the test and not fully understanding how to maximise their score or precisely what will happen in the test. Be fully prepared!

  1. How long should my answer be?
  2. Should I speak fast or slow?
  3. Should I correct myself or keep talking?
  4. Tips: How I got Band Score 9 in IELTS Speaking
  5. Linking Words for IELTS Speaking
  6. Which part of the speaking test is most important?
  7. Asking the examiner questions
  8. Be ready for the examiner to interrupt your answer
  9. Umm Ahh and Using Fillers – will they help my score?
  10. Using wonna and gonna
  11. Speaking Part 2: Tackling Difficult Topics
  12. Going Off Topic
  13. Misunderstanding the cue card
  14. Will I get a low score for speaking less than 2 mins in part 2?
  15. Can I tell lies in the test?
  16. Video: Speaking Part 1: Common Questions
  17. PRACTICE SPEAKING TEST WITH ANSWERS
    • It’s an old video but still 100% accurate today.
  18. Speaking Part 1 Topics for 2024

Preparing for IELTS Speaking at Home

You can improve your speaking skills at home on your own. Watch this video to get useful tips. It’s an oldie but a goodie.

Preparing topic-based vocabulary is also key. Click here VOCABULARY FOR IELTS – Main Page

IELTS Speaking Model Answers & More Tips

The links below give you useful model answers for the speaking test based on topics. The more topics you prepare, the better. Model answers are not to memorise, but to learn from. You can see language, length of answers, vocabulary and more. During your test, your answers should be spoken in a natural way while showcasing your English language. Review all past topics as well because are recycled each year.

  1. Urban Planning: Current Topic
  2. Predicted Topics for Speaking Part 1 2024
  3. Topic with Model Answers and Vocabulary: Concentration
  4. Predicted Speaking Part 1 Topics 2023
  5. Topics related to Gardens & Parks
  6. Topics related to Mobile Phones
  7. Predicted Speaking Part 1 Topics: 2022
  8. Speaking Part 3 Model Answers: Health & Coronavirus
  9. Part 1 Topic: Dreams
  10. Speaking Part 1 Topic: Robots
  11. Speaking Part 2: Good Service Topic
  12. Speaking Part 1 : Topic of Shoes
  13. Speaking Part 1: Snacks
  14. Speaking Part 1: Maths
  15. Speaking Part 2: Quiz of Understanding
  16. Speaking Part 1: Camping
  17. Speaking Part 3: Environment
  18. Speaking Part 3: Common Mistake
  19. Speaking Part 1 & 3: Musical Instruments
  20. Speaking Part 1: Food – Vegetables
  21. Speaking Part 1: Clothes
  22. Speaking Part 1: Travel & Transport
  23. Speaking Part 1: Travel & Transport Sub Topics
  24. Speaking Part 3: Tourism and the Local Community
  25. Speaking Part 3: Technology
  26. Speaking Part 1: Sky
  27. Speaking Part 3: Charities
  28. Speaking Part 1: Sleep
  29. Speaking Part 3: Health
  30. Speaking Part 2: Holidays
  31. Speaking Part 3: Sport
  32. Error Correction: Speaking Part 1
  33. Speaking Part 1: Walking
  34. Speaking Part 3: Art – Paintings
  35. Speaking Part 2: A Place to Learn
  36. Speaking Part 2: A Friend you are Proud of

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ALL PRACTICE LESSONS & TIPS FOR IELTS PREPARATION

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