Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will be able to describe the structure of the IELTS Speaking test, explain each assessment criterion used by examiners, and recognize how speaking performance is judged in practice. You will also learn what listening skills examiners use, what interaction functions are expected from candidates, and how to meet the test’s requirements to achieve a higher speaking score.
IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus
For IELTS, you are required to know the format of the Speaking test and understand how your speaking is evaluated by examiners. When revising, focus on the following key points:
- Identify the structure and timing of the IELTS Speaking test parts.
- Understand the four assessment criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
- Recognize the typical interaction patterns, question types, and response styles expected in each part.
- Explain what skills examiners focus on when listening to responses, including interaction and communication abilities.
- Demonstrate how to use a range of speaking strategies to give extended, organized, and relevant answers.
- Learn how examiner listening skills influence scoring, especially with non-standard accents, hesitation, or complex answers.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- How many parts are there in the IELTS Speaking test, and what is the main purpose of each?
- Which four criteria do examiners use to assess your speaking performance?
- What does "Fluency and Coherence" mean in the context of IELTS Speaking?
- Give two things an examiner listens for when judging a candidate’s Lexical Resource.
Introduction
In IELTS, spoken English is tested in a face-to-face interview between a candidate and a trained examiner. This assessment is structured to judge your ability to communicate in an everyday context, focusing not only on what you say, but on how you organize ideas, use language, and interact naturally.
Key Term: IELTS Speaking Test
The oral part of the IELTS exam where a candidate speaks with an examiner for 11–14 minutes to demonstrate their spoken English skills.
The test is divided into three distinct sections, called Parts 1, 2, and 3. Each part assesses your ability to use spoken English in different task types. The examiner marks your performance based on set criteria, listening carefully for specific features in each of your answers.
The Structure of the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test lasts from 11 to 14 minutes. It is organized into three separate sections:
- Part 1 (Introduction and Interview): 4–5 minutes – Simple questions about yourself, your home, work/study, interests, or daily life.
- Part 2 (Long Turn): 3–4 minutes – A cue card is given with a topic. You have 1 minute to prepare and then must speak for 1–2 minutes, followed by one or two follow-up questions.
- Part 3 (Discussion): 4–5 minutes – Questions on more abstract topics linked to Part 2, requiring explanation, opinion, and argument.
Each part targets different interaction skills and communication strategies, so the examiner listens for a range of abilities at each stage.
Key Term: Examiner
The IELTS professional who conducts the Speaking test, asks questions, listens to your responses, and uses specific criteria to assign a score.
What Examiners Listen For in Spoken English
Examiners are trained to judge your speaking using four main criteria, awarding a band score for each:
- Fluency and Coherence:
- Lexical Resource:
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
- Pronunciation:
These are marked independently and combined to produce your Speaking band.
Key Term: Fluency and Coherence
The ability to speak at length, organize ideas logically, and connect sentences using appropriate language without frequent unnatural pauses or repetition.Key Term: Lexical Resource
The range and accuracy of vocabulary you use, including how you choose, combine, and adjust words to typical speaking situations.Key Term: Grammatical Range and Accuracy
How many different grammatical structures you use correctly and how accurate those structures are during spoken communication.Key Term: Pronunciation
How well you produce English sounds, including word stress, intonation, and the ability to be understood by the examiner.
These criteria are applied in each part of the test. The examiner listens for specific examples of each throughout your responses.
How the Examiner Listens and Assesses
The examiner uses a checklist of skills in every test. You are not marked on your accent or opinions, but on the following:
- Your ability to speak naturally, smoothly, and at a normal pace (Fluency).
- How logically your ideas are organized and connected (Coherence).
- Variety and appropriateness of your vocabulary (Lexical Resource).
- Use of complex grammatical structures and overall accuracy (Grammatical Range and Accuracy).
- Whether your pronunciation is clear and easy to understand (Pronunciation).
Examiners also pay attention to interactional features such as:
- Ability to answer questions directly and appropriately.
- Skill in developing answers beyond "yes/no" using examples or explanations.
- Willingness to correct yourself (self-correction) or express uncertainty naturally.
- Use of functional language (e.g., giving opinions, comparing, speculating).
Key Term: Interactional Feature
Elements of spoken conversation that show how well a speaker participates in an interview, such as extending answers, asking for clarification, or responding to follow-up prompts.
What Happens in Each Part of the Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Familiar Topics
- The examiner greets you, checks your ID, and asks about yourself or familiar subjects.
- Examiners listen for: clear, spontaneous language, range of common topics, and relevant examples.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
- You receive a topic card and are given a minute to prepare.
- You must speak for between 1–2 minutes on the topic.
- The examiner listens for: your ability to give a structured, extended answer, use linking words, and keep going without excessive hesitation.
Part 3: Discussion
- A more abstract discussion based on the Part 2 topic.
- The examiner asks for explanations, opinions, and comparison.
- Examiners look for: more advanced vocabulary, ability to construct arguments, and interaction strategies.
What Examiners Do NOT Listen For
- Your personal views or agreement with the topic.
- Accent (unless it makes understanding difficult).
- Faultless grammar—mistakes are expected at all bands, but clarity and variety are most important.
- Lengthy answers for every single question—short answers are sometimes appropriate in Part 1.
Worked Example 1.1
You are asked in Part 1:
"Do you like to cook? Why or why not?"
A high-scoring candidate might answer:
"Yes, I enjoy cooking because it helps me relax and experiment with different flavors. For example, I often try new recipes at weekends. I think it’s a great way to be creative and spend time with family."
Answer:
This answer fully addresses the question, is extended with a reason and example, and uses a range of vocabulary and natural grammar. The examiner will hear evidence for Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range. Pronunciation is judged throughout.
Worked Example 1.2
Part 2 task:
Describe a place you like to visit. Explain why you enjoy going there.
Sample candidate speech:
"One of my favorite places to visit is the park near my home. It’s spacious and peaceful, with many different types of trees and flowers. When I need to relax or think, I walk there and sit on a bench to watch people. I enjoy going there because it lets me unwind after a busy day, and sometimes I meet friends for a walk or a chat."
Answer:
The candidate gives a structured, detailed answer, describes the place, and provides reasons. Linking words and supporting details show coherence and vocabulary range.
Worked Example 1.3
Part 3 discussion:
Do you think outdoor spaces are important in cities? Why or why not?
Candidate's response:
"Yes, outdoor spaces are very important. They provide a place for people to exercise, relax, and connect with nature. In crowded cities, parks allow children to play safely and adults to escape from noise. I also think green spaces help improve air quality and make the city look more attractive."
Answer:
The answer is expanded, reasoned, and presents clear ideas. The examiner can judge the candidate’s ability to express opinions, structure arguments, and use topic-specific vocabulary.
Exam Warning
Many candidates focus only on answering the question, forgetting to extend their answers or use varied language structures. Remember, short "yes/no" replies do not demonstrate fluency or range, which can lower your score.
Revision Tip
When you practice, record yourself and listen for hesitations, repeated words, or unclear pronunciation. Try to answer questions with more than one sentence, and use examples whenever possible.
Summary
The IELTS Speaking test is a structured interview in three parts. Examiners judge your performance by listening for specific features related to fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. You can improve your score by giving extended, organized answers, using a wide range of language, and showing confidence in speaking on a variety of topics.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Clearly explain the IELTS Speaking test structure and timing.
- Identify the four criteria examiners use: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, Pronunciation.
- Describe what examiners listen for when assessing spoken English.
- Recognize the different interactional expectations in each part.
- Understand that examiners judge how you organize content, not your opinions or accent.
- Know how to extend answers and include examples to meet criteria.
- Remember to demonstrate a range of structures and vocabulary in your answers.
Key Terms and Concepts
- IELTS Speaking Test
- Examiner
- Fluency and Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Pronunciation
- Interactional Feature