IELTS Speaking is only 11 to 14 minutes long, yet it is where many candidates lose valuable bands. The good news: the Speaking test is predictable. Once you understand what examiners look for and practise the right way, a Band 7 or higher is very achievable.
How the IELTS Speaking test works
- Part 1 (4–5 minutes): short questions about you: home, work, studies, hobbies.
- Part 2 (3–4 minutes): the cue card. You get 1 minute to prepare and speak for up to 2 minutes on a topic.
- Part 3 (4–5 minutes): a discussion of deeper, more abstract questions linked to the Part 2 topic.
What examiners actually score
Your band is based on four criteria, each worth 25%:
- Fluency and coherence: speaking smoothly, without long pauses, with clear linking.
- Lexical resource: range and accuracy of vocabulary, including natural phrases.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: using a mix of simple and complex sentences correctly.
- Pronunciation: being easy to understand, with natural stress and intonation.
Part 1 tips: answer, explain, add an example
Do not give one-word answers, and do not give speeches either. Use a simple formula: answer + reason + example.
Q: Do you like reading?
A: Yes, I do, especially on weekends. It helps me relax after a busy week. Right now I’m reading a biography of A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and I find it really inspiring.
Part 2 tips: use your 1 minute wisely
- Write 4–5 keywords, not full sentences.
- Follow the bullet points on the card in order. They give you a ready structure.
- Speak about a real experience. It is easier to talk for 2 minutes about something true.
- If you finish early, add how you felt and why it mattered to you.
Part 3 tips: give opinions and compare
Part 3 tests whether you can discuss ideas. Use phrases like “From my point of view…”, “On the other hand…”, “It depends on…” and “For example, in India…”. Compare the past and the present, or young and older people. It naturally shows a range of grammar.
5 common mistakes that cost bands
- Memorised answers: examiners notice them instantly.
- Long silences: use fillers like “That’s an interesting question, let me think…”
- Overusing “very”: try “extremely”, “really”, “quite”.
- Speaking too fast: clarity matters more than speed.
- Only simple sentences: add some “if”, “although”, “which” sentences.
How to practise for IELTS Speaking
Practise with timed mock tests and get feedback on all four criteria. Record your cue card answers and compare them over time. Most importantly, practise with someone who can score you honestly and correct you.
Our IELTS Speaking Preparation (Band 7+) course includes regular one-on-one mock tests with band feedback. Preparing for all four modules? See our IELTS Complete Preparation.