IELTS Speaking: Parts 1, 2 and 3 With Sample Answers, Scoring Criteria and Practice Methods

By the Go IELTS Editorial Team. Updated 2 November 2026. Information reflects the official IELTS test format; always confirm details with your test centre.

Format of the Speaking test

IELTS Speaking is a one-to-one conversation with a trained examiner that lasts 11 to 14 minutes. It is recorded and the format is the same for Academic and General Training. In Part 1, the examiner introduces themselves, checks your identity and asks questions about familiar topics for four to five minutes. In Part 2, you receive a cue card and one minute to prepare notes, then speak for one to two minutes. In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract questions related to the Part 2 topic for four to five minutes.

The four criteria explained

You are scored on four equally weighted criteria. Fluency and Coherence is about speaking at a natural pace with few long hesitations and organising ideas logically. Lexical Resource covers range and precision of vocabulary, including paraphrasing when you do not know a word. Grammatical Range and Accuracy rewards a mix of simple and complex structures with generally accurate use. Pronunciation measures how easily you can be understood, including word stress, rhythm and intonation. A native accent is not required.

The examiner does not judge your ideas, only your language. This means you can give an honest, simple opinion if it allows you to speak clearly and develop your point.

Part 1: short answers that develop

Part 1 questions are personal and predictable: home, work, study, hobbies, food, travel. The common error is answering in a single word or sentence. Compare two answers to 'Do you enjoy cooking?'. A weak answer is 'Yes, I do.' A stronger one is 'Yes, quite a lot, especially on weekends when I have time to try new recipes. I find it relaxing after a stressful week, and my family enjoys the results.' The second answer gives a reason, a detail and a natural flow. Aim for two or three sentences and then stop; the examiner will ask the next question.

Part 2: the long turn

During the one-minute preparation, write keywords rather than sentences, following the order of the bullet points on the card. For the card 'Describe a teacher who influenced you', you might note: who (Ms Rahman, English, secondary school); what taught (grammar, confidence); how behaved (patient, funny); why important (I became a student of languages). Then speak in a clear sequence: introduce the person, add one or two specific stories, describe your feelings and finish with a short reflection. For example: 'The person I'd like to talk about is my English teacher at secondary school, Ms Rahman. She taught me for three years, and what I remember most is her patience. Once, when I was too nervous to speak in class, she asked me to read a short poem to her alone first, and after that I felt much braver...'

If you can use a past, present and future angle you will easily fill two minutes. If you finish early, add the consequence or what you learned. If you run out of ideas, describe sights, sounds and emotions, because they provide natural detail.

Part 3: discussing abstract ideas

Part 3 tests your ability to analyse, compare and speculate. A useful structure is to state an opinion, give a reason, add an example and acknowledge another view. Asked 'How has technology changed the way people learn?', a strong answer might be: 'I think the biggest change is access. Twenty years ago, you needed a library or a teacher; now anyone with a phone can follow a course online. That said, there's a risk that people get distracted, so classroom discipline still matters.' This response uses a clear position, a contrast and natural linking. Useful language includes 'it depends on', 'to some extent', 'one reason is' and 'on the other hand'.

Pronunciation and delivery

Clarity matters more than speed. Stress the important words in a sentence, use rising and falling intonation to show meaning and pause between ideas rather than filling silences with repeated sounds. Record yourself answering a question, then listen for sounds that are difficult to understand and compare your rhythm with a native speaker. Shadowing, where you speak along with a recording, improves rhythm and linking quickly. Do not memorise scripts. Examiners are trained to identify rehearsed answers and may change the topic, and rehearsed speech tends to lower the Fluency and Coherence score.

A weekly practice routine

Practise speaking out loud for ten to fifteen minutes each day. On two days, answer six Part 1 questions; on two days, deliver a Part 2 talk with a timer and record it; on two days, discuss Part 3 questions with a friend or teacher. After each session, listen once for fluency, once for vocabulary and once for grammar, and write down three improvements. Use the timers and prompts on this page to rehearse the real structure of the test.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question?

Yes. A polite request such as 'Could you repeat that, please?' is natural and acceptable.

What if I finish Part 2 before two minutes?

The examiner may ask a follow-up question, but try to use the full time by adding details, feelings and reflections.

Will the examiner judge my opinions?

No. You are assessed on language, not on the content of your opinions.

Is it better to speak fast?

No. A clear, natural pace with logical pauses is better than rushing.

Continue your IELTS preparation

IELTS Listening guide and practice, IELTS Reading guide and practice, IELTS Writing guide and practice.