IELTS Speaking Test Format: Prepare Effectively

What is the test format of IELTS Speaking test?

By Grad-Dreams

IELTS

IELTS Speaking Test Format

The Speaking test assesses your spoken language skills. You will talk to a certified IELTS examiner and hence it will be like a real-life situation. It's an interactive session and takes 11 to 14 minutes.

The Speaking Section is the same for both IELTS Academic and General Tests.

IELTS Speaking Format:

Total Time	11-14 minutes
What does IELTS Speaking assess?	The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess a wide range of skills. The examiner will want to see how well the test-taker can communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences; to do this the test-taker will need to answer a range of questions, speak at length on a given topic using appropriate language organize their ideas coherently, express and justify their opinions analyze, discuss and speculate about issues.
Content and Tasks	There are three parts to the test and each part fulfills a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input, and test-taker output.
Scoring	The test-takers will be marked on the four criteria of the IELTS Speaking Test Band Descriptors: a) fluency and coherence b) lexical resource c) grammatical range and accuracy d) pronunciation

TASK 1 (Introduction and Interview)

TASK 1	(Introduction and Interview)
Time	4-5 minutes
What does Task 1 assess	It assesses the test-taker's ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences or situations by answering a range of questions. Format and content In this part, the examiner introduces him/herself and checks the test takers' identity. They then ask the test takers general questions on some familiar topics such as home, family, work, studies, and interests.

TASK 2 (Long Turn)

Time	3-4 minutes (including 1 minute preparation time)
What does Task 2 assess	It assesses the test-takers ability to speak at length on a given topic (without further prompts from the examiner), using appropriate language and organizing ideas coherently. It is likely that the test takers will need to draw on their own experience to complete the long turn.
Format and content	In this part, which is the individual long turn, the examiner will give the test-taker a task card that asks the test-taker to talk about a particular topic, including points to include in their talk. The test-taker will be given one minute to prepare and will also be given paper and pencil to make notes. The test-taker will then be asked to talk for 1-2 minutes on the topic. The test-taker will not be interrupted during this time, so it is important to keep talking. The examiner will then ask the test-taker one or two questions on the same topic. Using the points on the task card effectively, and making notes during the preparation time, will help the test takers think of appropriate things to say, structure their talk, and talk at length for 2 minutes.

Grad-Dreams expert trainers assist the test takers in preparing for the IELTS test through structured coaching, advanced resources, and extensive practice.