Introduction to IELTS SPEAKING MODULE

The speaking test consists of 3 sections which covers over a period of 11-14 minutes. This test will be a face to face formal interview with a qualified IELTS examiner. Your voice will be recorded for additional marking purposes.

In SECTION 1 The examiner will ask you 6-7 questions about yourself and everyday situations. This will take up to 4-5 minutes. The questions will be asked in a particular sequential order.

Example:

• Do you have a leisure time activity?
• When do you find time to do this?
• How long have you been doing this?
• Who or what inspired you to start this?
• Does anyone of your family have a similar hobby?
• What else do you do in your free time other than your main hobby?
• What do you think is the most popular spare time activity of the people in your city?

In SECTION 2 You will be given a cue card which usually consists of a general topic related to your personal life along with four prompts. You will be given one minute to prepare your speech and the examiner will give a paper and a pencil in order to jot down notes and then you will have to speak 1-2 minutes continuously on the topic you have been given. This part of the test will take up to 3 minutes.

 Example:             

    

In SECTION 3 The examiner will ask you between 6 and 7 questions on more general or abstract topics similar to the topic you spoke in section 2. You will have to either argue or opine on the topics you are questioned. This will take up to 4-5 minutes.

Example:

• What do you like about your job? What are the problems faced by women at work?
• How has technology affected the jobs and the employment scenario?
• Which is more important luck or hard work to become successful in a career?
• Do you think working part-time will destroy the stability of your career?
• How do you think an employee can develop a healthy relationship with the employer?
• What do you think a fresher should consider when choosing a lifelong career?

Remember! Many candidates find part 3 more difficult than part 1. It is quite normal as, in many other exams, the difficulty level always increases when from one section to other. In other words, section 3 will be more difficult than section 1 as the last few questions always taps your deeper analytical skills which will be challenging to answer.

Discuss your speaking test experience and problems in the Discussion Room.