IELTS Speaking Test Format: The Three Parts Explained
Nikhil, a commerce graduate from Surat, pictured the Speaking test as three examiners firing questions at him. It is one examiner and one conversation.
The IELTS Speaking test format is an 11–14 minute conversation with one certified examiner. It has three parts: questions on familiar topics, a short talk from a task card after one minute of preparation, and a discussion of wider ideas linked to that talk.
The Three Parts at a Glance
The whole test is recorded.
| Part | Time | What happens | Main skill shown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Introduction and interview | 4–5 minutes | Examiner introduces themselves, checks your identity, asks everyday questions | Giving information and opinions on familiar topics |
| Part 2: Long turn | 3–4 minutes, including preparation | Task card, one minute to prepare, then up to two minutes talking | Speaking at length and organising ideas |
| Part 3: Discussion | 4–5 minutes | Examiner asks more general, abstract questions linked to your Part 2 topic | Explaining opinions, analysing and speculating |
In Part 2 the examiner gives you a pencil and paper for notes, stops you when your time is up, and may ask one or two questions on the same topic. Candidates sometimes call the task card a cue card.
Is It the Same for Academic and General Training?
Yes. The Speaking test is the same for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, so Reading and Writing are the skills that differ. Our Academic and General Training guide explains how.
When and How the Test Takes Place
According to the official IELTS guide for test takers, the Speaking test may be on the same day as Listening, Reading and Writing, or up to a week before or after. The guide also says Speaking is held face to face or by video call.
As of October 2026, IDP IELTS India says that for IELTS on computer, Speaking is on the same day as the other skills. It describes its video-call Speaking as available at a select number of centres, with the same content, scoring and timing as the in-person test. Check your booking details for your own date and format.
How Your Speaking Band Is Calculated
Four criteria carry equal weight, and your Speaking band is the average of the four:
- Fluency and Coherence: speaking at a normal pace with little hesitation, ordering ideas logically and linking them well.
- Lexical Resource: the range and accuracy of your vocabulary, including how you work around words you don’t know.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: the range and accuracy of your grammar.
- Pronunciation: speaking in a way that can be understood without too much effort.
For a closer look at how Band 5 and Band 7 differ on each criterion, read our Band 5 versus Band 7 guide.
What Examiners Do Not Assess
Incorrect: “The examiner marks whether my opinions are correct.”
Correct: Your English is assessed, not your views or your topic knowledge, so choose an opinion you can explain easily.
Incorrect: “Part 2 is a presentation I should memorise.”
Correct: You are given the topic on the day, so prepare ideas and vocabulary rather than a script.
Accent is not on the list of criteria either. IDP IELTS says accent is not part of the evaluation criteria, and the public descriptors ask how easily you can be understood. Our pronunciation guide explains what examiners listen for.
Tip
Ask a friend to put three questions to you on topics you haven’t prepared, and answer them aloud without notes.
Where to Go for Each Part
- Part 1: see Part 1 answer length for how much to say.
- Part 2: learn how to use your preparation minute to make keyword notes.
- Part 3: practise extended Part 3 answers with a view, a reason and an example.
Key Takeaways
- The test takes 11–14 minutes and has three parts.
- It is the same test for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
- Four equally weighted criteria set your Speaking band.
- Examiners assess your English, not your opinions or your topic knowledge.
The bottom line: Knowing what each part asks for leaves you free to concentrate on your English instead of on surprises.