IELTS Speaking Practice
Get ready for every part of the IELTS Speaking test — from the Part 2 long turn to the Part 3 discussion — with sample questions, the four band criteria explained, and live mock sessions with real feedback.
Test format at a glance
The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner, lasting 11–14 minutes across three parts. It is recorded and scored the same way for Academic and General Training.
Duration
11–14 minutes
Parts
3 parts
Format
Face-to-face
Assessment
4 criteria
How the band score is calculated
IELTS Speaking is scored by the examiner in the room. They rate you from 0 to 9 on four equally-weighted criteria across the whole interview, and the average becomes your Speaking band. There are no right or wrong answers — it is entirely about how you use English.
Fluency & Coherence
Can you speak at length without long hesitation, linking your ideas so they are easy to follow?
Lexical Resource
How flexibly and precisely do you use vocabulary, including paraphrase and idiomatic language?
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Do you use a mix of simple and complex structures accurately?
Pronunciation
Are you easy to understand, with natural stress, rhythm and intonation?
The four criteria are averaged, so a weakness in one area — often grammar or pronunciation — can hold back an otherwise strong performance. Balanced improvement pays off.
The three Speaking parts
The test always follows the same three-part structure, so you can prepare for the shape of it even though the exact questions change.
Part 1 — Interview (4–5 min)
Familiar questions about you: home, work or study, hobbies and everyday topics — designed to settle you in.
Part 2 — Long turn (3–4 min)
You get a cue card, one minute to prepare, then speak for up to two minutes on the topic.
Part 3 — Discussion (4–5 min)
A two-way discussion of more abstract ideas linked to the Part 2 topic, testing depth and opinion.
Practise now — free, no sign-up
Because speaking needs a real conversation, practise it in a live one-to-one mock with a certified instructor over video. You get a band estimate and specific feedback on fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.
Book a speaking mock- Live video mock with a certified instructor
- Real Part 1, Part 2 cue card and Part 3 discussion
- Band estimate plus criterion-by-criterion feedback
Tips to raise your band
Extend your answers — give a reason or an example rather than a one-word reply.
Use your one minute of Part 2 prep to jot keywords, not full sentences.
It's fine to pause to think; use natural fillers like 'that's an interesting question'.
Show range with linking words and a mix of tenses, but keep it accurate.
Speak clearly at a natural pace — pronunciation is judged on being understood, not on your accent.
Frequently asked questions
How can I practise IELTS Speaking online?
Book a live one-to-one video mock with a certified instructor. You'll go through all three parts and receive a band estimate with specific feedback.
How long is the IELTS Speaking test?
It lasts 11–14 minutes and has three parts: a short interview, a long turn from a cue card, and a two-way discussion.
How is IELTS Speaking scored?
The examiner rates you 0–9 on four equal criteria — fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation — and averages them for your Speaking band.
Do I need a special accent for a high band?
No. Pronunciation is judged on how easy you are to understand, not on having a British or American accent.
What happens in Part 2?
You're given a cue card and one minute to prepare, then you speak for up to two minutes on the topic before a few follow-up questions.
Practise the other IELTS skills
Free, exam-style practice for every part of the test.
Ready to raise your band score?
Join thousands of learners practising with instant scoring and real examiner feedback.
Already have an account? Sign in