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Free IELTS Practice Tests | Target Band Score Achievement

IELTS Speaking: Complete Preparation Guide

IELTS Speaking Test Format

Duration 11-14 minutes
Format Face-to-face interview
Parts 3 distinct parts
Recording Audio recorded

Part 1: Introduction (4-5 min)

  • Personal questions
  • Familiar topics
  • Home, family, work, studies
  • Hobbies, interests

Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 min)

  • 1 minute preparation
  • 2 minutes speaking
  • Topic card with prompts
  • Follow-up questions

Part 3: Discussion (4-5 min)

  • Abstract discussion
  • Related to Part 2 topic
  • Complex ideas and opinions
  • Future, society, trends

Speaking Band Score Criteria

Band Fluency & Coherence Lexical Resource Grammatical Range Pronunciation
9 Speaks fluently with natural hesitation Uses vocabulary naturally and precisely Uses full range of structures naturally Uses wide range of features effectively
8 Speaks fluently with occasional repetition Uses wide vocabulary with flexibility Uses wide range with good flexibility Uses wide range of features effectively
7 Speaks at length without apparent effort Shows flexibility and precise usage Good range of complex structures Shows all positive features consistently
6 Willing to speak at length with hesitation Has vocabulary to discuss topics at length Uses mix of simple and complex forms Uses range of features with mixed control

Part 1: Getting Started Strong

Common Part 1 Topics

  • Home & Accommodation
  • Work & Studies
  • Family & Friends
  • Hobbies & Interests
  • Daily Routine
  • Food & Cooking
  • Transport
  • Shopping
  • Weather & Seasons
  • Technology
  • Music & Movies
  • Sports & Exercise

Part 1 Strategies

  • Extend answers: Don't give one-word answers
  • Add reasons: Explain why/how/when
  • Give examples: Make answers specific
  • Show range: Use varied vocabulary and grammar
  • Stay natural: Don't over-prepare responses

Sample Part 1 Question & Answers

Good Answer (Band 7+):
"Yes, I really enjoy cooking, especially on weekends when I have more time to experiment with new recipes. I find it quite relaxing and creative - it's like a form of stress relief after a busy week. I particularly enjoy making Italian dishes because I love the fresh ingredients and bold flavors."
Basic Answer (Band 5-6):
"Yes, I like cooking. I cook sometimes at home. I make simple food like rice and vegetables. It's good for health and saves money."

Part 2: The Long Turn Challenge

Part 2 Strategy: PREP Method

P
POINT
Make your main point clear
R
REASON
Explain why/how
E
EXAMPLE
Give specific examples
P
PERSONAL
Make it personal/relevant

Time Management

  • 1 minute prep: Make quick notes
  • 2 minutes speaking:
    • 30s: Introduction & overview
    • 90s: Main content (bullet points)
    • Finish naturally when time's up

Sample Part 2 Cue Card

Describe a person who has influenced you positively

You should say:

  • Who this person is
  • How you know them
  • What positive influence they had on you
  • And explain why this person's influence was important to you

Part 3: Abstract Discussion

Part 3 Question Types

  • Opinion questions: "What do you think about...?"
  • Comparison: "How has ... changed over time?"
  • Hypothetical: "What might happen if...?"
  • Cause/Effect: "Why do you think...?"
  • Solutions: "How can we solve...?"
  • Future predictions: "What will ... be like in the future?"

Advanced Language Features

  • Conditionals: "If society continues..., then..."
  • Modal verbs: "This could/might/may result in..."
  • Complex tenses: "By 2050, technology will have..."
  • Hedging: "It seems to me that...", "Generally speaking..."
  • Contrasting: "On the one hand... On the other hand..."

Pronunciation & Fluency Tips

Word Stress

Learn correct stress patterns for common words. Practice with apps or online dictionaries that show pronunciation.

Examples:
photograph ’ PHO-to-graph
photography ’ pho-TOG-ra-phy
Intonation

Use rising intonation for questions and falling intonation for statements. Vary your tone to show interest and engagement.

Practice:
Record yourself speaking and compare with native speakers
Natural Pauses

Use natural hesitation devices like "Well...", "Let me think...", "That's a good question..." instead of long silences.

Helpful phrases:
"That's interesting..." / "Actually..." / "To be honest..."

Topic Vocabulary & Ideas

Key Vocabulary:
  • acquire knowledge, gain insights
  • comprehensive curriculum
  • critical thinking skills
  • lifelong learning
  • educational outcomes
  • academic achievement
Discussion Ideas:
  • Traditional vs modern teaching methods
  • Impact of technology on education
  • Importance of practical vs theoretical knowledge
  • Role of universities in society
  • Adult education and career changes

Key Vocabulary:
  • cutting-edge technology
  • digital transformation
  • artificial intelligence
  • automated systems
  • technological advancement
  • innovative solutions
Discussion Ideas:
  • Benefits and drawbacks of social media
  • Impact of AI on employment
  • Privacy concerns in the digital age
  • Technology addiction among young people
  • Future of work and automation

Key Vocabulary:
  • environmental degradation
  • sustainable development
  • renewable energy sources
  • carbon footprint
  • eco-friendly alternatives
  • climate change mitigation
Discussion Ideas:
  • Individual vs government responsibility
  • Economic growth vs environmental protection
  • Role of education in environmental awareness
  • Green technology and innovation
  • Impact of consumerism on the environment

Interactive Speaking Tools

Speaking Timer

Practice with authentic IELTS timing for all three parts of the speaking test.

Use Timer
Cue Card Generator

Get random Part 2 topics to practice your 2-minute speaking skills.

Practice Now
Recording Practice

Record yourself answering questions and analyze your performance.

Start Recording

Common Speaking Mistakes to Avoid

Fluency & Coherence Issues

  • Long silences and frequent hesitation
  • Memorized answers that don't fit questions
  • Lack of connecting ideas logically
  • Speaking too fast or too slowly
  • Not extending answers appropriately

Language & Content Issues

  • Limited vocabulary and repetitive language
  • Grammar errors affecting meaning
  • Poor pronunciation affecting understanding
  • Going off-topic or misunderstanding questions
  • Being too formal or informal

Speaking Practice Resources

Daily Speaking Practice Routine (30 min)

  1. Warm-up (5 min): Describe your day or plans
  2. Part 1 practice (10 min): Answer questions about familiar topics
  3. Part 2 practice (10 min): Practice with a cue card and timer
  4. Part 3 discussion (5 min): Discuss abstract ideas related to Part 2
Speaking Partners
  • Language exchange apps
  • IELTS study groups
  • Online speaking clubs
  • Professional tutoring
Listening Resources
  • BBC Learning English
  • TED Talks
  • English podcasts
  • YouTube educational channels
Study Materials
  • Cambridge IELTS Speaking
  • IELTS Speaking Success
  • Pronunciation apps
  • Grammar reference books