IELTS Speaking for Beginners: Basic IELTS Speaking
In this article, you will learn about
- IELTS Speaking test- basic information
- Test format of IELTS Speaking
- IELTS Speaking specific info
- Practice IELTS Speaking test
- Tips of IELTS Speaking test
- Marking criteria of IELTS Speaking test
- How can I start IELTS as a beginner?
- Best tips for reviewing for a speaking test
IELTS Speaking test: basic information
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is taken by students for job, migration or higher study in those countries where English is the only way of communication. This test is arranged under British council, IDP, IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English, and for the first time, it was established in 1989.
There are two main categories of this test- IELTS Academic & IELTS General. Four modules i.e., Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading are assessed and marked by experts. But in this article, you will go in detail of IELTS speaking test.
Speaking test is same for both types of candidates and has 3 parts. In IELTS speaking test, you are asked some introductory questions. Part 2 consists of one question which is asked in the form of ‘Cue Card’ and ‘task Card’. Part 3 contains of questions which are mostly related to the part 2. These questions are about health, education hobby etc. and mostly are related to part 2.
Test format of IELTS speaking
For new comers or beginners, you need to understand IELTS speaking test format and its parts completely. This table will help you to know the basics of IELTS speaking test:
| Speaking parts | Format | Questions | Time/ Duration |
| Speaking part 1 | Introductory questions and answers | 10 to 12 questions | 4 to 5 minutes |
| Speaking part 2 | Task card/ Cue card | Individual long turn & Cue card hint | 3 to 4 minutes |
| Speaking part 3 | Two – way discussion and follow up questions | 5 to 6 questions | 4 to 5 minutes |
Speaking part 1
In IELTS speaking test, your examiner asks few questions which are related to introduction. These questions are all about your family, hometown, hobby and education etc.
There are approximately 10 to 12 questions which are asked for you. Moreover, your examiner gives you 4 to 5 minutes for this test.
Speaking part 2
In speaking part 2, you are to work in specific task which is given to you by your examiner. To attempt this particular topic, your examiner gives you paper and pen. You are given 1 minute time to prepare yourself by taking notes on the paper and, you have to speak 1 to 2 minutes.
This part is called ‘Cue card’ and also ‘Task card’.
Speaking part 3
Your examiner asks you more questions which are related to the part 2. This part and also your examiner require you to speak the answers in long detail. Basically, speaking part 3 is a two – way process between the examiner and the candidate. Speaking test part 3 takes 4 to 5 minutes. Moreover, your examiner controls your time length when you speak.
IELTS speaking specific info
- IELTS speaking test is taken on face to face and also online between the examiner and the candidate.
- This test is same for both types of candidates (Academic & General Training).
- Your examiner controls your time length when you speak.
- The examiner who asks questions decides your result at the end of the test.
- IELTS speaking test consists of 11 to 14 minutes.
- This test is recorded; if you want to take remarks of your examiner, you can ask later.
Practice IELTS Speaking test
IELTS speaking test has been designed to prepare you to study in the form of groups. Group study helps you to increase your speaking ability through practice. These groups might be your friends or fellows. You need to take all 3 parts of the test.
Keep this thing in your mind that you need to speak accurately and clearly. Don’t memories your answers before your speaking test.
For good practice, using body language (smiling face & eye contact) in front of your examiner affects speaking interview. You can practice for speaking test by recording your speech. After recording, you can listen to yourself, and identify and improve your weaknesses and mistakes easily.
For more practice, you should listen to online recordings of any candidate taking speaking test. It can be helpful for you in the IELTS speaking test.
Tips of IELTS Speaking test
Following tips will help you to enhance your ability of speaking English:
- Don’t worry; relax yourself for the speaking test
- Use body language (Eye contact & smiling face). This thing shows your confidence and full interest for this test
- In part 1, do not cram your answers
- Be natural
- Don’t use familiar words
- Use Grammatical structures of advance level
- Expands your answers
- Try to use correct pronunciation
- Don’t worry about your accent
Marking criteria for IELTS speaking test
This marking criterion will help you to enhance your ability of speaking English.
| Excellent pronunciation | 25% | Accurate utterance of words |
| Grammar Range & Accuracy | 25% | Using correct grammar, structures, tenses and punctuations |
| Lexical Resources | 25% | Paraphrasing, correct spelling and avoid errors |
| Coherence & Accuracy | 25% | Linking devices, organization of information and ideas into paragraph |
How can I start IELTS as a beginner?
Following tips will help you to start IELTS Speaking as a beginner:
- First of all, you need to choose right IELTS test.
- Before taking test, learn about the speaking questions and its types.
- As a beginner, prepare yourself for this Speaking module.
- Know about IELTS test 3 parts & IELTS test format.
- Set your goals and work accordingly.
- As a beginner, understand the band score and its importance.
Best tips for reviewing for a speaking test
- Review the vocabulary
- Review the sentence structures
- Provide specific tips
- Review the useful phrases
- Practice a lot, as practice makes you expert in speaking English
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about IELTS beginners
As a beginner, so many questions come into your mind. You need to take accurate and clear answers satisfying you persuasively. These some important questions are fruitful for you to understand IELTS speaking test as a beginner.
Q. 1 what is IELTS test?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This test is made for those people who want to go to such foreign countries where English is the native language. You need to prepare yourself completely before the test.
Q.2 There are how many types of IELTS test?
Actually, there are 2 main types of IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS general.
Q. 3 IS IELTS Speaking test same for both candidates?
IELTS Speaking test is same for both types of candidates (IELTS Academic & IELTS General).
Q. 4 How many parts are in IELTS test?
There are 3 parts of IELTS test. Part 1 consists of introductory questions. Part 2 is all about’ Cue card ‘or ‘Task card’ preparation. Part 3 contains related questions of part 2 and requires you to give answers in detail.
Q. 5 Can I ask the examiner to repeat the question?
Yes, you may ask the examiner to ask the question again.
Q.6 Is my accent important in speaking test?
Yes, it is important, because your examiner can ask you questions in any accent. For this, you need to prepare yourself for British, Australian and American accents.
Q.7 Are body language and eye contact important for higher scores?
Yes. Your body language plays a crucial role to get high bands in IELTS speaking test. Eye contact and smiling face make good impression in front of your examiner and show you a confident guy.
Q. 8 What is IELTS Speaking part 1?
IELTS Speaking part 1 is all about simple and short questions. These questions are introductory, and about your hometown, family, name, hobby and education.
Q. 9 What is IELTS speaking part 2?
IELTS Speaking part 2 consists of one question .This part is not so easy like part 1. In this part, you have to speak 1 “Cue Card” and its related questions.
Q. 10 what is IELTS speaking part 3?
IELTS speaking part 3 is a two – way process between the examiner and candidate. In this test, your examiner gives detailed answers.
Q. 11 How long is the Speaking test?
IELTS Speaking test is taken within 11 to 14 minutes. In this time, your examiner asks you many questions about all parts of the test.
Q. 12 How can I get 7.0 bands in IELTS speaking test?
To take 7.0 bands, you need to increase your fluency, pronunciation and coherence by using cohesive devices. Your good vocabulary and correct sentence structures play a vital role to get good bands in IELTS Speaking test.
Q. 13 How can I impress my examiner in IELTS Speaking test?
Examiner wants to judges your thoughts and opinions through test. To satisfy your examiner, you need to be ready to speak, natural and expressive.
Q. 14 What do I need to bring at the examination center during my speaking test?
For this test, you need to bring your identity card or passport- the document you mentioned during the process of your form filling.
Q.15 What if I fail in my IELTS speaking test?
If you don’t achieve good bands which you want to take in speaking test, do practice and once again motivate yourself for this test properly.
