The IELTS Speaking Test in Detail

How do you feel about public speaking? How do you fare during interviews? Do you stutter and blabber? Do you resort to using speech fillers when you are trying to think of a good answer?

Public speaking scares the hell out of most people. Surely, it can get intimidating speaking in front of a crowd, and it sometimes gets worse when you know you are being assessed. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of the International English Language Testing System’s (IELTS) Speaking test to give prospective test takers an idea on what transpires during the assessment, so they can aptly prepare for it.

The IELTS has four subtests, namely, Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Specific tests are administered for the Reading and Writing examinations, depending on whether test takers are taking the IELTS Academic or General Training. Meanwhile, Listening and Speaking tests are similar for both IELTS Academic and General Training. There are also various centers that offer IELTS online reviews for those who wish to evaluate first their English language skills before taking the exam but could not take a day off from school or work.

The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts and lasts for approximately 11–14 minutes. In Part 1, the examiner asks general and personal questions involving your hobbies, interests, educational and professional backgrounds, among others. This segment assesses your ability to express opinions and to relay daily activities and situations, and it lasts for four to five minutes. If you have been in an interview, you can go through this part without a sweat! (Tip: Keep in mind that this is spontaneous and conversational. Avoid giving short answers like yes or no. You have to elaborate at least or explain your answers.)

Part 2 requires you to talk about a certain topic, depending on a task card given to you. You are given a minute to prepare. The examiner then allows you to speak of the topic and stops you after two minutes. He/She proceeds to ask you some questions related to the topic. This part assesses your ability to speak at a certain length about a given topic and to organize ideas logically. It lasts for three to four minutes. (Tip: Practice delivering a "speech" by yourself or with an observer. Time your speech.)

Part 3 is a longer discussion based on the topic in Part 2. The examiner asks questions related to it. This segment assesses your ability to elaborate opinions and to hypothesize issues. It lasts for four to five minutes. (Tip: In discussing the topic, use transitional devices to emphasize change in thought, from one idea to another.)

Keep in mind that it will not be good if you will just plainly answer the examiner’s questions. Instead, try to elaborate. There is no right or wrong answer. The assessment is based on how well you respond with the examiner. The IELTS Speaking test is graded based on fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource and pronunciation.

Should you be interested in taking an IELTS exam but do not have the time to attend reviews, you may take advantage of an IELTS online review. Some review centers offer one-on-one coaching, which will be beneficial to you as you are assured of the instructor’s full attention. Moreover, an IELTS online preparation is a more practical option than a classroom setup as it saves you time, effort and transportation costs.

A proud contributor of JRooz International or known as J.I, it is an IELTS online course that will help you improve your English language skills. For more information, search IELTS online review or IELTS online preparation for more details.