The IELTS Speaking test lasts 11–14 minutes and has three parts. Knowing what to expect from each part removes anxiety and allows you to focus on language quality.
Part 1 (4–5 minutes): Familiar topics — home, work, hobbies, daily life
- Strategy: Give 3–5 sentence answers. Use PEEL. Do not over-prepare scripted answers.
Part 2 (3–4 minutes): Long turn — describe a person, place, event, or object
- Strategy: Use your 1 minute to write 3–4 key words per bullet point. Speak for the full 2 minutes. Use the four-part structure.
Part 3 (4–5 minutes): Abstract discussion — society, trends, opinions
- Strategy: Use the Position-Reason-Example-Concession-Reaffirm formula. Aim for 60–90 seconds per answer.
Self-assessment checklist after each practice:
- Did I answer all parts of the question?
- Did I speak for the expected length?
- Did I use a range of vocabulary (not repeat the same words)?
- Did I use at least two different grammatical structures?
- Did I use natural fillers when I needed thinking time?
- Was my pronunciation clear and intelligible?
Part 1 self-assessment example
Q: Do you prefer reading books or watching films? A: I would say I prefer reading, actually, because I find it more immersive. When I read, I can create my own mental images of the characters and settings, which I find more engaging than watching someone else's interpretation. That said, I do enjoy a good film, particularly when it is based on a book I have already read.
Why this works: Length: 4 sentences ✓. PEEL: Point (prefer reading) → Explain (more immersive) → Example (mental images) → Link (that said, films too) ✓. Vocabulary: immersive, engaging, interpretation ✓.
immersive
providing a deep, absorbing experience
Example: Reading is a very immersive activity.
interpretation
a particular way of understanding or presenting something
Example: I prefer my own interpretation of the story.
In a full speaking test, aim to use all five key structures at least once: conditional, relative clause, passive voice, comparative, and cleft sentence.
- →If I had more free time, I would definitely travel more. (conditional)
- →The city, which has grown rapidly over the past decade, now faces serious infrastructure challenges. (relative)
- →It is widely believed that education is the key to social mobility. (passive)
- →Rural areas tend to be considerably more peaceful than urban centres. (comparative)
- →What I find most concerning is the lack of investment in public transport. (cleft)
- Part 1: 3–5 sentences. Part 2: 2 full minutes. Part 3: 60–90 seconds.
- Use the self-assessment checklist after every practice session.
- Do not memorise scripted answers — examiners can tell, and it lowers your score.
- Aim to use at least three different complex grammatical structures across the full test.
Complete a full mock speaking test with Anna. After the session, use the self-assessment checklist above to evaluate your performance and identify one area to improve before your next practice.