IELTS Academic Speaking: Three Parts and Four Criteria
The Speaking domain is a face-to-face interview of 11–14 minutes, often conducted by video. It tests your ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday and abstract topics. You are assessed on Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation, each worth 25%.
Format
- Part 1 (4–5 minutes): questions on familiar topics such as home, work, studies, hobbies and daily routines.
- Part 2 (3–4 minutes): you receive a cue card, have 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes. The examiner asks one or two rounding-off questions.
- Part 3 (4–5 minutes): a discussion of abstract issues linked to the Part 2 topic, such as trends, causes, comparisons and predictions.
Core rules
- Extend every answer: direct answer + reason + detail or example. In Part 1, two to four sentences is usually enough.
- In Part 2, cover all the bullets on the card and use your notes for structure, not a written script.
- In Part 3, give general views and speculate; do not retreat into a personal anecdote when asked about society.
- Fluency includes natural self-correction. Memorised speeches sound unnatural and may not fit the question.
Worked example
Part 1 question: “Do you enjoy cooking?” A weak answer is “Yes, I like cooking.” A stronger answer is: “Yes, I do-mainly because it helps me unwind after work. I usually make simple pasta dishes, and at weekends I try something new.” Reasoning: it answers directly, gives a reason and adds specific detail. The vocabulary is natural rather than forced, and the present simple with frequency adverbs is accurate.
Traps that cost marks
- Giving one-word or two-word answers in Part 1.
- Rehearsing a Part 2 answer that does not match the card.
- Stopping before one minute in Part 2; aim for about 1 minute 45 seconds.
- Speaking too quietly or with flat intonation, which affects Pronunciation.
- Misunderstanding a Part 3 question and answering a different one.