IELTS Speaking FAQs

What is the format of the IELTS Speaking test?

The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts. In Part 1, you will answer general questions about yourself and your life. In Part 2, you will be given a topic to speak about for up to two minutes. In Part 3, you will answer follow-up questions related to the topic in Part 2.

How long is the IELTS Speaking test?

The IELTS Speaking test takes approximately 11-14 minutes to complete.

How is the IELTS Speaking test assessed?

The IELTS Speaking test is assessed by a certified examiner who evaluates your performance based on a set of criteria, such as fluency, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question during the test?

Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat a question or clarify a point if you do not understand it.

Can I use a dictionary or translator during the Speaking test?

No, you are not allowed to use a dictionary or translator during the IELTS Speaking test. You are expected to demonstrate your ability to communicate in English without assistance.

What should I wear to the Speaking test?

There is no dress code for the IELTS Speaking test. However, you should dress comfortably and professionally.

Can I bring a friend or family member to the Speaking test?

No, you are not allowed to bring anyone with you to the IELTS Speaking test. Only registered candidates are allowed to enter the test room.

Can I reschedule my Speaking test if I am unable to attend on the scheduled date?

Yes, you can request to reschedule your IELTS Speaking test if you have a valid reason, such as illness or a family emergency. However, you must provide supporting documentation and pay a fee to do so.

How soon will I receive my Speaking test score?

You will typically receive your IELTS Speaking test score within 2 to 21 days of completing the test. Your score will be available online and will also be sent to the institutions you specified during registration.

Can I choose the topic for Part 2 of the Speaking test?

No, you cannot choose the topic for Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test. The topic will be given to you by the examiner.

Will the examiner interrupt me if I go over the time limit?

Yes, the examiner will interrupt you if you go over the time limit for any part of the Speaking test. It is important to practice pacing yourself and keeping your answers concise.

Can I ask the examiner questions during the Speaking test?

No, you cannot ask the examiner questions during the IELTS Speaking test. You are there to demonstrate your ability to communicate in English, not to ask questions.

Can I bring my own pen or pencil to the Speaking test?

No, you will be provided with a pen or pencil to use during the IELTS Speaking test. You are not allowed to bring your own writing instruments.

Can I use contractions during the Speaking test?

Yes, using contractions (such as “I’m” instead of “I am”) is generally acceptable in the IELTS Speaking test.

Can I use a range of tenses during the Speaking test?

Yes, you should try to use a range of tenses (such as present, past, and future) during the IELTS Speaking test to demonstrate your fluency and proficiency in English.

Will the examiner correct me if I make a mistake?

No, the examiner will not correct you if you make a mistake during the IELTS Speaking test. Your performance will be assessed based on your overall ability to communicate in English, rather than on individual errors or mistakes.

Can I prepare for the Speaking test in advance?

Yes, you can prepare for the IELTS Speaking test in advance by practising your English speaking skills and familiarizing yourself with the test format and requirements.

Is it better to speak quickly or slowly during the Speaking test?

It is better to speak at a natural pace that is comfortable for you, rather than trying to speak quickly or slowly. However, you should aim to speak clearly and with good pronunciation.

What happens if I do not speak for the full two minutes in Part 2?

If you do not speak for the full two minutes in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may prompt you to continue or ask you follow-up questions to encourage you to speak more.

Can I use examples from my own life or culture during the Speaking test?

Yes, you can use examples from your own life or culture during the IELTS Speaking test. In fact, this can help you to demonstrate your fluency and ability to communicate effectively.

Will the examiner ask me personal questions during the Speaking test?

Yes, Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test typically includes personal questions about your life, interests, and experiences.

Can I take breaks during the Speaking test?

No, you are not allowed to take breaks during the IELTS Speaking test. It is important to be prepared to speak for the full 11-14 minutes without interruption.

Can I request a specific type of accent for the examiner during the Speaking test?

No, you cannot request a specific type of accent for the examiner during the IELTS Speaking test. The examiner will speak with a standard British or Australian accent, depending on the test location.

Will the examiner assess my body language and gestures during the Speaking test?

Yes, the examiner will assess your body language and nonverbal communication during the IELTS Speaking test, along with your language proficiency and fluency.

Can I ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a question during the Speaking test?

Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat or clarify a question if you do not understand it. However, you should try to avoid doing this too frequently, as it may affect your overall performance.

Can I take notes during the Speaking test?

Yes, you are allowed to take notes during the IELTS Speaking test, particularly during the preparation time for Part 2. However, you should try to focus on speaking naturally and not rely too heavily on your notes.

What happens if I do not understand a word or phrase during the Speaking test?

If you do not understand a word or phrase during the IELTS Speaking test, you can ask the examiner to explain it to you. However, you should try to use context clues and other language skills to understand the meaning before asking for clarification.

Can I ask the examiner to give me feedback on my performance during the Speaking test?

No, the examiner will not provide feedback on your performance during the IELTS Speaking test. However, you will receive a score and a detailed report on your performance after the test.

Can I talk about controversial or sensitive topics during the Speaking test?

It is generally best to avoid discussing controversial or sensitive topics during the IELTS Speaking test, as this can affect your overall performance. However, you can express your opinions and beliefs on various topics, as long as you do so in a respectful and appropriate manner.

What happens if I do not answer a question during the Speaking test?

If you do not answer a question during the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may prompt you to answer or ask you follow-up questions to encourage you to speak more. However, you should aim to answer each question to the best of your ability.

Can I use filler words like “um” or “ah” during the Speaking test?

It is best to avoid using filler words like “um” or “ah” during the IELTS Speaking test, as this can affect your fluency and coherence scores. However, using some natural pauses and hesitation can be appropriate in certain contexts.

Can I use contractions during the Speaking test?

Yes, using contractions is appropriate and natural during the IELTS Speaking test, as long as they are used appropriately and do not affect your overall communication.

Can I use gestures or facial expressions during the Speaking test?

Yes, using appropriate gestures and facial expressions can enhance your nonverbal communication during the IELTS Speaking test. However, you should be careful not to rely too heavily on these nonverbal cues and focus on speaking naturally.

Can I use idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs during the Speaking test?

Yes, using idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs can be appropriate and natural during the IELTS Speaking test, as long as they are used appropriately and do not detract from your overall communication.

What happens if I speak for too long or not long enough during the Speaking test?

If you speak for too long or not long enough during the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will prompt you to either continue speaking or move on to the next question. It is important to pace yourself appropriately and aim to speak for the allotted time for each section.

Can I use examples from my own life or personal experience during the Speaking test?

Yes, using examples from your own life or personal experience can enhance your communication and provide more detail during the IELTS Speaking test. However, you should also be prepared to speak about hypothetical situations and general topics.

Can I use a dictionary or notes during the Speaking test?

No, you are not allowed to use a dictionary or notes during the IELTS Speaking test. However, you can take notes during the preparation time before each section.

Can I interrupt the examiner during the Speaking test?

No, you should not interrupt the examiner during the IELTS Speaking test. You should wait until the examiner has finished speaking before answering the question or responding to a prompt.

Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question during the Speaking test?

Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat a question or clarify a prompt during the IELTS Speaking test if you do not understand it.

Can I change my answers during the Speaking test?

Yes, you can change or revise your answers during the IELTS Speaking test if you need to. However, you should aim to provide a clear and consistent response to each question.

Can I use my native language during the Speaking test?

No, you are not allowed to use your native language during the IELTS Speaking test. You must communicate in English throughout the test.

Can I prepare memorized answers for the Speaking test?

No, you should not prepare memorized answers for the IELTS Speaking test. The test is designed to assess your ability to communicate spontaneously and effectively in English, so it is important to focus on developing your communication skills rather than memorizing specific answers.

Can I use abbreviations during the Speaking test?

Yes, using appropriate abbreviations can be natural and effective during the IELTS Speaking test. However, you should make sure that the examiner understands the abbreviation and that it is appropriate for the context.

Can I use complex sentences during the Speaking test?

Yes, using complex sentences and varied sentence structures can demonstrate your language proficiency and help you communicate more effectively during the IELTS Speaking test. However, you should also focus on communicating clearly and naturally, and avoid using overly complex language that may hinder your communication.

Can I use gestures or body language during the Speaking test?

Yes, using appropriate gestures and body language can enhance your communication and help convey your message more effectively during the IELTS Speaking test. However, you should avoid using excessive or distracting gestures, and make sure that your body language is appropriate for the context.

Can I use my own opinions during the Speaking test?

Yes, using your own opinions and ideas can demonstrate your ability to express yourself and communicate effectively in English during the IELTS Speaking test. However, you should also be able to support your opinions with relevant examples and details, and be prepared to consider and discuss alternative viewpoints.

Can I use the same vocabulary or phrases in different parts of the Speaking test?

Yes, using some repeated vocabulary or phrases can be natural and effective during the IELTS Speaking test, especially if they are appropriate for the context and help you communicate more effectively. However, you should also aim to use a varied and diverse range of vocabulary and phrases to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Can I request a different examiner or a re-marking of my Speaking test score?

No, you cannot request a different examiner or a re-marking of your Speaking test score. The test is designed to be objective and fair, and your score will be determined by a trained and experienced examiner based on a standardized scoring system. However, you can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR) if you believe that there has been an error or discrepancy in the scoring process.

Can I ask the examiner to repeat the question or clarify their meaning during the Speaking test?

Yes, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question or clarify their meaning during the IELTS Speaking test if you do not understand the question or need more information to answer it. However, you should try to do so politely and without interrupting the flow of the conversation.

Can I use notes or a script during the Speaking test?

No, you cannot use notes or a script during the IELTS Speaking test. The test is designed to assess your ability to communicate spontaneously and effectively in English, so it is important to focus on developing your communication skills rather than relying on written materials.

Can I speak in a different accent or dialect during the Speaking test?

Yes, you can speak in a different accent or dialect during the IELTS Speaking test, as long as you are still communicating effectively and clearly in English. However, you should also be aware that the examiner may not be familiar with certain accents or dialects, and that your pronunciation and intonation may affect your overall score.

Can I ask the examiner for feedback or corrections during the Speaking test?

No, the examiner is not allowed to provide feedback or corrections during the IELTS Speaking test. The test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English, and your score will be determined based on a standardized scoring system.

Can I bring a dictionary or other reference materials to the Speaking test?

No, you cannot bring a dictionary or other reference materials to the IELTS Speaking test. The test is designed to assess your ability to communicate spontaneously and effectively in English, so it is important to focus on developing your communication skills rather than relying on external resources.

Can I use slang or informal language during the Speaking test?

Using slang or informal language during the IELTS Speaking test may be appropriate in some contexts, but it can also be risky as it may not be understood by the examiner or may not be appropriate for the formal setting of the test. It is generally better to use standard English and avoid using overly informal language or slang.

Can I pause or take a moment to think before answering a question during the Speaking test?

Yes, you can pause or take a moment to think before answering a question during the IELTS Speaking test, as long as you do not take too long and do not leave long periods of silence. It is also important to use this time effectively to organize your thoughts and plan your answer.

Can I use humor or jokes during the Speaking test?

Using humor or jokes during the IELTS Speaking test may be appropriate in some contexts, but it can also be risky as it may not be understood by the examiner or may not be appropriate for the formal setting of the test. It is generally better to use appropriate and relevant examples to support your ideas and opinions.

Can I use contractions or abbreviated forms of words during the Speaking test?

Using contractions or abbreviated forms of words during the IELTS Speaking test may be appropriate in some contexts, but it is generally better to use full forms of words and avoid using overly informal language or contractions.

Can I ask the examiner questions during the Speaking test?

No, you cannot ask the examiner questions during the IELTS Speaking test. The test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English, and the examiner’s role is to ask questions and assess your responses based on a standardized scoring system.