Start with the everyday.
Introduce yourself and answer questions about familiar subjects, such as your home, studies, work or interests.
Listen to the question and respond naturally, adding a little relevant detail.
Practice IELTS speaking with more confidence.
Get to know the test, find a topic worth talking about and make a little room for your next conversation.
Explore the speaking guideA SMALL PROMPT. A PLACE TO BEGIN.
YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION
Talk about a place
that feels like home.
Where is it? Who do you spend time with? What makes it special to you?
A FEW WORDS TO GET STARTED
the place the people a memory
Your ideas. Your own words.
Illustrative practice material, not an official test card.
- 11–14 minutes
- Total test time
- 3 parts
- One speaking test
- 4 criteria
- Equally weighted assessment
Know the IELTS Speaking format
From familiar topics to bigger ideas. Get to know the shape of the test before you practise.
Give your ideas a little space.
Receive a task card and use 1 minute to prepare. Then speak for up to 2 minutes, followed by a brief question or two.
The whole part includes preparation and follow-up; the long turn itself lasts up to 2 minutes.
Take the conversation further.
Discuss broader, more abstract questions connected to the Part 2 topic. Explain your ideas and consider different perspectives.
Develop a point of view with reasons or examples, rather than searching for one correct opinion.
Read the official IELTS Speaking format (opens in a new tab)
The Speaking test is the same for Academic and General Training. See the official test guidance (opens in a new tab).
What examiners assess
Four criteria carry equal weight. Build a balanced practice routine that gives attention to each.
Fluency and coherence
Keep your ideas moving and make the connections between them easy to follow.
Lexical resource
Choose varied, accurate vocabulary that expresses what you mean.
Grammatical range and accuracy
Use different sentence structures while keeping your grammar under control.
Pronunciation
Make your speech understandable, with clear sounds, stress and rhythm.
Small habits, clearer speaking
Confidence grows through small, thoughtful attempts. Give yourself something useful to notice each time.
Practice suggestions, rather than additional exam rules.Give an idea room to grow.
Extend an answer with a reason or a relevant example. Focus on what you want to communicate.
Plan with keywords, not a script.
Use the Part 2 preparation minute to note a few ideas you can develop in your own words.
Choose a clear pace.
Practise sounds, word stress and natural pauses. Being understood matters more than rushing or copying an accent.
Listen back with one goal.
Make a short recording during your own practice. Pick one thing to improve, then try again.
Find a topic. Give it your voice.
A simple routine to turn your next idea into speaking practice.
Follow your curiosity
Browse topics and choose a lesson that gives you something to talk about.
Speak in your own words
Open a practice session and use your microphone when you are ready to begin.
Notice, then try again
Review your available session records and feedback. Choose one next step for another attempt.