IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Speaking Syllabus

Speaking syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Speaking in IELTS (International English Language Testing System), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Interview Format and Procedure

   4 topics

   • Three-part face-to-face interview lasting 11 to 14 minutes
   • Identical for Academic and General Training
   • Recording of the interview and identity verification
   • Role of the examiner and pacing of the test
2. 2

   Part 1: Introduction and Familiar Topics

   4 topics

   • Identity check and introductory questions
   • Familiar topics: home, work, study, hobbies, hometown
   • Giving extended but natural responses
   • Avoiding one-word and over-rehearsed answers
3. 3

   Part 2: The Individual Long Turn

   4 topics

   • The cue card and one-minute preparation
     • Using the prompt bullet points to structure the talk
     • Making notes during preparation time
   • Speaking for one to two minutes without interruption
   • Describing people, places, events and experiences
   • Responding to the examiner's rounding-off questions
4. 4

   Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

   4 topics

   • Abstract discussion linked to the Part 2 topic
   • Expressing and justifying opinions
   • Speculating, comparing and analyzing
   • Handling follow-up and challenging questions
5. 5

   Speaking Assessment Criteria

   4 topics

   • Fluency and Coherence: flow, hesitation and cohesion
   • Lexical Resource: range, idiom and paraphrase
   • Grammatical Range and Accuracy in speech
   • Pronunciation
     • Individual sounds, word and sentence stress
     • Intonation, rhythm and intelligibility

Speaking flashcards for IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

25 of 50 cards from the Speaking deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. How many parts does the IELTS Speaking test have, and how long does it last?

   It is a three-part, face-to-face interview lasting 11 to 14 minutes in total.

2. Is the IELTS Speaking test different for Academic and General Training candidates?

   No. The Speaking test is identical in format and content for both Academic and General Training versions.

3. Why is the IELTS Speaking interview audio-recorded?

   It is recorded for monitoring, remarking, and quality/security purposes, ensuring results can be reviewed and verified.

4. What identity step occurs at the start of the Speaking test?

   The examiner verifies the candidate's identity (checking ID and confirming name) before the assessed questions begin.

5. What is the examiner's role during the IELTS Speaking test?

   The examiner asks questions, manages timing and pacing, ensures the format is followed, and assesses the candidate against the band descriptors.

6. Can a candidate change their answers or pacing by talking to the examiner?

   No. The examiner controls the pacing and structure; candidates respond to the set questions and prompts but cannot alter the test format.

7. What happens during the introduction phase of Part 1?

   The examiner greets the candidate, confirms identity, and asks introductory questions about familiar everyday topics.

8. How long does Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test typically last?

   Part 1 lasts about 4 to 5 minutes.

9. What kinds of topics are covered in Part 1 of the Speaking test?

   Familiar everyday topics such as home, family, work, study, hobbies, and hometown.

10. What is the main skill being tested in Part 1?

    The ability to give extended, natural answers to questions on familiar personal topics.

11. Why should candidates avoid one-word answers in Part 1?

    One-word answers give too little language to assess; examiners want extended responses that show range and fluency.

12. Why are over-rehearsed, memorized answers penalized in IELTS Speaking?

    Memorized answers sound unnatural, often don't fit the question, and examiners are trained to disregard them, lowering the score.

13. How should a candidate ideally extend a short Part 1 answer?

    By adding reasons, examples, or details (e.g., answer plus explanation) to make the response natural and developed.

14. What does Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test involve?

    The candidate is given a cue card on a topic, has one minute to prepare, then speaks for one to two minutes.

15. How long does a candidate have to prepare for the Part 2 long turn?

    Exactly one minute of preparation time, with pencil and paper provided for notes.

16. How long must the candidate speak in the Part 2 long turn?

    For one to two minutes, without interruption from the examiner.

17. What is a 'cue card' in IELTS Speaking?

    A card given in Part 2 that states a topic and lists prompts/points the candidate should address in their talk.

18. What is the 'long turn' in IELTS Speaking?

    Part 2, where the candidate speaks alone for 1-2 minutes on the cue card topic without interruption.

19. What types of subjects do Part 2 cue cards usually ask candidates to describe?

    People, places, events, objects, and personal experiences.

20. What should a candidate do with the one minute of Part 2 preparation time?

    Make brief notes/ideas covering the cue card prompts to structure the talk and avoid running out of things to say.

21. What happens at the end of the Part 2 long turn?

    The examiner asks one or two brief rounding-off questions related to the talk before moving to Part 3.

22. What is the purpose of the examiner's rounding-off questions after Part 2?

    To bring the long turn to a natural close; they require only short answers and are not deeply assessed.

23. What is the focus of Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test?

    A two-way discussion of more abstract ideas and issues linked thematically to the Part 2 topic.

24. How long does Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test last?

    About 4 to 5 minutes.

25. How does Part 3 relate to Part 2?

    Part 3 explores broader, more abstract themes connected to the Part 2 topic, moving from personal to general/societal discussion.

See more Speaking flashcards →

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