International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 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 International English Language Testing System (IELTS), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Speaking Test Format

   4 topics

   • Three-part face-to-face interview
   • Part 1: introduction and familiar topics
   • Part 2: the long turn with a cue card
     • One-minute preparation and note-taking
     • Speaking for one to two minutes
   • Part 3: two-way discussion of abstract ideas
2. 2

   Assessment Criteria

   4 topics

   • Fluency and Coherence
     • Hesitation, self-correction and pace
     • Linking ideas naturally
   • Lexical Resource and paraphrase
   • Grammatical Range and Accuracy
   • Pronunciation
     • Individual sounds and word stress
     • Sentence stress, rhythm and intonation
3. 3

   Speaking Strategies

   4 topics

   • Extending answers beyond yes/no
   • Structuring the Part 2 long turn
   • Speculating, comparing and justifying in Part 3
   • Buying time and managing the unexpected
     • Natural fillers and rephrasing
     • Handling unfamiliar topics
4. 4

   Topic Familiarity

   4 topics

   • Common Part 1 themes (home, work, hobbies)
   • Describing people, places, events and objects
   • Abstract themes (society, technology, environment)
   • Opinion and hypothetical language

Speaking flashcards for International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

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

1. How many parts does the IELTS Speaking test have, and what is its overall format?

   It has three parts and is a one-on-one, face-to-face interview with a single examiner. The whole test lasts 11 to 14 minutes and is recorded.

2. How long does the entire IELTS Speaking test last?

   Between 11 and 14 minutes in total, across all three parts combined.

3. What four criteria are used to assess IELTS Speaking, and what is each worth?

   Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Each criterion contributes 25% (one quarter) of the overall Speaking band score.

4. How is the overall IELTS Speaking band score calculated from the four criteria?

   The four criteria are equally weighted at 25% each and averaged: $\text{Band} = \frac{FC + LR + GRA + P}{4}$, then reported in whole or half bands.

5. What happens in Part 1 of IELTS Speaking, and how long does it last?

   Part 1 is an introduction and interview about familiar, personal topics (home, work/study, hobbies). It lasts 4 to 5 minutes, with the examiner asking short questions on two or three everyday themes.

6. What is the structure and timing of Part 2 (the long turn)?

   You receive a cue card with a topic, get 1 minute to prepare (with paper and pencil), then speak alone for 1 to 2 minutes, after which the examiner may ask one or two rounding-off questions.

7. What is the focus and timing of Part 3 of IELTS Speaking?

   Part 3 is a two-way discussion of more abstract ideas connected to the Part 2 topic. It lasts 4 to 5 minutes and tests your ability to express and justify opinions on broader, abstract issues.

8. In Part 2, how much preparation time do you get and what aids are provided?

   You get exactly 1 minute to prepare, during which you are given a pencil and paper to make notes before you begin speaking.

9. Define 'Fluency and Coherence' as an IELTS Speaking criterion.

   Fluency is the ability to speak at length without unnatural pauses, hesitation or self-correction; coherence is logically connecting ideas with appropriate linking words so the speech is easy to follow.

10. Define 'Lexical Resource' as an IELTS Speaking criterion.

    It is the range and accuracy of vocabulary used, including the ability to paraphrase, use collocations and idiomatic language, and convey precise meaning on a variety of topics.

11. Define 'Grammatical Range and Accuracy' in IELTS Speaking.

    The range of grammatical structures (simple and complex sentences, tenses, conditionals) you can use and how accurately you use them, including the frequency and effect of grammatical errors.

12. What does the 'Pronunciation' criterion assess in IELTS Speaking?

    How clearly and naturally you produce sounds, including individual sounds, word and sentence stress, rhythm, intonation, and chunking — assessed on intelligibility, not on having a particular accent.

13. Why should you avoid simple yes/no answers in Part 1, and how do you extend them?

    Yes/no answers give no evidence of language range. Extend by adding a reason, an example, a detail, or a contrast — typically following an 'answer + reason + example' pattern.

14. What is a reliable structure for extending a Part 1 answer beyond yes/no?

    Answer the question directly, then give a reason ('because…'), then add an example or a personal detail ('for instance…' or 'these days…'). This turns a one-word reply into two or three sentences.

15. What is an effective way to structure the Part 2 long turn?

    Address each bullet point on the cue card in order, then expand on the final point or your feelings, and use signposting language ('I'd like to talk about…', 'The reason I chose this is…', 'What stood out was…') to maintain coherence.

16. How should you use the cue card bullet points in Part 2?

    Treat them as a ready-made outline: cover each bullet (what/who/where/when/why) in turn to ensure you speak for the full 1 to 2 minutes with organised, relevant content.

17. What kinds of thinking and language are tested in Part 3?

    Speculating, comparing, justifying opinions, and discussing abstract themes. You need hypothetical, comparative and opinion language to analyse causes, consequences and future possibilities.

18. Give three useful language functions for Part 3 and an example phrase for each.

    Speculating: 'It might well lead to…'; Comparing: 'Whereas in the past…, nowadays…'; Justifying: 'The main reason for this is…'. These show range and engage with abstract ideas.

19. What are 'buying-time' phrases and why are they useful in IELTS Speaking?

    They are natural fillers that give thinking time without dead silence, e.g. 'That's an interesting question…', 'Let me think for a moment…', 'I've never really thought about that, but…'. They keep fluency intact while you organise ideas.

20. How should you manage the unexpected, such as not understanding a Part 3 question?

    Ask for clarification or paraphrase the question yourself: 'Could you rephrase that?', 'Do you mean…?', or 'If I understand correctly, you're asking…'. This is acceptable and shows interactive competence.

21. List three common Part 1 themes and a typical question for each.

    Home/accommodation ('Do you live in a house or a flat?'), Work or study ('What do you do?'), and Hobbies/free time ('What do you like to do in your spare time?').

22. What is 'paraphrase' and why is it important for Lexical Resource?

    Paraphrasing is expressing the same idea using different words or structures. It demonstrates vocabulary flexibility, helps when you forget a specific word, and raises your Lexical Resource score.

23. When describing a person in Part 2, what aspects should you typically cover?

    Physical appearance, personality/character traits, your relationship to them, what they do, and why they are significant or memorable to you.

24. When describing a place in Part 2, what details strengthen your answer?

    Location, appearance/atmosphere, what you can do or see there, sensory details, and why it is special or how it makes you feel.

25. When describing an event in Part 2, what elements should you include?

    When and where it happened, who was involved, what happened in sequence, how you felt, and why it was memorable or important.

See more Speaking flashcards →

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