Understand the question types in the IELTS Speaking test

The International English language test system (IELTS) Speaking test consists of three parts, each with different question types. Part 1 generally focuses on personal opinions and experiences, while Part 2 requires the test-taker to speak for a longer duration on a given topic. Part 3 involves a discussion with the examiner on more abstract and complex topics. It is important to understand the questions carefully and to respond appropriately, providing direct answers with reasons to extend the answers. By practicing and familiarising yourselves with the different question types, you can improve your speaking skills and perform well on the IELTS Speaking test.

Question types in the IELTS Speaking test

Here are the 3 different types of questions examined in the IELTS Speaking test:

Part 1: Introduction and questions on familiar topics

Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 minutes

The first part of the test begins with the examiner requesting you to state your name and present your identification.

Following that, you will be posed with general inquiries about yourself, such as your place of residence or your current occupation (whether you are employed or studying).

Subsequently, you will be presented with a series of questions pertaining to various familiar subjects. These topics may include your musical preferences, cooking, the weather, or your favourite movies. Generally, you will be asked about one or two of these subjects.

The examiner will ask pre-determined questions and attentively listen to your responses. If your answers are too brief, they may encourage you to elaborate further by asking "Why?" or "Why not?"

This segment of the test follows a question-answer format, focusing on your ability to effectively communicate your opinions and provide information on everyday topics by answering a diverse range of questions.

Part 2: Individual long turn

Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 minutes

Following Part 1, the examiner will assign you a topic and request that you speak about it for a duration of one to two minutes.

The topic will be provided to you on a card, accompanied by a piece of paper and a pencil for note-taking. The card will present the speaking prompt along with some points that you can address in your talk relating to the topic.

You will be given precisely one minute to prepare and make notes before you begin speaking. The examiner will use a timer and notify you when your time is up.

Once you start your talk, the examiner will indicate when to start and remind you that they will conclude your speech after two minutes. They may also pose a question regarding your previous statements before proceeding to the next section.

This section of the test evaluates your ability to express your thoughts at length on a specific topic, using appropriate language and organising your ideas in a coherent manner. Drawing upon your personal experiences related to the topic can assist you in delivering a comprehensive long turn.

Part 3: Two-way discussion

Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 minutesThe questions presented in Part 3 will revolve around the overarching topic you discussed in Part 2. During this phase, you will engage in a more abstract and broad conversation, demonstrating your capacity to express and substantiate your opinions and analyse, discuss, and speculate on the topic in greater depth.

For instance, if your long turn focused on a beautiful place to visit in your city, this section may begin by exploring the concept of beautiful places, with the initial question possibly being, "Do you believe it is crucial to preserve beautiful places within cities?"

The examiner will engage in more extensive dialogue with you in this segment and may request that you justify your opinions. This is designed to assess your proficiency in effectively communicating abstract ideas, in contrast to the personal topics discussed in Parts 1 and 2.

In Part 3, your evaluation focuses on your ability to articulate and substantiate opinions, as well as analyse, discuss, and speculate on a range of issues connected to the general topic you addressed in Part 2.

If you are looking forward to an IELTS exam and want to know about the same, well, in that case, you visit your nearest IDP IELTS test centres. They will provide you with end-to-end assistance.

Book my test