The IELTS Speaking Interview takes place separately from the other three sections of the test.  It is marked in whole band scores of 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest).  The interview takes 11-15 minutes and includes three sections:

Part 1:

Part 1 is conversational.  You will be expected to introduce yourself and answer a number of questions about personal topics like:

• your hometown
• your country
• your family
• your background
• your education
• your experiences
• your future plans
• your preferences and habits

Part 2:

Part 2 is non-conversational.

You will be given a card and will be asked to speak on the topic outlined on the card.  You have 60 seconds to prepare your speech (you will be given a pencil and paper to take notes, which you can use), then 1-2 minutes to give a short speech which must include all the points on the card.

View the FREE Speaking interview at the top of this page to read through a Part 2 topic card and some sample answers.

Part 3:

Part 3 of the speaking interview extends the topic introduced on the card in Part 2.  The interviewer will ask you more wider questions about the topic and you will respond.  In this section of the interview, it is expected that you will speak on a more universal level, so you should try to talk about the topic as it relates to society, a country or on a global level, and not a personal one.  Part 3 questions ask you to describe, explain, compare, contrast, speculate, or evaluate.