IELTS Academic Speaking

The IELTS Academic Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. It is designed to evaluate a wide range of speaking skills, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. The test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of three parts:

Sample 1

Read this sample speaking and conduct this with your teachers.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

In this part, the examiner introduces themselves and asks you to introduce yourself. You will need to show your identification. The examiner will then ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests.

Key Points:

• Respond with full sentences.
• Provide detailed answers, not just yes or no.
• Be prepared to talk about your personal experiences and opinions.

Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

In this part, the examiner gives you a task card with a topic. You will have one minute to prepare your response and can make notes. You will then need to speak for one to two minutes on the topic. The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions after you finish your talk.

Key Points:

• Use the preparation time wisely to organize your thoughts.
• Ensure you cover all the points on the task card.
• Speak clearly and at a steady pace.
• Try to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)

In this part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic you spoke about in Part 2. This part of the test is designed to give you an opportunity to discuss issues in greater depth and express your opinions more extensively.

Key Points:

• Develop your answers with reasons and examples.
• Show your ability to discuss topics in a structured manner.
• Use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentences.
• Express your opinions clearly and provide supporting arguments.

Assessment Criteria

Your performance in the IELTS Speaking test is assessed based on four criteria:

1. Fluency and Coherence:
   • Ability to speak at length without hesitation.
   • Organizing your ideas logically and coherently.
2. Lexical Resource:
   • Range of vocabulary used.
   • Precision and appropriateness of word choice.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
   • Use of a variety of grammatical structures.
   • Accuracy in grammar and sentence formation.
4. Pronunciation:
   • Clarity and naturalness of pronunciation.
   • Use of intonation and stress patterns.

Preparation Tips

• Practice speaking English regularly with friends, family, or language partners.
• Record yourself speaking on various topics and listen to the recordings to identify areas for improvement.
• Read widely to improve your vocabulary and get used to different ways of expressing ideas.
• Familiarize yourself with the format of the test and practice with sample questions.
• Seek feedback from teachers or proficient speakers to refine your speaking skills.

By understanding the structure of the IELTS Academic Speaking test and practicing accordingly, you can improve your performance and increase your chances of achieving a high score.

Speaking 01

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

Examiner: Good morning/afternoon. My name is _______________________________. Can you tell me your full name, please?

Candidate: My name is _____________________________________.

Examiner: Can I see your identification, please?

Candidate: Sure. Here you are.

Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I’m going to ask you some questions about yourself. Let’s talk about where you live.

1. Examiner: Do you live in a house or an apartment?
   Candidate: I live in an apartment. It’s a cozy two-bedroom place located in the heart of the city. I love the convenience it offers, with shops and public transport just a short walk away.
2. Examiner: What do you like about living there?
   Candidate: I appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the accessibility to various amenities. There’s a beautiful park nearby where I often go for walks. Additionally, the area has a great selection of restaurants and cafes, which I enjoy exploring during weekends.
3. Examiner: Is there anything you would like to change about your home
   Candidate: Yes, I wish my apartment had a bit more space, especially a larger kitchen. I enjoy cooking, and a bigger kitchen would make it easier for me to experiment with new recipes. Also, having a balcony would be wonderful for some fresh air and outdoor relaxation.
4. Examiner: Let’s move on to talk about your free time. What do you usually do in your free time?
   Candidate: In my free time, I enjoy reading books, particularly fiction and historical novels. I also like to stay active, so I go to the gym a few times a week. On weekends, I often meet up with friends or family to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.
5. Examiner: Do you prefer spending your free time alone or with others? Why
   Candidate: It depends on my mood. Sometimes, I prefer spending time alone to relax and unwind, especially after a busy week. However, I also value socializing and enjoy the company of friends and family. It helps me feel connected and provides a balance to my solitary activities.

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Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

Examiner: Now, I’m going to give you a topic and I’d like you to talk about it for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to say. Here is some paper and a pen to make notes if you wish.

Examiner: Describe a time when you helped someone. You should say:

• Who you helped
• How you helped them
• Why you helped them
• And explain how this person reacted to your help.

[One-minute preparation time]

Candidate: A time that stands out when I helped someone was a few years ago. I helped my neighbor, Mrs. Smith, who is an elderly lady living alone. One winter evening, I noticed that she was struggling to carry her groceries from her car to her house.

I immediately offered to help her. I took the heavier bags and walked her to her doorstep. While helping her, I realized that her walkway was icy and dangerous. So, after bringing in the groceries, I decided to shovel the snow and spread some salt to prevent any accidents.

I helped Mrs. Smith because she’s always been very kind to me and my family, often baking cookies for us and sharing stories. Plus, I felt it was my duty as a neighbor to ensure she was safe, especially during the harsh winter months.

Mrs. Smith was extremely grateful for my help. She thanked me profusely and even insisted on baking a cake for me as a token of her appreciation. Seeing her relief and gratitude made me feel very happy and satisfied, knowing I had made a small but significant difference in her day.

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Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Examiner: We’ve been talking about a time when you helped someone, and I’d like to discuss this topic with you in a bit more detail.

1. Examiner: In your opinion, why is it important to help others?
   Candidate: Helping others is crucial because it fosters a sense of community and support. When people assist each other, it builds trust and cooperation within the society. Additionally, helping others can lead to personal satisfaction and happiness, knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life.
2. Examiner: Do you think people today are less willing to help others compared to the past?
   Candidate: I believe it varies. In some ways, modern life has made people more individualistic and busy, potentially reducing their willingness to help others. However, social media and global awareness have also highlighted numerous causes, prompting many to volunteer or donate to those in need. Overall, the willingness to help may manifest differently today, but it’s not necessarily less.
3. Examiner: How can schools and colleges encourage students to help others more
   Candidate: Schools and colleges can encourage students by integrating community service into the curriculum. Organizing volunteer programs, service-learning projects, and awareness campaigns can motivate students to participate. Providing recognition and rewards for those who actively help others can also be an effective incentive.
4. Examiner: Do you think it’s more important to help family members than friends? Why or why not?
   Candidate: Helping family members and friends are both important, but the context may determine the priority. Family often relies on each other for support and stability, so helping family members can be crucial in maintaining that bond. However, friends also play a significant role in our lives, and assisting them can strengthen those relationships. Ultimately, the importance can be situational and based on the urgency of the need.
5. Examiner: What are some ways that individuals can contribute to their community?
   Candidate: Individuals can contribute to their community in various ways, such as volunteering at local shelters, participating in neighborhood clean-ups, or mentoring youth. Donating to local charities or organizing community events are also great ways to give back. Additionally, simple acts like helping a neighbor or supporting local businesses can significantly impact the community’s well-being.

Next: Sample 2