Do you want to work in English-speaking countries, if yes, then you will need to prove your English language proficiency. The IELTS General Speaking Test plays a crucial role in showing your proficiency in English.
It is a one-to-one discussion between you and your interviewer in which you need to show your communication skills in English in three parts. In Part 1, you will be asked general questions about your family, introduction, work, and interests, while in Part 2, you will be asked to talk for 2 minutes about the given cue card topic. On the other hand, in Part 3, you will be asked some questions regarding your IELTS Speaking cue card topic.
Let’s understand the complete details of the IELTS General Speaking Test.
In the introduction part of the test, the examiner will inquire about various aspects of your life, such as your work, family, education, interests, and hobbies. This initial part establishes a connection between you and your interviewer, helping you feel more comfortable and prepared for the subsequent sections of the test. It is an opportunity to ease into the conversation and set a positive tone for the rest of the assessment.
Below, you can check some topics asked in IELTS General Speaking Part 1.
Here are some tips for IELTS General Speaking Part 1.
In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, the interviewer will give you a topic and ask you to speak for at least 2 minutes about it. You will have one minute to prepare your cue card response and 2 minutes to talk. You can note down some notes on the provided paper and prepare to talk about the topic. After that, you will begin speaking based on what you have prepared. This part, known as the IELTS cue cards, aims to assess your ability to talk at length about a given topic.
Below, you can check the IELTS General Speaking Part 2 topic.
In Part 2 of the IELTS General Speaking test, you will be presented with a task card containing a topic. You will have one minute to prepare your part 2 response, during which you can take notes if you wish. Then, you will need to speak about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. Here are some tips to help you succeed in Part 2.
In the final part of your IELTS General speaking test, the examiner will ask you follow-up questions related to the cue card topics. These questions are designed to explore the theme further and engage you in a two-way conversation. It is essential to respond with detailed and descriptive answers that demonstrate your ability to express yourself fluently and coherently.
In IELTS Speaking Part 3, examiners often ask questions about education, work, society, technology, the environment, culture, and current affairs. These questions assess your ability to discuss complex issues, express opinions, and provide reasoned explanations.
The following topics are as follows –
Here are some tips to help you excel in the IELTS General Speaking part -
In the IELTS General Speaking test, candidates are graded on a zero to nine scale, with a band score of 8 indicating a high level of English proficiency. This score is determined based on four equally important criteria, which include:
| Topic | Marking Criteria |
|---|---|
| Fluency and Coherence | 6 |
| Lexical Resources | 7 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8 |
| Pronunciation | 7 |
| Total IELTS Speaking Score | 7 |
Fluency and coherence are important aspects of the IELTS Speaking test scoring criteria. Fluency refers to the ability to talk smoothly and continuously without unnecessary hesitation or repetition. Coherence relates to the logical organisation and connection of ideas in speech. Examiners assess candidates based on how smoothly they can express themselves and how well their ideas are connected and organised.
Lexical resources refer to the range and accuracy of vocabulary used by candidates during the IELTS Speaking test. Examiners evaluate candidates based on their ability to use vocabulary appropriately and accurately to convey meaning. This includes using synonyms, idiomatic expressions, and specific terminology relevant to the topics discussed.
Grammatical range and accuracy are essential to the IELTS Speaking test scoring criteria. Examiners assess candidates based on their ability to use a variety of grammatical structures accurately and appropriately. This includes correctly using verb tenses, sentence structures, and grammatical patterns to convey meaning effectively.
Pronunciation plays a significant role in the IELTS Speaking test scoring criteria. Examiners evaluate candidates based on their ability to produce clear and intelligible speech that a native English speaker quickly understands. This includes accurately pronouncing individual sounds, word stress, intonation, and rhythm in spoken English. Candidates are assessed on their overall clarity and effectiveness of pronunciation throughout the test.
Check the common mistakes that can lower your score.
Check some tips and tricks to prepare best for the IELTS General Speaking Test.
Check some samples to practice the IELTS Speaking Test.
1. What's your full name?
My name is Michael Johnson.
2. May I see your identification?
Certainly, here it is.
3. Where do you hail from?
I come from Chicago, a bustling city known for its diverse culture and deep-dish pizza.
4. Are you working or attending school?
I'm currently employed at a marketing firm downtown. It's an exciting environment with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
Describe an Interesting Animal
Sample Answer -
Introduction
Animals play a crucial role in our diverse nation, showcasing our rich history. While many may not find learning about animals exciting, a select few, like me, are intrigued by certain creatures. One such animal that has always fascinated me is the elephant.
What animal was it?
Elephants are the second-largest animals on Earth. They are found in various countries, including India. They weigh between 2700 and 6000 kg and can reach heights of 5.5 to 6.5 meters. I often see them in national parks and, occasionally, at nearby zoos.
Where you saw it?
I spotted elephants at a nearby zoo. Despite their size, elephants are gentle creatures, captivating visitors with their calm demeanour.
What happened when you saw it?
At the zoo, I observed elephants peacefully doing daily activities, such as eating and interacting with their families. It was fascinating to learn that they consume various plants and fruits.
And explain why you thought it was interesting?
What intrigued me most about elephants is their remarkable intelligence and emotional depth. They exhibit behaviours like mourning for lost calves and reconciling after conflicts, showcasing their complex social bonds.
Conclusion
Overall, my encounter with elephants captivated me by their beauty, behaviour, and profound connection to the natural world.
Question: What pets do people usually have at home?
Answer: Dogs and cats are the most common pets in India because they are easy to train and can provide security. Fish are also popular as they are low-maintenance pets.
Question: Why are many animals becoming extinct?
Answer: Animals face extinction due to environmental changes caused by rapid human population growth and pollution from industries and vehicles.
Question: How has technology replaced animals in people's daily tasks?
Answer: With technological advancements, animals like horses and buffalo, once used for transportation, have been replaced by vehicles. Similarly, hunting animals for meat has been replaced by buying processed meats from supermarkets, and automobile races have replaced horse races.
Question: Is researching animals a good idea?
Answer: Research on animals can help create new species and conserve endangered ones. It also contributes to maintaining ecological balance and finding ways to protect wildlife, benefiting animals, humans, and the environment.
Below, you can check the common IELTS General Speaking topics.
Ans. The IELTS General Speaking test is a component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) designed to evaluate a candidate's English speaking skills in everyday contexts.
Ans. The IELTS General Speaking test typically lasts around 11 to 14 minutes and is divided into three parts.
Ans. The IELTS General Speaking test includes an introduction, interview, long turns, and discussion.
Ans. No, candidates are not allowed to use any materials, including pen and paper, during the IELTS General Speaking test.
Ans. The IELTS General Speaking test is scored based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
Ans. No, the IELTS General Speaking test topics are predetermined and cover a range of everyday subjects.
Ans. While minor errors are expected, frequent mistakes can impact your score in terms of grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation.
Ans. You can prepare for the IELTS General Speaking test by regularly practicing speaking English, familiarising yourself with everyday topics, and seeking feedback from teachers or language partners.
Ans. There is no specific dress code for the IELTS General Speaking test. However, wearing neat and appropriate attire is recommended.
Ans. Yes, you can retake the IELTS General Speaking test if you are not satisfied with your score. However, you will need to register and pay the test fee again.