Ielts faq ielts general informaton

How many questions will I be asked? You will be asked 12 questions in part 1 (based on 3 different topics) and in part 3, you will be asked 5 more questions – it depends on the length of your answer. Try to aim for long detailed answers in part 3.

Do I need to talk for 2 minutes in part 2? In part 2, you must talk for between 1-2 minutes. I recommend you aim for 1.5-2 minutes which will show a good level of fluency and the ability to speak at length. However, if you are not a confident speaker, don’t try to push it too far and just aim for slightly over 1 minute.

What happens if I continue talking past 2 minutes in part 2? The examiner will control the time very strictly in your test. The examiner will stop you when you reach 2 minutes.

Can I choose my topic to talk about in part 2? No, the examiner will give you a topic card which contains a list of prompts. You cannot change the topic the examiner gives you.

Do I need to follow the prompts on the cue card in speaking part 2? No, you don’t have to. It’s not compulsory. However, I recommend that you do follow the prompts because they offer a good structure for your talk.

What is the difference between part 1 and part 3 in the speaking test? Part 1 is like an interview. The examiner will ask you short answer questions on common topics relating to your life or your country. In part 3, it is more similar to a discussion. The examiner will ask you about world issues or broader, more complex questions. In part 3, your answers should be longer and more detailed.

Should I give examples in my answers? Yes, it is very useful to do that, particularly in part 3 when you need to give longer, more detailed answers.

What can I do if I don’t understand the question? In speaking part 1, you can ask the examiner to repeat the question, but the examiner can’t explain it or help you. In part 2, the examiner will give you a topic and you can’t change it. In part 3, you can ask the examiner to explain the question, just say “I’m sorry could you explain that, please?”