IELTS speaking: what examiners actually listen for
The four criteria behind your speaking band, how the test is structured, and how to practise each part with a tutor.
By Mathias C.
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The IELTS speaking test feels like a conversation, but it is scored against four precise criteria. Once you know them, practice stops being "talk more" and becomes targeted.
This guide is based on the public IELTS band descriptors and test format, not on insider information. For other exams and university requirements, see our page for students preparing a language exam. Always check the official IELTS website for the latest details.
How is the IELTS speaking test structured?
The speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, lasting 11 to 14 minutes, in three parts:
| Part | What happens | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Introduction & interview | Questions about familiar topics: home, work, studies, hobbies | 4–5 min |
| 2. Long turn | You get a topic card, 1 minute to prepare, then speak alone for up to 2 minutes | 3–4 min |
| 3. Discussion | Deeper, more abstract questions linked to the Part 2 topic | 4–5 min |
What do IELTS speaking examiners score? The four criteria
1. Fluency and coherence
Can you keep talking without long pauses, and does what you say hang together? Linking words matter here: "On the other hand…", "That's partly because…", "What I mean is…".
2. Lexical resource
Do you have enough vocabulary to discuss the topic, and can you paraphrase when you miss a word? Precise, natural word choices beat rare words used wrongly.
3. Grammatical range and accuracy
A mix of simple and complex sentences, with few errors. Conditionals, relative clauses and different tenses show range, but only if they come out right.
4. Pronunciation
Not about having a native accent. It's about being easy to understand: clear sounds, word stress, and natural rhythm and intonation.
How to practise each part of IELTS speaking with a tutor
For Part 1, ask your tutor for rapid-fire questions on everyday topics. Aim for two or three sentences per answer, with a reason or an example, and don't over-think it.
Part 2 is where most people panic, even candidates who handle business English meetings with ease. Practise with a real one-minute timer for notes and a two-minute timer for speaking. Your tutor can note where you ran out of ideas and give you a simple frame: what it was, when it happened, why it mattered, how you felt.
For Part 3, ask for "why" and "what if" questions. They push you towards the complex grammar and abstract vocabulary that separate a band 6 from a band 7.
After each mock test, ask your tutor to score you on the four criteria separately. Knowing which one pulls your band down is worth more than an overall number.
What to have ready for each mock speaking test:
- a timer set to 1 minute (Part 2 notes) and 2 minutes (Part 2 talk)
- a way to record yourself, so you can hear your hesitations afterwards
- the four criteria written down, so your tutor scores each one
- your list of recurring mistakes from previous mocks
How to choose a tutor for IELTS speaking
Look for tutors who list IELTS preparation as a specialty and who can explain the band descriptors in plain words. Our guide to choosing a tutor in 10 minutes covers the filters. A good sign in the trial lesson: they run a short mock Part 2 and give you criteria-based feedback before the end of the hour.
Want a rough idea of your level first? Take the 4-question level quiz.
Questions about the IELTS speaking test
How long is the IELTS speaking test?
Between 11 and 14 minutes, in three parts: an interview on familiar topics, a long turn of up to two minutes after one minute of preparation, and a discussion.
How is IELTS speaking scored?
On four criteria of equal weight: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each is scored on the 0–9 band scale.
Do I need a native accent for a high IELTS speaking score?
No. Pronunciation is judged on how easy you are to understand: clear sounds, word stress, rhythm and intonation, not on sounding native.
What is the hardest part of IELTS speaking?
Many candidates find Part 2 hardest, because you speak alone for up to two minutes. Practising with a real one-minute preparation timer helps most.
Can a tutor help with IELTS speaking?
Yes, mainly through mock tests with feedback on each criterion. Look for tutors who list IELTS preparation as a specialty.
