IELTS Academic Preparation Course: Speaking

1. Question 1 of 15

   Who assesses your performance in the Speaking test?

   • AA certificated IELTS examiner
   • BA computer that scores your recording
   • CThe other test takers in your group
   • DYour own English teacher
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   Answer: A. A certificated IELTS examiner

   The Speaking test is a recorded face-to-face interview. A certificated IELTS examiner assesses your performance throughout the test.

2. Question 2 of 15

   How many parts does the IELTS Speaking test have?

   • AThree
   • BFour
   • CTwo
   • DFive
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   Answer: A. Three

   Speaking has three parts: Part 1 (introduction and interview), Part 2 (long turn) and Part 3 (discussion).

3. Question 3 of 15

   What does the examiner do at the start of Part 1?

   • AIntroduces themselves and checks your identity
   • BAsks you to read a text aloud
   • CPlays a short recording for you
   • DGives you a task card and a pencil
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   Answer: A. Introduces themselves and checks your identity

   At the start of Part 1 the examiner introduces themselves and checks your identity, then asks general questions on familiar topics.

4. Question 4 of 15

   How long does Part 2 (the long turn) take, including preparation?

   • A3–4 minutes
   • B5–6 minutes
   • C11–14 minutes
   • D1–2 minutes
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   Answer: A. 3–4 minutes

   Part 2 takes 3–4 minutes in total: one minute to prepare, then about two minutes of talking until the examiner stops you, and perhaps one or two questions.

5. Question 5 of 15

   What does the Part 2 task card ask you to do?

   • ARead the text on the card aloud
   • BAnswer ten short questions printed on it
   • CTalk about a topic, covering the points listed on it
   • DWrite a short paragraph about the topic
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   Answer: C. Talk about a topic, covering the points listed on it

   The task card gives a topic, points to include in your talk, and one aspect of the topic to explain.

6. Question 6 of 15

   In Part 2, what can you use to make notes during your preparation minute?

   • APencil and paper from the examiner
   • BNothing, because notes are not allowed
   • CThe back of your identity document
   • DYour own mobile phone or tablet
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   Answer: A. Pencil and paper from the examiner

   The examiner gives you a pencil and paper so you can make notes before your long turn.

7. Question 7 of 15

   How are Part 3 questions different from Part 1 questions?

   • AThere are none; you speak alone for two minutes
   • BThey are shorter and need only yes or no
   • CThey are about your home, family and studies
   • DThey are more general and abstract, linked to the Part 2 topic
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   Answer: D. They are more general and abstract, linked to the Part 2 topic

   Part 1 is about familiar, everyday topics. Part 3 is a discussion of more general and abstract issues linked to the Part 2 topic.

8. Question 8 of 15

   Which criterion is used to assess Speaking but NOT Writing?

   • AGrammatical range and accuracy
   • BTask response
   • CLexical resource
   • DPronunciation
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   Answer: D. Pronunciation

   Speaking uses Fluency and coherence, Lexical resource, Grammatical range and accuracy, and Pronunciation. Lexical resource and grammar are also Writing criteria; Task response is Writing only.

9. Question 9 of 15

   In the Speaking criteria, what does good pronunciation mean?

   • AYou can be understood without too much effort
   • BYou speak as fast as you possibly can
   • CYou speak with a British or American accent
   • DYou use as many long words as you can
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   Answer: A. You can be understood without too much effort

   The official description of Pronunciation is about being understood without too much effort. IDP IELTS says there is no scoring advantage for a British, American or any other particular accent.

10. Question 10 of 15

    The examiner asks you to describe your hometown. Which answer shows the widest range of vocabulary?

    • AIt's a lively port town with narrow, winding streets and a busy fish market.
    • BIt's good. It's a very good town, and I think it's really good.
    • CIt's a town. There are many things in the town, and many people.
    • DIt's a nice town, and it's very nice because it's big and it's nice.
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    Answer: A. It's a lively port town with narrow, winding streets and a busy fish market.

    Lexical resource rewards range and precise words ("lively", "winding", "busy"). Repeating "nice" or "good" shows a narrow range.

11. Question 11 of 15

    According to the official format page, what does Part 1 mainly test?

    • ASpeaking at length without any questions
    • BAnalysing abstract issues in great depth
    • CReading aloud with clear pronunciation
    • DGiving opinions and information on everyday topics
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    Answer: D. Giving opinions and information on everyday topics

    Part 1 tests your ability to give opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences. Speaking at length is Part 2 and abstract discussion is Part 3.

12. Question 12 of 15

    What is the best way to use your one minute of preparation in Part 2?

    • AWrite out your whole talk in full sentences
    • BAsk the examiner for an easier topic card
    • CSit quietly and wait for the examiner to start
    • DNote key words for each point on the card
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    Answer: D. Note key words for each point on the card

    The task card lists points to include. Short notes for each point help you organise ideas logically during your long turn.

13. Question 13 of 15

    In Part 3 the examiner asks, "Why do some people prefer to live in big cities?" Which answer best shows the skills tested in Part 3?

    • ABig cities are big, and they have a lot of people in them.
    • BI don't know. I have never really thought about that question.
    • CMainly for work, I suppose, as cities have more jobs. Entertainment might be another factor.
    • DI live in a small town with my family, and I like it there very much, so I would not move.
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    Answer: C. Mainly for work, I suppose, as cities have more jobs. Entertainment might be another factor.

    Part 3 tests your ability to explain opinions and to analyse, discuss and speculate. The best answer gives reasons and uses language like "I suppose" and "might be".

14. Question 14 of 15

    Listen. Which phrase does the candidate use to introduce a contrasting point?

    Play audioListen, then answer. The transcript is shown after you answer.

    No sound? Read the text instead

    Examiner: Do you prefer to study in the morning or in the evening?
    Candidate: I'd say the morning, mainly because my mind feels clearer after breakfast. In the evenings I'm usually too tired, so I tend to read a novel or watch something instead. That said, just before exams I sometimes have to study late at night.

    • AThat said
    • BI'd say
    • CSo I tend to
    • DMainly because
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    Answer: A. That said

    "That said" introduces a contrast: the candidate prefers mornings, but sometimes studies late before exams. Linking phrases like this help fluency and coherence.

    Transcript

    Examiner: Do you prefer to study in the morning or in the evening?
    Candidate: I'd say the morning, mainly because my mind feels clearer after breakfast. In the evenings I'm usually too tired, so I tend to read a novel or watch something instead. That said, just before exams I sometimes have to study late at night.

15. Question 15 of 15

    Listen. Why does the candidate prefer to study in the morning?

    Play audioListen, then answer. The transcript is shown after you answer.

    No sound? Read the text instead

    Examiner: Do you prefer to study in the morning or in the evening?
    Candidate: I'd say the morning, mainly because my mind feels clearer after breakfast. In the evenings I'm usually too tired, so I tend to read a novel or watch something instead. That said, just before exams I sometimes have to study late at night.

    • AThey study late every night
    • BThey read novels in the evening
    • CThey have exams in the morning
    • DTheir mind feels clearer after breakfast
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    Answer: D. Their mind feels clearer after breakfast

    The candidate says "mainly because my mind feels clearer after breakfast". Giving a reason is a simple way to extend an answer.

    Transcript

    Examiner: Do you prefer to study in the morning or in the evening?
    Candidate: I'd say the morning, mainly because my mind feels clearer after breakfast. In the evenings I'm usually too tired, so I tend to read a novel or watch something instead. That said, just before exams I sometimes have to study late at night.

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