Welcome to the Active IELTS speaking part 1 page.
You can also go straight to General Advice, Part 2 and Part 3 .
In Part 1, the examiner first needs to do some administrative things:
Don't worry about any of this - the test starts after these things are done.
To begin the speaking test the examiner asks you some simple questions on everyday familiar topics. There will
normally be 3-5 questions on three topics, making about 12 questions in total.
This part of the test takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The topics that the examiner may use could include work, study,
where you live, food, holidays, friends, going out, festivals, sports, schools and public transport.
In the exam
The questions the examiner asks you will normally be on three topics and they will have lots of questions to ask.
This means your answers should be complete but not long – two or three sentences is good.
Make sure you know how to talk about common topics such as your work, what you studied, where you live,
your family etc. Don’t prepare complete answers but make sure you know the vocabulary you need.
If you don’t understand something, ask! You may get extra marks if you do this well. What ways do you know to
ask for help when you don’t understand?
Don't worry if you say a lot on one topic. The examiner will not worry about this and will change their plan - for
example not ask you about 3 topics.
At the beginning of the test the examiner will ask for your full name and then ask you what you would like to be
called. Don't be surprised by this - some people have many names or prefer a different one to the one on their
identification
Don't be surprised if the examiner asks you about three very different topics, for example, your work, animals in
your country and shopping. This is normal. Be prepared to change topic quickly.
Ready to practise? See example questions
You can also go straight to General Advice, Part 2 and Part 3 .
In Part 1, the examiner first needs to do some administrative things:
- tell you his or her name
- ask you your name
- check your identity by seeing your passport or id card
- sometimes record an introduction to your exam
Don't worry about any of this - the test starts after these things are done.
To begin the speaking test the examiner asks you some simple questions on everyday familiar topics. There will
normally be 3-5 questions on three topics, making about 12 questions in total.
This part of the test takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The topics that the examiner may use could include work, study,
where you live, food, holidays, friends, going out, festivals, sports, schools and public transport.
In the exam
The questions the examiner asks you will normally be on three topics and they will have lots of questions to ask.
This means your answers should be complete but not long – two or three sentences is good.
Make sure you know how to talk about common topics such as your work, what you studied, where you live,
your family etc. Don’t prepare complete answers but make sure you know the vocabulary you need.
If you don’t understand something, ask! You may get extra marks if you do this well. What ways do you know to
ask for help when you don’t understand?
Don't worry if you say a lot on one topic. The examiner will not worry about this and will change their plan - for
example not ask you about 3 topics.
At the beginning of the test the examiner will ask for your full name and then ask you what you would like to be
called. Don't be surprised by this - some people have many names or prefer a different one to the one on their
identification
Don't be surprised if the examiner asks you about three very different topics, for example, your work, animals in
your country and shopping. This is normal. Be prepared to change topic quickly.
Ready to practise? See example questions
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| ©Active IELTS 2006 |
Other useful pages
Ready to practise? See example questions
The speaking answer sheet
How is the IELTS speaking test marked?
Links and tips to help you
What does my score mean?
Which exam do I need to take?
IELTS questions and answers
Speaking general advice, Part 2 and Part 3
Ready to practise? See example questions
The speaking answer sheet
How is the IELTS speaking test marked?
Links and tips to help you
What does my score mean?
Which exam do I need to take?
IELTS questions and answers
Speaking general advice, Part 2 and Part 3