Exam guidesIELTSSpeaking

IELTS · Speaking

IELTS Speaking: Parts 1, 2 and 3

Understand the conversation, the long turn and the discussion that make up IELTS Speaking.

Professor Scott Mendoza

Total time
11–14 min
Parts
3
Part 2 preparation
1 min

The format, explained

Part 1 · familiar questions

Answer questions about everyday life and familiar topics. Start with a direct response, then add a useful detail when it fits.

Part 2 · your longer turn

Use a task card to organise a longer response. During preparation, brief notes can help you choose details you will be able to explain.

Part 3 · a broader discussion

Discuss related ideas more generally. Move beyond one personal example to explain a reason, comparison or possibility.

Official format references

Where to start practising

  1. Practise the same idea twice with different wording so that you do not depend on one memorised sentence.
  2. Record a short answer and listen for whether you actually answered the question. Then improve one thing.
  3. Build from a clear answer to a reason and a relevant example. Do not add unrelated detail just to keep talking.

Common questions

Is Speaking just the long turn?

No. The long turn is Part 2. Familiar questions and the broader discussion are also part of the test.

Do I need an unusual opinion?

Choose an idea you can explain clearly. In practice, spend your effort developing it rather than searching for an impressive position you cannot support.

Official format references

Format facts are based on these official sources. Check the provider’s current instructions before booking. The study advice is Professor Scott’s independent guidance.

Format reviewed:

Put the English into practice

Read & practise

Short lessons for related English foundations. These are not official exam questions or complete test simulations.

How to agree partly and explain your concern

Name the point you accept, then explain the part you see differently.

Read & practise

Comparatives with than: compare two options

Use faster than or more expensive than to explain one clear difference between two choices.

Read & practise

Join sentences with and, but and so

Choose a connector and use a comma between complete clauses.

Read & practise

Keep exploring

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