SPEAKING

What is the IELTS Speaking Module?

Duration and Format:

The Speaking Module takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an oral interview

between the candidate and an examiner. All interviews are recorded. The overall structure of

the test is summarised below.

Part Nature of interaction Timing

Part 1: Introduction  and

interview

Examiner introduces

him/herself and confirms

candidate’s identity.

Examiner interviews

candidate using verbal

questions selected from

familiar topic frames.

Part 2: Individual long turn Examiner asks candidate

to speak for 1–2 minutes

on a particular topic based

on written input in the form

of a candidate task card

and content-focused

prompts. Examiner asks

one or two questions to

round off the long turn.

Part 3: Two-way

discussion

Examiner invites

candidate to participate in

discussion of a more

abstract nature, based on

verbal questions

thematically linked to Part

2 topic.

4–5 minutes

3–4 minutes  (incl. 1

minute preparation time)

4–5 minutes

Task Types:

There are three main parts. Each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern,

task input and candidate output.

In Part 1, candidates answer general questions about themselves, their homes/families, their

jobs/studies, their interests, and a range of familiar topic areas. This part lasts between 4

and 5 minutes.

In Part 2, the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to talk on a

particular topic. The candidate has 1 minute to prepare before speaking at length, for

between 1 and 2 minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions.

In Part 3, the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and

concepts which are thematically linked to the topic prompt in Part 2. The discussion lasts

between 4 and 5 minutes.

The Speaking Module assesses how effectively candidates can communicate in English.

Research has shown that the speech functions which occur regularly in a candidate’s output

during the Speaking Test are:

Providing personal information Expressing a preference

Providing non-personal information Comparing

Expressing opinions   Summarising

Explaining    Conversation repair

Suggesting    Contrasting

Justifying opinions   Narrating and paraphrasing

Speculating    Analysing

Other speech functions may emerge during the test, but they are not forced by the test

structure.

Marking and Assessment:

IELTS examiners all hold relevant teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by

the test centres and approved by the British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia. Detailed

performance descriptors have been developed which describe spoken performance at the

nine IELTS bands, based on the following criteria. Scores are reported as whole bands only.

Fluency and Coherence refers to the ability to talk with normal levels of continuity, rate and

effort and to link ideas and language together to form coherent, connected speech. The key

indicators of fluency are speech rate and speech continuity. The key indicators of coherence

are logical sequencing of sentences; clear marking of stages in a discussion, narration or

argument; and the use of cohesive devices (e.g. connectors, pronouns and conjunctions)

within and between sentences.

Lexical Resource refers to the range of vocabulary the candidate can use and the precision

with which meanings and attitudes can be expressed. The key indicators are the variety of

words used, the adequacy and appropriacy of the words used and the ability to circumlocute

(get round a vocabulary gap by using other words) with or without noticeable hesitation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy refers to the range and the accurate and appropriate

use of the candidate’s grammatical resource. The key indicators of grammatical range are

the length and complexity of the spoken sentences, the appropriate use of subordinate

clauses, and the range of sentence structures, especially to move elements around for

information focus. The key indicators of grammatical accuracy are the number of

grammatical errors in a given amount of speech and the communicative effect of error.

Pronunciation refers to the ability to produce comprehensible speech to fulfil the speaking

test requirements. The key indicators will be the amount of strain caused to the listener, the

amount of speech which is unintelligible and the noticeability of L1 influence.