IELTS Test format

The IELTS test assesses your abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking – in less than three hours.

There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training. Listening and Speaking are the same for both
tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take.

The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in
between them.

The Speaking section, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. Your test center
will advise.

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Here are the test format for the Academic IELTS test:

 Listening
 Academic writing
 Academic Reading
 Speaking

1
 Listening
30 minutes

You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions.

 Recording 1 – a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.

2
 There are four sections with ten questions each. The questions are designed so that the answers appear in
the order they are heard in the audio.

The first two sections deal with situations set in everyday social contexts. In Section 1, there is a
conversation between two speakers (for example, a conversation about travel arrangements), and in
Paper Section 2, there is a monologue in (for example, a speech about local facilities). The final two sections deal
format with situations set in educational and training contexts. In Section 3, there is a conversation between two
main speakers (for example, two university students in discussion, perhaps guided by a tutor), and in
Section 4, there is a monologue on an academic subject.

The recordings are heard only once. They include a range of accents, including British, Australian, New
Zealand, American and Canadian.

Timing Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time).

No. of
40
questions

Task A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching,
types plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion.

Test takers write their answers on the question paper as they listen and at the end of the test are given 10
Answering minutes to transfer their answers to an answer sheet. Care should be taken when writing answers on the
answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalised.

Marks Each question is worth 1 mark.

 Recording 2 - a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.

3
  Recording 3 – a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university
tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
 Recording 4 - a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.

Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and
attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of your ability to follow the development of ideas.
IELTS Listening description

IELTS Listening in detail

A detailed look at the paper with links to related resources.

Task type 1 – Multiple choice

In multiple choice tasks, there is a question followed by three possible answers, or the beginning of a
sentence followed by three possible ways to complete the sentence. Test takers are required to choose
the one correct answer - A, B or C.
Task type and
format
Sometimes, test takers are given a longer list of possible answers and told that they have to choose
more than one. In this case, they should read the question carefully to check how many answers are
required.

Multiple choice questions are used to test a wide range of skills. The test taker may be required to have a
Task focus detailed understanding of specific points or an overall understanding of the main points of the listening
text.

No. of Variable

4
questions
Task type 2 – Matching

Task type and Test takers are required to match a numbered list of items from the listening text to a set of options on the
format question paper. The set of options may be criteria of some kind.

Matching assesses the skill of listening for detail and whether a test taker can understand information
given in a conversation on an everyday topic, such as the different types of hotel or guest house
Task focus accommodation. It also assesses the ability to follow a conversation between two people. It may also be
used to assess test takers’ ability to recognise relationships and connections between facts in the
listening text.

No. of
Variable
questions
Task type 3 – Plan, map, diagram labelling

Test takers are required to complete labels on a plan (eg of a building), map (eg of part of a town) or
Task type and
diagram (e.g. of a piece of equipment). The answers are usually selected from a list on the question
format
paper.

This type of task assesses the ability to understand, for example, a description of a place, and to relate
Task focus this to a visual representation. This may include being able to follow language expressing spatial
relationships and directions (e.g. straight on/through the far door).

No. of Variable

5
questions
Task type 4 – Form, note, table, flow-chart, summary completion

Test takers are required to fill in the gaps in an outline of part or of all of the listening text. The outline will
focus on the main ideas/facts in the text. It may be:
1. a form: often used to record factual details such as names
2. a set of notes: used to summarise any type of information using the layout to show how different items
relate to one another
3. a table: used as a way of summarising information which relates to clear categories – e.g.
place/time/price,
4. a flow-chart: used to summarise a process which has clear stages, with the direction of the process
Task type and shown by arrows.
format
Test takers may have to select their answers from a list on the question paper or identify the missing
words from the recording, keeping to the word limit stated in the instructions. Test takers do not have to
change the words from the recording in any way.

Test takers should read the instructions very carefully as the number of words or numbers they should
use to fill the gaps will vary. A word limit is given, for example, ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR
A NUMBER’. Test takers are penalised for writing more than the stated number of words, and test takers
should check this word limit carefully for each task. Contracted words will not be tested. Hyphenated
words count as single words.

Task focus This focuses on the main points which a listener would naturally record in this type of situation.

No. of Variable

6
questions
Task type 5 – Sentence completion

Test takers are required to read a set of sentences summarising key information from all the listening text
or from one part of it. They then fill a gap in each sentence using information from the listening text. A
word limit is given, for example, ‘NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER’.
Task type and
format Test takers are penalised for writing more than the stated number of words. (Test takers should check
this word limit carefully for each task: the limit is either ONE, TWO or THREE words). Contracted words
will not be tested. Hyphenated words count as single words.

Sentence completion focuses on the ability to identify the key information in a listening text. Test takers
Task focus
have to understand functional relationships such as cause and effect.

No. of
Variable
questions
Task type 6 – Short-answer questions

Test takers are required to read a question and then write a short answer using information from the
listening text. A word limit is given, for example, ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A
Task type and NUMBER’. Test takers are penalised for writing more than the stated number of words. (Test takers
format should check this word limit carefully for each task.) Contracted words will not be tested. Hyphenated
words count as single words. Sometimes test takers are given a question which asks them to list two or
three points.

7
 Sentence completion focuses on the ability to listen for concrete facts, such as places, prices or times,
Task focus
within the listening text.

No. of
Variable
questions
IELTS Listening – how it's marked

The Listening test is marked by certificated markers, who are regularly monitored to ensure their reliability. All answer
sheets, after being marked, are further analysed by Cambridge Assessment English.

Band score conversion

A Band Score conversion table is produced for each version of the Listening test which translates scores out of 40 into
the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole bands and half bands.

One mark is awarded for each correct answer in the 40-item test. Care should be taken when writing answers on the
answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalised.

8
 Reading

Paper format Three reading passages with a variety of questions using a number of task types.

Timing 60 minutes

No. of
40
questions

A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following; multiple choice, identifying
information, identifying the writer’s views/claims, matching information, matching headings,
Task types matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary complet ion, note
completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion and short-answer
questions.

Texts are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers, and have been written for a
non-specialist audience. All the topics are of general interest. They deal with issues which are
interesting, recognisably appropriate and accessible to test takers entering undergraduate or
Sources postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration. The passages may be written in a
variety of styles, for example narrative, descriptive or discursive/argumentative. At least one text
contains detailed logical argument. Texts may contain non-verbal materials such as diagrams,
graphs or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms a simple glossary is provided.

9
 Test takers are required to transfer their answers to an answer sheet during the time allowed for
Answering the test. No extra time is allowed for transfer. Care should be taken when writing answers on the
answer sheet as poor spelling and grammar are penalised.

Marks Each question is worth 1 mark.

60 minutes

The Reading section consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include
reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and
recognising writers' opinions, attitudes and purpose.

IELTS Academic test - this includes three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the
discursive and analytical. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have been
selected for a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking
professional registration.

IELTS Academic Reading description

IELTS Academic Reading in detail

A detailed look at the paper with links to related resources.

Task type and Test takers are required to choose the best answer from four alternatives (A, B, C or D), or the
format best two answers from five alternatives (A, B, C, D or E), or the best three answers from seven

10
 alternatives (A, B, C, D, E, F or G). Test takers write the letter of the answer they have chosen
on the answer sheet. The questions may involve completing a sentence, where they are given
the first part of a sentence and then choose the best way to complete it from the options, or
could involve complete questions; with the test takers choosing the option which best answers
them.

The questions are in the same order as the information in the text: that is, the answer to the first
question in this group will be located in the text before the answer to the second question, and
so on. This task type may be used with any type of text.

Multiple choice tests a wide range of reading skills, including detailed understanding of specific
Task focus
points or an overall understanding of the main points of the text.

No. of
Variable
questions
Task type 1 – Multiple choice

Task type 2 – Identifying information

Test takers will be given a number of statements and asked: ‘Do the following statements agree
with the information in the text?’ They are then required to write ‘true’, ‘false’ or ‘not given’ in the
Task type and boxes on their answer sheets.
format
It is important to understand the difference between 'false' and 'not given'. 'False' means that
the passage states the opposite of the statement in question; 'not given' means that the

11
 statement is neither confirmed nor contradicted by the information in the passage.

Students need to understand that any knowledge they bring with them from outside the passage
should not play a part when deciding on their answers.

Identifying information assesses the test takers’ ability to recognise particular points of
Task focus
information conveyed in the text. It can thus be used with more factual texts.

No. of
Variable
questions
Task type 3 – Identifying writer’s views/claims

Test takers will be given a number of statements and asked: ‘Do the following statements agree
with the views/claims of the writer?’ They are required to write ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘not given’ in the
boxes on their answer sheet.

It is important to understand the difference between 'no' and 'not given'. 'No' means that the
Task type and
views or claims of the writer explicitly disagree with the statement, i.e. the writer somewhere
format
expresses the view or makes a claim which is opposite to the one given in the question; 'not
given' means that the view or claim is neither confirmed nor contradicted.

Students need to understand that any knowledge they bring with them from outside the passage
should not play a part when deciding on their answers.

This type of task assesses the test takers’ ability to recognise opinions or ideas, and so it is
Task focus
often used with discursive or argumentative texts.

12
No. of
Variable
questions
Task type 4 – Matching information

Test takers are required to locate specific information within the lettered paragraphs/sections of
a text, and to write the letters of the correct paragraphs/sections in the boxes on their answer
sheet.

They may be asked to find: specific details, an example, a reason, a descript ion, a comparison,
Task type and a summary, an explanation. They will not necessarily need to find information in every
format paragraph/section of the text, but there may be more than one piece of information that test
takers need to locate in a given paragraph/section. When this is the case, they will be told that
they can use any letter more than once.

This type of task can be used with any text as it tests a wide range of reading skills, from
locating detail to recognising a summary or definition.

Matching information assesses the test takers’ ability to scan for specific information. Unlike
Task focus task type 5, Matching headings, it is concerned with specific information rather than with the
main idea.

No. of
Variable
questions

Task type 5 – Matching headings

13
 Test takers are given a list of headings, usually identified with lower -case Roman numerals
(i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text.
Test takers must match the heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked
alphabetically. Test takers write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their
Task type and
answer sheets. There will always be more headings than there are paragraphs or sections,
format
so that some headings will not be used. It is also possible that some paragraphs or sections
may not be included in the task. One or more paragraphs or sections may already be
matched with a heading as an example for test takers. This task type is used with texts that
contain paragraphs or sections with clearly defined themes.

Matching headers tests the test takers’ ability to recognise the main idea or theme in the
Task focus
paragraphs or sections of a text, and to distinguish main ideas from supporting ones.

No. of
Variable
questions

Task type 6 – Matching features

Test takers are required to match a set of statements or pieces of information to a list of
options. The options are a group of features from the text, and are identified by letters. Test
Task type and takers may, for example, be required to match different research findings to a list of
format researchers, or characteristics to age groups, events to historical periods, etc. It is possible
that some options will not be used, and that others may be used more than once. The
instructions will inform test takers if options may be used more than once.

Task focus Matching features assesses the test takers’ ability to recognise relationships and

14
 connections between facts in the text and their ability to recognise opinions and theories. It
may be used both with factual information, as well as opinion-based discursive texts. Test
takers need to be able to skim and scan the text in order to locate the required information
and to read for detail.

No. of
Variable
questions

Task type 7 – Matching sentence endings

Test takers are given the first half of a sentence based on the text and asked to choose the
best way to complete it from a list of possible options. They will have more options to choose
Task type and from than there are questions. Test takers must write the letter they have chosen on the
format answer sheet. The questions are in the same order as the information in the passage: that
is, the answer to the first question in this group will be found before the answer to the
second question, and so on. This task type may be used with any type of text.

Matching sentence endings assesses the test takers’ ability to understand the main ideas
Task focus
within a sentence.

No. of
Variable
questions

Task type 8 – Sentence completion

15
 Test takers complete sentences in a given number of words taken from the text. They must
write their answers on the answer sheet. The instructions will make it clear how many
words/numbers test takers should use in their answers, e.g. ‘NO MORE THAN THREE
WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage’, ‘ONE WORD ONLY’ or ‘NO MORE
Task type and THAN TWO WORDS’. If test takers write more than the number of words asked for, they
format will lose the mark. Numbers can be written using figures or words. Contracted words will
not be tested. Hyphenated words count as single words. The questions are in the same
order as the information in the passage: that is, the answer to the first question in this
group will be found before the answer to the second question, and so on. This task type
may be used with any type of text.

Matching sentence endings assesses the test takers’ ability to locate detail/specific
Task focus
information.

No. of
Variable
questions

Task type 9 – Summary, note, table, flow-chart completion

Test takers are given a summary of a section of the text, and are required to complete it with
information drawn from the text. The summary will usually be of only one part of the passage
Task type and rather than the whole. The given information may be in the form of: several connected
format sentences of text (referred to as a summary), several notes (referred to as notes), a table
with some of its cells empty or partially empty (referred to as a table), a series of boxes or
steps linked by arrows to show a sequence of events, with some of the boxes or steps empty

16
 or partially empty (referred to as a flow-chart).

The answers will not necessarily occur in the same order as in the text. However, they will
usually come from one section rather than the entire text.

There are two variations of this task type. Test takers may be asked either to select words
from the text or to select from a list of answers.
Where words have to be selected from the passage, the instructions will make it clear how
many words/numbers test takers should use in their answers, e.g. ‘NO MORE THAN THREE
WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage’, ‘ONE WORD ONLY’ or ‘NO MORE THAN
TWO WORDS’. If test takers write more than the number of words asked for, they will lose
the mark.

Numbers can be written using figures or words. Contracted words are not tested.
Hyphenated words count as single words. Where a list of answers is provided, they most
frequently consist of a single word.

Because this task type often relates to precise factual information, it is often used with
descriptive texts.

Summarising assesses the test takers’ ability to understand details and/or the main ideas of
a section of text. In the variations involving a summary or notes, test takers need to be
Task focus
aware of the type of word(s) that will fit into a given gap (for example, whether a noun is
needed, or a verb, etc.).

No. of
Variable
questions

17
Task type 10 – Diagram label completion

Test takers are required to complete labels on a diagram, which relates to a description
contained in the text. The instructions will make it clear how many words/numbers test takers
should use in their answers, e.g. ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from
the passage’, ‘ONE WORD ONLY’ or ‘NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS’. If test takers write more
than the number of words asked for, they will lose the mark. Numbers can be written using
Task type and figures or words. Contracted words will not be tested. Hyphenated words count as single words.
format The answers do not necessarily occur in order in the passage. However, they will usually come
from one section rather than the entire text.

The diagram may be of some type of machine, or of parts of a building or of any other element
that can be represented pictorially. This task type is often used with texts describing processes
or with descriptive texts.

Diagram label completion assesses the test takers’ ability to understand a detailed description,
Task focus
and to relate it to information presented in the form of a diagram.

No. of
Variable
questions

Task type 11 – Short-answer questions

Task type and Test takers answer questions, which usually relate to factual information about details in the text.
This is most likely to be used with a text that contains a lot of factual information and detail.
format

18
 Test takers must write their answers in words or numbers on the answer sheet. Test takers must
write their answers using words from the text. The instructions will make it clear how many
words/numbers test takers should use in their answers, e.g. ‘NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS
AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage’, ‘ONE WORD ONLY’ or ‘NO MORE THAN TWO
WORDS’. If test takers write more than the number of words asked for, they will lose the mark.
Numbers can be written using figures or words. Contracted words are not tested. Hyphenated
words count as single words. The questions are in the same order as the information in the text.

Short answer questions assess the test takers’ ability to locate and understand precise
Task focus
information in the text.

No. of
Variable
questions
IELTS Academic Reading – how it's marked

The Academic Reading test is marked by certificated markers, who are regularly monitored to ensure reliability.
All answer sheets, after being marked, are further analysed by Cambridge Assessment English.

Band score conversion

A Band Score conversion table is produced for each version of the Academic Reading test, which translates
scores out of 40 into the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole bands and half bands.

19
 Academic Writing
60 minutes

Topics are of general interest to, and suitable for, test takers entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies or
seeking professional registration. There are two tasks:

 Task 1 - you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or
explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the
stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.
 Task 2 - you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses
to both tasks must be in a formal style.

IELTS Academic Writing description

Paper format There are two Writing tasks and BOTH must be completed.

Timing 60 minutes

No. of
2
questions

In Task 1, test takers are asked to describe some visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram) in
Task types their own words. They need to write 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2, they respond to a
point of view or argument or problem. They need to write 250 words in about 40 minutes.

Answering Answers must be given on the answer sheet and must be written in full. Notes or bullet points are

20
Paper format There are two Writing tasks and BOTH must be completed.

not acceptable as answers. Test takers may write on the question paper but this cannot be taken
from the examination room and will not be seen by the examiner.
IELTS Academic Writing in detail

A detailed look at the paper with links to related resources.

Task 1

In Writing Task 1, test takers may be asked to describe facts or figures presented in one or more
graphs, charts or tables on a related topic; or they may be given a diagram of a machine, a device or
a process and asked to explain how it works. They should write in an academic or semi-formal/neutral
styles and include the most important and the most relevant points in the diagram. Some minor points
or details may be left out.

Test takers should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task. They are asked to write at least 150
Task type and words and will be penalised if their answer is too short. While test takers will not be penalised for
format writing more than 150 words, they should remember that a longer Task 1 answer may mean that they
have less time to spend on Task 2, which contributes twice as much to the Writing band score.

Test takers should also note that they will be penalised for irrelevance if the response is off-topic or is
not written as full, connected text (e.g. using bullet points in any part of the response, or note form,
etc.). They will be severely penalised for plagiarism (i.e. copying from another source).

Test takers must write their answers on the answer booklet.

21
 This task assesses the ability to identify the most important and relevant information and trends in a
Task focus graph, chart, table or diagram, and to give a well-organised overview of it using language accurately in
an academic style.

No. of
1
questions
Task 2

In Writing Task 2, test takers are given a topic to write about an academic or semi-formal/neutral
style. Answers should be a discursive consideration of the relevant issues. Test takers should make
sure that they read the task carefully and provide a full and relevant response. For example, if the
topic is a particular aspect of computers, they should focus on this aspect in their response. They
should not simply write about computers in general.

Test takers should spend no more than 40 minutes on this task. They are asked to write at least 250
words and will be penalised if their answer is too short. While test takers will not be penalised for
Task type writing more than 250 words, if they write a very long answer they may not have time for checking and
and format correcting at the end and some ideas may not be directly relevant to the question.
Task 2 contributes twice as much to the final Writing band score as Task 1. Therefore, test takers who
fail to attempt to answer this task will greatly reduce their chance of achieving a good band.

Test takers will be penalised for irrelevance if the response is off-topic or is not written as full,
connected text (e.g. using bullet points in any part of the response, or note form, etc.). They will be
severely penalised for plagiarism (i.e. copying from another source). Finally, test takers should make
sure that they do not copy directly from the question paper because this will not be assessed.

22
 They must write their answers on the answer booklet.

This task assesses the ability to present a clear, relevant, well-organised argument, giving evidence
Task focus
or examples to support ideas and use language accurately.

No. of
1
questions
IELTS Academic Writing - How it's marked

Marking and assessment

Each task is assessed independently. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.

Responses are assessed by certificated IELTS examiners. All IELTS examiners hold relevant teaching
qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by the British Council or IDP:
IELTS Australia.

Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Detailed performance descriptors have been developed which
describe written performance at the nine IELTS bands. These are available on the How IELTS is scored page.
They apply to both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training versions and are based on the following criteria.

Task 1 responses are assessed on:

 Task achievement
 Coherence and cohesion
 Lexical resource
 Grammatical range and accuracy.

23
Task 2 responses are assessed on:

 Task response
 Coherence and cohesion
 Lexical resource
 Grammatical range and accuracy.

Performance descriptors

Task 1

Task achievement
This assesses how appropriately, accurately and relevantly the response fulfils the requirements set out in the
task, using the minimum of 150 words. Academic Writing Task 1 is a writing task which has a defined input and a
largely predictable output. It is basically an information-transfer task that relates narrowly to the factual content of
an input diagram and not to speculative explanations that lie outside the given data.

Coherence and cohesion

This concerns overall clarity and fluency: how the response organises and links information, ideas and language.
Coherence refers to the linking of ideas through logical sequencing. Cohesion refers to the varied and appropriate
use of cohesive devices (for example, logical connectors, pronouns and conjunctions) to assist in making the
conceptual and referential relationships between and within sentences clear.

Lexical resource
This refers to the range of vocabulary used and its accuracy and appropriacy in terms of the specific task.

Grammatical range and accuracy

This refers to the range and accurate use of grammar as manifested in their sen tence writing.

24
Task 2

Task response
In both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training versions, Task 2 requires test takers to formulate and
develop a position in relation to a given prompt in the form of a question or statement. Ideas should be supported
by evidence, and examples may be drawn from the test takers’ own experience. Responses must be at least 250
words in length. Scripts under the required minimum word limit will be penalised.

Coherence and cohesion

This assesses the overall clarity and fluency of the message: how the response organises and links information,
ideas and language. Coherence refers to the linking of ideas through logical sequencing. Cohesion refers to the
varied and appropriate use of cohesive devices (for example, logical connec tors, pronouns and conjunctions) to
assist in making the conceptual and referential relationships between and within sentences clear.

Lexical resource
This criterion refers to the range of vocabulary used and its accuracy and appropriacy in terms of the sp ecific
task.

Grammatical range and accuracy

This assesses the range and accurate use of grammar, as manifested in their test takers’ writing at sentence
level.

25
 Speaking
11–14 minutes

The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.

 Part 1 - the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as
home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
 Part 2 - you will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to
prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the
same topic.
 Part 3 - you will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. The se will give you the opportunity to
discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.

IELTS Speaking description

Paper The Speaking test consists of an oral interview between the test takers' and an e xaminer. All
format Speaking tests are recorded.

Timing 11–14 minutes

There are three parts to the test and each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction
Task types
pattern, task input and test takers output.
IELTS Speaking in detail

A detailed look at the paper with links to related resources.

26
Part 1 – Introduction and interview

In this part, the examiner introduces him/herself and checks the test takers' identity. They
Task type and then ask the test takers general questions on some familiar topics such as home, family,
work, studies and interests. To ensure consistency, questions are taken from a script.
format
Part 1 lasts for 4–5 minutes.

This part of the test focuses on the ability to communicate opinions and information on
Task focus
everyday topics and common experiences or situations by answering a range of questions.

No. of
Variable
questions
Part 2 – Long turn

Part 2 is the individual long turn. The examiner gives the test takers a task card which asks
the test takers to talk about a particular topic, includes points to cover in their talk and
instructs the test takers to explain one aspect of the topic. Test takers are given one minute
to prepare their talk, and are given a pencil and paper to make notes. The examiner asks
Task type the test takers to talk for 1 to 2 minutes, stops the test takers after 2 minutes, and asks one
and format or two questions on the same topic.

Using the points on the task card effectively, and making notes during the preparation time,
will help the test takers think of appropriate things to say, structure their talk, and keep
talking for 2 minutes.

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 Part 2 lasts 3–4 minutes, including the preparation time.

This part of the test focuses on the ability to speak at length on a given topic (without further
prompts from the examiner), using appropriate language and organising ideas coherently. It
Task focus
is likely that the test takers will need to draw on their own experience to complete the long
turn.

No. of
Variable
questions
Part 3 – Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner and the test takers discuss issues related to the topic in Part 2 in a
Task type and more general and abstract way and, where appropriate, in greater depth.
format
Part 3 lasts 4–5 minutes.

This part of the test focuses on the ability to express and justify opinions and to analyse,
Task focus
discuss and speculate about issues.

No. of
Variable
questions
IELTS Speaking - How it's marked

Marking and assessment

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Speaking performances are assessed by certificated IELTS examiners. All IELTS examiners hold relevant
teaching qualifications and are recruited as examiners by the test centres and approved by the British Council or
IDP: IELTS Australia.

Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Detailed performance descriptors have been developed which
describe spoken performance at the nine IELTS bands. These are available on the How IELTS is scored page.

Fluency and coherence

This 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 spe ech
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
This criterion refers to the range of vocabulary used 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

This refers to the range and the accurate and appropriate use of the test takers' 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.

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Pronunciation
This criterion 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 the speech which is unintelligible
and the noticeability of L1 influence.

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