IELTS Guides · Speaking · ~7 min read
IELTS Speaking Practice: Parts 1, 2 & 3 Questions With Sample Answers
IELTS Speaking is one 11–14 minute conversation with an examiner, split into three parts that each test something different. Most candidates prepare answers, not a system for handling three different question styles — here’s what each part actually wants from you.
The 3 parts of IELTS Speaking
Part 1 — Introduction and interview (4–5 minutes)
Short, familiar questions about you: your home, work or studies, family, and everyday interests. Simple on the surface, but this is where examiners form their first real impression of your fluency.
Sample question: “Do you prefer to spend time alone or with other people?”
Tip: extend every answer with one reason or example — a one-line answer to a Part 1 question is the single most common reason strong English scores lower than it should here.
Part 2 — The long turn (3–4 minutes)
You get a “cue card” with a topic and bullet points, 1 minute to prepare notes, then must speak for up to 2 minutes without interruption, followed by one or two brief follow-up questions.
Sample cue card: “Describe a skill you would like to learn. You should say: what it is, why you want to learn it, how you would learn it, and explain how it would be useful to you.”
Tip: use your 1 minute of prep to jot one word per bullet point, not full sentences — a skeleton keeps you talking naturally for the full 2 minutes instead of reading notes aloud.
Part 3 — Discussion (4–5 minutes)
Deeper, more abstract questions connected to your Part 2 topic — opinions, comparisons, speculation about the future. This is where complex grammar and genuine opinions are directly rewarded.
Following the skills cue card: “Do you think schools should teach more practical skills alongside academic subjects?”
Tip: it’s fine to disagree with the premise of a question or say you’re not sure — examiners are testing how you build and defend an argument, not whether you hold a particular opinion.
How IELTS Speaking is scored
All three parts combine into one score, based equally on four criteria:
3 mistakes that quietly cap the score
Frequently asked questions
How long is the IELTS Speaking test?
11 to 14 minutes total across all three parts, done as a face-to-face or video conversation with one examiner.
How much time do I get to prepare for Part 2?
One minute, with a pencil and paper to make notes, before speaking for up to two minutes on the cue card topic.
What happens if I don’t know what to say in Part 3?
Say so honestly and reason through it out loud — “I haven’t thought about that before, but I’d guess…” — examiners score how you construct an answer, not just a correct opinion.
Do all four criteria count equally?
Yes — Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation are each weighted equally in the final Speaking band.
Practice with real Band 6, 7, and 9 sample answers
IELTS Speaking Mastery shows a real Band 6, Band 7, and Band 9 answer to the same question side by side, with audio for every part and two full mock interviews.
Written by Dr. Henry English, founder of Concord Black — a school director with a BA in English Language and Literature, a BA in English Language Teaching, a master’s degree in English Language Teaching, and a PhD in English Language and Philosophy.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. This article and the product it references are independent and not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by any of those organisations.
