A guide to the IELTS modules

IELTS Speaking test is the last of the four modules.

Speaking (11-14 minutes). You will be interviewed, on your own, by one Examiner, and the conversation will be recorded on audio cassette. The three-part structure of the interview is always the same, although the topics will vary from candidate to candidate.
Part Time Format
14-5 minutesfamiliar discussion
23-4 minutesextended speaking
34-5 minutestopic discussion

Task types
Part 1.
a. Introduction, ID check.
b. You answer questions about familiar topics: yourself, your home/family, job/studies, and interests.

Part 2.a. You are given a topic verbally and on a card. You have one minute to prepare a talk.
b. You speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic, e.g. a person, place, object or event.
c. You answer one or two follow-up questions.

Part 3.a. you anser verbal questions, discussing more abstract ideas linked to the topic of Part 2.