🗣️ IELTS Academic Speaking
Speaking — Complete Guide
3 parts · 11–14 minutes · Face-to-face with a certified examiner. Every word, phrase, and strategy you need to reach Band 9 — from Part 1 small talk to Part 3 abstract debate.
•3 Parts
•11–14 minutes
•4 scoring criteria
•30 practice topics
Key Rules for ALL Parts
✓Never give one-word answers — always extend with reasons and examples
✓Speak to be understood, not to impress — clarity beats complexity
✓Paraphrase question words immediately to show vocabulary range
✓Self-correction is natural — don't freeze, correct and continue
✓Maintain eye contact — the examiner is a person, not a machine
✓The examiner cannot give feedback during the test — stay confident
📊 Scoring Criteria — 4 × 25%
💬 Essential Phrase Bank
🎭 Advanced Idioms & Expressions
🗂️ The Three Parts — Strategies & Examples
The examiner asks you questions about familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part is designed to relax you and get a baseline of your spoken English.
Examiner asks 2–3 topics, with 2–4 questions each. Topics are always familiar and personal. Answers should be 2–4 sentences — detailed but conversational.
🎯 Key Strategies
📋 Question Type Guides
🚫 Key Mistakes to Avoid
✕Do not give one-word or one-sentence answers — always extend
✕Do not memorise full scripted answers — examiners can tell and will redirect you
✕Do not speak too fast trying to fill silence — a measured pace scores better
✕Do not repeat the question back to the examiner before answering
✕Do not say 'In my country…' for every answer — vary your approach
✕Do not be afraid to correct yourself mid-sentence — it sounds natural