Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are the questions the same for every candidate?

What can a candidate take into the test room?

Why is IELTS Speaking recorded?

What if a candidate doesn’t know anything about the topic in Part 2?

Can a candidate start speaking before the 1 minute preparation time is over?

How long should the candidate talk for in Part 2?

What should a candidate do if s/he doesn’t understand a question or the Part 2 task?

Does the candidate have to write notes in Part 2?

Can the candidate write on the task card?

Is it a good idea for a candidate to learn short speeches about his/her town or job by heart?

Can the result of Speaking be a half band, as in Reading or Listening?

Will the examiner give the candidate any feedback?

Are the questions the same for every candidate?
No. A wide choice of questions and topics is possible, so no two tests will be the same.

What can a candidate take into the test room?
S/He can only take his/her identity document. Everything needed in the test will be provided by the examiner.

Why is IELTS Speaking recorded?
The recording is needed in case the candidate's performance needs to be re-marked.

What if a candidate doesn’t know anything about the topic in Part 2?
The topics are carefully chosen to reflect common experiences, so candidates don’t need special knowledge to talk about them. It is extremely unlikely that a candidate would be unable to talk about the topic given.

Can a candidate start speaking before the 1 minute preparation time is over?
Yes. If a candidate doesn’t need the whole minute, s/he can begin speaking when s/he is ready. It is advisable, though, for candidates to make full use of the preparation time.

How long should the candidate talk for in Part 2?
Every candidate is given the opportunity to talk for 2 minutes. S/He should aim to talk for the full 2 minutes to provide the examiner with a good sample of language for rating.

What should a candidate do if s/he doesn’t understand a question or the Part 2 task?
The candidate should tell the examiner. S/He should say s/he doesn’t understand. In Part 1 or 2 the examiner will be able to repeat the question. In Part 2 the candidate should look carefully at the task card because the prompts may help them guess the meaning of a word they have not understood. In Part 3 the examiner will be able to reformulate the question, or may be able to offer further clarification, depending on the particular difficulty.

Does the candidate have to write notes in Part 2?
No, making notes is an option available to the candidate. Some candidates prefer just to think about what to say whereas others find making notes helps them to organise their ideas and to keep talking.

Can the candidate write on the task card?
No, this is not allowed. The examiner gives the candidate paper to make notes on.

Is it a good idea for a candidate to learn short speeches about his/her town or job by heart?
No, s/he should listen carefully to the examiner and just respond to the question. Learnt speeches usually miss the point of the question, and may adversely affect pronunciation.

Can the result of Speaking be a half band, as in Reading or Listening?
Yes, Speaking scores are reported in whole bands or half bands so a candidate could get 5.5 as well as 5 or 6.

Will the examiner give the candidate any feedback?
No, the examiner is not permitted to give feedback, and the candidate should not ask him/her to do so.

If you have any other questions about IELTS Speaking, please contact us and we'll answer the most frequently asked questions here.