The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely accepted test to assess the English language skills of non-native English speakers. Individuals wishing to migrate, study, or work in foreign countries can take the test. It consists of four sections – Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. In each section, candidates are allotted a score between 0 to 9. The average of all the scores obtained in all the sections is taken. 
There are two types of IELTS exams - IELTS Academic and General Training. Aspirants wishing to pursue their education abroad take the Academic test, whereas aspirants seeking job opportunities take the General Training test.

IELTS Speaking Section

The Speaking Section of IELTS lasts for 11 to 14 minutes, where the candidates participate in a face-to-face interview with a trained IELTS examiner. It follows the same format for both Academic and General Training tests. 

The examiner evaluates the candidate based on four assessment criteria

Fluency and Coherence: 

This refers to maintaining a constant level of continuity while speaking. This is achieved by linking the language and ideas to form a coherent and connected speech.

Lexical Resource: 

This refers to the range of vocabulary a candidate uses while answering questions. Using a wide range of vocabulary in your language can help the candidates get a good band score provided that they use uncommon words in the proper context. 

Grammatical Content and Accuracy:

Candidates are evaluated on their ability to use a combination of grammatical structures in the sentences.

Pronunciation: 

Most candidates confuse pronunciation with the accent. However, they are not supposed to speak with any type of accent. Instead, their speech should be clear so that the examiner can easily understand every word they utter.

IELTS Speaking Section Format

The format of the IELTS speaking test is not too difficult to understand. It’s a face-to-face virtual test. The entire speaking test is divided into 1, 2, and 3 parts. The total duration of the speaking test lasts 11-14 minutes. In the first part, the examiner asks basic questions about you, such as about yourself, your family, your ID, and the pronunciation of your name. This section runs about 4-5 minutes. 

The examiner gives you a task card, which is well-known as a cue card to pick a topic. The applicant gets 1 minute to prepare the answer and up to 2 minutes to speak the answer. The examiner may or may not ask any further questions. The overall duration of the second part is 3-4 minutes. The examiner asks 4-5 questions connected to Part 2. These are abstract kinds of questions. The third part, too, lasts for 4-5 minutes.

IELTS Speaking Topics: Parts Wise

Some common topics are covered in every part of the IELTS speaking test. Now go through some of the most important topics and practice the questions before sitting for the test.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics:

These are some common topics:

Work:

Questions

• Do you describe your job to me?
• What is your ideal job?
• Why did you choose this job?
• Why do you change your profession?
• Do you like your job?
• Do you want to switch careers?

Family:

Questions

• How much time do you spend with your family?
• Who is closest to you in your family?
• Do you live with your family?
• How many members are there in your family?

IELTS Speaking Topics, Part 2:

To speed up IELTS speaking test preparation, you have to go through these topics and questions.

Study

Questions:

• Which subject do you like to study most?
• Why do you like that subject?
• Where do you study that subject?
• In which country do you like to study?
• Do you want to get a job in a field similar to your study?

Art

Questions:

• What kind of art do you like?
• When did you first see this art?
• Where did you see that art?
• Why did you like that art?

IELTS Speaking Topics, Part 3 

As the part 3 topics completely depend on the topic you choose in the part 2. Let’s see some of the common topics and questions related to that topic.

Books:

Questions

• Do you prefer to read e-books?
• What kind of books do children read?
• When do you read books?
• Do you prefer to read books rather than watch movies?

Business

Questions

• What are the most popular businesses in your country?
• What are the challenges facing businesses in your country?
• What do you prefer, business or job?
• Is business stressful nowadays?
• What are the attributes of a successful businessperson?

Important Resources to Read About IELTS:

IELTS Speaking Questions With Answers

How to Score Well on the IELTS Speaking Test- Some Tips

• Don’t memorize answers, especially in part 1. Memorized language doesn’t give the examiner an accurate idea of your English-language skills. The examiner will tell if you have memorized your answers, which may influence your final band score. 
• Don’t use long and complicated words just to impress. Keep it short and simple. You could pronounce them wrong, which can lead to a low band.
• Use a wide range of grammatical structures, with both complex and simple sentences while speaking. The sentences should be grammatically accurate.
• Be fluent. Fluency is essential to get a good speaking band score. Do not hesitate or stammer while speaking. Be fluent and start speaking immediately after getting the questions. Be expressive, do not pause to think, and then answer. Practice well before the test to speak fluently. 
• Speak confidently and avoid using filler words. Fillers are used when you don’t know what to say. You cannot use connectors and fillers to keep speaking. Whatever you speak should be relevant and must meet the purpose of the question. 
• Expand your vocabulary to speak some good but less frequently used words. Check the pronunciation as it’s an important part of speaking. A good score will depend upon how well you pronounce your English words. 
• Practice the common topics and questions of all three parts of IELTS speaking. It will help you speak confidently without any hesitation. 
• Avoid repetition. Do not repeat words, sentences as well as ideas. The more unique you are with your ideas and words, the better band you will get. Try not to rush and quickly finish off with the test. 

Conclusion

Preparation is the key to success in IELTS. The IELTS examination is conducted to check the ability of non-native English speakers to integrate and communicate in an English-speaking country during their stay. Speaking is an important part of the migration process. Applicants must prepare well for the speaking test to get a good band. For more tips and tricks on the IELTS speaking topics, consult the experts at upGrad Abroad.

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