What examiners look for in IELTS Speaking
Scores are based on four equally weighted criteria: Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range & Accuracy, and Pronunciation. You gain marks by speaking at length with clear organisation, using topic‑appropriate vocabulary and a range of tenses/forms, and keeping pronunciation clear and natural.
Practise short, focused sets daily. Our AI simulates examiner timing and follow‑ups for Parts 1–3, then highlights where you can quickly gain band points (e.g., extending answers, repairing tense slips, or recycling paraphrases). Small, regular improvements are the fastest route from Band 6 to 7+.
IELTS Speaking Test Format
Introduction & Interview
Common Topics:
Tip: Give extended answers (2-3 sentences), use a range of tenses, show personality
Individual Long Turn
Common Topics:
Tip: Use the 1-minute prep time wisely, structure your talk, speak for full 2 minutes
Two-Way Discussion
Common Topics:
Tip: Give opinions with justification, use advanced vocabulary, consider multiple perspectives
IELTS Speaking Assessment Criteria
Fluency & Coherence
Speech flow, hesitation, repetition, self-correction
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary range, accuracy, appropriacy, paraphrasing
Grammatical Range
Sentence structures, tenses, accuracy, complexity
Pronunciation
Individual sounds, word stress, intonation, clarity
IELTS Band Score Guide
Expert
Native-like fluency and accuracy
Very Good
Fluent with minor errors
Good
Generally fluent with some errors
Competent
Effective despite errors
Modest
Basic communication ability
IELTS Speaking Topics 2026
Education & Learning
Technology & Internet
Environment & Climate
Health & Fitness
Work & Career
Travel & Tourism
Media & Entertainment
Culture & Traditions
Food & Cooking
Sports & Recreation
Shopping & Consumer Habits
Social Issues & Society
IELTS Speaking FAQs
How is the IELTS Speaking test structured?
The IELTS Speaking test has 3 parts: Part 1 (4-5 min) covers familiar topics, Part 2 (3-4 min) is a 2-minute talk on a cue card topic, Part 3 (4-5 min) involves abstract discussion. Total duration is 11-14 minutes.
What band score do I need for university admission?
Most universities require Band 6.5-7.0 overall with no component below 6.0. Top universities may require 7.5-8.0. Always check specific requirements with your target institution.
How does AI practice compare to real IELTS examiners?
Our AI follows official IELTS assessment criteria (Fluency, Lexical Resource, Grammar, Pronunciation) and provides feedback based on band descriptors. While not a replacement for official tests, it offers extensive practice with accurate scoring.
Can I practice specific IELTS Speaking topics?
Yes! Practice with 100+ topics from recent IELTS exams including education, technology, environment, culture, and more. Updated monthly with new topics from test-takers worldwide.