Look at the questions and decide which part of the Speaking test you might hear them in.

What qualities do you think are important in a good friend?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Describe a wedding you have been to.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Question 3

Let’s talk about your home town. What kind of place is it?

Top of Form

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Question 4

Describe a film you enjoyed watching.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Question 5

You should say:

what the event was

where you were

who you watched it with

and explain why you enjoyed it

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Question 6

Do you think that technology has changed the way we communicate with our friends?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Question 7

How has your home town changed since you were young?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Question 8

What is the most interesting thing about your job?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Question 9

Do you think animals should be kept in zoos or not?

Part 1

Part 2
Part 3

The assessment criteria

Comparison between the two candidates

Tips for the Speaking test - Part 1

Educator Simon Carrie gives his tips for Part 1 of the

IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1 lasts between four and five minutes. The examiner will
introduce him/herself and asks you to introduce yourself and
confirm your identity. The examiner will ask you some simple
‘getting-to-know-you’ questions on familiar topics, e.g. home,
family, work, studies and interests. These questions will help
the examiner find out a little bit about you and help put you
at ease.

Look at these tips:

 Ask for clarification if necessary.

I’m sorry, could you repeat the question, please?

 Explain your answers by giving reasons for what you say.

I like my job because it’s varied and it gives me the

opportunity to travel.

 Develop your answers. Give full, relevant answers to the

examiner’s questions. This will help get the interview off
to a good start.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I’m from Buenos Aires. (Don’t stop there!) It’s the capital
city of Argentina and is also the largest city in the country. It
has a lot of history and is famous for having a rich culture. I
really like living there.

 Express your opinions; the examiner is assessing your

ability to communicate.

Q: Do you prefer reading or watching TV?

A: I prefer watching TV. When I come home from work I’m
usually quite tired so I feel like relaxing. I find sitting with my
family in the living-room watching TV is relaxing because we
watch TV and chat together. For me, this is a great way to
unwind.

 Always expand your answers to simple, ‘yes’ or ‘no’

closed questions. (Questions beginning ‘Are you…’, ‘Do
you …’, etc).

Q: Do you like listening to music?

A: Yes. I listen to music everyday on my way to work. I like
lots of types of music but my favourite is rock music. I’m a
big fan of U2. I really like Bono’s singing voice.

 Talk as fluently as possible and be spontaneous.

 Speak more than the examiner.
 Relax, be confident and enjoy using your English!

Think about how you would expand your answers to these

questions:

 Do you like your job?

 Do you hope to do this job for a long time?
 Do you still live in the town where you grew up?
 Do you think it has changed since you were young?
 Do you like reading?
 Do you think people will continue to read books in the future?
Tips for the Speaking test - part 2

Part 2 of the Speaking test is the individual long turn where

you have to speak on your own for up to two minutes. This
part of the test lasts for between three and four minutes. The
examiner will give you a card which asks you to talk about a
particular topic. It will include the key points you should cover
in your talk. You are given one minute to prepare your talk,
and also a pencil and paper to make short notes. You then
have to talk for one to two minutes on the topic, after which
the examiner will ask you one or two questions on the topic.

Look at these tips:

 Always use your one minute preparation time - make

notes of the points you’d like to talk about, ideally three
points for each question on the task card. Practice
making notes quickly with example questions, until you
can do this easily.

 Use the task card to structure what you want to say. It

will provide you with a simple beginning, middle and end
structure.

 Begin by telling the examiner what you’re going to talk

about, so that they know what to expect.

e.g. I’m going to talk about a place that is special for me. This
place is where my family come from…

 Try to imagine the topic of your talk in your head when

you’re preparing. Always try to talk about a real
experience, as this is much easier than trying to invent
something.
  Don’t forget to give the examiner some detail about your
topic. This will also help you to have enough to talk
about for two minutes.

 The last point on the task card often asks you to express
your opinion. Make sure you answer this question as it’ll
help you to talk for the full two minutes.

 This is a chance for you to talk about something that is

familiar to you. Make sure you show off your vocabulary!

 Practise. Prepare by practising speaking with a friend or

by recording yourself. Do this a few times until your
happy you can speak easily for two minutes.

Choose the best examples of useful language for each

question. There are two correct answers for each question.

Question 1
Starting your answer (choose TWO correct answers)

Start by reading the question on task card…

I’d like to talk about …
I’ve decided to speak about
Question 2
Describing a story you have read (choose TWO correct
answers)

The story’s about a person who…

I don’t really read books.
The main character of the story is…
Question 3
Moving on to the next question on the task card
(choose TWO correct answers)

Turning to…
Moving on to…
The next question is (repeat question on task card)…
Question 4
Thinking what to say next (choose TWO correct
answers)

Let me think for a moment

Ummm…
What else…
Question 5
Giving reasons for your answer (choose TWO correct
answers)

There are a few reasons I believe that…

I don’t know why.
The main reason I think…
Question 6
If you can’t remember a word (choose TWO correct
answers)

It’s similar in meaning to…

I can’t remember the word but it’s like….
I’ve forgotten the word.
Question 7
If you get confused while explaining something
(choose TWO correct answers)

What I mean is…

I need help
Sorry, let me start again…
Question 8
Finishing your answer (choose TWO correct answers)

To summarise, that’s why I wanted to speak about…

So, that’s why I decided to talk about…
I have finished

Tips for the Speaking test - part 3

In Part 3 of the Speaking test the examiner will ask further

questions which are connected to the topic discussed in Part
2. This part of the test is designed to give you the opportunity
to talk about more abstract issues and ideas. It is a two-way
discussion with the examiner, and will last four to five
minutes. Because Part 3 is a discussion you’ll be expected to
give more detailed answers than in Part 1. It’s therefore good
to have a strategy to help you give longer answers.

Look at these tips:

1. Answer the examiner’s question

2. Give some reasons why
3. Provide examples
4. Offer an alternative opinion

In Part 3 of the Speaking test you need to give full answers

and join your ideas together. In this quiz you’ll see some
language you might use in this part. Choose the best word to
complete each sentence depending on whether you are:
- expressing your opinion

- giving reasons why

- providing examples

- offering an alternative opinion

Question 1
[____], there are more benefits to going to university
straight after school, than going to work.

In my opinion
Personally
Question 2
The level of education has improved in my country
[____] teachers receiving better training.

as a consequence of
because
Question 3
The increases in the population in the cities in my
country are [____] people migrating from the
countryside.

because
due to
Question 4
The temperature in my country has increased in
recent years. I think this is [____] the world is getting
warmer.

a result of
because
because of
Question 5
The geography in my country means there are very
diverse groups of people: [__] in the north where it is
mountainous, the people tend to be farmers, [__]
sheep farmers.

in particular / for instance

for instance / in particular
Question 6
[____] some companies making larger profits, their
staff work long hours.

Despite
Even though
Question 7
[____] increased profits, some companies ask their staff
to work longer hours.

Although
In spite of
Question 8
[____] we are influenced by advertising, we are free to
make our own choices when we buy things.

Although
In spite of
Writing
Task 1 tips - formal and informal writing

In Task 1 you will be asked to write a letter. Depending

on who you are writing to, you need to decide whether
to write in a more formal or a more informal style.

Most everyday written communication in English uses a semi-

formal style, where the tone is quite friendly, but some more
formal expressions are used. However, we use a more formal
style when we’re writing for professional reasons or to people
we don’t know. We use an informal style with people we know
well, for example, family members, relatives, friends or
colleagues.

There are a number of differences between formal and

informal English. For example, sentences are generally longer
and more complex in formal writing. Language is often more
impersonal, sometimes using passive voice. Vocabulary is
often different too, with more words of Latin or French origin
and fewer phrasal verbs. We don’t use contractions in formal
writing, whereas in informal writing, we use them all the time.
Here are some features of both styles of writing:

Formal Informal

Dear Sir or Madam Dear Mala / Hi Mala beginning

I am writing with regard to… I’m writing about… purpose

I would like to invite you… Why don’t you come to … inviting

I would like to request… Do you have…? requesting

Formal Informal

It would be great if you

Please deliver the parcel to… instruction
could send it to…

I would like to suggest that… I think you should… suggesting

I am / we are / did not I’m / we’re / didn’t contractions

Therefore / However So / Anyway linking

I look forward to hearing from Hope to hear from you

closing
you. soon!

Yours faithfully Best wishes / See you soon ending

Always begin by deciding who you are writing to. Should it be

a formal or informal style? Never mix the two styles.

The following questions are all sentences taken from a letter

to a friend who has agreed to look after your house and pet
while you are on holiday. As a letter to a friend, the register
should be informal but here the writer mixes together both
formal and informal styles. For each question, choose the
sentence which is inappropriate. When you choose the
correct answer, the features which make each sentence more
or less formal will be explained.

Question 1
Choose the sentence which is too formal for a letter to
a friend.

Thanks a lot for agreeing to house-sit for me!

Should you need to contact me for any reason while I am
away…
Question 2
Choose the sentence which is too formal for a letter to
a friend.

…I’ll be staying at the Imperial Hotel in Bundaberg.

If, however, it is an urgent matter, you may contact me by
mobile phone.
Question 3
Choose the sentence which is too formal for a letter to
a friend.

I’ve written the numbers on a sticky note which I’ve left on

the fridge.
The cat requires to be fed twice daily, each morning and
evening.
Question 4
Choose the sentence which is too formal for a letter to
a friend.

Please ensure that an appropriate amount of dried cat food is

placed in his dish.
He needs fresh water all day too.
Question 5
Choose the sentence which is too formal for a letter to
a friend.

It is essential that you check throughout the day to ensure

there is a sufficient supply.
You can give him a small bowl of milk in the evening too.
Question 6
Choose the sentence which is too formal for a letter to
a friend.

Regarding my house plants, under no circumstances should

you forget to water them regularly.
You only need to water the indoor ones in the lounge every
few days but you need to water the plants on the balcony
every day (unless it rains).
Question 7
Choose the sentence which is too formal for a letter to
a friend.

One last thing - please empty the mail box every day and
keep the outside lights on at night to keep burglars away.
I look forward to seeing you upon my return.

Tips for the Writing test - Task 2

In Task 2 you will be asked to write an essay in

response to a point of view, argument or problem. You
can use a fairly personal (informal) style. The question
may ask you to say why you agree or disagree with the
statement in the question or ask you to outline the
advantages or disadvantages to a general statement.

It’s best to approach this task with a method to ensure you

answer the question correctly, structure it appropriately and
have enough time to write well.

Here are some tips to approach the task:

Planning and Organising

 Read the question carefully and underline the key words

  Decide what structure to use. Most Task 2 questions will
ask you to discuss or analyse an issue in terms of
advantages/disadvantages and/or take a position by
agreeing or disagreeing. This means you can almost
always use a four paragraph structure, for example:

 Advantages/disadvantages question
- Introduction: paraphrase the question and give a
general answer
that will summarise your opinion
- Main paragraph 1: what are the advantages
- Main paragraph 2: what are the disadvantages
- Conclusion: paraphrase your argument and highlight or
restate your personal opinion or position on the issue.

 Agree / disagree question

- Introduction: paraphrase the question and give a
general answer
that will summarise your opinion
- Main paragraph 1: I agree/disagree because … +
supporting reasons
- Main paragraph 2: Another reason I agree / disagree is
…
- Conclusion: paraphrase your argument and sum up.

Make sure you note down examples and supporting details

for each paragraph. Your arguments should also clearly link
back to the position you stated in the introduction.

 Spend some time thinking of good vocabulary related to

your topic. Note it down.

Writing

 Start each paragraph with a topic sentence i.e. the

general topic of the paragraph.
  Develop your ideas in each paragraph by giving reasons
for your answer and include examples from your own
knowledge or experience.

 Keep your examples fairly short. Don’t go into too much

detail; make sure you stay on topic.

 Try using linking words like ‘firstly, secondly, finally’ to

connect your ideas within each of your main paragraphs.
This will help your writing to flow.

What tips do you have for presenting an argument

well in a Task 2 General Training essay? Share your
thoughts with other learners below.

Writing - the marking criteria

In this video Rob talks about what the examiner is

looking for in the Writing test.

Listen to what he says and make notes. These are the criteria
he mentions:

 Task achievement / Task response

 Coherence and cohesion
 Lexical resource
 Grammatical range and accuracy

Are you clear about what each of the criteria means and what
the examiner is looking for? Share your thoughts with other
learners.

You can find the full marking criteria to download below.

Academic Writing Task 2 - question types and essay formats

In the Academic Task 2 essay you may be asked from a

range of questions. Whatever the question, it’s good
to have an essay structure in mind. A four-paragraph
structure is the most common, and the easiest to
adapt to different questions.

Before you take the test, practice using the structure so you
can plan your essay quickly on the day of the test.

Here are some possible question types and four-paragraph

structures to match:

Agree or Disagree
Many children these days have an unhealthy diet. Both
schools and parents are equally responsible for solving this
problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this
statement?

1. Introduction: paraphrase the question and give a general

answer that will summarise your opinion
2. Main paragraph 1: I agree/disagree because … +
supporting reasons
3. Main paragraph 2: Another reason I agree / disagree is …
4. Conclusion: paraphrase your argument and sum up.

Note: when the question asks ‘to what extent’, you can agree
or disagree in both main paragraphs.
Advantages or Disadvantages outweigh each
other
In some countries, governments are encouraging people to
use their cars less and to take public transport instead. Do
the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

1. Introduction: topic and give your opinion (more

advantages or disadvantages?)
2. Main paragraph 1: Advantages
3. Main paragraph 2: Disadvantages
4. Conclusion: summarise your opinion in a different way
from the introduction

Problem and Solution

Crime rates tend to be higher in cities than in smaller towns.
Explain some possible reasons for this problem and suggest
some solutions.

1. Introduction: topic and general answer to question

2. Main paragraph 1: Give reasons for problem
3. Main paragraph 2: Offer some solutions
4. Conclusion: summarise (and paraphrase) your argument

Discuss two views plus your opinion

Some people say children use technology too much these
days. Others believe that using technology now will help
them in the future. Discuss both these views and give your
opinion.

1. Introduction: topic and give your opinion

2. Main paragraph 1: Discuss one view
3. Main paragraph 2: Discuss second view
4. Conclusion: summarise (and paraphrase) your opinion

Two-part questions
Some people think that history as a subject at school is not
useful and should be replaced with a more practical subject.
Why do you think it is important to learn about history? What
would be the effect if children were not taught history?

1. Introduction: topic and give an overall answer to both

questions
2. Main paragraph 1: Answer first question
3. Main paragraph 2: Answer second question
4. Conclusion: summarise both answers

One or two general points:

 Introduce the topic by paraphrasing the question
 Try to give two or three ideas in each paragraph
 Always support your ideas with examples
 Make sure examples are quite general – not personal
examples
  Conclude by summarising your opinion in a different way
from the into (paraphrase)

Choose one of the questions from above and share your

essay outline with other learners in the comments below.