IELTS Speaking: Free Online Practice Tests & Tips, Topics

The IELTS speaking test pattern is divided into three parts, each having a distinct set of questions, pattern and timing. The bifurcation is given below with the description and the kind of IELTS Speaking topics that are tested:

As mentioned above, the pattern for IELTS Speaking varies for all three parts. The topics for IELTS Speaking also differ based on each part.

IELTS Speaking can be a scoring module in the IELTS exam if prepared well. The following tips have been prepared to help you focus on essential points when answering IELTS Speaking questions.

1. Memorizing answers will not work

The examiners will easily be able to locate whether you are repeating the answer from somewhere. Memorizing the answers would not give the examiner an idea of your English-speaking skills it would hinder the band.

2. Big fat words are NOT the key!

You might want to sound impressive in front of the examiner but use complex language only if you are familiar with it. Otherwise, it can act as a bane to your score and can affect your final bands negatively. Learn about essential vocabulary for IELTS exam from our website which can help build a good vocabulary for IELTS preparation.

3. Use a range of grammar

Use varied grammar such as complex and simple sentences to express what you want to convey in your answers. Speak to your friends in English and practice recording your voice to check if you can spot the errors and self-correct.

4. Accent does not play any role

Try to focus on stress in words and intonation while speaking. Accents do not affect your bands, but your speaking style does. The examiner is in the habit of listening to different accents so do not worry about yours. Just keep your pronunciation correct.

5. Think before you speak!

It is ok to take a brief break in between to think about what you are about to say next. There is a certain way to take a break, and for that, you may like to use a few phrases while pausing so that it does not look like you are taking one. Some of them are:

• Wow that is an interesting question
• I have never thought about that, but...
• That is a tricky question, but let me answer that...
• That is a good point
• Let me think about that...
• Well, some people say that is the case, however, I think...

6. Fillers are a big no-no

Usually, we use these when we lack ideas. Hence it is important to use the previous tip to avoid fillers. Some of the fillers commonly used by the candidates are:

• You know
• Like
• Umm, ahh
• Well
• Yeah

7. Smile while you speak, it helps a lot!

Smiling helps in showing our friendly tone to the examiner and also helps in calming down nervousness. Just make sure you open your mouth wide while giving responses so that you enunciate appropriately.

8. Extend your answer

Always elaborate your answers well in the speaking test. Because this will show the examiner that you can answer in detail. Do not wait for the examiner to ask any question while you speak. Speak at length to give fuller answers.

9. Do not use monotone to answer

By speaking in a monotone, we can confuse the examiner with which part of the answer is important and can also exhaust and bore him. Hence, we need to be listened to and for that, we need to sound interesting. To express clearly your ideas, you need to have variations in your tone.

10. Practice, practice, practice

Practice is the key to having an 8+ band in IELTS speaking. The more you talk in English with others it will build up your confidence and get you prepared for the main day. And the fewer errors you will make on that day. Hence be prepared for any instant question asked by the examiner. Check out some exercise material at IELTS Question Papers for additional practice. 

IELTS Speaking topics keep on changing but many times you will find different questions around the same common topics. Here is a list of a few common IELTS speaking topics which you might encounter during the examination.

Check out IELTS speaking topics to understand in detail what type of questions are asked and in which areas. Applicants can also practice their IELTS Speaking module by taking up the suggested IELTS Speaking topics for practice. 

There are certain points which the candidate should keep in mind before he attempts the IELTS Speaking questions. Here are a few IELTS Speaking Do's and Don'ts which would help them get a better IELTS band score.

Read Common Mistakes in IELTS Speaking and How to Fix Them!

Here are a few resource materials and books to help you practice and get you going for the IELTS Speaking test:

1. The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS with Answers
2. Target Band 7:IELTS Academic Modules- How to Maximize Your Score
3. Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1& 2
4. Barron's IELTS Superpack

Applicants can also check out IELTS books to prepare for the Speaking section solely. Apart from this, for additional support, consider trying the new, 1-month free online IELTS course to help students prepare for their IELTS Exam with certified British Council trainers.

Like other modules on IELTS, the Speaking module is also scored based on four parameters. To understand better about scoring parameters for IELTS Speaking paper, refer to the following table.

Applicants preparing for the Speaking section of IELTS should practice in such a manner that, they cover all the above-mentioned assessment criteria to get a high band score on this section. 

IELTS Speaking Topics: Part 1

Question: Do you like listening to music?

Sample answer:

Yes, I am very fond of Bollywood music. I even listen to Classic old songs from the ’80s and ’90s. Since I was a child, I started listening to music and have been intrigued since then by a lot of famous artists around the world like Lata Mangeshkar, Kumar Sanu and so on. I also have a fair interest in English songs and wholeheartedly listen to Sam Smith, The Weekend and Lana Del Ray.

IELTS Speaking Topics: Part 2

Question: Talk about a time when you were not allowed to use your mobile phone.

You should say:

Why were you not allowed?

Explain how you handled the situation.

What did you do?

What would advise others in such a situation?

You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Sample answer:

Well, these days mobile phones have become part and parcel of our lives, and most people find it quite inconvenient when they are stopped from using them. I would like to share one such experience when I was not allowed to use my mobile phone, and this incident took place a month ago, I was riding my motorbike and was heading towards the market, and on the road leading towards the market, there was a police check. Just like another motorist, one of the police officers stopped mine as well. It was just a routine check since I Always keep all the essential documents, just as vehicle registration, driving li insurance documents, and others in a pouch in my vehicle itself.   So, I was not worried at all when he stopped me. The officer approached me and ordered me to show the documents. I simply opened the pouch in which I keep the records and was surprised to see them missing. At this, I realized that while washing my vehicle a day before, I took out the document but forgot to place it back. So, I immediately took my mobile out of my pocket to call my brother to bring the documents. But the police officer stopped me from using my mobile. He said that you a not allowed to use a mobile phone, you have to show the documents I narrated the entire story   But, the officer abruptly snatched my cell phone and handed it over to the higher officer. I plead with the officer to please return the mobile. But, he said if you do not carry the documents you have to the fine and as per the law, he can’t allow me to use the mobile phone.   Since I had no other option than to accept the ticket, I was disappointed with the behaviour and attitude of the police officer, who didn’t listen to me at all and allowed me to make use of the mobile phone.

Question: Do you think mobile phones have altered the way people spend their time today?

Sample answer:

People have become very busy with their tight hectic schedules these days and they can't take out time for close ones or even themselves. That is where mobile phones come into the picture. They have helped us a lot lately not just to connect with our loved ones but also ease our professional life. Although it has a positive impact on people's lives because it has made work and personal life easy to handle. However, it comes with its drawbacks. People esp. youngsters, have become addicted to their phones and keep them as a priority. Many times, they get distracted from academics and fall into blurred traps of networking and adult sites which they are not aware of. For instance, they spend most of their time making reels, and posting stories instead of giving time to their family and friends unlike before. Hence, in my opinion, mobiles have changed the way people talk and treat others and if the situation isn’t controlled, it could be too late.

Check: IELTS Speaking Practice Test