How to Prepare for IELTS Speaking? – Most Common Topics

how to prepare ielts speaking

Are you nervous about your speaking skills for the IELTS speaking test? Well, calm down. As there are many topics to cover during IELTS preparation, we have equipped this simplified version of how to prepare for IELTS speaking.

A Quick Overview on IELTS Speaking:

IELTS Speaking is one test that will be administered by the examiner in person with a time limit of 11-14 minutes. And the band score will be awarded by the examiner himself at the end of the test. Even the candidates, who are appearing for a computer-based test, need to attend this speaking test face to face only. It is better to understand the IELTS Exam Pattern and Syllabus beforehand.

With a maximum score of 9, speaking has 3 parts. As this is a face-to-face round, the first part is about self-introduction, the second is casual talk about the topics asked by the examiner or on the cue card and the third part is the discussion on part 2 topic. Before planning a strategy for the exam, let us see the most common IELTS speaking topics in the three parts.

IELTS Speaking Part 1:

Part 1 is about self-introduction. And this part lasts for 4-5 minutes. Other than the introduction here are some common topics on which questions will be asked.

• Home town
• Studies Work
• Free time
• Family Food

Always remember to elaborate on your answer. How to do it? Just add the reasons by asking yourself Why, where, when, how, etc kind of questions

IELTS Speaking Part 2:

The second part of the IELTS speaking exam will be of 1-2 minutes duration where a cue card will be given on a which you need to speak on. The best tip here for part 2 is to keep talking until you are asked to stop or the examiner switched to another question. Some common topics in part 2 you may face are,

• Daily Routine
• Hobby
• Journey
• Memories
• Person you know
• Art
• Books
• Music

[Read more: 7 best tips to improve IELTS Reading Score]

IELTS Speaking Part 3:

Part 3 can be tricky in IELTS speaking. Because the questions in the part 3 will be based on what you speak in part 2. You need to give elaborated answers to those questions. And the timing will be strictly monitored by the examiner as it lasts for 4-5 minutes.

As the questions can be from part 2 here is an example for part 3.

If your part 2 is about Books, You can be asked questions like,
• What are some best books you will suggest to any friend?
• Who is the famous author in your country?
• Do you think a book has the power to change a nation?
• How can you judge a book as the best book?

How to prepare for IELTS Speaking?

The majority of IELTS test-takers have expressed that they got fumbled at part 3 or they misunderstood the question and asking Can I achieve Band 8 in IELTS with these mistakes. So to avoid doubts like, whether these points affect your score or not, first check out on what basis your band score will be calculated.

As per the British council and other administrators who are the test makers of IELTS, your band will be awarded based on these four skills

• Fluency and Cohesion
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Pronunciation

IELTS speaking tests your ability to English speaking fluently without using more pauses and grammatical mistakes. So basically they see how you spoke more than what you spoke.

Steps to prepare for IELTS Speaking:

5 simple steps to secure a good score in IELTS Speaking are

1. Pick an IELTS speaking Mock test. There are an infinite number of mock tests available on the internet for your practice
2. Pick a helper or partner. Ask them to take the role of examiner. Use the cue cards available on the internet and answer.
3. Set a timer and record the session to evaluate your speaking ability. If you don’t record it, there is a chance to forget some points you may need to work on.
4. After completion, listen to it and prepare a list of your flaws. Score yourself based on the band descriptors.
5. Now repeat the process until you are confident.

IELTS test makers never reveal the list of topics, so it is better to prepare as many predicted topics as you can, so that you can be confident while answering.

Choose expert guidance and the best IELTS coaching sessions for a better score in IELTS.