IELTS Tips: What to Expect for Speaking Part 1
Learn more about the first part of the IELTS Speaking Test, and remember that preparation is the key!
The IELTS Speaking test is conducted one-on-one with the examiner either before or after the main test. Each candidate is provided with a specific Speaking test time. The Speaking test consists of 3 parts and takes between 11 and 14 minutes. Today we’ll look at Part 1 of the Speaking test as well as an introduction to what you expect when you start the Speaking test.
After depositing your personal belongings and completing the check-in process, you will likely be asked to wait outside of the testing room or in a waiting area.
When the examiner calls your name or candidate number, it’s important to verbally respond to them and/or greet them.
You should smile and respond with 'Yes, that's me', or ‘Hi, I’m Maria.’ You can then greet them with a simple 'Hello', 'Hi, how are you?' or ‘Nice to meet you.’
You will be asked to sit at the test table and the examiner will have started the recorder and will have their paperwork ready for the test.
The examiner may confirm the spelling of you name, so be prepared to pronounce your name clearly, and you may be asked to spell it out. For example, ‘My first name is Maria. It’s spelled M-A-R-I-A.’
The examiner will ask you for your passport, so place it on the table in front of you. As you’re passing your passport to them you could say, 'Yes, here you go', or ‘Here is my passport.’ Try to use natural phrases like this when it’s appropriate. It’s important to speak, but also remember to stay on topic and wait for the examiner instructions.
Responding in brief natural sentences not only shows that you are understanding what the examiner is saying, it is also important because speaking is essential to any Speaking test!
In Part 1, you will answer familiar questions about yourself. This could include everyday topics such as school, work, family, food, or your hobbies and interests, for example. There will be two topics with fours questions in each topic. Part 1 takes about 4-5 minutes. Here is a sample prompt below. Practice answering these questions, and come back next week for sample answers with tips and explanations!
