Question Type 1: Basic Description Questions

Part Two of the Speaking Test

After completing Part One (usually after 4~5 minutes) the examiner will move onto Part Two of the speaking test.

In Part Two the examiner gives the candidate a topic card and the candidate has one minute to prepare and make notes. After the one minute preparation time the candidate is required to talk about the topic for between one and two minutes (as a rule you are expected to speak for at least I minute 30 seconds - anything less than this and your "Fluency" score may be reduced).

Candidates do not need to worry about “timing” in Part Two because the examiner will stop the candidate when the clock hits two minutes.

The best strategy in Part Two is to keep talking until the examiner says stop. Candidates are naturally nervous in this part of the test so it is not good to try to guess the time.

IELTS myth: most people believe that in the speaking test, Part One is the easiest. Part Two is more difficult and Part Three is the most difficult section. With regard to performance, this is not usually the case. Most candidates perform quite well in Parts One and Three but the Part Two performance is usually the worst part of the interview (i.e. the language quality is lower than other Parts).