The IELTS Speaking test can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, you can walk in with confidence. Here are the latest, most effective tips to help you excel in all three parts of the test and achieve your target band score in 2025.

Part 1: The Interview

This section is about you. The key is to be natural and extend your answers beyond a simple “yes” or “no.”

• Elaborate Your Answers: Instead of saying “Yes, I like music,” try “Absolutely, I’m a huge fan of music. I find it’s a great way to relax after a long day, and I particularly enjoy listening to…”
• Use Personal Examples: Connect your answers to your own life. This makes your response more interesting and demonstrates your ability to communicate personal information.
• Don’t Memorize Answers: Examiners are trained to spot memorized responses. Speak naturally and spontaneously. It’s better to have a small hesitation than to sound robotic.

Part 2: The Long Turn (Cue Card)

You’ll have one minute to prepare a two-minute talk on a specific topic. Structure is your best friend here.

• Use Your Prep Time Wisely: Don’t write full sentences. Jot down keywords and ideas for each point on the cue card. Think of a clear beginning, middle, and end for your story.
• The PREP Method: A great way to structure your talk is Point, Reason, Example, Point. State your main point, explain the reason, give a specific example, and then restate your point to conclude.
• Keep Talking: Aim to speak for the full two minutes. If you finish early, add more details or related feelings. The examiner will stop you when the time is up.

Part 3: The Discussion

This part involves more abstract and complex questions related to the Part 2 topic. The goal is to show your ability to express and justify opinions.

• Express and Justify Opinions: Use phrases like “In my opinion…”, “From my perspective…”, or “I strongly believe that…”. Always follow up with a reason for your viewpoint.
• Explore Different Angles: Show the examiner you can think critically. You can say something like, “On one hand, I agree that…, but on the other hand, we also need to consider…”
• Paraphrase the Question: If you need a moment to think, start your answer by rephrasing the question. This shows you’ve understood it and gives you time to structure your thoughts.